Some Warsaw Community Public Library staff members hold their favorite picture books. In front, from left, are Stephanie Goodwin, Cheryl Wise and Amy Mann. In back, from left, are Linda Francis and Duane Herendeen. Photo provided.

By Amy Mann
Professional Assistant
Warsaw Community Public Library

WARSAW — In 1658, an educator from Bohemia wrote a picture book called “Orbis Sensualium Pictus,” or “Visible World in Pictures.” The book was a reading primer with images made in copperplate. It was not a book that today’s children would appreciate; some of the pictures were objects we would consider more appropriate for the adult world. But it did start a movement.

The first children’s storybook was published in England in 1744 by John Newbery, who is lauded today as “The Father of Children’s Literature.” His books were for enjoyment, unlike earlier primers, which existed simply to teach reading. Newbery published around 100 children’s volumes, including ABC books and children’s novels and magazines.

The mid-to-late 1800s introduced authors like Lewis Carroll and Hans Christian Andersen to young readers. The first Children’s Picture Book Day was officially announced in 1967 by the International Board on Books for Young People. The day is celebrated each year on April 2, Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday.

I asked a co-worker about her favorite picture books. Sarah Overstreet told me, “A favorite is ‘The Umbrella’ by Jan Brett. Like ‘The Mitten,’ it’s filled with creatures from a particular place, this time a rain forest. And you wonder just how many are going to fit into this little umbrella. Her illustrations always draw me in, and I love that she has an extra ‘story’ happening outside of the main illustration. A new favorite, ‘I Don’t Care’ by Julie Fogliano, just melted my heart. I thought it was a great picture of friendship despite, or maybe because of, the characters’ differences.”

A picture book I, “Ms. Amy,” love to use in Story Times is “Caps for Sale” by Esphyr Slobodkina. The story, published in 1940, is based on a folktale and has sold more than 2 million copies. A peddler has his caps stolen by (surprise!) a troop of monkeys. The repetitive text lets children join in the quest to get the monkeys to return the caps.

How can you celebrate this special day? Visit your library, read a book to a child or let them read to you, explore picture books from around the world, or donate new or gently used books to Warsaw Community Public Library or other places that would love to have some quality children’s books.

What’s your favorite picture book?