Earlier today, Lu wrote a post about the Polar Express. She linked to and quoted from a book review by GMPM contributor Jess Kornbluth. As a kid, Polar Express was my favorite picture book and, well, it still is. It’s a classic, and Kornbluth attributes that to the timelessness of the tale.

In the review, Kornbluth also writes about the importance of reading to children. Back in October, Lu suggested that all of our readers go out and read a picture book to a kid. According to The New York Times, a growing number of parents feel that picture books are below the intellectual level of their children, and that was killing the industry.

Well, Chris Singer isn’t buying it. He even pointed us to a Publisher’s Weekly story indicating that the rumors about the death of picture books have been greatly exaggerated:

I completely agree about the importance of reading aloud to kids. It’s a fantastic way for dads especially to bond with their kids.

I do think however, the demise of the picture book is greatly exaggerated. I love the NY Times usually but I think they really were premature with this analysis. I know a host of book bloggers, including myself, who can barely keep up with the requests for reviews of newly published children’s books.

Here’s an article of interest about this.

Much appreciated, Chris. We value the tip and the depth of your response. Thanks for adding something to the conversation.

—Photo via Wikimedia Commons

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