Does storytelling depend solely on words? Or might there be a kind of poetry hidden in the space between pages, and in the simple act of turning them?

Picture books are not merely vessels for stories; they are narrative forms in constant transformation. Through the interplay of image and text, they offer a distinctive and compelling storytelling language. At the same time, many creators are deeply intrigued by the materiality of picture books, exploring their presence as physical objects in their own right.

How do a book’s size and format shape a reader’s first impression? In what ways does binding influence the rhythm and spatial experience of reading? Can the texture of paper subtly shift emotional response? When such design elements are thoughtfully woven into the narrative, the picture book moves beyond being a container of content and becomes the experience itself, offering a singular encounter each time it is opened.

As a designer and creative educator, my fascination with picture books lies not only in their illustrations and stories, but also in the aesthetic details of the book as object, and in the possibilities that unfold between reading and using. In the realm of picture books, images are not simply representational; they invite abstraction, experimentation, and new visual languages.

Pop-up books, for example, merge imagery with paper engineering to create dynamic, three-dimensional worlds. From the perspective of object and product design, picture books hold even broader potential. They can function as miniature theatrical stages, compact tabletop exhibitions, or interactive tools that guide children into imaginative play.

If you are drawn to pop-up books, or curious about experimental approaches to the picture book form, we warmly invite you to visit the PMQ Picture Book Library and discover together the transformative possibilities of this medium.

—— Benny Lau (Hong Kong Designer and Picture Book Author)

About PMQ Picture Book Library “START FROM HERE”

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Instagram: @pmqpicturebooklibrary