Celebrate Picture Book Month

Submitted by CCCL_AmyM

Picture books help to build young readers one glossy page at a time, and a good picture book is a work of art combining just the right illustrations with just the right words and placing them all together for an enjoyable reading experience. There is nothing simple about the benefits of reading picture books with young (and not so young) children. Picture books cultivate an appreciation for art while strengthening a child's visual skills. Before a child can read the words they learn to read the pictures to understand the story. Picture books help children learn about the structure of a story while building their vocabulary and comprehension. Picture books can tell simple and familiar stories or very complex and serious stories, and children are exposed to the big world around them. The most important aspect of picture books is how they are shared. They are meant to be a shared experience between a child, or a group of children, and a trusted adult. Reading books together builds a bond that is very special and unique. 

Fall is the perfect time to cozy up with your favorite people and enjoy new and old picture book favorites. Join Contra Costa County Library in celebrating November 2022 as Picture Book Month. Visit any branch to enjoy Pete the Cat-themed activities including a scavenger hunt and a guessing jar game. Plus check out any five picture books and show your receipt to win a prize.

If you need any help finding great titles the Youth Services Librarians have created some brand new booklists. Place your holds and pick them up at your local library today:

¡Números, colores y GATOS!

Picture Books- Counting and Colors

Cat Picture Books

Sing and Rhyme During Storytime

Books for Groovin' and Movin'

What new treasures will you discover during Picture Book Month? We'd love to hear about your favorites!