Picture Books as Conversation Starters

There are so many different kinds of picture books, you can find something for every reader. Laugh-out-loud funny books. Quiet, contemplative books. Non-fiction books. Concept books. Character-driven books. 

In my picture book career, I have been drawn toward writing books with a Social Emotional Learning bent. What I love about writing books with an SEL angle is looking at a book as a conversation starter. Because picture books are most often read by an adult to a child, it is a perfect opportunity to initiate a conversation. They can each share their response to the story in this moment of togetherness. 

In an article for BookTrust, children’s author Rashmi Sirdeshpande says, “Engaging picture books . . . ignite minds, send questions tumbling forth and lead you all – adults included – on a delightful journey of discovery and wonder.” 

The engagement with a picture book may vary by age, but the discussions are often rooted in questions. A toddler might point to an illustration of an animal they’ve never seen a picture of and ask, “What’s that?” A kindergarten student might listen to a story and ask their teacher “why is that girl so sad?” Both are opportunities to keep talking, as the child is really saying, “I want to know more.” 

This idea of books as conversation starters was discussed at this week’s American Library Association’s Annual Conference. Actor and children’s book author Max Greenfield said, “Children’s books in general are wonderful because the good ones will initiate a conversation. The book shouldn't necessarily have an answer but should open up a conversation.” 

If this type of story-telling appeals to you, then as you are writing your story, think about what you would like the adult reader and child listener to discuss after they finish your book. Think about what emotional takeaway they want the reader to experience. Hopeful? Comforted? Happy? Understood? 

Another way to encourage discussion about a story is to include an author’s note in your manuscript. This can give the reader a broader picture of the author’s emotional experience and what called on them to write this particular story.

I include an author’s note in my picture books IT WILL BE OK: A Story of Empathy, Kindness, and Friendship and I CAN DO IT EVEN IF I’M SCARED: Finding the Brave You. Both notes touch on mental health, a topic important to me that has inspired many of my stories. I believe that by sharing with kids that even as an adult I get worried or scared they will feel more comfortable talking about the times that they get worried or scared too. 

Some additional examples of picture books with strong author’s notes to spark conversation include Watercress, Love in the Library, and Dreamers.

Scholastic Parents suggests incorporating discussion of a book at any time, not just in the moment of reading. “Like any conversation, talking about books can happen anywhere and at any time — in the car, at the bus stop, or over dinner. Books can elicit strong feelings that need to be shared. A great way to start is to bring up what you have read recently and how it made you feel. Then, invite your child to do the same.” 

While a story begins when you open a book, it doesn’t have to end when you close it.

Lisa Katzenberger is the author of several books for children, including It Will Be OK: A Story of Empathy, Kindness, and Friendship, A Love Letter to My Library, Croc & Gator: Swamp Ranger School, I Can Do It Even If I'm Scared: Finding The Brave You, and It Belongs to the World: Frederick Banting and the Discovery of Insulin. Lisa is on the faculty of The Writing Barn where she teaches picture book writing courses including Perfecting the Picture Book, Writing Social Emotional Learning Picture Books, and Write. Submit. Support. She lives in La Grange, Illinois with her husband and two children. She has been a member of SCBWI since 2015. Visit Lisa online at www.lisakatzenberger.com