EDRG 3321 Blog 5

What are picture books? When can you use them? How? Are there any limitations?

Picture books are created so that pictures are more important than words. The stories are brought to life entirely using pictures, or with text providing only secondary information. I think picture books can be used at the pre-K to middle school level. Although I can think of some higher level assignments such as writing story to accompany the pictures, I wouldn’t use picture books beyond middle school. I think high school students would identify them as lower level books and balk at any assignment you tried no matter how good it might be. Picture books are especially helpful for learning and novice readers. I don’t believe there are any limitations to the use of picture books in early grades.

How do you evaluate or select a picture book? What is the process?

When selecting a picture book, you must consider: accuracy, illustrations, stereotypes, appeal, theme, and purpose. Attention should be paid to the student’s interests, and age/reading level. Make sure any text matches the illustrations. Most of the same standards for selecting books to read apply to picture books.

What are my personal views on picture books? Like, dislike? Why? To use, or not use? Why?

I like picture books. As stated above, I’m not crazy about them for older children and adults, but I really like them for beginning readers. There are a tremendous number of choice picture books available today. Many are designed for very young children. They come in many variations that appeal to different audiences. Picture books can be designed to be used as learning tools, such as alphabet books, math books, and concept books. For parents with young children beginning to read picture books in the home are a must. Choices of subject matter and content are almost limitless.