Blog #5

Picture Books:
Picture books are those that “communicate information or tell stories through a series of many pictures combined with relatively slight texts or next text at all” (Nodelman, 1990). Picture books emphasize the importance of illustrations, especially books made for younger children. When looking at a picture book, children are able to create their own stories, by just looking at the pictures. I have witnessed three year-olds, whom do not know how to read pick up a picture book and invent their own story.

Picture books can be used at any time in any grade level. I have been read a picture book this semester in one of the classes and it opened up a class dialogue and activity (obviously it was my Education class). Picture books are not limited to the text. There are picture books that are wordless books. In these specific types of picture books, children can formulate their own story line and character traits.

When evaluating picture books, one needs to take into consideration if the book as a whole will keep the students’ attention. If you have a classroom comprised of primarily boys, it would not be wise to select female- preferred books as the majority; keep a good balance of all types of books. Also, a teacher would need to evaluate how their students would perceive the entirety of the book. Compare the child’s age to the stage of cognitive and social development; ask yourself the question: will my kids be able to understand the information/pictures present in the book; can they socially relate to the book and will they gain anything after being exposed to it? Take an assessment: are my children prepared to experience this book? Would be a mistake to put a book intended for a 5th grade class in front of a kindergartener? Depending on the illustrations and story… it’s all subjective. That is why it is so important for the teacher to evaluate books on a personal basis. Book reviews only go so far. Get active in choosing your books!

When I was a young child, I was read to often. My favorite types of books were picture books. I loved looking at the pictures, especially if they were bright illustrations (those really captivated my attention). My mom would religiously read to me The Cat In the Hat. After the awhile I could recite it, word for word. ( Repetition is an important element in a child’s cognitive development). I will definite use picture books; they are fun, fascinating and take you on a journey. Not only do the children enjoy listening, and looking at the picture books, adults enjoy reading them; I sure do.