<![CDATA[Background: Language development is an important component of early childhood development because it supports children's ability to communicate, understand information, express thoughts and feelings, and interact socially. Children with suboptimal language development require appropriate, structured, and enjoyable stimulation. Picture-based storytelling combines visual and verbal stimulation and may provide opportunities for children to develop vocabulary, comprehension, and verbal expression. Purpose: To describe changes in language development scores following picture-based storytelling among children aged 4–5 years. Method: This quantitative study used a pre-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design. The study was conducted from February 9 to 14, 2026, at Al-Ikhlas Preschool Tanjung Sari, Natar District, South Lampung Regency, Indonesia. Twelve children aged 4–5 years with suboptimal language development based on Denver II screening were selected using purposive sampling. Picture-based storytelling using fable-themed picture books was conducted for approximately 30 minutes per session over four consecutive days. Language development was assessed before and after the intervention using the language sector of the Denver II. The numerical scoring procedure used for the pretest and posttest. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test. Results: The mean language development score increased from 5.00 ± 0.426 before the intervention to 6.67 ± 0.778 after the intervention, with a mean increase of 1.67 points. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test indicated a statistically significant difference between pretest and posttest scores (Z = −3.115, p = 0.002). Conclusion: Language development scores increased following picture-based storytelling, and the pretest–posttest difference was statistically significant. However, because this study used a small purposively selected sample and did not include a control group, the findings should be interpreted as preliminary evidence of change rather than evidence of a causal effect. Keywords: Early Childhood; Language Development; Picture-Based Storytelling; Preschool Children; Storytelling Method.]]>
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