What Are Picture Books? The Role of Picture Books in Early Childhood

Many people still think that picture books for preschool children are simply for entertainment and offer little educational value. However, modern educational research suggests otherwise.

So, what are picture books, and what role do they play during the early years? Let's explore this together with Chuột Đất Books in Part 1 of our I Love Picture Books series!

What Are Picture Books?

Picture books are books in which a story is told through both illustrations and words. Rather than simply decorating or supporting the text, the pictures tell the story alongside the words.

This means that even children who cannot yet read words can still "read" and follow a story through its pictures.

This is also what distinguishes a picture book from an illustrated book. In an illustrated book, the written text is the primary means of communicating the story, while the illustrations mainly help make it more vivid. For preschool children, picture books provide a natural form of learning that reflects the way they observe, think about, and experience the world around them.

What Do Picture Books Teach Children?

The use of picture books is considered an essential part of early childhood education in many developed countries. Research in early childhood education has also highlighted a range of benefits that picture books can offer preschool children.

Through reading and interacting with picture books, children can:

• Expand their vocabulary and use language in specific contexts.

• Develop their observation skills and make connections between the imaginary world and the real world.

• Build an interest in books, which can gradually develop into an interest in reading.

• Develop logical thinking (IQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ) alongside each other.

More specifically, research by Wang & Shao (2025) suggests that picture books do not simply teach children to read words; they help children learn how to understand and learn.

Reading Picture Books with Children Requires Adult Involvement

The benefits of picture books do not come from the books alone. Using picture books effectively and introducing children to a diverse range of titles can only reach their full potential when adults actively participate in the reading experience.

While reading, parents can read together with their children, ask and answer questions, and share emotions. This interaction between the child, the adult, and the book helps create a richer and more meaningful reading experience.

Through our I Love Picture Books series, Chuột Đất Books will continue exploring picture books and the ways these little books can accompany children throughout their early years.

Reference

Wang, Z., & Shao, Y. (2025). Picture book reading improves children’s learning understanding.