Picture books are often thought of as the first stepping stones on a child's journey to literacy and imagination. They are the colourful pages that parents and grandparents turn with little ones nestled in their laps, the simple yet profound stories that spark curiosity and joy. But who says the magic of picture books is only for children? Here at the Seniors Discount Club, we believe that picture books hold a timeless appeal, and they can be the perfect gifts for adults, too—touching the hearts of those who are young at heart.

The power of picture books to convey complex emotions in a gentle, accessible way was beautifully illustrated when a friend found solace in Kelly Canby’s 'A Leaf Called Greaf' after her father's passing. This touching tale of a lonely bear and his leaf companion, Grief, is a testament to the enduring companionship and the cycles of life and loss. The emotive, windswept illustrations complement the narrative, providing a space for reflection and healing. It's no wonder that my friend found comfort in its pages, shedding happy tears for the first time since her loss.


Rachel Robson, a bookseller from Sydney's Gleebooks, echoes that picture books are ideal for conveying empathy and support during tough times. Their brevity and visual nature offer a respite for those who may find longer texts overwhelming. Picture books like 'Bear and Rat' by Christopher Cheng and Stephen Michael King and 'The Heart and the Bottle' by Oliver Jeffers are poignant choices for anyone grieving, providing a narrative that resonates deeply with the experience of loss and healing.


But it's not just in times of sorrow that picture books shine. Shaun Tan’s works, such as 'The Red Tree,' 'The Lost Thing,' and 'Cicada,' have normalised the idea of picture books for adults, tackling themes that resonate across ages with spare prose and surreal art. 'The Arrival,' Tan’s wordless book about the immigrant experience, is a powerful example of how picture books can transcend language barriers and generations, as I discovered when sharing it with my Italian immigrant grandmother.


Picture books can also celebrate the happier moments in life. For instance, 'A Mother is a House' by Aurore Petit is a vibrant celebration of motherhood, and 'Accidentally Kelly Street' by Briony Stewart, based on the song by Frente!, offers a nostalgic trip down memory lane. These books can be personalised and shared, creating new memories and honouring old ones.

Librarian and author Lara Cain Gray, a staunch advocate for picture books, has recently released 'The Grown-Up’s Guide to Picture Books,' highlighting the sophistication and depth of these texts. Picture books can be a sanctuary for busy adults, offering a moment of art and beauty in a compact form that fits into our hectic lives.

The first picture book I received as an adult was 'The Very Blue Thingamajig' by Narelle Oliver. It was a gift that not only sparked joy but also marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship—the giver is now my husband. This story is a testament to the enduring power of picture books in our lives.


Whether you're looking for a gift for someone who is grieving, in love, nostalgic, a lover of art and poetry, or a parent, there's a picture book out there that will strike the right chord from 'How to Make a Bird' by Meg McKinlay and Matt Ottley, which explores the creative process, to 'My Strange Shrinking Parents' by Zeno Sworder, which honours the sacrifices parents make, these books are not just for children but for anyone with a heart open to the wonders of storytelling.
So, dear members, let's not forget the enchantment that picture books can bring to our lives, no matter our age. They remind us of the joy of reading, the warmth of shared stories, and the laughter that comes from embracing our inner child. Have you given or received a picture book recently that touched your heart? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let's celebrate the timeless magic of picture books together.