Historical picture books transport the readers to a bygone era and allow the young readers to comprehend history better. These historical picture books are written after thorough research and also include personal incidents and fiction which are composed during the period in which the story is set.
Though the subject matter of the historical picture books is essentially related to history, they are of great interest for young and old alike. The vivid descriptions of long lost battles coupled with effective illustrations serve as a good reading material for everyone. The pictures used complement as well as emphasize the story and are often found to be more powerful than the texts.
Names of Historical Picture Books:
The wide span of years cover the historical accounts of many countries, some of which we are not aware of like The Legend of the Freedom Hill by Linda Jacob Altman provides a slice of the history of California during the gold rush era; The Last Rail: The Building of the First Transcontinental Railroad by Darice Bailer as is apparent from the name itself provides a document on the joining of the Central and Union Pacific Railroads in 1869; the condition during World War II is portrayed in The Greatest Skating Race by Louise Borden; an idea about the 1862 Civil war is clearly evident from Eve Bunting’s The Blue and the Gray; Coming on Home Soon by Jacqueline Woodson discusses the plight of the people during World War II.
There are many more accounts which both amuse and influence us. The other favorite historical picture books include- Peppe the Lamplighter by Elisa Bartone, Sleds on Boston Common, The Yellow Star: The Legend of King Christian X of Denmark by Carmen Agra Deedy, Barefoot: Escape on the Underground Railroad by Pamela Duncan Edwards and the list is endless.
