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