Using Picture Books to Teach Persuasive Writing Skills

Picture books are a great way to teach writing skills. As a school librarian and mom, I see first hand how much children really benefit from gaining understanding through picture books. There are many picture books that are great for teaching persuasive writing skills. Reading a picture book that is written in a persuasive writing style helps a child to better understanding exactly what persuasive writing is all about. If you are working on persuasive writing with your child or students, try these great picture books for teaching persuasive writing.

Earrings by Judith Viorst. The narrator of this story wants earrings. She needs earrings. She has to got to have earrings! Judith Viorst (probably best known for Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day) gives perfect examples of persuasive writing in this fun picture book. Not only will your child learn persuasive writing through Earrings, she will likely be able to relate to the situation as well.

I Wanna Iguana by Karen Kaufman Orloff. This persuasive picture book is a series of letters as a young boy tries to convince his mom why he should have an iguana. The funny letters, and totally persuasive writing style, make I Wanna Iguana the perfect picture book for teaching persuasive writing skills.

LaRue for Mayor by Mark Teague. LaRue for Mayor, and other "LaRue" books by the same author feature a letter-writing dog that shows perfect examples of persuasive writing. Not only are the LaRue books great picture books for teaching persuasive writing, they also require critical thinking skills to comprehend. The letters in the book say one thing, while the illustrations show something entirely different. When children really pay attention to the story, it becomes quite humorous. This fun story is a great picture book to teach persuasive writing.

Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late by Mo Willems. If you are the parent of young children, and you are not yet familiar with the Pigeon books by Mo Willems, it's time to find out about them! The Pigeon series, including Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late, is great for teaching persuasive writing. The Pigeon books feature the simply illustrated pigeon, well, being persuasive. The arguments set forth by the pigeon are excellent examples of persuasive writing, and happen to be pretty hilarious too. Don't Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late is an excellent picture book for teaching persuasive writing.

Persuasive writing can be a difficult concept for children at first. Use these great mom and librarian picture book recommendations to help your children learn persuasive writing skills.