All About Picture Books :)

Picture books are essential to the development of children’s reading skills. They are an excellent way to get young children to learn about who they are, what they like, and what makes up the world around them. Charles Temple explains the importance of picture books, the different types of picture books, and what makes up picture books. He explains how “picture books have a range of purposes, from introducing rhymes and serving as manipulative toys to helping children learn concepts “ (Temple, 2014). By reading his chapter, it made me think how as people get older, they tend to get away from picture books because they are seen as an easy read and not challenging. However, picture books can be an excellent resource for students to use when they are not able to read more challenging texts or are English Language Learners. Picture books can be a way to get a basal reading level. More middle schools and high schools should consider using picture books because although they may be easy to read, some can make students think about the text and the message the author is trying to convey. For example, when students read Click Clack Moo by Doreen Cronin, they think it is about cows who type and an unhappy farmer; but if students read carefully and in between the lines, they can see the details and message the author and illustrator were trying to convey. Two well-done picture books that stand out are Grand Canyon by Jason Chin, and Wolf in the Snow by Mathew Cordell.

In Grand Canyon, by Jason Chin, a father and daughter travel around the Grand Canyon and see all the wonder that surrounds them. This picture book would be considered a concept book because as Temple stated, “concept books convey knowledge, answering the question “what is that?” (Temple, 2014). Since Chin incorporates essential earth science vocabulary, much scenery, and vivid images to go with the vocabulary, it is inferred that this book is mostly read in science classes or in primary settings where science is about to be learned. Chin’s book is a beautiful example of Temple’s (2014) theory that “picture books can be used to help children learn concepts.” Here students would be learning science-related material with a mindset of a typical trip to the Grand Canyon. Also, Temple (2014) mentions how “artists rely on various elements of design to communicate with the audience. When the artwork is done well, the reader can enjoy the aesthetics of the illustrations and appreciate the emotions conveyed through the manipulation of artistic elements” (Temple, 2014). This quote is relevant because since Jason Chin wrote and illustrated his book, he was able to convey his message and connect his writing ideas with the mental image he had about his story. By writing about the Grand Canyon and being able to describe it in words and pictures, helps the reader follow through with it.

In Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell, a little girl and a wolf cub are lost in a snowstorm. They both are trying to find their ways back home. This story would be described as being as a picture book with minimal text, such as a wordless book (Temple, 2014). Due to this, it is up to the reader to understand what is going on. By following the images and reading the few phrases that are in it, the reader can get an idea of what will happen next. These types of books may be easy to read because they do not have many words, but it can also be an excellent tool for teachers to use when they work with students who have low reading comprehension skills, inferring skills, or learning to understand what is going on. By being an easy read, teachers can check for understanding. What also stands out about this book is the visual imagery of how the characters and setting are depicted. The illustrations are composed more of sketches, and the little girl is wearing a red jacket in a setting where the background is white, due to the snow. The visuals are outstanding because they tell the story without much need the words. This helps readers think about what may happen next, and it also helps with a language or reading barrier.

In conclusion, picture books can be beneficial for all readers. They may are categorized into different groups (Temple, 2014), but they all have an end purpose- to keep students in the loop with items they can read or look at when they are at school or home. Books also make them more knowledgeable about different parts of literature. Picture books can be an excellent way for students to get a start on a life filled with reading. Let us get more students to be literate.