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Picture Book

Picture Book

Definition:

A format that depends on illustrations to tell a story or share information.

Purposes:

• To convey a plot or share information through illustrations and/or text
• To develop oral skills
• To develop listening skills
• To develop written skills
• To build knowledge base
• To model story elements
• To model nonfiction conventions

Characteristics:

• Can include text or be conveyed solely through illustrations
• Text and pictures match
• Often used in developing skills necessary for reading (e.g., handling the book, turning the pages, left to right directionality, development of a sense of story)
• Focus and unity are developed through pictures and format of presentation
• Pictures move reader through the plot
• Pictures important to constructing meaning
• Variety in tone
• Stylistic devices: rhythm and movement
• Central idea or message
• Vivid sensory description or imagery
• Line, shape and color
• Engaging print, font, layout
• Illustrations offer varying degree of detail

Grade Level Instructional Scope for COMPREHENDING and USING the Genre and Text of a Picture Book:

Booklists:

• Grade K

Access to the Documents:

Complete K-8 Genre Project
From the Michigan Department of Education

Complete K-8 Genre Booklist
From Kent Intermediate School District