Picture Storybooks

Picture storybooks seamlessly integrate text and illustrations to provide a complete reading experience to its readers. I have mentioned a few books that make use of art and words to tell a captivating story.
 

 In the picture storybook The Boy and the Whale, the author and illustrator Mordicai Gerstein gives us the story of Abelardo, a young boy with a big heart. At the beginning of the book, Abelardo and his father are distressed to see a whale entangled in their only fishing net. While the father is more concerned about the net, the boy is filled with empathy for the whale. He knows from personal experience how frightening it can be to be trapped underwater. His father discourages him from attempting to free the whale, but the boy can't stop thinking about the trapped animal and decides to cut the nets and save the whale on his own.

    With sheer determination and perseverance, he is able to set the giant whale free. When the whale bursts out of the water to express its happiness, I can visualize many children applauding to that. The story ends with the father expressing his pride at his son's heroic act, and we as readers are in awe of his bravery. I think that children will be fascinated and intrigued by this book and will be cheering for Abelardo’s success. They will also be inspired by the heroism and courage displayed by the boy.

    This picture storybook seamlessly integrates the illustrations and text to bring forth the story of a courageous young boy. The boy follows his heart and does what he thinks is the right thing to do, and that is the underlying message of the book. Many of the narrative elements that are essential for a picture storybook are present here. The setting of the story is implied through the text and is portrayed beautifully through the illustrations. Text and illustrations are used to depict the inner strength and compassion of the boy who put his life in jeopardy to save the whale. The beautiful watercolor illustrations reflect the boy’s emotions, his determination and finally his joy when he is able to free the whale. The conflict in the boy's mind, whether to listen to his father or listen to the voice in his heart, is clearly documented and supported by illustrations. The color blue is predominantly used to give the readers the feel of the ocean and a vertical spread is used to emphasize the whale’s size and to show the danger the boy's faces. The illustrations in each page corroborates the text and carry the story forward. This book, in my opinion, is both visually and morally appealing.

     The picture storybook Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari is the perfect book for all dog lovers. This is an incredibly sweet story about the bond of love and affection that exists between a young girl named Zara and her dog Moose. For Moose, Zara is her favorite person, and she wants to spend all her time with Zara. Moose loves the sound of the word “Hello,” but hates it when Zara says “Goodbye.” Throughout the book we see Moose equating all the things that she hates with the word goodbye. When Zara has to go to school, Moose finds different ways to be at her side. The school, unfortunately, does not allow dogs, so every time Moose finds a way in, she is forced out. Finally with “one great idea and a little bit of training,” they are able to be together. Moose is allowed into the school as a therapy dog for Zara, who is in a wheelchair. I personally feel that children will fall in love with this book, and they will want a dog just like Moose.

          The fusion of simple text and detailed illustrations in this picture storybook brings to life the beautiful friendship that exists between Zara and Moose. The text gives voice to the inner thoughts of Moose perfectly, because I think if dogs could talk, they would talk just like Moose.  Illustrator Patrice Barton’s attention to details is exquisite. Her digitally painted illustrations complement the text and enhance the characters that they portray. The joy on Moose’ face when she says “Hello” and the dejection when she has to say “goodbye,” are beautifully captured. There is a particular illustration in which Moose is behind a door, howling and the text reads, “Goodbye was being alone.” It is one of my favorite illustrations as it captures the loneliness Moose feels when Zara is not around. The combination of words and illustrations also contribute to lightheartedness in the book. The illustrations provide a visual representation to the emotions conveyed in the text. After reading this book, children will learn that every problem has a solution and if you really desire something, then there is no way anyone can stop you from achieving it. As they say, “Where there is a will there is a way.”

   The Chinese Emperor’s New Clothes by Ying Chang Compestine offers a new twist to Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, The Emperor's New Clothes. In the hands of Compestine, the same tale gets transported to China, which according to her is where this story originated, and a smart young emperor becomes the central figure. Ming Da became emperor at the young age of nine, and his ministers, believing him to be lacking in experience, took silk, rice, gold, and gems from him. The emperor had thought of using his treasures to help the poor. The young emperor with the help of two faithful tailors decides to trick his ministers in returning everything that they had taken away. What ensues is a humorous way in which the crafty and smart boy emperor outwits his greedy minsters and makes them replace all the riches that they had stolen from him.

The text by Ying Chang Compestine and illustrations by David Roberts bring this picture storybook to life. It has the narrative elements required of the picture storybook. The text and the illustrations place the story in China. The intended audience of this book will undoubtedly identify themselves with the young emperor. From the very beginning we are invested in the emperor, and by the end of the book, we are awestruck by the ingenious mind of the boy and are rooting for his success. The sequence of events is presented in a straightforward manner making it easier for children to follow. The text and the illustration are both used to show how the young emperor solves his dilemma of getting back his treasures without causing any significant trouble. The underlying theme in this book is that we should never underestimate anyone, and should give respect to everyone regardless of their age. The words used in this book helps create a mood of lightheartedness which I am sure the children will enjoy. The illustrations done in watercolors, pen, and ink are playful, exquisite, and they bring the Chinese culture to life. The picture of the New Year's Day parade beautifully captures the Chinese festivities. The opening and closing endpapers done in shades of red showing patterned in dragon scales is also a nod to the Chinese culture. I am sure children will love the young emperor and will be inspired by his quick and sharp wit.