Illustration

Today we have so many picture storybooks and so much beautifully illustrated non-fiction, poetry, and other genres that any attempt to evaluate children's literature without considering the role of illustration would be incomplete. The first task is to decide what function in a book it is intended to have. Are the pictures meant to be decorations? Were they designed to complement or clarify the text? Are they so much a part of the story that you cannot imagine the book without them?

In this age of visual bombardment – daily overloads of images on computer screens, in magazines, on television, at the movies, and on the roadside – do children need even more image in picture books? The answer is “Yes”! The problem is not having much to see but learning to be discriminating in what they see. It means visual literacy. Picture books are a perfect vehicle for opening a child’s eye to the beauty and power of art.

Most novels for older readers have no illustrations, although some include decorative designs to mark chapter breaks or an occasional drawing. Shorter chapter books for younger readers generally do have pictures. But in picture storybooks, the words and the illustrations share the job of storytelling, of communicating the mood and message. The origin of the picture storybook goes back to the publication in 1902 of Beatrix Potter’s The Tale of Peter Rabbit, which was the true marriage of illustration and story. The hallmark of the picture storybook is that text and illustrations work together on each page to tell a story.

Through the beautifully crafted picture books available today, young readers not only may become aware of the variety of artistic styles and media that artists employ, but also may develop a sense for judging quality.

Format

The format of a book includes its size, shape, the design of pages, illustrations, typography, quality of paper, and binding. Frequently, some small aspect of the format, such as the book jacket, will be an important factor in a child's decision to read a story.

All types of books - novels, picture books, poetry, biography, informational books - should be well designed and well made. Many factors other than illustration are important. The type should be large enough for easy reading by the age level for which the book is intended. At the same time, if the type is too large, children may see the book as "babyish." Space between the lines should be sufficient to make the text clear. The paper should be of high quality, heavy enough to prevent any penetration of ink. Off-white with a dull finish prevents glare, although other surfaces are used for special purposes. The binding should be durable and practical, able to withstand hard use. Publishers produce many books in alternate bindings, one for the trade (bookstore sales) and an extra-sturdy version for library use. However, a book should never be selected on the basis of format alone. No book is better than its content.

Story Maps: Roadmaps to Understanding

When readers understand the elements contained in a story, they have a better chance of comprehending and appreciating what they read. Davis and McPherson describe the effective use of story maps – graphic representation of story elements and the relationship to one another – as a strategy in helping the readers understand elements in stories.

Story maps can take many forms, from the simple linear design of plot to a story map that takes other elements into account to more elaborate text diagrams.

Story maps can be prepared before reading, discussed during prereading, and completed as pupils read a story. Maps can be used to guide questions during reading, or they can be used in postreading activities as pupils look back at story elements.

Although story maps have proved to be effective instructional devices, they should never be so intrusive that they get in the way of pupils' enjoyment of the literature they read.

				Climax
		Middle				Ending
Beginning

			Story
Setting			Problem			Characters
			Initiating Action
New Setting			Response			New Characters
			Resolution