Picture Books

Span ALL genres.

Genre Celebrations: 1 Picture Books 2 Poetry 3 Traditional Fantasy 4 Modern Fantasy 5 Contemporary Realistic Fiction 6 Historical Fiction 7 Biography 8 Informational Books

Picture Books
are essential to childrens lives because they tell stories, elaborate concepts, or impart informationall things that learners need. Picture books are unique in the field of childrens literature because they are defined by format (a combination of words and art) rather than content.

Children of ALL ages read Picture Books.

Picture books are usually the FIRST books that children see. Infants and toddlers grasp sturdy cardboard or cloth books with bright pictures that capture their attention. Older students turn to picture books to see vivid examples of literary techniques, the writers craft, and to explore difficult concepts

Genres of Picture Books

Determining Picture Book Genre: FICTION Folklore Fantasy/Science Fiction Realistic Fiction Historical Fiction NonFICTION Informational Books Concept Books Poetry Biography/ Autobiography Memoir

The questions here can help you determine the genre.

If Fiction:

Are characters fanciful (fantasy, science fiction);

believable (realistic fiction, historical fiction); stereotyped (folklore) ?

Is the story set in the real world of the past (historical fiction);
in a future time (science fiction)?

 Is the story set in a make-believe world (fantasy)? Could the events in the story happen in a real world (realistic fiction, historical fiction)? Could the events happen in a fanciful world (folklore, fantasy)? Could the events happen in a future world (science fiction)?

 If NON-Fiction:
Does it present details about a concept (concept book)? Does it present facts about a topic (informational book)? Is it a realistic report about a persons life (biography, autobiography)? Is it verse or poetic language (poetry)?

 My Great Grandmother
After reading the book The Keeping Quilt, it brings to mind my great grandmother giving me something from the heart. She had made a cross for me that was white and light green in color. She makes a lot of things, but this was something special. There are many more fantastic things that she gave me, but I think this is more special than the others. I feel this way because it means so much to her.
I love my grandmother very much. She gives her love to me and the gifts she gives to me are made from the heart.
Whitney King, age 10

Text Quality in Picture Books

Fictionbooks that tell a story Settingtime and place of a story Characterizationestablishing characters varies according to genre.
In folklore, characters are stereotypes (the wicked stepmother, the good princess, the brave prince) In well written realistic or fantasy narratives, characters are well developed personalities that show growth and change over time.

 Plotthe sequence of eventsis presented in picture storybooks in a straightforward chronological order.

Children want action. And they want something to happen, fast! Plot often centers around a problem or conflict Children like well defined, recognizable endings.

Theme
A storys major overriding idea Picture books are often organized around the theme of growing up Though not blatantly stated, but not so subtle as to elude young readers. Look for picture books that have a readily identifiable theme that evolves naturally

Style
Style of language is essential to quality in a picture book; because words are limited, they must be carefully chosen. Language is read TO children and contain interesting words used in interesting ways that build excitement, drama, or images, and with language that has an internal rhythm and melody.

If it sounds natural when read aloud, its probably written well.

Non-fiction
Accuracy and Recency: Nonfiction picture books must be accurate, up-todate, and consistent with current knowledge. Biographies are among the many types of nonfiction picture books, and many contain content areas such as mathematics and farm life.

Poetry and Song

Some picture books present an artists visual interpretation of a song, poem, or verse.

Picture Books For Very Young Children

Board Books- The Very Busy Spider Participation Books- Pat the Bunny Story books and PoemsConcept Books Alphabet Books Counting Books Wordless Picture Books Patterned Books (predictable books) Beginning-to-read-books

Assignment # 1 Genre # 1 Picture Books

Assignment # 1- Please summarize your understanding of this genre. 1. Describe what makes this genre unique. (review notes and Powerpoint) 2. Describe a book you checked out of the library and its specific qualities as a picture book for young readers. 3. Describe a favorite picture book of yours. 4. What is the Caldecott Award? 5. What are some criteria you would use in evaluating a picture book? 6. What ages can read picture books? 7. What grades, subjects, might use this genre in teaching lessons?

Assignment #2 A:

Picture Books

Choose 3 of any type of Picture book, for example: board book, wordless picture book, pattern book, concept book, etc...(one must be a Caldecott Award winner) and complete the Picture Book Evaluation handout. On the back of the handout add the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. Title and Author and Illustrator Publisher and publication date I.S.B.N # Outstanding qualities--illustrations, characters, descriptions, etc. that stand out to you 5. How you might use this book- with what age, activities, etc? 6. Rate this book excellent to Fair. 7. This will be SHARED during class! This entire assignment will also be printed out and placed as your Section 1 titled "Genre # 1 PICTURE BOOKS in your NOTEBOOK. By the end of the semester you will have 8 sections with 8 genres.