The Power of Picture Books

Chris Loker, a San Francisco bookseller specializing in antiquarian children's books from 1750-1950, has published an essay in a new Scholastic anthology called Open a World of Possible: Real Stories about the Joy and Power of Reading (free ebook available). Alongside authors, illustrators, and educators, Loker writes about a book that made a big difference in her life. In her essay, "Picture Books Across the Ages," she writes, "there is always a shimmer of pure joy in a fine picture book."

Loker is a member of the Book Club of California and the Grolier Club, where she is also the curator of the One Hundred Books Famous in Children's Literature exhibit, which opens on December 9. More on that in our winter issue. Loker is a member (and past board member) of the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of America, and serves on the board of the children's literacy organization Bring Me A Book. She is married to bookseller John Windle.