The portrayal of older characters in popular children's picture books in the US

Because picture books are often viewed as educational resources for young readers, it is crucial to examine the images and content this literary medium contains. Research suggests that repetitive messages encompassing a stereotypical nature cultivate lasting impressions on young audiences. One portrayal often associated with negative implications is the depiction of older characters. This investigation analyzed a selection of picture books from the New York Times best sellers list, the Book Sense best sellers list, and the Caldecott award winners for the years 2000–2010. Over 700 illustrated literary works in the United States were included in this exploration to determine levels of ageism that have existed over the past decade. Although conclusions show an under-representation of older adults, the findings suggested a significant improvement in the overall portrayal of older characters in illustrated books. This result communicates an optimistic outlook in continuing the promotion of positive attitudes for children regarding the aging process.