Study shows comics promote early literacy

A University of Illinois study is helping to promote the idea that reading comics is just as beneficial to young children as reading any other type of book. Carol Tilley, a professor at University of Illinois' Department of Library and Information Science, explains that comics instill a love of reading, increase vocabulary, prompt kids to put pictures and words together, and are "just as complex as any other kind of literature." Tilley goes on to say, "If reading is to lead to any meaningful knowledge or comprehension, readers must approach a text with an understanding of the relevant social, linguistic and cultural conventions."

For more on the study, check out the latest issue of School Library Monthly and this Science Daily article.