Evaluating Picture Books
Note: Not every question is appropriate for each book.
Content
~How appropriate is the content of the book for its intended age level?
~Is this a book that will appeal to children, or is it written for adults?
~Are the characters well delineated and developed?
~Are race, gender, and other stereotypes avoided?
~What is the quality of the language text?
Illustrations
~In what ways do the illustrations help create the meaning of the text?
~How are pictures made an integral part of the text?
~Do illustrations provide clues to the action of the story?
~Are pictures accurate and consistent with the text?
~Where the setting calls for it, are the illustrations authentic in detail?
Medium and Style of Illustrations
~What medium has the illustrator chosen to use? Is it appropriate for the mood of the story?
~How would you describe the style of the illustrations? Is the style appropriate for the story?
~How has the illustrator varied in style and technique? How has the illustrator created balance and composition?
Overall Evaluation
~How is this book similar or different from other books with the same subject or theme?
~What comments have reviewers made about the book? Do you agree or disagree with them?
~What has the artist said about his or her work?
~Will this book make a contribution to the growing body of children's literature? How lasting do you think it will be?