Picture books, as an integral part of children's literature and education, have played a significant role in shaping young minds through the centuries, providing not only entertainment but also important educational content. The work begins with an introduction to the definition of picture books, their basic characteristics, and their evolution through history. It examines in detail the first examples of picture books in Croatia, dating back to the 19th century, when picture books were rare and generally consisted of simple illustrations with minimal text. The paper particularly highlights the period of the 20th century when picture books underwent a transformation, with richer illustrations and more complex stories reflecting social and cultural changes in society. Picture books became a means of education, learning, and cultural transmission, with a special emphasis on moral and ethical values that are important for a child's development. Additionally, the paper discusses the thematic divisions of modern picture books, from educational and problem-solving to therapeutic ones, which help children in understanding and expressing emotions. The work emphasizes how picture books remain a crucial tool in the hands of educators and parents for the development of early literacy, language skills, and social and emotional competencies in children, highlighting the importance of picture books in contemporary education and upbringing. The paper concludes with a reflection on the future of the picture book as a medium that evolves in step with technological progress but retains its fundamental function in a child's education and development.