A Little Picture Book Can Go a Long Way

By Donna Cangelosi

My good friend was recently hired as and ESL (English as a Second Language) tutor for adults. Describing the job to me, she mentioned that reading picture books is an effective strategy for helping her students. Picture books for teaching English? Fascinating! This got me thinking about the many uses for picture books.

Parents use picture books to comfort and entertain their children. Teachers use them to teach children concepts, reading skills, and about the world around us. Child therapists use picture books to help kids understand and adjust to losses, transitions, and disappointments. Presenters use them to motivate. Children use them to master skills and explore new worlds. Even President Obama writes and uses them to inspire young children. Picture books appeal to people of all ages and in all cultures. They bring joy, inspire hope and transport us to other times and places, including our own childhoods. 

So next time you're feeling down and wondering if writing, searching for an agent, or waiting for a contract is worth it, remember... a thirty-two page picture book can touch a lot of lives.

The Takeaway: Keep writing and remember how many lives your books will touch!

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