Space to inculcate imagination in children through picture books

Imagination is a complex cognitive process that has been interpreted by different disciplines to define it and its functions. It is a process that draws from past experiences and socio-cultural influences to create new and innovative future outcomes. The pursuit of comprehending imagination has led to the understanding that it is a process that can be cultivated. This study focuses on ‘imagination’ as a concept that can be inculcated in children between the ages of two and six who are in their ‘high season of imagination’, a stage where they are most receptive to the growth of their imagination. Out of alternative media options, it was noted that there is a space to cultivate imagination in children of this age group via picture books. The importance of this medium is evident, as proven by numerous experts, specifically concerning how picture books can be designed to provoke imaginative inculcation. Therefore, this research aims to explain how imagination can be inculcated in children through picture books. This aim is accomplished through a literature review of three cases representing picture book practitioners, writers, and academics. The methodology was conducted in three parts. The first was a content analysis through index cards and annotations. Subsequently, a thematic analysis of literature content through tabulation was performed, followed by a final overall analysis. The results of this study identify five key picture book elements that should be taken into consideration during the creation of picture books to inculcate imagination in children. These five are: (1) Role of picture books, (2) The writing component, (3) Characterisation, (4) Location, situation, and setting, and (5) Layout. Future studies can take this outcome by utilising the five elements to analyse picture books within any context.