Yes, the pictures do matter! Illustrations are more than just decorative elements, they are a key part of books that support children’s early literacy skills. Recent research emphasizes the significant impact of visual elements on young readers’ cognitive and language development. Let’s explore how the illustrations in children’s books foster early literacy skills.
- Enhance Comprehension and Vocabulary
Illustrations serve as visual cues children use to understand and interpret text. They provide context, clarify complex concepts, and introduce new vocabulary. A study by de Bondt et al. (2020) found that book giveaway programs, which often include illustrated books, promote children’s home literacy environment, leading to increased interest in reading and higher reading scores during early education.
2. Support Multimodal Learning
Integrating visual elements with text encourages multimodal learning, through which children engage with information using multiple senses which can enhance their memory retention and comprehension. Research indicates that young children often rely more heavily on pictures than words to infer meaning and make connections to stories.
3. Encourage Engagement and Motivation
Vivid and engaging illustrations capture children’s attention, making reading a more enjoyable experience. This enjoyment is crucial for developing a love for reading, which is associated with better academic outcomes and overall well-being. Frank Cottrell-Boyce, the UK’s Children’s Laureate, emphasizes the importance of shared reading experiences in fostering a love for reading among children. For more information on an evidence-based shared reading practice, check out this previous blog post about Dialogic Reading: https://blogs.iu.edu/earlyliteracy/2021/09/17/all-about-dialogic-reading/
4. Facilitate Interactive Learning
Modern children’s books are even incorporating interactive elements, such as augmented reality (AR) [e.g., making characters jump off the page and creating experiences that engage multiple senses], which can turn reading into an immersive activity. These interactive features not only keep children engaged but also enhance their learning experience by making characters come to life and providing additional context to the story. Some experts predict that the integration of AR in children’s books will continue to grow, offering new opportunities for interactive learning.
Now that we know the importance of pictures, what type of illustrations are best?
When selecting books to support early literacy development, it’s essential to consider the types of illustrations that can enhance comprehension and engagement. Illustrations that are vibrant, expressive, and closely aligned with a book’s text can significantly help children understand and retain information.
Cartoon-style illustrations are characterized by lively, exaggerated features and vibrant colors. These illustrations capture children’s attention quickly and convey emotions effectively through playful shapes and whimsical proportions. The exaggerated features, such as large, expressive eyes and dramatic facial expressions, help convey emotions in an immediate, relatable way. Incorporating books with these types of illustrations can make reading a more dynamic and engaging activity, fostering a love for reading and supporting early literacy development.
Whether choosing books for a giveaway, classroom, or home, be sure to check out this Dialogic Reading resource for selecting books : https://connectmodules.dec-sped.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DECHandout-6-2.pdf
Incorporating books with eye-catching illustrations is a powerful strategy for supporting children’s early literacy development. Well-designed illustrations support comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and foster a love for reading which are essential to children’s future academic success.
Lynne Hall is a research associate at the Indiana Institute on Disability & Community’s Early Childhood Center. She holds a Master of Science in Education and an Indiana instructional teaching license (Early Childhood Education and Services; Elementary/Primary Generalist; Elementary/Intermediate Generalist). She formerly taught preschool in a variety of settings for over 15 years. Her expertise includes early literacy instruction, equitable strategies, and inclusive preschool classroom practices. Email her at hallma@iu.edu
References
De Bondt, L., Lang, M., & Van den Broek, P. (2020). The role of illustrated books in children’s literacy development: A longitudinal study. Journal of Educational Psychology, 112(2), 358-371.
Make reading fun: Tips from one of the UK’s favorite authors. (2025, January 10). The Times.
US Illustrations. (2025). Children’s book trends for 2025 by experts. US Illustrations.