How Picture Books Can Bring History to Life
- patdanna
- Nov 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 4
How Picture Books Can Bring History to Life
For many children, history is a dusty collection of dates and facts–something that
happened long ago and has no meaning today. But when a story opens the door to the past, history becomes alive.
The Magic of a Picture Book:
Through the pages of a beautifully illustrated picture book, young readers can walk the cobblestone streets of colonial towns, sail on an ancient ship, or stand behind inventors as they imagine the impossible. Picture books don’t just tell history–they invite children to experience history.
Why Are Historical Picture Books So Powerful?
They blend truth with imagination. Children meet real people and travel to real places from the past, but through the eyes of relatable characters.
In children’s historical fiction, facts become adventures. A story about the Pony Express transforms into a thrilling race across the plains. A tale set during the first moon landing becomes a story of bravery and discovery.
These books help children understand that history isn’t just what happened–it’s about who lived it and why it mattered.
Cross-Curricular Connections - How to Make History Come Alive
As a former Social Studies teacher, I was always looking for ways to make history come alive– a hands-on experience. Children will remember that kind of experience rather than just reading facts and dates in a textbook. Here are some simple cross-curricular ideas that can tie into other subjects:
History + Geography
After reading a historical picture book, locate the setting on a map or globe. Talk about what makes that place special and how it has changed over time.
History + Art
Encourage children to draw or paint a scene from the story. What colors, tools or clothing would people have used in that time?
History + Writing
Ask kids to write a diary entry “in character.” What might the main character have written about their day? (ex., Anne Frank).
History + Science of STEM
If the book features an inventor, explorer, or builder, try a related STEM activity. For example, build a simple “invention” using recycled materials or model a historic bridge with craft sticks.
History + Math
Using math skills, calculate the journey along the Oregon Trail. Compare the distances using modern highways today and the route taken in the 1800s.
Homeschool Integration: Mini Unit Study Example:
Homeschool families, in particular, can build rich unit studies around a single picture book. Here’s a simple example:
Book Examples: A Picture Book of Lewis and Clark; Seaman’s Journey; What Was the Lewis and Clark Expedition?; The Journey of York; Lewis and Clark: A Prairie Dog for the President; and The Picture Book of Sacagawea.
Reading: Read the story aloud together. Discuss what made their journey brave and what challenges they faced.
Geography: Mark their route on a U.S. map and compare it to today’s highways.
Writing: Have your child write a “journal entry” from the perspective of one of the explorers, York, or Native guides.
Art: Create a paper “expedition map” with watercolor rivers and mountains.
Science: Talk about the animals and plants discovered on the journey–start a nature notebook with sketches of the various plants and animals collected.
Math: Calculate the entire round-trip distance of the journey using maps.
What to look for and choose the right historical picture book:
When selecting books that bring history to life, look for:
Strong storytelling: a clear narrative arc.
Rich illustrations: art that supports period settings, clothing, and culture.
Relatable themes: courage, friendship, perseverance, discovery
Encourages imagination
In Conclusion:
Historical picture books serve as a bridge — linking the past to the present. Even with older children/students, these picture books can serve as an introduction to a historical period–a “taste” or “small bits” of history before delving into what they may see as a dull chapter in a textbook.--an overall view of a particular topic (ex., WWII or the Civil War).
