FBS, Karangmalang. The English Literature Study Program and Children’s Literature for Literacy Centre held a series of webinars on “The Power of Picture Book”. The first talk started on March 23^rd with Ms. Widyastuti Purbani and Mr. Tri Sugiarto, on the introduction of picture book, the connection between words and illustration and the power literary works have on children’s development. The last webinar on Tuesday, March 30^th was continued with Ms. Nuraini Fahmawati and Ms. Kordula Schulze from Munster University, on illustration of picture books and continued with a discussion of picture books with students on various themed picture books. The webinars were attended by 115 participants from students, alumni, and university lecturers.

The talk mainly emphasized how image and text play a major role in a picture book, where the text leaves room for one’s imagination and image reflects the text in part, thus complementing and strengthening one another. This helps children challenge their literacy skills and help them develop an understanding of life. The webinar also tries to debunk how picture books for children should be simple, quoting from Ms. Widyastuti, “More diverse themes and complexity should be of no problem for them as they grow to love text more.” Emphasizing how children should be aware of their environment, encourage and train their thinking skills that will support their mental and intelligent growth.

During the second day after Mrs. Nuraini’s presentation and explaining her experience in creating a picture book. The students were fascinated and were engaged in the discussion as Mrs. Kordula had provided different kinds of picture books concerning gender, domestic violence, death, and many stories that many determined were too hard for children to understand. Apri, a student from the English Literature Department, said, “the webinar was insightful and many fruitful discussions were giving new perspectives toward picture books.” The webinar was then closed with taking pictures commemorating the moment. (Sonia)