A few weeks ago there was an article in The New York Times that warmed my heart:
“For Their Children, Many E-Book Fans Insist on Paper.”
While e-books have their place in today’s generation of readers---two of my picture books are already e-books---most parents want their young children to experience turning “real” pages of a picture book, and I couldn’t agree more.
I have fond memories of reading to my daughter as we snuggled in bed after the busy activities of the day ceased and we “climbed” into a picture book.
She would slowly turn the pages, pointing to words and touching the pictures, enjoying the story that the illustrations brought to life. (The “feel” of the book and the size and shape can’t be standardized into an electronic format.)
One of our favorites was the dynamic duo: “George and Martha.” (Two adorable hippos) We probably read about their hilarious adventures at least ten times. And by then, she was reading the books to me! While the first book was published in 1974, I think my grandkids, now reading chapter books and using iPads, would still find picture books by the incredibly talented James Marshall fun to read. I'm thinking of picking up a copy at Barnes & Noble before visting them at Christmas, so three generations can enjoy these sweet tales of friendship.
A picture book can be enjoyed at any age. The combination of art and text make it a unique reading experience! And, unlike an e-book, it can be around for a long time! This holiday season give a child a magical book that he/she can open again and again!
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/21/business/for-their-children-many-e-book-readers-insist-on-paper.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=children%20e-book%20fans&st=cse
The New York Times