Picture Books Change Children’s Lives

Key Facts:

Why picture books don't need screen, apps, digital.

Reading starts with picture books

Picture Books Change Children’s Lives.

‘Promise me you’ll remember, you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think.’  Winnie the Pooh by A.A.Milne

Picture books provide a powerful way to nurture the hearts, minds, imagination of children. The Society of Children’s Writers and Illustrators SCBWI East, Australian Society of Authors ASA, Writers Unleashed, Copyright Agency CAL and various Children’s Book Councils CBCA advocate for creators and readers of picture books. The cover of the CBCA NSW Kid’s Corner is by the brilliant author-illustrator Marjorie Crosby-Fairall  Emmie Builds Something New whose book is already loved and has been already sold into 24 countries.

 

These associations invite children with their teachers, librarians and adults to participate in learning, creativity, imagination, problem solving and storytelling through picture books. Reading pictures books promotes the life-long love of reading, which is a core policy for Government.

 

Smart devices, apps, screens are not the answer. Picture books engage in a different experience to the digital world.  Picture books are shared with other children and adults. Tactile, turning the pages of a picture book, feeling it, engaging with artwork and words that amaze, create wonder, laughter and surprise. It is different to digital animations where readers cannot stop to question, engage, relate, read and re-read a segment, open their favourite page within the book. Love a special book because they have found their place in it. Keep it beside their bed to feel the comfort or joy or who they are.

 

Picture books are vital in learning about children’s own emotions and the emotions of others.  Stories can introduce complex topics in an accessible way, helping children navigate their own experiences and foster emotional resilience. In the recently published Guess How I Was Born (LarrikinHouse) by Susanne Gervay illustrated by Carolyn Daly, it celebrates all families however they are formed. They range from nuclear, same sex, IVF, mixed ethnicities, adopted, step families, multi-generational, sole parenting to all ways. Families are recognised, included, accepted, engaging in social-emotional learning and friendship.

 

Opportunities are available include Writers Unleashed Festival. Susanne Gervay OAM author of many picture books is honoured to be the judge of the festival. It is now open.

 

  

 Picture books can change children’s lives as they reveal the joy of storytelling and discovery.

 

 

Writers Unleashed Festival - PICTURE BOOK COMPETITION — Fellowship of Australian Writers - Sutherland Branch – Open now.

Australia Society of Authors – Picture Book Matchmaker Virtual Literary Speed dating – Closed Feb 2026. Picture Book Matchmaker - Australian Society of Authors Open February 2027

Society of Children’s Writers and Illu strators Australia East Illustrator Award 2026 — SCBWI Australia East Blog – Open Now.

CBCA NSW – Kid’s Corner - Kid's Corner | CBCA NSW Branch

 

Media Contacts:-

Susanne Gervay – [email protected]  0413 050 922

Writers Unleashed: Sophie  [email protected]   0424873577

CBCA – Jackie – [email protected]

Contact details:

Susanne Gervay – [email protected]  0413 050 922

Writers Unleashed: Sophie  [email protected]   0424873577

CBCA – Jackie – [email protected]