Now a new reading guide celebrating picture books and illustrations available in every branch library in Cork aims to break down barriers to children’s reading.
Picture This features over 230 recommended reads for children and young people aged 0–18, each one reviewed by experts in children’s literature. The guide makes books of all kinds accessible to children across Cork, including those who may have reading difficulties or whose first language may not be English or Irish.
Each review is accompanied by a ‘Read also’ recommendation, bringing the total of books included to over 450.
Picture This focuses on books with strong visual narratives, including wordless or silent books, graphic novels and comics, picture books for all ages, and graphic diary-style texts.
“Pictures are important,” said Elaina Ryan, CEO of Children’s Books Ireland.
“They are rich and expressive and joyful and complex. As a child, they’re our first dip into the world of storytelling – but they’re not something to be left behind once a child is comfortable reading text.
“Pictures on the page aren’t just a stepping stone, they’re a journey in themselves.”
Picture This is now available for free in every library authority in Ireland and in 60 participating bookshops island-wide. The guide is also free to download from childrensbooksireland.ie.
