What Do Authors and Illustrators Do? (Two Books in One)
on Goodreads (29)
What’s inside...
Children's books tell stories with words and often with pictures, too. In What Do Authors Do? Christelow shows how an idea blossoms into a final book in colorful watercolors and comic book-style frames. In What Do Illustrators Do?, two artists create their own versions of Jack and the Beanstalk, from rough sketch to finished artwork. Budding young writers and artists, rejoice! Both inspiring books are now bound as one and include creative writing and drawing exercises.
Age
4-7
Length
80 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think makes a good story? Can you think of some elements you would use if you were the author?
If you could draw pictures for any story, what kind of pictures would you like to draw and why?
What steps do authors and illustrators follow to create a book? Which part do you think would be the most fun?
Why do you think both the words and pictures are important in a book? How do they work together to tell the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their own ideas about storytelling or drawing, linking their thoughts to the content of the book.
Discuss the different roles of an author and an illustrator, asking your child which role they might prefer and why.
Use examples from the book to highlight how the author and illustrator collaborate to bring a story to life.
Complement reading with a practical activity, such as creating a simple storyboard or illustrating a scene from a favorite story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding the creative process
Explanation: This book provides clear insights into the roles and responsibilities of authors and illustrators, showcasing the stages of creating a book from initial idea to publication.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge to their own creative projects, understanding the importance of planning and persistence to achieve a final product.
Example Lesson: Appreciating collaborative efforts
Explanation: The book highlights how authors and illustrators work together to bring stories to life, emphasizing teamwork and the merging of skills.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value teamwork in group projects at school or in community activities, recognizing that combining diverse skills can create wonderful results.
Example Lesson: Cultivating patience and dedication
Explanation: Through the depiction of the step-by-step process that authors and illustrators go through, the book teaches the virtues of patience and dedication to a craft.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of being persistent and dedicated not only in academic pursuits but in any long-term project or hobby.
Example Lesson: Inspiring creativity and self-expression
Explanation: By peeking into the creative decisions made by authors and illustrators, children are inspired to express their own ideas and imaginations through writing and drawing.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children feel more confident in expressing themselves creatively, whether in art projects, writing assignments, or imaginative play.
Example Lesson: Enhancing problem-solving skills
Explanation: The book shows how authors and illustrators solve problems that arise during the creation of a book, like adjusting the narrative flow or improving illustrations.
Real-World Application: Children learn to approach problems as opportunities for improvement and can use these skills to navigate challenges in schoolwork and everyday tasks.