Picture Book Month is an international literacy initiative founded by Dianne de Las Casas that celebrates the print picture book during the month of November. Many people in the kid lit community were fortunate to have known Dianne and considered her a friend. I didn’t know her personally, but what I knew of her, I admired. She was a multi-published author with a passion for picture books, so much so that she established Picture Book Month in 2011 along with fellow children’s book authors and illustrators Katie Davis, Elizabeth Dulemba, Tara Lazar, and Wendy Martin. Dianne continued to champion picture books until her untimely death in 2017.

When I first discovered the Picture Book Month celebration in 2012 (I think), I promptly subscribed to receive the daily posts and displayed the Picture Book Month Ambassador badge here on Frog on a Blog, not only in support of the initiative, but also, just like the authors and illustrators that were featured on the PBM site, I wanted to be an advocate of picture books and the many incredible things they represent. I wanted to answer the question “Why are picture books important?” (See the slideshow below for just a few of the answers.)

When I worked at my local public library, one of my favorite things to do was to create book displays, posters, and decorations for the children’s room during Picture Book Month. I put out bookmarks and coloring sheets for kids to take home. And each day of November, I put new picture books on display. I’ve since retired from my library assistant job, but my blog still serves as a place to share and celebrate picture books, which is why I still proudly display the Picture Book Month Ambassador badge to this day.

I post actual book reviews very seldom, preferring to share interviews and guest posts, but, in honor of Picture Book Month, I’m going to attempt to review several picture books throughout November. Keep an eye out for the posts. You may just find your next favorite book!

Since the world tragically lost Dianne de Las Casas, it has no doubt been difficult for another to pick up where she left off, and the Picture Book Month website was taken down. But it’s heartening to see libraries across the country (and, hopefully, the world) still celebrating PBM with programs, activities, and displays, both digital and physical. I’m sure other organizations, authors, bloggers, and more are promoting it too.

All of you reading this right now, join me in celebrating picture books this month. Check picture books out from your libraries. Read them with your kids. Share picture books you’ve read on social media. Leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. And buy your favorite author’s and illustrator’s books.

I love what school librarian Cynthia Zervos said about Picture Book Month on the ALSC (Association for Library Service to Children) blog in 2021: “Honestly, I celebrate picture books all year long, but November is a great time of year to reflect on all the beautiful picture books that were introduced to us this year.” So true!

November will always be Picture Book Month. ❤️