"Children's literature is the first literature and the first art that children are exposed to.

It should be good. And when it is, it should be given respect."~William Joyce

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The Picturebook Genre

• Only genre defined by format as opposed to content or style

• Encompasses all genres

• Illustrations partner with the text to tell a story and move it forward

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The Elements of Design

• Line and Shape• Color• Value• Space• Perspective or Point of View• Composition

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Naturalistic shapes reflect the characters’ feelings…

A Splendid Friend, Indeed. A Splendid Friend Indeed, copyright © 2005 by SuzanneBloom. Published by Boyd’s Mills Press, Inc. Reprinted by permission.

Suzanne Bloom’s A Splendid Friend Indeed

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Molly Bang’s When Sophie Gets Angry – Really Really Angry

How do the intense colors relate to the story?

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Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar ExpressHow does the difference in value

(light and dark) impact your attention?

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Maurice Sendak’sWhere the Wild Things Are

What does use of space communicate?

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What effect does the perspective and point of view have on the reader?

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Kevin Henkes Kitten’s First Full MoonChanges in composition throughout the book follow

a predictable pattern.

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What are some concepts that capture the experience of childhood?

• Exploring/Curious/Learning• Roleplay/dramatic play/pretend• Communication/Socialization• Physical Skills• Emotional/self regulation• Safety/Trust

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Then the lake tilted and began to empty into a cave. The ants could hear the rushing water and felt themselves pulled toward the pitch black hole. Suddenly the cave disappeared and the lake became calm. The ants swam to the shore and found that the lake had steep sides.

Readability of Picturebooks

Dr. Edward FryTeaching Reading