picture books.

The above picture is just a section of a large, rolled-up poster that a California school sent to the New York Times.

Last summer, I took the best class of my life - a course on teaching literacy to early childhood classrooms. It wasn't only a great class because it involved three things I love - reading, writing, and little kids - but because it was the most organized, informational, challenging, fascinating, and fun class I've ever been exposed too. The professor, adorable Ellen Ellis, was this cute little thing in a cardigan and floral sandals with perfect hair and nails. She gave us pages of helpful resources and outlines and gave us almost five hours of homework each week (for a once-a-week summer class, mind you) yet I never once felt daunted or annoyed. I actually learned from this class and Ellen instilled a fire in me that helped me remember that although I left my English major dreams of publishing and editing behind, I was actually still sticking to the task of reading and writing in a much better way: giving the gift of literacy to not only children, but children who are deaf and struggle with literacy in complex ways that most people do not understand.

Anyway, I digress. The point is, I thought of this wonderful class as I stumbled across a NYTimes link from the Opinion pages about a school that sent the world's largest Letter to the Editor - a collective declaration of "Love a Picture Book Month."

In New York City, especially, parents are so rushed to get their children into the best daycares and preschools which, in their opinions, are the institutions that really begin "college prep" even at such a young age. The feeling of competition is thick in the air as parents push their children to be reading and writing by the age of two or three and as a result, skipping the presence of picture books altogether.

I say, this is crazy.

Picture books should never go out of style for two reasons. Firstly, um, do we want our children to miss out on childhood? To be so pushed toward learning letters and words that they never get to simply enjoy looking at a picture book on their own and discussing the story they see in their own fashion? To never get immersed in the colorful and fun illustrations and learn how to investigate story plot and memory recall? To not have a favorite book which is a simple before-bedtime joy without an academic push behind it? Picture books ease the children into their love of books and help them get comfortable with the idea that stories do exist and can be such magical additions to our lives.

Which brings me to my second reason. Aside from the lovey-dovey, free-spirit argument of conserving innocent childhoods, picture books do academically have a purpose. There has been talk about the "Tiger Mothers" who push their children academically in the hardest and strongest ways. I am not a fan of this. I say everything happens with time, and to each child his own. Exposing your children to picture books at a young age - without the pressure of shoving literacy in their faces - allows them to learn the basics of reading: what the title is, what the cover is, which way we turn the pages, etc. Some children will be ready to work on letters and words before others, but I think it is important to allow this moment to emerge on its own. Provide the picture books yourselves, then allow the next step to happen when the child is ready.

Ok, so I'm rambling. But bottom line: I am so glad that this school in Davis, California decided to dedicate this month to picture books, and to boldly declare their appreciation and respect for picture books. While some may argue that picture books are no longer necessary, I think this school's love for picture books only strengthens their obvious dedication to literacy.