Blog # 5

Picture books tell a story using pictures. The stories can be told with or without text. Most of time the illustrations in the book are just as important or more important than the text. They are very popular with young readers because the pictures match the text which helps them with emerging reading skills. Because pictures books tells stories through pictures with little to no text almost anyone can use pictures books eliminating most limitations with the exceptions of the blind.

I personally select pictures books by scheming through the pictures first then follow the text and make sure it's appealing visually and a good read aloud if text is included. Once, I find the book appealing I find the objective in the book. The picture book may focus on cognitive, social or emoitonal skills.

The next thing I do is read the book to make sure that it is age appropraite for my audience. I am also look for revleance. Is this something my audience can relate to. Although, the character is a dinosaur he is encounter daily situations the children may find themselves in? I aslo want to find out what the end result will be. Do I expect the children to learn more about good manners, colors, numbers, alphabet, length, moutains, oceans etc. or just a fun read.

Overall, picture books can be used by almost everyone. It uses pictures primarily to tell a story and can be used build cognitive, social, emotional skill or simply be entertaining. I love pictures books because it makes the story come to life.