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Getting to Know Picture Books

  • Writer: amiller8979
    amiller8979
  • Jan 23
  • 1 min read

by Amber Miller

January 23, 2025


Picture books are not a genre but a form that spans multiple text structures (narrative, expository) and genres (realistic fiction, fantasy, historical fiction, biography, etc.). Generally, picture books are 32 pages long, but there are exceptions. By definition, picture books do not rely on words alone to tell a story; instead, the story depends on two media: art and print. Listen to author Mac Barnett (Extra Yarn, Sam & Dave Dig a Hole) share his thoughts about the role of words and pictures in picture books.



Considerations for Text in Picture Books

How does the author use language to tell the story? Consider their use of:

Rhythm

Rhyme


Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons (Litwin, 2012)


Is Your Mama a Llama? (Guarino, 1989)

Patterns or Repetition

Questions


Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? (Martin, 1967)


Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! (Willems, 2003)

Considerations for Art in Picture Books

How does the illustrator use:


Out of Wonder illustrated by Ekua Holmes

Line:

straight or curved?

thick or thin?

horizontal, vertical, or diagonal? direction?


Color:

hue (red, orange, yellow, etc.)

value (light or dark)

intensity

contrast


Shape:

Narwhal: Unicorn of the Artic illustrated by Deena So'Oteh

geometric or abstract?

curved or angular?


Texture:

smooth?

rough?

soft?





Finding Picture Books


 
 
 

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