The purpose of the Picture Book Award is:
- To encourage language development and pre-reading skills through reading aloud.
- To provide parents and caregivers with a selection of quality picture books to read aloud to young children.
- To introduce children to a variety of authors and illustrators of children’s books.
- To support the 3rd grade reading initiative as part of the All America City Award.
- To celebrate reading as a community.
- To offer children ample opportunities to listen and respond to quality literature.
- To promote awareness of the importance of reading aloud to children and the early literacy skills gained:
- Narrative Skills
- Letter Knowledge
- Print Awareness
- Phonological Awareness
- Print Motivation
- Vocabulary
The Bridge to Reading Picture Book Award is sponsored by the Youth Services Subdivision of the Iowa Library Association.
