Two studies concerning the language-stimulation value of pictures for children were conducted. The first study tested the validity of a formula that classifies pictures as having high, medium, or low potency, based on the amount of language they stimulate in viewers. (The formula takes into account factors such as the number of animals, people, and colors present when assigning a picture's potency level.) Sixty students from kindergarten through seventh grade were shown three pictures, one from each category, and were asked to describe everything they saw. Results indicated that the students made significantly more responses to high-potency pictures than to those with medium or low potency, therefore confirming the formula as a valid predictor of the extent to which children will respond verbally to a picture. The second study applied the formula to the pictures in eight basal readers and found that most pictures were of low potency (60-100%) and that only one reader had high-potency pictures (7%). These results indicate that publishers of basal readers should reexamine their criteria for selecting pictures, perhaps including fewer pictures but those which more effectively stimulate children's language development. The need for further research is also stressed. (CC)