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Reviewing Picture Books
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From: Karen L. Simonetti <karensue>
Date: Wed, 02 Sep 1998 09:27:45 -0500
At 09:49 AM 9/1/98 00, KT wrote:
Ahem, I've been waiting for someone to start this discussion in a scholarly fashion. But, seeing as we are all waiting for that second cup of coffee to kick in, I'll just jump in. Note: First, I've just begun to review picture books for Booklist and have found it to be one of the most difficult types of books to review. Second, I was once fortunate enough to have Janice as an instructor while obtaining my MLIS. Janice, if you grade this post...I'll never baby sit for your girls again!
Okay, what do I want a picture book review to tell me? (I've read Karla's article such a long time ago that I cannot really remember what she said; what I believe/want; and what the selectors want.)
First, I want a picture book review to capture and incorporate the blending of words and pictures. I prefer to actually read a line or two from the book (in the review) as it gives me an idea of the rhythm of the story. Ideally, the review should instill the sense of wonder (or not) that the book imparts.
Second, I want the review to inform me of the placement and relationship of the words and pictures. I need to know if this is a good read-aloud, lap-sit, older readers, etc. And I don't just want to be told (although I probably write in conclusions too due to word count limit), I want a demonstration of this integral factor in all picture books.
Third, I want the review to not use the word "cozy"...I'm sick and tired of that word in picture book reviews! If it's cozy, how did it get to be that way? Placement of characters? Use of colors? Words? What is going on?
Fourth, please tell me what kind of material the artist used for the illustrations. I realize that this is difficult to do as sometimes the text doesn't tell you. But, I think that is a short-coming on the part of the editors (?). If one is talking about a bright blue and it is done in water-colors, then I have a better idea of what kind of bright blue that is versus temperas.
Fifth, I want to hear from someone else on this matter!?!?!
Karen Sue...who hopefully has jump started some conversation...
"When wishes were horses and beggars could ride..."
-Lucy Dove- by Janice Del Negro An outright plug for her book which I really love...you should hear my Mom read it aloud to me... Hey, Janice: Are you going to put this on an audio-tape?
Karen L. Simonetti email: karensue at mcs.net phone: 312.337.7114
"Walk gently, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically."
Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech
Received on Wed 02 Sep 1998 09:27:45 AM CDT
Date: Wed, 02 Sep 1998 09:27:45 -0500
At 09:49 AM 9/1/98 00, KT wrote:
Ahem, I've been waiting for someone to start this discussion in a scholarly fashion. But, seeing as we are all waiting for that second cup of coffee to kick in, I'll just jump in. Note: First, I've just begun to review picture books for Booklist and have found it to be one of the most difficult types of books to review. Second, I was once fortunate enough to have Janice as an instructor while obtaining my MLIS. Janice, if you grade this post...I'll never baby sit for your girls again!
Okay, what do I want a picture book review to tell me? (I've read Karla's article such a long time ago that I cannot really remember what she said; what I believe/want; and what the selectors want.)
First, I want a picture book review to capture and incorporate the blending of words and pictures. I prefer to actually read a line or two from the book (in the review) as it gives me an idea of the rhythm of the story. Ideally, the review should instill the sense of wonder (or not) that the book imparts.
Second, I want the review to inform me of the placement and relationship of the words and pictures. I need to know if this is a good read-aloud, lap-sit, older readers, etc. And I don't just want to be told (although I probably write in conclusions too due to word count limit), I want a demonstration of this integral factor in all picture books.
Third, I want the review to not use the word "cozy"...I'm sick and tired of that word in picture book reviews! If it's cozy, how did it get to be that way? Placement of characters? Use of colors? Words? What is going on?
Fourth, please tell me what kind of material the artist used for the illustrations. I realize that this is difficult to do as sometimes the text doesn't tell you. But, I think that is a short-coming on the part of the editors (?). If one is talking about a bright blue and it is done in water-colors, then I have a better idea of what kind of bright blue that is versus temperas.
Fifth, I want to hear from someone else on this matter!?!?!
Karen Sue...who hopefully has jump started some conversation...
"When wishes were horses and beggars could ride..."
-Lucy Dove- by Janice Del Negro An outright plug for her book which I really love...you should hear my Mom read it aloud to me... Hey, Janice: Are you going to put this on an audio-tape?
Karen L. Simonetti email: karensue at mcs.net phone: 312.337.7114
"Walk gently, breathe peacefully, laugh hysterically."
Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech
Received on Wed 02 Sep 1998 09:27:45 AM CDT
