Classic Picture Books are Boring and What You Should Read in Storytime Instead

Wednesday, June 29^th from 11:00am-12:00pm

Many books considered classics are difficult to integrate as part of an engaging storytime. In this interactive and informative program, we will examine the numerous reasons why many classic picture books should no longer be a librarian’s first choice of material and what elements we look for in a book while planning storytime. 

You’ll also learn what new books are engaging the current generation of storytime audiences and when those old classics might still be a good option.

As a result of this webinar, attendees will learn:

• Why older picture books can fall flat in storytime and in what situations do we use them
• 4 specific traits to look for in a picture book that can make them engaging for storytime
• Examples of picture books that embody these traits
• How we convince caregivers to explore new books and enhance reading at home

Will Savage ~ Biography:

Will has had jobs working with children for the last 17 years, the last 8 of them as a Youth Services librarian. He is currently the Youth Services Director at the Lisle Library District in Lisle, IL. Will typically completes 2-3 storytimes a week, for children ranging between 6 weeks to 5 years of age. His favorite picture books usually end up with someone or something being eaten.

John S. Ferrari ~ Biography:

John completed his undergraduate degree in English from Illinois State University and received his Masters of Library and Information Science from Dominican University in River Forest, IL. For the last 10 years, he had worked as a youth services librarian at Lisle Library District in Lisle, IL. On any given week he will perform up to 4 storytimes ranging from toddler to kindergarten. His favorite picture books contain at least one sasquatch.