<![CDATA[This study aimed to determine the effect of using Picture Storybooks on the reading interest of sixth-grade students at SDTQ Al Akhyar Bekasi. This study employed a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental method using a Nonequivalent Control Group Design. The sample consisted of 41 students, including 22 students in the experimental group and 19 students in the control group. Data were collected using a reading interest assessment sheet completed by the teacher or observer based on students' observable behavior during reading activities. The instrument consisted of 10 indicators with a maximum score of 40. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test, and the Mann-Whitney U Test based on the change or Delta scores. The results showed that the mean reading interest score of the experimental group increased from 24.23 in the pretest to 31.77 in the posttest, representing an increase of 7.55 points. Meanwhile, the control group's mean score increased from 22.89 to 25.16, representing an increase of 2.26 points. The Wilcoxon test showed a significant difference between the pretest and posttest scores in both the experimental and control groups, with an Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) value of < 0.001. Furthermore, the Mann-Whitney U Test conducted on the Delta scores resulted in an Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) value of < 0.001, indicating a significant difference in reading interest improvement between the experimental and control groups.]]>
