• The preschool years are filled with many important milestones for children. During this brief and amazing time, children rapidly approach and begin to hit key benchmarks in all areas of their human development. Meanwhile, their imaginations and curiosities begin to expand tremendously, as do their abilities to apply intellectual context to the world.
 
• When it comes to shaping and encouraging this critical development period for a child, few resources can top picture books.
 
• Selecting picture books with the intent of teaching and sharing specific concepts can be a major tool for helping your child achieve milestones. Reading with children also creates a special bonding time, and it’s one of the best opportunities to invite new conversations and shared ideas between you and your child.
 
• While most picture books have aspects that adults can find amusing and cute, keep in mind that some authors pay closer attention to important learning concepts and age-appropriate milestones than others.

• A picture book is a great way to introduce a learning topic that can be reinforced through conversation, so it helps to choose books that will spark interest and questions about fundamental topics your child will find relevant to them.