Distinguishing Features Comments Plots are simple, fast-paced, predictable. Characters and their actions appeal to young children. Illustrations contribute to story line. Rhyme, repetition, refrain encourage reading aloud. Story and language appeal to sense of humor through word play, nonsense, surprise, exaggeration.
Illustrations encourage participation through naming, pointing, seeking.
Picture books provide pleasure for beginning readers, familiarize them with the language of books, and enhance understanding of concepts and abstract ideas. Picture books can also be used with advance readers to introduce story structure, allegory, characterization, or the effects of certain literary devices. Stories are not intended to be accepted as rue. Story line is frequently a series of recurring actions. Characters are one-dimensional.