As an ardent advocate
for the joys and benefits of reading to children, I love to use books to
explore issues of interest or concern to particular children. I don’t mean that
I go looking for ‘let’s all share’ or ‘let’s be kind to our friends’ style
overtly didactic picture books when children are arguing over toys. The quality
of the book as art or literature is always first and foremost.
Using books to help
children explore issues of concern is known as bibliotherapy. A key issue for
me is whether taking this approach to sharing books with children compromises their
enjoyment of literature for its own sake. For example, one of my own children
was quite scared of dogs, due to some scary experiences as a toddler with
neighbourhood dogs. I discovered “Big Dog” by Libby Gleeson, illustrated by Armin
Greder, bought it, and took it home to read, feeling very pleased with myself. Here
I had found a quality, award-winning picture book, with an interesting story
and engaging illustrations. However the response I got was firstly “Don’t read
that book, I don’t like it”, followed by a request for a Thomas the Tank Engine
book. A few days later, I discovered “Big Dog” torn into many small pieces. So
much for bibliotherapy.
However in spite of a
failed attempt on this occasion, I have found countless times as a teacher and
as a parent, that books can stimulate conversation and exploration of ideas
with children and help with overcoming fears or understanding new and
unfamiliar situations. Children can identify
with the characters and situations in books, seeing similarities with their own
lives as well as encountering different ways of viewing aspects of life and
culture. The best books I think are those where messages are conveyed through story,
character and images, not explicitly stated, but embedded so that children can
think and interpret in their own ways.
Books by author/illustrators such as
Anthony Browne, John Burningham, Pat Hutchins, Shirley Hughes are some of my
favourites. There are of course many, many more wonderful authors and
illustrators whose picture books engage children in journeys of imagination and
understanding of their world.
All sorts of issues
can be explored through picture books. Diversity in relation to culture,
appearance or ability, family relationships, loss, death, illness, transitions,
are just a few. And it’s wonderful
to discover how the different creative imaginations of authors and illustrators
can lead to an amazingly wide range of perspectives on a single issue.
For example, compare
Bob Graham’s and Anthony Browne’s different takes on the advent of a new baby:
Which
books have you shared with children that have helped them to come to terms with
an issue of concern or come to a new understanding of an aspect of life?
I was interested to read this post Amanda, as I've always been drawn to the idea of bibliotheraphy although I didn't know it was called that. It's funny that all the books I've had accepted for publication have fallen into this category. It's not deliberate. I think sometimes when we write about a situation or issue that is close to our heart, the authenticity of the story shines through and makes it more powerful. Of course, it's always important not to be too didactic. Funny to hear about 'Big Dog'. I guess the child has to be ready and willing to engage with the issue too!
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