picture book

Meaning

A 'picture book' is a book, typically for young children, in which the illustrations are as important as, or more important than, the words. They are used in early education to help children learn to read, develop vocabulary, and enjoy storytelling.

Examples

• My younger sister loves reading this picture book about animals.

  My younger sister loves reading this picture book about animals.

• The library has a large section dedicated to children's picture books.

  The library has a large section dedicated to children's picture books.

• Even without words, this picture book tells a very beautiful story.

  Even without words, this picture book tells a very beautiful story.

• He is illustrating a new picture book for early readers.

  He is illustrating a new picture book for early readers.

• We read a picture book together every night before bed.

  We read a picture book together every night before bed.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ My kid likes reading photo books.

  ✓ My kid likes reading picture books.

  A 'photo book' is a book of real, printed photographs (like a family photo album). A storybook with drawings for children is called a 'picture book'.

• ✗ This is a book of pictures for children.

  ✓ This is a children's picture book.

  While 'book of pictures' is grammatically correct, it sounds like an art catalog. 'Picture book' is the standard, natural term for illustrated children's literature.

Related Expressions

Practice

• The teacher read a colorful ___ to the kindergarten class.

  💡 A book with lots of illustrations for kids.

  Show answer

  picture book

• This ___ has very little text but beautiful drawings.

  💡 A book where illustrations tell the story.

  Show answer

  picture book