261. The Joy of Picture Books: Letting Kids Lead Meaningful Conversations with Molly Arbuthnott
In this episode of the Time for Teachership Podcast, host Lindsay Lyons welcomes picture book author and illustrator Molly Arbuthnott for a rich conversation about why picture books are not the “bottom rung” of reading—but the top.
This episode is part of a special mini-series for educators and families focused on how to support children’s reading lives. Molly shares how picture books create space for deep thinking, emotional conversations, imagination, and student voice—without the pressure of “right answers.”
If you read with children at home or in the classroom, this episode will completely reframe how you think about picture books.
Big Ideas from the Conversation
- Children should not have books “dumbed down” for them
- Picture books can gently explore hard topics like death, accidents, grief, and resilience
- There are no wrong answers when discussing a picture book
- Art and story create safe practice for sharing different interpretations
- Kids should be “gatekeepers” in choosing what they read
- Animals as characters create freedom for interpretation beyond identity or politics
- Picture books are powerful entry points into discussions about climate change, community, resilience, and belonging
- Reading should stay joyful and imaginative—for adults and children
Get Your Episode Freebie & More Resources On My Website: https://www.lindsaybethlyons.com/blog/261
Connect with guest Molly Arbuthnott
- Website: https://www.marbuthnottbooks.com
