Generative AI is increasingly proposed as a fast-track way of creating educational content for children. It is true that tools such as ChatGPT can create grammatically accurate, functional texts in a range of languages. Image creation programs, similarly, can produce useable illustrations. In this environment of rapid change in publishing possibilities, however, incorporating traditionally created picture books into lessons (and life!) offers unique and essential benefits beyond the commonly recognised returns for early literacy.

Drawing on professional experiences in cross-cultural content curation and deep analysis of picture book science, this presentation will explore how understanding the ‘behind the scenes’ craft of traditional picture book creation is a useful balance to our advancing expectations of Gen AI. This, in turn, can lead to innovative strategic use of picture books, across all age groups, to foster cross-disciplinary skills in areas such as drafting, self-editing, and the social and emotional tool kit.