1. What is a Picture Book?

2. Definition
A book that combines words with illustration to tell a story and is meant to be read aloud.
The story and picture are equally important forming a unit that is artistically stronger then either alone.

3. Elements 32 pages is standard (though titles can be 24-48 pages)
Illustrations dominate text
Illustrations integrate with the narrative
Word count is generally less than 500 words.
Overall design serves to build a relationship between the text and the illustrations
Although picture books can have over 2000 words or have none at all, as is the case with wordless picture books.

4. WRAPAROUND COVER begins on the front and wraps around to the back
Jeanine

5. SINGLE-IMAGE COVERS One image on front
small illustration or a solid color that blends with the cover
jeanine

6. DUAL IMAGE COVERS back cover may feature an image that is atypical,
revealing a second storyline running through the text.
Jeanine

7. COPYRIGHT PAGE usually beginning of the book,
information about the book, including ISBN number, brief summary of story, Library of Congress subjects designations, publisher, copyright date, and author and/or illustrator notes.
Jeanine

8. FLAPS informational tools as well as decoration
front flat generally contains a brief summary of the story,
back flap has brief bios of the author and illustrator, reviews of previous titles, and publisher information.
JeanineAudrey Woods

9. SHAPE of Books rectangular horizontal square rectangular vertical
Carolintentions often have a direct effect on the shape of the bookLoisEhlert

10. ENDPAPERS enhance the mood or setting of a book
design or motif that complements the story
KarlynSims tabackjeanine
Zelinski
Catherine stockcarol

11. BORDERS frames used to enclose text or illustrations
simple lines or elaborate
provides additional information
KarlynBORDERS are like frames used to enclose text or illustrations. Borders can be simple lines or elaborate and detailed artwork that provides additional information about the story. Borders, as with panels and vignettes, provide balance and variety in picture books. Jan Brett and Maragret Early are two artists are noted for their use of borders.

12. DOUBLE-PAGE SPREAD spread across both sides of an open book
ideal for landscape views or scenes
KarlynGUTTERS are the open space between the pages where the pages form the spine. Gutters are a special point for discussion because poor design will lead to some illustrations "disappearing" into the gutter. In this example the GUTTER does not interfere with the illustrations. Example 3 Bryan Collier Jeanine Brennan
Millions of cats

13. GUTTERS Gutter does not interfere with the illustrations
open space between the pages

14. PANELS illustrations that are broken apart for effect.
Panels add to the story by allowing the illustrator to achieve artistic statements not possible in a single- or double-page spread
KarlynEd youngcarol
Weisnerkarlyn

15. SINGLE PAGE ILLUSTRATION
illustration confined to one page
Karlyn

16. TEXT LAYOUT positioning of the text
effects the mood and tone of the story
CarolExample 1 Peter Sís Example 2 Chris Raschka Example 3 Marjorie Price

17. TYPEFACE lettering used for the text setting
or simply the need for legibility
Carol

18. VIGNETTES
spot art
small illustrations integrated into double-page illustrations
add variety
CarolKevinHenkes