TYPES OF PICTURE BOOKS
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Picture books cover a wide range of topics and writing styles. The following is only a basic introduction, not a complete or academic survey. Obviously, many of the categories overlap, and the list could be expanded to include numerous other approaches. It is only intended to spark your interest. I’ve added a short list of websites if you wish to read different types of picture books. Also, many public libraries maintain lists of recommended books on different subjects for different age groups. Ask your local children’s librarian or visit you library’s website to find out more.
BOOKS FOR THE YOUNGEST CHILDREN, ages 0-3
Books for infants through preschool age children tend to focus on basic concepts—colors, shapes, sizes, numbers, sounds, etc. In fact, many publishers refer to these types of books as “concept books” because they are written to convey simple, straightforward information, rather than a complex story. This doesn’t mean they are simple to write or lack imagination. Far from it. Writing for the smallest children is a special talent requiring the ability to present time-tested material in a fresh, new way. Here are a few of the topics you are likely to find in books for very small children:
BOOKS FOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH THE EARLY GRADES, ages 4-8
School age children have begun to explore the world outside the family. Stories for this age group can be realistic or use fantasy, but they usually address the issues kids face as their lives become more complicated (and exiting too!) Some of the most popular picture book topics include:
NONFICTION
Nonfiction picture books have become increasingly popular among publishers, teachers and librarians. Topics can include science, history, math, and even grammar. Here are a few popular themes:
BOOKS ON "DIFFICULT" TOPICS
Picture books can be serious too. They can help young and even older kids deal with some of the larger and more difficult issues that all of us face in life—the death of loved ones, loss, grief, and illness. Though writing about these things for children can seem like a tall order, you can do with sensitivity and grace. If you want to tackle a difficult topic it’s important to remember that even though the story may not end happily it can end with hope.The most successful books on serious topics respect the feelings of children. They don't preach or offer abstract explanations. Sometimes the best way to convey the idea of hope is to show people taking concrete actions: We can do something to remember someone who died--plant a garden or make a quilt, for example. When disaster forces families to move, familiar routines can make new places seem like home. Some serious topics that appear in picture books include:
LOOKING FOR A BOOK?
As you can see there is no “typical” picture book. What you write depends on your own talents, inclinations, and inspiration. If you want to read some picture books on different subjects to get your creative juices flowing, here are a few lists that can give you a start:
100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know, New York Public Library
Picture Book Mysteries, Cambridge Public Library
Books for Toddlers, Boston Public Library
Best Stories: Picture Books, Chicago Public Library
Picture books cover a wide range of topics and writing styles. The following is only a basic introduction, not a complete or academic survey. Obviously, many of the categories overlap, and the list could be expanded to include numerous other approaches. It is only intended to spark your interest. I’ve added a short list of websites if you wish to read different types of picture books. Also, many public libraries maintain lists of recommended books on different subjects for different age groups. Ask your local children’s librarian or visit you library’s website to find out more.
BOOKS FOR THE YOUNGEST CHILDREN, ages 0-3
Books for infants through preschool age children tend to focus on basic concepts—colors, shapes, sizes, numbers, sounds, etc. In fact, many publishers refer to these types of books as “concept books” because they are written to convey simple, straightforward information, rather than a complex story. This doesn’t mean they are simple to write or lack imagination. Far from it. Writing for the smallest children is a special talent requiring the ability to present time-tested material in a fresh, new way. Here are a few of the topics you are likely to find in books for very small children:
- Naming Things: As children learn language, naming things becomes important. Naming books can be grouped into categories. Everyday objects, for instance: Spoon, chair, and cup. Or body parts: Nose, tummy, and toes. Or naming animals, plants, food, toys. (You name it!) Often the writer assumes the voice of the parent or caretaker, talking directly to the child: “This is your nose, these are your toes."
- Contrasts: As children explore the world around them, they learn about contrasts and opposites: Big vs. little, high vs. low, open vs. shut, loud vs. quiet, the list can go on and on. Sometimes contrasts provide an opportunity for question/answer type writing. “Which one is big?” “Which one is little?”
- Simple stories: Stories for the very youngest children usually feature one main character and action. Think of Eric Carle’s Hungry Caterpillar eating and eating his way through the entire book.
- Easy Folktales. Preschool children often like folktales with a lot of contrasts and action. Think of Goldliocks and the Three Bears or The Three Little Pigs. Three is an easy number for little kids to keep track of. And you've probably noticed, it's a really big number in books for little children. When in doubt, fall back on the magic three--three character plus three events equal the framework for many a classic story.
- Learning to Cope; Coping with emotions also becomes a big deal to small children. When they say yes they mean yes, and when they say "No!" they really, really, REALLY mean no! Books that help kids understand and deal with basic emotions are always popular for this age group. (And, of course, they can be funny, too.)
BOOKS FOR KINDERGARTEN THROUGH THE EARLY GRADES, ages 4-8
School age children have begun to explore the world outside the family. Stories for this age group can be realistic or use fantasy, but they usually address the issues kids face as their lives become more complicated (and exiting too!) Some of the most popular picture book topics include:
- Making new friends: Friendship is a big issue, if not the issue for school age kids. Leaning to share and cooperate are big steps for them. Fighting and making up, of course, are important, too.
- Leaning new skills: "If at first you don’t succeed…." This is something kids learn over and over as they learn new skills. These books include a wide range of activities--drawing, singing, storytelling, athletics, and crafts of all kinds. These stories focus on how kids become independent by learning how to do things for themselves and with others.
- Following or not following rules. (And what happens when you do or don’t.) Rule breakers are among the most beloved characters in children's books. Think about the Cat and the Hat for instance. Books about breaking rules can let kids know that it can be okay to make a mistake, to go too far, or step over the line, as long as you make it right again. (And get everything back in the box!)
- Making choices: Being able to choose your own food,
clothes, library book, game, or even pet, are important milestones to
children. Books about making choices focus on learning how to be an individual, how to remain true to yourself and find your own point of view.
- Facing fears: What’s under the bed? What's that lurking in the dark? Books about monsters, big or small, everyday or imaginary, can help kids get a grip on their fears.
NONFICTION
Nonfiction picture books have become increasingly popular among publishers, teachers and librarians. Topics can include science, history, math, and even grammar. Here are a few popular themes:
- Weird facts from nature and science: Kids love anything that’s creepy, crawly, slimy or gooey. The weirder the better. Big and wild are good too. And don’t forget about weather patterns, volcanoes, and astronomy, either All of them can be great sources of strange and fascinating facts.
- History that’s not always in the books: What kind of underwear did people wear
in colonial days? How did the
ancient Romans brush their teeth?
How did medieval knights go to the bathroom? What did prehistoric people eat? Details from everyday life can make history "come alive" in picture books.
- Important people you may have never heard of:
Picture books are a good way to introduce kids to lesser-known figures from
history. These may include little known inventors or ordinary people who
performed heroic deeds. Local and family history can be a great source of inspiration if you are interested in writing picture book biographies.
- Math, Numbers, and Geometry. If you have a knack for presenting math concepts in an original or humorous way, publishers are looking for you! Word problems, puzzles, and games, are all great ways to create picture books about math.
- Getting a Grip on Grammar. Like math, parts of speech can be made fun through the use of games, problems, and puzzles. (And don’t forget punctuation!)
BOOKS ON "DIFFICULT" TOPICS
Picture books can be serious too. They can help young and even older kids deal with some of the larger and more difficult issues that all of us face in life—the death of loved ones, loss, grief, and illness. Though writing about these things for children can seem like a tall order, you can do with sensitivity and grace. If you want to tackle a difficult topic it’s important to remember that even though the story may not end happily it can end with hope.The most successful books on serious topics respect the feelings of children. They don't preach or offer abstract explanations. Sometimes the best way to convey the idea of hope is to show people taking concrete actions: We can do something to remember someone who died--plant a garden or make a quilt, for example. When disaster forces families to move, familiar routines can make new places seem like home. Some serious topics that appear in picture books include:
- Illness: What is it like when you, a friend, a family member becomes seriously sick?
- Death and dying: When someone close dies, how do we deal with our feelings?
- Natural disasters. What happens when you lose your home? How can kids and their families rebuild their lives in a new place?
- War and other forms of violence. What makes children feel safe when they know the world is not a safe place? How can children understand larger political or social issues in a clear and age-appropriate way?
LOOKING FOR A BOOK?
As you can see there is no “typical” picture book. What you write depends on your own talents, inclinations, and inspiration. If you want to read some picture books on different subjects to get your creative juices flowing, here are a few lists that can give you a start:
100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know, New York Public Library
Picture Book Mysteries, Cambridge Public Library
Books for Toddlers, Boston Public Library
Best Stories: Picture Books, Chicago Public Library