Picture Books 101Interactive Read-Alouds

Melanie Wible

Picture books

• Usually 32 pages

• Small amount of text

• Large amount of illustrations

• Pictures are necessary in telling the story

Picture book- Symmetry

• Equal amount of words and pictures• Dr. Seuss books

Picture book- Complementary

• Words and pictures each contribute.

Picture book- Enhancement

• Words and pictures extend meaning

Picture book- Counterpoint

• Words and pictures tell different meanings

Picture book-Contradiction

• Words and pictures flatly contradict each other.

Picture books – Using color

• Associate color with moods, feelings, etc…

Picture books – Using Peritext

• Peritext is all of the extra parts of the story,

the front and end papers, title page,

dedication page, etc..

Picture books – Using Characters

• Make inferences about the characters.

• Describe the characters' actions and feelings

• Bond with characters

Picture books- Using Artistic Media

• How were the illustrations made?

• What type of media used?

How to read a picture book…

• Know it well

• Show words and pictures together

• Take an interactive approach• Pause for student questions

• Connect responses

• Encourage critical thinking.

• “What do you suppose…?”

How to read a picture book…

• Read several versions of same story

• Read Author studies

• Extend to group projects:• Make your own picture book.

References

•Frey, N., & Fisher, D. (2008). Teaching visual literacy: Using comic books, graphic novels, anime, cartoons, and more to develop comprehension and thinking skills. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.