What constitutes a “picture book”? A picture book is a medium that uses illustrations that help embellish or enhance a story or narrative. When most adults think of a picture book, they envision toddlers and preschoolers being read to. While many of the books in the picture book section of the library are meant for smaller children, there are some within the stacks that are definitely not baby books and are written with the older child in mind.
Historically, many books that are now categorized as a chapter book, such as “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Wizard of Oz,” are considered the beginnings of picture books. These stories were heavily illustrated when they were originally published. Today, many children’s chapter books include illustrations to help enhance the story, but do not compare to the richness of text and imagery that can be found in the larger formatted, full color picture book. Most picture books for older children contain rich vocabulary and the accompanying illustrations help provide a historical or cultural context.
Some authors are well versed in picture books, but do not expect their stories to be shared with the young child. Allen Say writes and illustrates children’s books rich in text and historical accounts that explore the world and culture of Japanese-Americans.
“Grandfathers Journey,” a former Caldecott winner, follows generations within his family as they move back and forth between Japan and the Americas, while “Tea with Milk” follows a young girl who returns with her family to Japan only to feel out of place with the Japanese culture.
“Henry’s Freedom Box,” by Ellen Levine, brings the historical story of the slave Henry Brown and how he mailed himself to freedom after seeing his family sold off. This book is a small window into the effects of slavery and the strength and ingenuity some slaves evoked to bring themselves to freedom.
Other picture books for older readers are fun, but cautionary tales that may upset the younger child. One such book is “A Bad Case of Stripes,” by David Shannon, which follows Camilla, a young girl who tries so hard to fit in that she begins to change color. This book is geared towards elementary school kids who understand the concept of hiding things they like because they are afraid it will make them look un-cool.
For the younger child, the idea of changing colors and developing stripes may be upsetting. “Silent Movie” by Avi tells the tale of an immigrant family through black and white images, invoking the feel of a silent movie, a feat that might not have been possible as a chapter book.
Over the years, fairy tales and folktales in their original text have been repackaged and published in picture book form. From Anansi the Spider’s trickster ways to the Grimm fairy tales, these cautionary tales are woven and explained in both text and illustration. “Rapunzel,” illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky, includes rich imagery where each illustration is a textured oil painting, giving life to the characters and a unique setting to the popular tale. These original texts are often seen as too scary for the younger child.
If your child is a strong reader, do not discourage them from checking out a heavily illustrated picture book from the library. Take a look at the book to make sure it is appropriate for your child and allow them to immerse themselves in the rich history, culture and vocabulary that can be found within the text and images of a picture book.

Library’s annual book sale: Monday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sale items include fiction and nonfiction hardbacks and paperbacks, DVDs, audiobooks and children’s books. Most items $2 or less.
National Train Day: On Saturday, May 10, the Salisbury Train Station and the Kannapolis Train Station, among hundreds of other locations across the country, will celebrate trains and the different ways they touch the lives of people. There will be refreshments, children’s activities, storytime with Rowan Public Library and more. Visit NationalTrainday.com to learn more about why trains matter to our towns, communities and to people everywhere.

Summer reading — Fizz, Boom, Read! The library and the Friends of RPL invite children to celebrate science and reading this summer with Fizz, Boom, Read. Registration begins May 12 at all library locations for children ages 12 months to rising fifth- graders. Throughout the summer, children earn prizes by reading. Using their lab journal, children can begin tracking their reading hours June 16 and continuing through Aug. 15. Those completing their lab journal can pick out a book to keep, and can enter a raffle for great prizes.
The library will also hold a literacy workshop for parents of children up to age 5 on Monday, June 30, at 6:30 p.m. The workshop is free but registration is required and space is limited. You can register at any library branch starting May 12. Check with your library for special events or activities throughout the summer.
Teen summer reading: Teens may participate in Spark a Reaction summer reading program where they will explore science through fun programs and reading. Registration begins May 12 at all library locations for rising sixth- to 12th-graders. Teens can begin tracking reading hours June 16. Each week, events will focus on science concepts, fun experiments and crafts. Every teen who registers receives a booklet for keeping track of the library dollars they earn. Those dollars will be used to enter various raffles for prizes provided by the Friends of RPL and other local sponsors. Winners will be announced at the end of the summer Blow Out Blast to be held at South Rowan Regional on July 31, 3:30–5 p.m.
PAC Club: Headquarters, May 10, 11 a.m. Ramona Series. Popular Activities and Crafts Club, focusing on a different children’s book series each month for school-aged children. Call 704-216-8234 for more information.
Wayne Henderson: Headquarters, May 15, 7 p.m., Stanback Auditorium. Henderson and Friends in concert. His guitar playing has been enjoyed at Carnegie Hall, the White House, and in seven nations in Asia. The concert is free and all are welcome. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Find Your Stride: South Branch, May 19, 5:45–7:45 p.m. In the fifth and final workshop in the series, participants will learn about proper hydration, form, breathing and stretching for fast walking and running. This program will be led by David Freeze, local author and founder of ULearn2Run and Salisbury Rowan Runners. All ages welcome, but anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. There will be a chance to win door prizes. Participants who attend four out of five workshops are eligible for the grand prize drawing, which will be held at this workshop. While there is no charge to participate, registration is required. Visit www.rowanpubliclibrary.org or call 704-216-7734 to register or for more information. 
Book Bites Club: South (only), May 27, 6:30 p.m., “Still Life,” by Louise Penny. Book discussion groups for adults and children meet the last Tuesday of each month. The group is open to the public and anyone is free to join at any time. There is a discussion of the book, as well as light refreshments at each meeting. For more information, please call 704-216-8229.
Library closings: May 24-26, closed for Memorial Day.
Displays for May: headquarters, Older Americans month by Jo Kearns; South, student art by South Rowan High School art class; East, “Winnie the Pooh,” by Kim Davis.
Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.