In a heartfelt celebration of childhood and storytelling, Guardian readers have nominated their top 50 Australian children's picture books, with many titles evoking cherished memories and emphasising the profound impact of shared reading experiences. Author Sally Rippin, reflecting on the list, underscores how these books are not just for entertainment but serve as vital tools for development and connection.
The Enduring Power of Picture Books
Sally Rippin expresses her pride in having her book, Come Over to My House, co-written with musician Eliza Hull and illustrated by Daniel Gray-Barnett, included in this esteemed selection. This rhyming picture book explores the home lives of children and parents who are d/Deaf or disabled, showcasing the diversity and inclusivity that modern Australian literature strives to achieve. Rippin notes that many books on the list were created by dear friends and peers, or were ones she read to her own children, highlighting how these stories have stood the test of time and been passed down through generations.
Why Reading Aloud Matters
Unlike most books, picture books are primarily designed to be read aloud, making them a crucial element in early childhood development. Reading aloud to children expands their vocabulary, enhances brain development, and fosters phonological awareness by familiarising them with the rhythms and patterns of language. Research consistently shows that regular read-aloud sessions from a young age provide children with a significant advantage when they begin formal schooling, laying a strong foundation for literacy skills.
Sadly, many adults cease reading picture books to children once they develop independent reading skills, often due to misconceptions that these books are only for babies. However, Rippin argues that this is far from the truth. Picture books frequently employ more complex vocabulary and sophisticated storytelling than early chapter books, which tend to use limited vocabularies and simple plots to aid decoding. Moreover, the illustrations in picture books add an extra layer of meaning, often carrying the emotional weight of the story and enriching the narrative beyond the text alone.
Fostering Empathy and Identity
The Guardian's list includes books that allow children to imagine life from various perspectives, such as being a wombat, fox, possum, or bunyip. These stories help young readers develop empathy by portraying a wide range of characters and experiences. Rippin emphasises that many books act as mirrors, reflecting children's own lives, or as windows, offering glimpses into different worlds. This diversity is heartening, as it ensures that more children can see themselves represented in literature, reducing feelings of isolation.
Eliza Hull, co-author of Come Over to My House, shares her personal experience of growing up with a disability and not seeing herself in picture books. She expresses how much today's inclusive titles would have meant to her, providing a sense of belonging. Similarly, illustrator Daniel Gray-Barnett discovered he has Autism Spectrum Disorder while working on the book, a revelation that helped him understand his brain and identity better, demonstrating how such projects can be life-changing for creators as well as readers.
A Call to Continue Reading
Rippin urges parents not to stop reading picture books to their children, regardless of age or reading ability. These books are more than just stories; they are opportunities for bonding, learning, and personal growth. The top 50 list serves as a reminder that a great picture book can indeed change a child's life, or even an adult's, by fostering imagination, empathy, and a lifelong love of reading.
As the outgoing Australian children's laureate for 2024-25, Sally Rippin's insights highlight the ongoing importance of picture books in nurturing well-rounded individuals. The next laureate will be announced on 10 February, continuing the promotion of children's literature across the nation.
