Picture books aren't just for under fives

If you think picture books are just for kids, think again. At one of my book groups last year (made up over folks over 30), we discussed Duck, Death and the Tulip. It provoked a lot of discussion, who was it "aimed" at? After much discussion, we couldn't come to a concensus.

I've found another title that also got me thinking - who is it written for? I immediately wished I was a high school teacher of Art or English (that happens to me occasionally!) so I could use this book to provoke the students. Instead, I'll share it with you, fellow blog reader(s).

I am Thomas written by Libby Gleeson and illustrated by Armin Greder is 32 pages long. Typical picture length, but the audience is definitely not for the under five brigade.

The opening lines two lines are "I am Thomas." and "I am not the child I once was.".

The scene is set for a short (but powerful) tale of standing strong and being yourself, against a back drop of family expectations, peer pressure, societal group-think.

The imagery and language references are provactive, and evoked an uncomfortable reaction for me on the first read through. There are many layers and ideas that need to be re-read, un-picked, pondered on and debated about. I could imagine talking about this book alongside George Orwell's 1984, or WWII propaganda posters, or even Pink Floyd's The Wall album.

For me, it is another key example of picture books definitely not always being for under fives!

Joining a book group

While face-to-face book groups have been around for while, and I'll hazard a guess that they will continue to be popular for a while to come, there's a growing online community for people who can't make it to a face-to-face book group.

Since I haven't found a local book group that meets on a day/time that I can actually be there, I've decided to join an online book group.

The New Zealand Listener launched their book club in early March 2012 - read more about it here. There's podcasts, spoiler alerts, author interviews, a Twitter hashtag #nzlbookclub, and plenty of online discussion about each month's book. This is one group that I am really excited to be part of.

The first book chosen for discussion was Before I go to sleep by S J Watson. A intriguing read, with plenty of twists, which makes it an interesting book to talk about to others.

So would you join an online book group or does meeting up with people face-to-face work better for you? Or could you comfortably be book-y in both worlds?