Sunday, May 12, 2013

Analyzing a Picture Book




There are many criteria that librarians and teachers use when deciding what picture books to add to their collections.  That criteria can also extend to easy readers and nonfiction as well.  Our class used Kathleen Horning's From Cover to Cover once again as a guideline to analyze three books over the course of the semester, one picture book, one easy reader and one children's nonfiction title.  Here are the criteria that Horning discusses in her book:

Text

  • Structure
  • Patterned Language
  • Rhythm
  • Rhyme
  • Repetition
  • Questions
  • Predictability
  • Pace
Pictures

  • Visual Elements
  • Line
  • Shape
  • Texture
  • Color
  • Value
  • Composition
  • Dominance
  • Contrast
  • Gradation
  • Alternation
  • Balance
  • Variation
  • Harmony
  • Unity
Media

  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Collage
  • Photography
  • Digital Art
  • Style
As you can see, there are many elements that a librarian must look at when reviewing children's materials.  Take a look at my Visual Analysis of I Love Saturdays y Domingos by Alma Flor Ada and Elivia Savadier to see for yourself!


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