Illustrated Story & Picture Book

Criteria for Quality Selection
A illustrated story incorporates a vast amount of visuals to explain the story. Some illustrated stories contain no words and only visuals to tell the story. The most important criterion to consider when selecting an illustrated story book is appeal. Since the story is mostly told through images students need to find the book appealing. The book needs to have eye catching appeal that makes students want to read the text. The second criterion I would look for when selecting this genre is appropriateness. Is the text appropriate for the age group that will be reading this text?

Use in the Classroom
I would incorporate this text into my classroom when we are are talking about inferences. The text does not directly tell students what is going on they have to try and figure out what is going in. Exposing students to this genre will expose them to all the different ways a story can be told. I will use illustrated story and picture books in my classroom for shared reading and read aloud. I will also have a wide variety of these text available in my classroom library for students to refer to on their own time.

Award Links:
http://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecottmedal/caldecottmedal
http://www.15degreelab.com/givernyawarddescription.html

Text and Author Links:
http://www.jacquelinebriggsmartin.com/books/snowflakebentley.html
http://www.marcuspfister.ch

General Genre Links:
http://www.underdown.org/childrens-book-awards.htm
http://www.rif.org/us/literacy-resources/articles/sources-of-award-winning-childrens-books.htm

Teaching Ideas for Students:
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/teach-award-winning-childrens-books
https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/story-books-classroom

Snowflake Bentley
Martin, J., & Azarian, M. (1998). Snowflake Bentley. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

Reference Information for Accessing the Text:
ISBN: 0547248296

Complex Text Level:
2nd & 3rd grade

Grade Level Span Reading Aloud:
1st & 2nd grade

Major Themes:

• Evolution of photography
• Snowflakes are each created differently

Worthy Qualities of Writing:

• History sidebars throughout the text
• The book has received the Caldecott award

Connections to Authentic Local, National, and Global Issues

• How photography evolved 

Difficulties for Students

• Students may have difficulty understanding why each snowflake is different
• Students may have difficulty understanding the evolution of cameras

Rainbow Fish
Pfister, M. (1992). The rainbow fish. New York: North-South Books

Reference Information for Accessing the Text:
ISBN:1558580093

Complex Text Level:
2nd & 3rd grade

Grade Level Span Reading Aloud:
1st & 2nd grade

Major Themes:

• Values
• Friends 

Worthy Qualities of Writing:

• The illustrations are eye-catching and grabs the attention of readers
• Easy to read to read text
• Great story line

Connections to Authentic Local, National, and Global Issues

• Sharing will help you make strong friendships

Difficulties for Students

• Misinterpreting the moral of the story

Support Needed

• Understanding of values and friendship
• Pre-teaching of complex vocabulary words