PICTURE BOOKS : AN ANALYSIS

Steps to take

1.

• In groups , explore the different picture books given to you
• Read them to each other
• Make a list of the similarities and differences between all the picture books. Consider the type of language, the type of pictures, the level of difficulties, the use of repetition , the colours used, use of dialogue, common issues looked at such as family, marriage, gender roles, relationships, the audience to which each book might appeal

2. Using only one book

• In what ways do you think the illustrations help you to understand the story? Answer this by looking at each group illustrated in the story . Eg, are there people , animals , animated trees in your story ? What are the feelings that you have for each of these groups ? Just by looking at the pictures what can you know about :

1. How the character feels
2. What kind of character it is
3. Whether what is happening to the characters is good or bad, intersting, wonderful etc

• How do the colours used help you to understand the mood of the story ?

1. Are the colours dark and scary , or bright and happy?

• Now look at the words and pictures in more detail

1. What do the words add to each picture ?
2. Which particular words or phrases told you more than the pictures about what is happening?
3. What does each picture add to the words?
4. Which pictures told you more than the words about what is happening?
5. What would you have missed in the story if there were no illustrations?