How high-quality picture books can encourage kids to read more

High-quality children's picture books are the building blocks to a lifelong love of reading. When I disparage commercial products in book form that are based on cartoon characters, my friends protest, insisting their children love storybook versions of their favourite animated TV series.

I counter that recognising and enjoying stories about familiar television characters is not the same as filling one's mind with the artful words and drawings of quality picture books. The difference is that children who are fed a diet of Peppa Pig and Henry Hugglemonster may one day no longer want reading time when they outgrow these characters.

What will keep children wanting to read more are stories that evoke emotions ranging from sheer joy to profound sadness, from belly-aching laughter to fear.

Max, the boy with the furry wolf suit in Where the Wild Things Are, may be just as recognisable as any cartoon character, but this picture book will be etched in the memories of every child who has come across it because of Maurice Sendak's choice narrative, flawless wording and visceral illustrations.

When children are exposed to quality picture books, they will inhale the rich language and complex themes, they will increase their understanding of the world around them, and their lives will be enriched as a result. They will progress from Ludwig Bemelmans' Madeline to Philip Stead's A Sick Day for Amos McGee. Thereafter, when they become independent readers, they will be able to enjoy Charlotte's Web as well as Captain Underpants.