Picture Books – a German Tradition

No other genre of German children’s literature shows more distinctly a large number of historical developments and positions of fine art, literature, education and psychology of childhood. Picture books are used and valued as image of the world, as a tool of pre-literacy, as subject of aesthetical education, but at the same time as document and motor of changing childhood, as transport of ideologies and sensitive testimony of German “Zeitgeist”.

Since 250 Years you can prove German history, German childhood in picture books. Its tradition is still alive and the genre picture book is deeply respected. Both are looked at as a useful media and tool for the future, because they are flexible and open for international influences. Lecture and Power Point Presentation are offering a historical and systematic overview and presents samples of picture books, well-known picture book-artists and actions concerning the importance of picture books in literacy, social and cultural education.

Prof. Birgit Dankert, Germany, Head of Committee 2007 of the National German children’s book award, Professor of Library and Information Sciences gives a speech and conducts a workshop for children and youth librarians on the subject of reading promotion and picture books.