| Evaluating Picture Books
The following questions are meant to help the reader determine the strengths of a picture book. Not every question is appropriate for every book.
CONTENT- How appropriate is the content of the book for its intended age level?
- Is this a book that will appeal to children, or is it really written for adults?
- When and where does the action take place? How has the artist portrayed this?
- Are the characters well delineated and developed?
- Are race, gender, and other stereotypes avoided?
- What is the quality of the language of the text?
- How is the theme developed through text and illustrations?
ILLUSTRATIONS- In what ways do the illustrations help create the meaning of the text?
- How are pictures made an integral part of the text?
- Do the illustrations extend the text in any way? Do they provide clues to the action of the story?
- Are the pictures accurate and consistent with the text?
- Where the setting calls for it, are the illustrations authentic in detail?
MEDIUM AND STYLE OF ILLUSTRATIONS- What medium has the illustrator chosen to use? Is it appropriate for the mood of the story?
- How has the illustrator used line, shape, and color to extend the meaning of the story?
- How would you describe the style of the illustrations? Is the style appropriate for the story?
- How has the illustrator varied the style and technique? What techniques seem to create rhythm and movement?
- How has the illustrator created balance in composition?
FORMAT- Does the size of the book seem appropriate to the content?
- Does the jacket design express the theme of the book?
- Do the cover design and endpapers convey the spirit of the book?
- In what way does the title page anticipate the story to come?
- Is the type design well chosen for the theme and purpose of the book?
- What is the quality of the paper?
- How durable is the binding?
OVERALL EVALUATION- How is this work similar to or different from other works by this author and/or illustrator?
- How is this story similar to or different from other books with the same subject or theme?
- What comments have reviewers made about this book? Do you agree or disagree with them?
- What has the artist said about her or his work?
- Will this book make a contribution to the growing body of children's literature? How lasting do you think it will be?
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