1. Introduction
2. What is a Picturebook?
3. Creating Meaning in a Picturebook - Part I
4. Creating Meaning in a Picturebook - Part II
5. Creating Meaning in a Picturebook - Part III
6. The Book as a Physical Object - Part I
7. The Book as a Physical Object - Part II
8. The Book as a Physical Object - Part III
9. Conventions and Style - Part I
10. Conventions and Style - Part II
11. Elements of Design - Part I
12. Elements of Design - Part II
13. Media of Picture Books - Part I
14. Media of Picture Books - Part II
15. Media of Picture Books - Part III
16. Activities & Assignments

What is a Picturebook?

A picturebook is an art form hinging on the interdependence of picture and word.

------- Barbara Bader

As you read for this course, you may notice that some scholars use two words -- "picture book," others hyphenate it -- "picture-book," and others use a compound work -- "picturebook." All terms refer to the same type of book. In that sense, they are interchangeable. However, some authors use the compound word or the hyphenated word to show the special kind of relationship the pictures have with the words; that is, they are connected (using a hyphen) or cannot be separated (the compound word). I will be using the term "picturebook" throughout the course, because I like to think of the picturebook as a whole that is greater than its parts -- words and pictures together making something that is more than the words and the pictures. You may also choose to use "picture book" or "picture-book." Either is accepted. I'll even accept mixing the three -- viewing it as a sign that you haven't chosen.