This book challenges the popular image of picture books being an easy read and only for the under-sevens. Through a close examination of good quality picture books and the imaginative responses of primary children to them, the authors encourage teachers to use such books in a thought-provoking way. They argue that the special qualities of these books and the approaches used by the teacher enable the children to read and think about literature at a level beyond that normally expected of them.;Some of the best of these books are discussed and suggestions are made as to the kind of questions that might encourage this more thoughtful response. A list of good quality picture books is included.