Level Up Literature: 5 Ways To Find A Good Picture Book
Feeling overwhelmed with the wide selection of picture books to choose from? How can you find a good picture book that your students will enjoy when there many picture books to choose from? You can find a picture book on almost any topic. Picture book are a good way to introduce new concepts or subject in the classroom. The best art projects come from picture books. No student is ever too old or too young to read a picture book or have a picture book read aloud to them. Here are four ways to find good picture books.
1. How to choose a good picture book?
When choosing a good picture book there are a few things you may want to look for. While you have your own checklist of requirement, here are the top things to look for when making your selection. First, look for books with a particular message, theme, or topic you want to highlight or focus on. Incorporating books with certain messages, themes, or topic can help students understand what you are trying to teach. Next, look for books students can relate to. In order students to stay engaged, they need to be able to relate to what is going on in the story. When student response while you are reading the book, this is a clear indication that they are engaged or relate to the book. Celebrate a good picture book with a fun activity.
2. What makes a good picture book?
With so many picture books to choose from, how can you possibly choose a good one. Here is what makes a good picture book for kids in my opinion. A good picture book has colorful illustrations. The characters and the setting are visible in the story. If I ask my students who the characters are or where the book takes place, they can point to a picture in the book. The book is age appropriate for my class. The students understand what is going on when I ask them questions about the story. If I read a picture book, while the pictures are the main focus, I have found that student begin to tune out if the picture book is too wordy or more than a paragraph in length.
3. What makes students choose certain picture books?
When it comes to students choosing picture books, I have found that their method for choosing books is simple. Students choose books based on interest. If students like books about animals, that will be what they will look for in books. Another way students choose picture books is if they like the pictures. A book with lots of colors can attract readers. Finally, students choose picture books is based on how the book makes them feel. Does the book make them laugh? Is the book easy to read?Including art projects to go along with these books can be a fun way to engage and hook students into the picture books.
4. What are some children’s favorite picture books?
Favorite picture books are ones chosen over and over. No matter how many times it is read, it is always like reading it for the first time. Favorite picture books are colorful, relatable, and engaging. Some Back-To-School children’s favorites that will get the school year off to a good start are:
A Letter From Your Teacher
Pete The Cat: Rocking In My School Shoes
The Pigeon Has To Go To School
There Was An Old Lady Who Swallowed A Book
Taking home a keepsake to share with others or something to remember a story by can be the icing on the cake to engaging students with amazing stories. Check out these fun, unique picture book art projects that will be a hit with students.
Final Thoughts
There many picture books to choose. Choosing good picture books does not have to be overwhelming. Think about the message, theme, or topic you are trying to teach. Students relate to picture books that engage them with laughter, curiosity, and wonder. Picture books that are colorful, age-appropriate, easy to read and understand. You know you have a winner when your students want to listen to or read aloud again and again. Be sure to wrap up a good picture book with a fun activity so students can remember the story.
Tips To Try:
1. Evaluate Content and Themes
- Age Appropriateness: Ensure the book’s content is suitable for the age and developmental level of your students. Consider themes that align with their interests and cognitive abilities.
- Educational Value: Look for books that offer educational benefits, such as teaching about diverse cultures, social-emotional learning, or important life lessons. Consider how the book can complement your curriculum or support specific learning objectives.
2. Check for Illustrative Quality and Engagement
- Artistic Appeal: Assess the quality of the illustrations. Look for books with vibrant, engaging artwork that enhances the story and captures students’ attention. Illustrations should be detailed and visually appealing.
- Visual and Textual Balance: Ensure that the text and illustrations work well together. The visuals should complement and enrich the text, helping to convey the story effectively and support comprehension.
3. Read Reviews and Recommendations
- Professional Reviews: Consult reviews from educational publications, libraries, and literary critics. Look for books that have received positive feedback for their storytelling, illustrations, and educational value.
- Recommendations from Peers and other educators: They can provide valuable insights based on their own experiences and classroom use of picture books.
- Award-Winning Books: Consider books that have won awards or received notable mentions, such as the Caldecott Medal or the Coretta Scott King Award. These accolades often indicate high-quality content and illustrations