On this episode of the Mr B’s Podcast, we are joined by bookseller Laura Korhonen, our picture book queen, and Mick Jackson, author of the nonfiction picture books ‘While You’re Sleeping’ and ‘Were Going Places.’
Unlike some other areas of children’s literature, picture books are enduring. They have been around since the beginning of time…aka the beginning of books. They are classic and beautiful and books that we can always return to and love.
Picture books of today are fantastic–beautiful, intelligent, diverse, and covering all areas of emotion and culture. They are vibrant and fun, thoughtful and funny. Everything a picture book should be. They are a gift you can’t go wrong with.
As we know, picture books are for children ages 2-5; however, many of us forget that picture books are not just books for kids. They are for people learning language. As my colleague Laura touches on, they are fun tools for children and adults learning English as a second language. Why make learning language boring with textbooks when you could learn with gorgeous illustration and language play found in picture books?
Mick Jackson, our featured author, discusses how his two nonfiction picture books developed. He shares what it’s like to work with illustrators, especially ones you don’t know. And he shares his picture book author/illustrator influences that shaped his own writing.
You can find all the books recommended by Mick and Laura here.
Learn more about Mick Jackson and his writing here.