Did you know that at six months of age, children are already interested in objects? They see colours and shapes, and reach out for their favourite ones, already developing observational skills. By the age of eleven months they can respond to a growing number of words, so what better way to increase children’s learning even at the earliest ages than by seeing images of what is being read to them? They are never too young to be introduced to the simplest picture books.

We all lead busy lives and none more so than parents. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of every day, how much time can be found to discuss important life lessons such as love, understanding, kindness, compassion, determination and so many more, with the children? More to the point, young children won’t have the interest or patience to listen carefully to what is good or bad, what they should aim to achieve, and the type of person their parents hope they will grow up to be. They want to play, to laugh, to have fun and enjoy life. This is where picture books can lend a very valuable helping hand.

Stories, especially in picture format, play a vital role in the way we see life and learn from life’s experiences. They help to process the information that children see, and aid in remembering it. The brain is the world’s most amazing computer, and words, especially when linked with images, are easily transformed into meaningful lessons for young children.

Picture books enthral the imagination of youngsters whose minds are like blank slates on which life will write. They become fantastic teaching aids because they produce then build on the powerful impulses, thoughts and emotions that are so important to learning. Stories form the perfect platform to teach and reinforce the lessons you wish your children to learn and the traits you hope they will develop.

When a child reads a book, or has it read to them, they become part of the world they are being shown. No one has more imagination than children, and they are quite unique in the way they can believe so much in stories that fiction can easily become reality to them. Books encourage them to use their imaginations to the full and in doing so they open all kinds of new ideas and possibilities in malleable minds. Books develop interest, enthusiasm, curiosity, indeed all the things we need to give us the necessary ambitions and skills we will utilise in our everyday lives.

There is no shortage of picture books on the market written with the intention of teaching important life lessons. Even the ones that do not specifically set out to teach virtues will have their own impact on developing minds, so choose their books very carefully!