Everything you want to know about picture books can be found in this simple and straightforward guide. After defining the picture book and describing its history and technological evolution, the author helps you better understand and appreciate picture books by describing how they're made-their anatomy, types of illustration, layouts, design elements, and typography-various types of picture books (genres, formats, styles), how picture books work (the art of the story), and how they relate to child development and literacy. Picture book reviews, building a collection, using picture books with various age groups, and issues such as multicultural literature, classics, and controversial titles are some of the other topics covered. The 2008 Caldecott Award winner, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, forced librarians to reexamine the definition of picture books. To help clarify and expand our understanding of this important format, author Matulka has crafted eight easily accessible chapters on all facets of picture books, from their evolution and history, design, and manufacture to the contemporary issues involved in using them. Also included are an extensive glossary, a lengthy bibliography, an up-to-date list of sources, and a picture-book time line. With an interdisciplinary degree in child development, children’s books, reading, and art, Matulka has created a book that is a must-read. Two things that amaze are the clarity of the writing and the price. The illustrations are not in color, but this helps keep the cost down. Whether you are a children’s librarian, a reference librarian at a public or academic library, or an academic who teaches about children’s literature, you need this book. “[Matulka's] discussion of the art terms and techniques related to picture books is especially helpful for readers who approach picture books from more of a literary rather than an artistic background.” ― Children's Literature Association “Matulka's straightforward approach and easy tone make this book accessible and appealing to anyone interested in picture books, including librarians, teachers, and aspiring picture book writers. This book would be an excellent supplement for children's literature classes.” ― Reference & User Services Quarterly Denise I. Matulka is librarian and archivist for the Lincoln Journal Star Newspapers in Nebraska. She has worked as an Early Childhood educator, a Youth Services Librarian, and an America Reads Coordinator. She is also the author of Picture This: Picture Books for Young Adults (Greenwood Publishing Group, 1997), and in 1999, she created a website dedicated to picture books-www.picturingbooks.com, which this book is based on. Used Book in Good Condition