The "European Picture Book Collection" is the result of a project founded in 1996 by Penni Cotton (University of Surrey, Roehampton) with European Union Funding. The aim of the project was to develop materials which would implement a European dimension in primary education throughout the European Community to raise awareness of other cultures.

The collection consists of a series of picture books from each language community of the EU which all depict a universal childhood theme, most commonly that of `friendship'. The collection also includes one book from Switzerland, chosen, as although not a member of the EU, this country has made a very significant contribution to the development of picture books. Each book is written in the original language, with picture illustrations that provide clues to the storyline, which are ideal for pupils in upper primary classrooms but which younger readers can also enjoy.

After the creation of the collection and subsequent trials in the UK schools, the project received the award of "Innovative Reading Promotion in Europe" (1997) from the European Committee of the International Reading Association.

For further information on the project and other aspects of the collection visit the website: http://www.ncrcl.ac.uk/epbc/