With so many picture books on the market how can you decide which books are worth buying for your childrens that will also increase in value as a collection.

Picture books are much more than pictures. They are the illustration of simple ideas. In a good picture book, the illustrations will enhance and explain the text in a simple and beautiful way. The Picture book should have a story- a beginning, a middle and an end, as well as character developement, plot and a thought provoking and fun conclusion. A few great examples are  Mama Don't Allow by Thatcher Hurd ,No David by David Shannon , and Bill in a China Shop by Katie McAllister Weaver. The text alone would be a good story, and the pictures alone will engage a young reader- add them both together and you will have have a steller Picture Book. Don't pick up a Childrens Picture book just because someone else likes it. It should appeal to you and your child on a personal level.

New authors and seasoned authors often go to local bookstores  for meet and greet sessions. They are more than willing to sign your picture book and add a personal note.Signed books are worth more than un-signed books. First edition signed books are worth the most. To find out if a book is a first edition look on the first few pages.  The Publishers information, copyright information and a horizontal list of numbers or letters will be on that page.The numbers and letters are read  right to left. If the first number on the right is an A or a 1 it is a first Edition. If it is a B or a 2 or other number it is usually the second edition or later. To be sure you can always call the Publisher and ask what number/letter sequence they have used on that printing. Older picture books are harder to tell. Usually if it is a first Edition it will have only one copyright date, if it has more than one copyright date it is usually a sencond or third printing.

In any case- if the pictures or the words touch you in some way- either in a funny or a sad or a tearful way- it is a picture book worthy of buying and adding to your collection regardless of the Edition size or number.