Children’s Literature Picture Books Sandra Phillips
Language 0f Picture Books These books are usually written to be read to children more than read by children. Rich imaginative and descriptive language is used to help with comprehension The collaboration of the text and the pictures help to make connections for the children They can “feel” what the Author was trying to convey
Content in Picture Books Make sure the content is age appropriate for the level intended. Does the book avoid any kind of stereotyping (e.g., race, gender, age ) Many books are now available to help counteract some of these stereotypical views
Books often give children their first impressions of various ethnic and racial groups Make sure the ones we select are a realistic representation of our diverse world Content Continued
Themes and Subjects in Picture Books As teachers it is important to know the criteria for quality picture books Children respond positively if it captures their interests and imagination through both the text and pictures
Categorized by Theme/Subject Our text book has categorized several titles into groups by theme and subject. These are very helpful for teachers to use when building lessons for a unit of study.
Categories Family –Sibling rivalry –Relatives (extended family) –Family history Cultural Diversity - Should include variety of racial and ethnic groups - Express different cultural beliefs, traditions, and places
Nature –Help to develop sensitivity and appreciation for nature –Our interdependence with nature – Living things, weather Older People –Experiences –Wisdom –History
Familiar Everyday Experiences –Learning to share –Starting school –Tying your shoes Animals as People - Life lessons - Experiences - Virtues
Folktales –Pleasure and enjoyment –Life lessons –exaggerations Humor - Funny - Entertainment Fantasy - Build imagination - Creativity through make believe
Social and Environmental Concerns - Looking at the “Big Picture” - Recycling, global warming, - Economical status War and World Issues - What does it mean to go to war? - How does it effect us?
Picture Books By Sandra Phillips