ABSTRACT

Unlike some text-types, it is perhaps necessary to argue for the use of picture-books beyond Key Stage 1/lower Key Stage 2. In my experience, it is not uncommon to encounter the assertion from some teachers and parents that fiction books containing pictures as well as text are unsuitable for Year 5 or Year 6 boys. To dismiss picture-books out of hand in this way is to deny children the opportunity to explore rich, multi-layered, challenging texts. It also fails to recognise the importance of the picture-book in a world where the complex interweaving of image and words is both commonplace and powerful.