Picture books are generally written and illustrated for young children who are not ready for chapter books, but they don't have to be. Most picture books are paired with a narrative story or simple concept words, though some are wordless as well.
Traditional literature consists of stories that have been passed down orally and in written form throughout history. Traditional literature is found in cultures throughout the world reflecting the norms of it's people.
Categories of traditional literature include:
There are many subgenres of fantasy, from high or epic fantasy to animal fantasy.
Children's poetry, like songs and nursery rhymes, encourages play and creativity. Novels in verse use poetry to tell a story, instead of traditional sentence structure.
Realistic fiction is set in the present time (or was when it was written) and addresses issues that children face everyday. This covers many subgenres, including sports stories, survival stories, and mysteries, and shows children resolving conflict in their lives.
Children's historical fiction can serve as a window into historical events, often from the perspective point of young people like themselves and how they lived during that time. This could also help young readers better understand some of the events they are currently living through.
Concept books, like ABCs or animals, are a child's first introduction to nonfiction. As they grow, nonfiction works can help bridge the dialogue between children and their adults over difficult or controversial topics.
Yes, graphic novels count as reading, and can even boost a child's reading skills. Elements of traditional storytelling combined with illustrations can provide young readers with context for what they're reading, while helping them develop visual literacy.