What is a Picture Book?

Definition

A book that combines words with illustration to tell a story and is meant to be read aloud.

The story and picture are equally important forming a unit that is artistically stronger then either alone.

Elements

• 32 pages is standard (though titles can be 24-48 pages)

• Illustrations dominate text • Illustrations integrate with the narrative • Word count is generally less than 500

words. • Overall design serves to build a

relationship between the text and the illustrations

WRAPAROUND COVER

• begins on the front and wraps around to the back

SINGLE-IMAGE COVERS

• One image on front

• small illustration or a solid color that blends with the cover

DUAL IMAGE COVERS

• back cover may feature an image that is atypical,

• revealing a second storyline running through the text.

COPYRIGHT PAGE

• usually beginning of the book,

• information about the book, including ISBN number, brief summary of story, Library of Congress subjects designations, publisher, copyright date, and author and/or illustrator notes.

FLAPS

• informational tools as well as decoration

• front flat generally contains a brief summary of the story,

• back flap has brief bios of the author and illustrator, reviews of previous titles, and publisher information.

SHAPE of Books

square

rectangularhorizontal

rectangularvertical

ENDPAPERS • enhance the mood or

setting of a book• design or motif that

complements the story

BORDERS

• frames used to enclose text or illustrations

• simple lines or elaborate

• provides additional information

DOUBLE-PAGE SPREAD

• spread across both sides of an open book

• ideal for landscape views or scenes

GUTTERS

• open space between the pages

Gutter does not interfere with the illustrations

PANELS • illustrations

that are broken apart for effect.

SINGLE PAGE ILLUSTRATION

• illustration confined to one page

TEXT LAYOUT

• positioning of the text

• effects the mood and tone of the story

TYPEFACE • lettering used for the text

• setting

• or simply the need for legibility

VIGNETTES

• spot art

• small illustrations integrated into double-page illustrations

• add variety