Picture Books

Picture Books

Combine words and images to create a story. Not just for children; can deal with mature themes.

Author and Illustrator

Joint authors equally important in telling the story. Story understandable from words or pictures alone

Cover

First impression, must entertain and entice reader.

Title Page

Right-hand side, includes title, authors, and publisher.

Dedication

Optional, honors important people or contributors.

Blurb

Summary of the book, marketing tool, often includes quotes

Verso

Left-hand side, copyright information.

Endpapers

Inside covers, can tell a story, be symbolic, or foreshadow.

Storyboard

Physical layout of the book, each page unique.

Pagination

32 pages, but never numbered. Climax in the middle.

Symbolic Features

A symbol points to a meaning beyond itself. Consider traffic light: green means 'go'.

Symbolic Features: Setting

Communicates background information. Ex: graveyard at night = spooky.

Symbolic Features: Clothing and Appearance

Contribute to understanding a person. Ex: suit = professional.

Symbolic Features: Color

Warm colors (red, orange, yellow) are inviting. Cool colours (blue and green) = calm.

Symbolic Features: Body Language

Displays emotion. Ex: hands on hips = angry.

Symbolic Features: Objects

Can have symbolic meanings. Ex: skull = death, rose = love, sword = power.

Symbolic Features: Lighting

Sets mood and atmosphere. Bright = happy, Dim/Dark = scary, Spotlighting = focus.

Symbolic Features: Style

Artistic approach (realistic, cartoonish) affects tone and emotion.

Symbolic Features: Line

Shapes focal points. Curves = warmth, Jagged = excitement.

Symbolic Features: Space

Empty space = isolation, Busy = chaos. Shapes focus on objects.