Picture Books Prepared by: Danica Anna M. Colubong

What are picture books? Books that were designed for children which uses words, pictures and illustrations They tell a story, elaborate a concept, or impart information through a combination of words and illustrations

Characteristics of Picture Books Its division is based on format, not genre Often not more than 32 pages Unique in the field of children’s literature because format rather than content determines their definition Span in all genres  May be stories, realistic or fantastic, contemporary or historical; they also may be poetry, folklore, or informational books

Examples of Picture Books Early Picture Book: Orbis Pictus Early to mid 20th century Foreign

Local Picture Books

Picture books

However…

Wordless books The Treasure Bath By Dan Andreasen Henry Holt, 2009 Home By Jeannie Baker Greenwillow Books, 2004 Fly, Little Bird By Tina Burke Kane/Miller Books, 2006

Illustrated books

Criteria for Selecting Picture Books (Based on Illustrations) We evaluate picture books according to the literary qualities accomplished by combining words and pictures: visual art quality, artful use of language, and the characteristics of the specific genre. literary qualities Look for Illustrations that : 1. Catch and hold child’s interest 2. Have distinguished art that works with the text to enrich the story or idea being presented

Evaluating Literary Quality Story books need: strong characterization Engaging Plot Memorable theme Well-crafted language Excellent art works with the text to tell the story Illustrators must capture mood, characterization, plot, setting, information, or concepts in carefully wrought art

 Art  Language  Content Literary Quality Involves:

We also have to Consider the Following: Principles of Design Media and Technique Style –Representational art –Expressionistic art –Surrealism –Impressionistic –Folk art –Naive art –Cartoon art

Evaluating Art in Picture Books Look for: 1.Artistic quality of illustrations 2.How illustrations reflect the words to tell the story or present information 3.How the illustrations extend the story or elaborate the concept 4.How each illustration presents a unique, fresh visual interpretation that enables a reader to view aspects of a story, poem, or concept new, truly artistic way

Language 1.Words must be interesting and must be used in interesting ways that build excitement, drama, images, or concepts 2. Language must have internal rhythm and melody Content  Determines its structures and genres

Subgenres  Nonfiction Picture Books Nonfiction Picture Books  Poetry and Song Picture Books  Picture Story Books  Anthropomorphic  Realistic stories  Magic Realism  Traditional literature

Subgenres  Nonfiction Picture Books  Poetry and Song Picture Books Poetry and Song Picture Books  Picture Story Books  Anthropomorphic  Realistic stories  Magic Realism  Traditional literature

Songbook

Subgenres  Nonfiction Picture Books  Poetry and Song Picture Books  Picture Story Books Picture Story Books  Anthropomorphic  Realistic stories  Magic Realism  Traditional literature

Picture Story Books

Subgenres  Nonfiction Picture Books  Poetry and Song Picture Books  Picture Story Books  Anthropomorphic  Realistic stories  Magic Realism  Traditional literature

Informational books  books that give factual information and open up the big world to readers  books written to inform readers about a particular subject, issue, or idea.  Informational books deal exclusively with factual material presented to instruct the reader.  They are generally considered to be functional or utilitarian books and not part of literature

Types of informational books:  Lands and people  cultures and customs  o history and governments  o religion  Science and nature  life sciences  environment  physical and earth sciences  mathematics

 Fine and applied arts  art appreciation and art history  drawing and painting  dance o theater  photography  Writing  sports  crafts and hobbies

 Human development and behavior  life cycle: birth, growth, sexuality, death  interpersonal relationships  emotions  disabilities  psychological and sociological problems

Foreign Informational Books

Local Information Books