By Bridget McKenzie from Flow Associates
Booktrust has just produced Guides to Looking at Books to highlight the importance of illustrations and the value of picture books. This is part of the Big Picture, the Booktrust's campaign launched recently at the Early Years Awards by Michael Rosen, the Children's Laureate.
There are two guides, one that explores the thinking about visual literacy and how children develop symbolic skills. It covers five dimensions: Pleasure in looking, Imagination and fantasy, Stimulating curiosity, Developing Empathy and Understanding Stories & Art. The second guide suggests a wide range of picture books and loads of creative ideas for exploring them. Both are available to download from the link above.
