Picture books are those which ideas and illustrations combine to create meaning for the reader. A good picture book gives the reader an aesthetic experience that is greater than the story or illustrations alone. Good illustrations move the plot forward in a story and engage the reader on an emotional and intellectual level. They create the mood of the story, and reveal character development. The illustrator's style, choice of media, and use of design also contribute to the quality of the picture book.
New York Public Library
Diary of a Fly
by Doreen Cronin
The Diary of a Fly gives a daily account of the ordinary life of a young fly. This fly has the same worries as a human child. He wonders, "Will I fit in at school?" His parents leave him with a mean babysitter. He has a hard time learning basic skills at school. He gets in trouble for not smiling right in his school pictures. He has to observe a strange creature, which is a human, for a Science project. He invites a friend over to play and his friend teaches him new things he never knew before. The fly thinks his Grandpa must know everything. Most importantly, the fly thinks he has the characteristics of a true superhero. This is an entertaining book in cartoon form, and most children will be able to relate parts of their own lives to parts of this story. Interest Level: K-3 Reading Level: 2.9 Lexile: 490 Stephanie Karker
Art and Max
by David Wiesner
Arthur is an artist and Max is an energetic lizard who also says he is an artist. He wants to paint Arthur and ends up literally painting him but putting paint on him. When he tries clean the paint off, he ends up erasing Arthur and has to try to put him back together. In the end Arthur and Max enjoy themselves and begin to create art together and solidify their friendship.
Suggested grade level: K-3
Reading level: 0.7
Jessica Schmitz
Mommy?
by by Maurice Sendak, Arthur
Yorinks, Matthew Reinhart
This book is a smorgasbord for the eyes! An unfazed boy searches a haunted castle, full of monsters, looking for his mommy. Each page, is a pop up work of art, with hidden secret characters around each corner. Will the boy find his mommy at the end? You'll just have to check out this book to find out!
Suggested grade level: 3-6
Reading level: All
Reviewed by Arlette Leyva