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Welcome to the 2009/2010 Introduction to School Libraries and Learning Blog. We are inviting this year's course participants to join the 2009 blog as there is so much good material there to be shared. This is your space for sharing and learning. If you have any difficulties using the blog please contact Pauline McCowan 09 524 3866.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Sophisticated Picture Books

Hi everyone



I've decided that our SPB collection is in serious need of a sort out. I'm sure half the books in it shouldn't actually be there. Can anyone supply me with a good definition of what should and should not be in a primary school Sophisticated Picture Books collection? I was hoping there'd be something in the National Library's help documents - like their guides to the Reference collection and Magazines - but can't find anything. Thanks very much.
Jayne (Greenhithe School).
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6 comments:

  1. Pauline McCowanMarch 17, 2009 at 10:50 AM

    Do a google search and you will be amazed at what is available! I have some points for you taken from a colleagues notes, hope this is helpful.
    Sophisticated as in capable of stimulating an adult imagination as well a childs
    Able to suggest a number of varying levels of meaning
    Pictures do far more work and in far more complex ways
    Themes have universal value and appeal, cross all genre lines
    Many issues raised demand a certain maturity level from the reader
    Besides the four 'd's'(drugs, death, divorce and disability) topics such as war, nuclear destruction and environmental issues can be found in SOP's (Sophisticated Picture Books)

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  2. AnonymousMarch 17, 2009 at 1:53 PM

    Thanks Pauline. I've done several Google searches but can't find an actual guideline anywhere. Those notes are helpful though. Thank you very much!

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  3. JaneMarch 20, 2009 at 4:53 PM

    I have found a couple of sites that might be relevant for you:
    http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/fiction/classroom/picturebooks/
    http://www.geocities.com/iaslproceedings/satpm/Waddell.pdf
    The University of Waikato website has a list of SOPs although I must say I didn't study it in any great depth. We have a number of illustrated myths and legends and have included some of Lauren Childs books in our secondary school collection of sophisticated illustrated books (I sometimes think that 'picture books' carries too many other connotations). I hope this helps.

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  4. AnonymousMarch 20, 2009 at 9:56 PM

    Thanks very much Jane. There's some interesting stuff here.

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  5. Cathy MMarch 24, 2009 at 4:47 PM

    Jayne
    My principal went to a course in the holidays and raved about this SPO workshop she attended. She gave me acopy of her notes. I HAVE photocopied them today so will give them to you on Friday. Looking forward to seeing your library.
    Cathy M

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  6. AnonymousMarch 25, 2009 at 8:46 AM

    That would be excellent Cathy. Thanks very much. See you Friday!

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