2.  Lesser Writers Generalize  Show Don’t Tell  Precise Vocabulary  Figurative Language- metaphor, personification, imagery ◦ Adds power and insight into story and character

3.  Dialogue- reveals character, not stiff  Music, meter, rhythm of words  Understatement- Inference  Unexpected Insights

4.  Opposite of Good Writing  Dull, General, Not Believable  Didacticism- lesson overwhelms the story  Condescension-underestimates the reader’s mental capabilities; talks “down” to the reader  Controlled Vocabulary- often proves more difficult for children because it is awkward

5.  Visual Literacy- illustrations meant to delight, capture attention, tell a story, teach a concept, develop appreciation and awareness in children.  Children will begin to discriminate when they are presented with lots of good illustrations.

6.  Establish a setting  Define and develop character  Reinforce text  Provide a different viewpoint- can be in opposition to create humor  Extend the plot  Provide interesting asides  Establish mood

7.  Lines  Shape  Color  Texture  Composition

8.  Realistic and abstract  Oils, watercolors, pastels,  Pen/ink, pencil  Cartoon to surreal  Multi-media  Photography  Woodcuts and clay sculpture

9.  Words and Illustrations take equal importance in a children’s picture book.  It is a marriage of the two and they must work together to offer a holistic experience to the reader.