There are many joys of working in a childrenβs room at Pima County Public Library. The biggest one? Picture books!
Speaking of, did you know that November is Picture Book Month? It sure is.
How young or old you are doesnβt matter β and where the voice comes from may seem otherworldly β but there exists a picture book that will speak to you. Or, thereβs at least a picture book that a picture book lover believes will speak to you.
Thatβs me! Iβm a gift-giving, picture book lover.
I do it because they make me think of you and something you are contending with in life. I have faith that whatever is churning in your world, whether it is for good or for bad, there is a picture book reminder that you are not facing it alone.
Whatever the occasion, whatever the reason, picture books are spot-on gifts β even for adults, especially for adults. So, during this season of giving β or for giving any time, really β I simply have no reason to look beyond the collection of picture books I work with every day. In the childrenβs room, you find something for everyone.
Picture books are simple illustrated stories for young children, but, as the libraryβs recent writer in residence, Jennifer J. Stewart, says, βThey are often about big ideas with universal themes.β
βThey are captivating and will tug at your heartstrings,β a colleague and fellow picture book devotee says.
It doesnβt matter who the giftee is. Sharing a picture book creates a bridge of understanding. Sometimes words that you read years ago will still resonate today. Or new words. This picture book bridge closes spaces between young and old, can make you feel good, or motivate you to improve your life.
As a word person, I look for the written story. Itβs often the colors and illustrations, though that create a treasure. I would describe some of the picture books Iβve gifted in the past as inspiring and calming.
βBeautiful Handsβ by Kathryn Otoshi not only carries a message of hope, encouragement, and confidence, it is also filled with wildly colorful, painted handprint illustrations. Lovely and inspiring, it went to a friend who was stepping into a new position where many would look to her for leadership.
In βThe Gift of Nothing,β cartoonist Patrick McDonnell works in simple line drawings in black and white with a dash of red. It tells a wonderful story of searching high and low for whatβs absolutely perfect for someone who has everything. So just what is in the box tied with a red ribbon? No spoiler here, but it is a gift that is both eye opening and will make you catch a breath.
As the world spins in this crazy chaotic time, going who knows where, itβs nice to sit back and appreciate the βHere and Nowβ by Julia Denos. Despite everything, the world continues to move in many good ways. Take note of the small things, the affirmative things and embrace them. Now is a scary time for sure, but growth comes from pursuing whatβs wonderful in the world. And the world is still pretty wonderful.
A visit to any Pima County Public Library childrenβs room provides inspiration for a multitude of potential, thoughtful, fit-the-moment gifts.
It is not too simple or too absurd to give an adult friend or family member a childrenβs picture book that spoke their name to you.
I call it magical.
