Sreča je v knjigah, sreča je v slikanicah

slovenian

1900-

Narodna in univerzitetna knjižnica

As a rule, picture books are intended for younger readers. The text and the images are inseparably intertwined and complemented, regardless of which of the two prevails - they both introduce a young reader to the world of books and reading: at first by narrating and observing pictures, later by reading a story and recreating it. Leafing through picture books teaches not only reading of a written word but also understanding of visual language. Making friends with books in childhood decisively influences reading habits and abilities in later life, even in adulthood. Picture books are not merely childhood books, they are books for a lifetime, books of generations and books of families. At the same time, they are books of a hug and closeness, and the first independent and intimate reading achievements. Picture book has changed over time, like the notion of childhood. The first Slovenian picture books appeared only in the 20th century. Picture books were created by generations of renowned artists, from creators of morphological figures to creators who have dedicated their careers to illustration. The Slovenian picture book is notable for its high literary and artistic level, it forms an equal stone in the mosaic of the European picture book.

Picture books are not an unconscionable quantity of books – they form a literary continuum, communicated through language, literature and culture. Valued are those expressing the spirit of time and humanist values for the benefit of people. They are magnificent expressions of personal and collective memory, carrying a personal and cultural identity.  

Slovenian Picture Book (1917-2017) due to its humanist values is of high literary and artistic level. It is an equal stone in the European picture book mosaic. Literary characters in picture books are active, noble, courageous, honest – they are heroes-seekers and not heroes-victims, they represent outer conflicts and desires of children, and adults as well. Their characters are both abstract, individualized, and conventional, referring to all people. They are immortal.

20.02.2018