Picture books are art objects in which images and ideas join to form a unique whole. Any book with a picture-book format can be included under the umbrella term picture book. A picture book might be an alphabet book, a counting book, a first book, or a concept book (the books discussed in Chapter 4). In those books, the pictures must be accurate and synchronized with the text; however, it is not essential that they provide the continuity required by a story line. In a picture book that tells a story, the message is conveyed equally through two media--the art of illustrating and the art of writing. In a well-designed book in which the total format reflects the meaning of the story, both the illustrations and the text must bear the burden of narration. The pictures help to tell the story, showing the action and expressions of the characters, the changing settings, and the development of the plot.

In creating a picture book, artists deliberate about elements of design, line, space, and color. They determine the perspective from which to tell the story. Artists use a variety of media, sometimes combining techniques and experimenting with new formats and techniques. These include woodcuts, linoleum block prints, scratchboard, collage, fabric, paint, crayon, chalk, pencil, paper engineering, and photography. Among the many historical styles that are used are realism, impressionism, expressionism, surrealism, primitive and folk art, and cartoon styles. Some artists develop personal styles that come to be associated with their work, and some use the styles of various cultures or periods. Book design includes such practical aspects as size, shape, cloth cover, jacket, endpapers, title page, spacing of pictures and text, margins, white space, type design, and paper choice.

The text of picture books should make use of the best language conventions, including unusual words, figurative language, and dialogue. Books should be written for, not about, children. Stereotyping should be avoided. These are useful evaluation criteria.

The content of picture books include stories about various forms of family structures; stories about grandparents; familiar everyday experiences such as schools, pets, and friends; stories about older people outside the family; nature in reality; animals that act like people; stories written in the style of folktales; humorous stories that range from slapstick to quiet fun; and fantasy in the forms of dreams, personifications, monsters, and ghosts. Recent themes include stories that emphasize cultural diversity, social and environmental concerns, and war and its aftermath. Many picture books are being published that have appeal for children beyond the primary grades. Picture books enrich children’s lives.