Evaluating+Picture+Storybooks

Added by Megan
There are several factors one must consider when evaluating picture storybooks. First of all, the illustrations and text must complement each other. In many books, the illustrations allow the reader to think and imagine beyond the written word. The illustrations of Lucille struggling to put on her snowsuit, in //Lucille’s Snowsuit,// allow the reader to not only visualize what is happening in the story, but also feel Lucille’s frustration building and relate it to their own lives. The setting, mood, and plot of the story must be apparent in the illustrations. In //A Snowgirl Just Named Sue,// the illustration of Bob melting expresses the somber tone of the text and reveals the plot. Bob was losing his shape and his smile had become a frown. The sun peeks from the edge of the page, just enough for the reader to make the connection between the sun and melting snowman. Finally, the illustrations help to develop the characters. In //Skippyjon Jones,// one can surmise the personality of Skippyjon Jones and the disapproval of his mother in one of the first illustrations in the book. His mother is carrying him by the neck, her eyes practically crossed, after making him come down from the birds’ nest he had slept in.

The textual content must also be considered when evaluating a picture storybook. The characters developed in thestory must be consistent. The words used by the author must be appropriate for the age the story is geared toward. One must determine who the book will appeal to. While //Lucille’s Snowsuit// would appeal to younger children, it would most likely be considered babyish to older students, who no longer wear snowsuits. The language of the text is important as well. For younger children, the writing should be simple and clear. The story must have a theme that will appeal to the targeted audience. For example, //Alphabet Adventure// is geared toward the primary grades. However, it may also be a good choice for students learning English.

The format of the book is an important criterion in evaluating picture storybooks. The size of the book, quality of the print and paper, and the cover page are all important. Larger books with sturdy pages are better suited for a younger audience.One must determine if the book could be considered controversial or biased. //Sylvester and the Magic Pebble// was banned at one time because the policemen in the story are pigs. Finally, consulting popular book reviews such as Horn Book is helpful in evaluating picture storybooks.  Sources: // The 15 Most Controversial Picture Books //. //Blisstree - Family, Health, Home and Lifestyles//. 18 Aug. 2008. Web. 13 Sept. 2009. []. Lasky, Kathryn. //Lucille’s Snowsuit.// NY: Crown Publishers, 2000. Mia’ PPT Moulton, Mark Kimball. //A Snowgirl Named Just Sue. //TN: Ideals Press, 2005. Norton, Donna. //Through the Eyes of a Child: An Introduction to Children’s Literature.// NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1995. Schachner, Judy. //Skippyjon Jones. //NY: Dutton Children’s Books, 2003. Wood, Audrey. //Alphabet Adventure.// NY: Blue Sky Press, 2001.

Added by: Tessa Grassetti It is important to keeping mind when evaluating picture storybooks that they are considered both literature and an art form. Due to their heavy reliance on pictures to communicate the story and ideas, they require a multi-faceted approach as one attempts to effectively evaluate their value. This approach involves looking at several elements of the story, including the content, text, illustrations, medium, and format of the book.

While picture books may emphasize the illustrations, it is equally important to pay close attention to the written elements of the text and the content. You will want to consider whether the content of the book is appropriate for the age level, how the characters and setting are portrayed, whether stereotypes are present, and if the language is appropriate. When evaluating, “CLICK, CLACK, MOO Cows That Type,” by Doreen Crowin, for content and text, I would begin by checking the intended age level (grades K-3). After reading the text, it is clear this story is appropriate for these intended grade levels. Furthermore, the characters and setting are well developed, and the language is appropriate for children. The one conflict with the story might be the portrayal of the farmer in a stereotypical ragged straw hat.

As you are first looking at the book for evaluation, you will want to pay close attention to the illustrations. You will want to consider whether the illustrations correspond to the text, whether they “extend the text in any way,” whether they complement or enhance the setting, plot, and characterization, and the use of lines shape and color. It is easy to see why “CLICK, CLACK, MOO Cows That Type,” was recognized as a Caldecott Honor Book for Betsy Lewin’s portrayal of the barn yard animals using spectacular water colors. The story is certainly enhanced by the illustrations, especially when we see all the cows looking intently at the typewriter as they type their letter to Farmer Brown. We can really see the emotions in the characters just from varying a few facial features. Furthermore, the use of bold black lines adds to the comedy. As far as the format of the book, you should consider the size in relation to the content, the cover design and title page, the type design, and the durability. Lastly, when evaluating a picture storybook, you will want to compare the story to other works by the same author and illustrator. You will also want to read professional reviews, yet form your own opinions. Ultimately, you will want to determine what is important in this book that makes it worth sharing with children.

Cronin, Doreen. //CLICK, CLACK, MOO Cows That Type//. New York: Scholastic Inc, 2000. Print. "Finding and Evaluating Resources, Connecting to Your Classroom." //Evaluating Picture Books//. Michigan State University, Web. 13 Sep 2009. Morgan, Mia. “Picture Storybooks.” PowerPoint presentation for LBS 803. Fall 2009.