This week I have great pleasure in introducing you to Emma Middleton who is here to discuss illustrations in picture books as tools for analysis, enjoyment and interpretation.
Emma is a picture book author, illustrator, children’s performer and former ballerina who lives near Noosa, Queensland. After a career in performing arts, during which time she danced for the Vienna Ballet, she returned to Australia to direct and teach at The Brighton Dance Academy.
Emma retired from teaching dance to follow her passion for picture books by creating stories that will enhance a child’s sense of wonder, delight and unlimited possibility. Emma is the author of companion picture books The Lion in our Living Room and The Bear in our Backyard.
Welcome to readilearn, Emma. Over to you.
Illustrations in picture books can be an excellent tool for developing children’s analytical and interpretative skills, as well as enhancing their enjoyment of art. Picture book advocate Megan Daley says, ‘Picture books are works of art which should adorn the walls of art galleries and libraries.’
For young children, illustrated books open the door to understanding story. Illustrations provide young readers with an immediate vision of the characters, setting, and mood of the story. Children instantly respond to characters from their visual appeal. We all know and love many picture book characters from their image alone.
Continue reading: The importance of illustrations in picture books – a guest post by Emma Middleton – Readilearn
I also like to get children’s books that just have illustrations so that the child can make up the story themselves.
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Yes, that’s wonderful too, and great for language development. Before they’re reading for themselves, you can also encourage them to make up their own version of the story told in pictures.
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When my grands were younger I’d have them draw, then tell me about their pictures. I’d write/print the sentences (senseless or not…on the pages). Made several booklets for Mommy and Daddy that way. 🙂
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I love those books. They’re the best. What a wonderful grandmother you are!
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I just found a wonderful book from the library that my Little Miss can read all by herself…and she has done so several times this morning already 🙂
by Kate DiCamillo called “La La La”
ISBN 978-0-7636-5833-5
The only word in the book is La. Maybe today I can get her to make her own ‘La’ book? 🙂
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How gorgeous, Jules. I look forward to hearing about it.
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I actually thought Little Miss had sort of at least read other books. But apparently Little Miss who was very excited – told Mommy all about how she did read her first book all by herself at Grama’s. And the only word was LA. Mommy had to pick up something yesterday eve – so I showed her the book. I may just have to get Little Miss that book for a birthday or holiday present 😉
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Oh… she did make another ‘book’ at Grama’s – but not specifically a ‘LA’ book 😉
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Such a lovely thing to do together. When my granddaughter comes over, she always asks if we can make a book on the computer. Well, of course, my dear child. Why not?
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So cute. And what a lovely first reading memory for Little Miss to have. I’m sure she’ll treasure whatever book you give her. Enjoy these precious times.
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Wonderful post, Norah!
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Thanks so much, Jennie. I’m pleased you enjoyed it.
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You’re welcome, Norah. BTW, I have been invited to the home of E.B. White’s great niece. She has heard of my reading aloud Charlotte’s Web to children over the years. Isn’t that exciting? 🙂
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Oh my goodness, Jennie. That is absolutely wonderful. I can’t wait to hear about it. (And I’m sooooo envious.)
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I know! She spoke at our public library last month, but I was out of town. Our librarian told her about me, and she would like to meet me. I feel like a child at Christmas! I’ll let you know all about it. 🙂
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Sooooo exciting. How soon are you meeting her?
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I have to set the date. I’m thinking after work June 12th. Will let you know.
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Fabulous!
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An excellent post. Norah. Children in youngs age relate to illustrations before they can understand words.
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Thanks so much, Miriam. I’m pleased you enjoyed the post.
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I’m been reading baby books to my granddaughter. It’s fun. She likes to touch the textures and makes the crunchy sound that some books have.
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Indestructible books for little ones with all the sensory information added are just wonderful. I’m sure your granddaughter must love them. 🙂
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Yes, Norah. She knows which book makes crunchy sound and which toy animal would squeak when she bends the body. It’s so fun to watch her play. I could see that her mind keeps going. How wonderful is the early childhood development!! 🙂
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I am fascinated by young children. They are born to learn!
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I remember my daughter’s first 2 years. I called her sponge, soaking everything.
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They do, don’t they? 🙂
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Yes, it is a period of opportunities. When it’s gone, the life of the child is not the same. 🙂
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It goes too soon.
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My daughter just sent me some video. Autumn is standing up and feeding herself!!
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How exciting! We marvel of every little progress. It’s how it should be. 🙂
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Yes, precious little babies! 🙂
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Indeed!
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❤ 🙂
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Reblogged this on Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (Queensland) and commented:
SCBWI success story, Emma Middleton takes a moment to illustrate the importance of pictures in picture books! #illustratorinterview #illustration #kidslit #picturebooks #readilearn #teachingresources Norah Colvin #thefixitman #NickyJohston
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