The Importance of Picture Books to a Child's Education

A literacy rich environment is essential for any emerging reader. Emerging literacy reflects "children's natural growth and awareness of print in the environment" (Genisio & Drecktrah, 1999, p. 227) and therefore the environment has to contain suffient enough manifestations of this print and other literacy material presented in an attractive way without overwhelming the child. "Clearly, literacy-rich environments are of value. They allow children to practice literacy behaviours and language in ways that make sense to them" (Roskos & Neuman, 1994, p. 264).

Furthermore, the illustrations paint a beautiful picture that I like to think is an insight into a child’s mind, which I is a key element in this book and what makes it so great. Since the book is narrated by a child the intentional simplicity of the words and the controlled chaos that is the illustrations breathes unadulterated life into a rather normal children’s book.

Anyone can write a book. But capturing the attention of young kids from 0-8 can prove challenging. However, some authors have written some books that are worthy of a Caldecott or Newbery Medal. Whether the book receives an award or medal the importance is a child opening up the book to discover laughter, fantasy, and truths.

The author of this book did make use of literary elements to tell the story. These elements are also used in other picture books such as lines, shapes, color and speech bubble. The book is a graphic novel and dialogue takes majority of the writing in the book. The dialogical and concise style of writing of the author including the pictures

The Caldecott Medal identifies picture books that have compelling illustrations that give readers a rich and detailed visualization of the words they are reading or being read. The illustrations also add depth and additional meaning to the stories. Teachers who choose these books may rest assured that they are providing quality and inspiring educational experiences to their young students. The Newberry Medal is awarded to books that are outstanding contributions to children’s literature. It is awarded by a committee of experts who review many submissions and select the best of each year. These selections are well-written, compelling, and have well-thought-out plots and vibrantly developed characters. Students will gain great experiences reading Newberry Medal and Honors books. The Coretta Scott King Award recognizes books that further Martin Luther King Jr’s vision of unity and diversity. Teachers may use these books to be sure that they are teaching their students about diversity in engaging and exciting ways.

With his opening sequence McCloud illustrates that because the acting of showing is instinctual, incorporating visuals with literature would be logical. The series of panels in which the boy is struggling to explain verbally, not visually, what the toy is capable of captures McCloud’s audience instantly because it is an experience that many have had. It is not unusual for a child to use visual markers like “this” and “that” when explaining objects, events, etc. McCloud then goes on to explain that it is expected for children to graduate from books with mostly pictures to novels with no pictures at all as they mature with time. This is attributed to the cultural perception of comic books. According to Stephen Weiner in his book Faster Than a Speeding Bullet: The Rise of the Graphic Novel, “newspaper comic strips were always

Ever analyzed a picture book before? The colors, shapes, and underlying message on every inch of the page create a story. A story that makes your brain tick and contemplate what exactly you’re looking at. These things are significant to the constant development of a human being, but the specifically to a child.

Dr. Seuss greatly impacted children’s books. He changed the way that children’s books are written and illustrated with his original style. Many people consider Dr. Seuss’s unique style to be one of his greatest achievements (“Contemporary Authors”). Before Dr. Seuss’s books, children’s books were very bland and uncreative. After the release of his books, many authors follow his example when writing their books (“Theodor

Children’s literature is an effective teaching tool for children but also a way for children to escape their daily lives through fantasy. Didactic material can be used to teach life lessons, manners and morals where subversive and fantasy genres can allow children to release from daily expectations and allows an outlet for their large imaginations.

Many people have grown up reading Dr. Seuss books as a child especially, Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, Oh, the Places You’ll Go, and many more. However, as children it can be hard to learn to read and write with many unknown words in books. Despite how hard it can be, author Theodor Seuss Geisel has made it easier for children to learn to read. His books have made a lasting impact on society and throughout the world. Dr. Seuss’ imagination inspires others to let their minds roam free.

Chapter 3 states that picture books are a child’s first invitation into the world of literature and the potential start of a lifelong adventures with reading. As a parent, making time and space to read together is the simplest, most effective way to nurture compassion for a child. At school, the teacher can introduce a good book that will open the door to a new perspective, creating a wonderful opportunity to teach empathy, cooperation, and sharing. I once had chance to read a book called How Full is Your Bucket by Tom Rath. Although it consists of simple text and vivid illustrations, this book encourages positive behavior as

When picking out literature keep the child’s age, gender, attention span, and personal interests in mind. An uninterested child is unlikely to pay attention to the story. Do not overwhelm the child with a complex storyline beyond their comprehension or emotional level.

I chose to read and comment on Barbara Kiefer’s “Envisioning Experience: The Potential of Picture Books.” Kiefer’s main point in writing this essay was to get the message across that children enjoy picture books that allow them to identify and make connections with the characters or the plots, and that while reading and analyzing the pictures, they gain a better sense of aesthetics and how to interpret them.

Encourages children to read familiar stories independently by relating illustrations to the text. (Vukelich & Christie, 2004, p.8)

There are numerous children’s books available for educators to utilize as they create, integrate, and incorporate reading books into their lessons. When selecting books for students, many factors come into play. One central component to employ when selecting Children’s books is ensuring the book is developmentally appropriate for the child (Lennox, 2013). In order to select