In the article it talks about how pictures are all around us. Pictures, images, and visuals are everywhere we go. We seem them when driving, in school, in restaurants, or in malls. Pictures convey a meaning and represent an emphasis on something that is being told or expressed. Pictures also give us important information or something that the viewer needs to be aware of. For example, street signs have pictures on them of whether or not drivers need to be cautious of students crossing the street to school. Another example is when people of a foreign language or people that have disabilities have trouble communicating. They rely on pictures in order to get their message, needs, or wants across. Pictures are all around us and not just in picture books. Picture books are important though and go beyond a schools curiculum because picture books help children understand the world around them. Pictures can help students identify and make connections to things that they see in their everyday life. Picture books can help them make connections and be able to identify different aspects of adulthood and childhood. Picture books also expose young students to new things they might not have seen or been aware of before. Picture books go beyond a curriculums material because pictures can capture a young students attention through color, vibrancy, and visual action. This allows students to question and have the desire and motivation to keep reading and learning more which, is something that they will need in order to succeed through out their whole academic career. Picture books go beyond the curriculum because they not only expose students to new things but allow them to make connections to the world around them.
A picture book that I always loved reading when I was younger was The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The book documented the different life stages of a butterfly from an egg, to a caterpillar, to a cocoon, and then ultimately to a butterfly. The big and bright illustrations support the caterpillars journey and make it easier for a young child to understand what’s happening. The illustrations are also very simple to accompany that reason as on every page the background is white but on the page are big bright illustrations of a single caterpillar and a sun. The simplicity of the visuals it what makes it so enjoyable as it is not overwhelming. The visuals can help young readers see and understand the life cycle of a butterfly.
Jess Reynolds 