From Pictures to Words: A Book about Making a Book [Paperback]

Janet Stevens (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1999 | Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Step by step through the creative process.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Stevens (Coyote Steals the Blanket: A Ute Tale) writes-and draws-herself into this innovative explanation of how authors and artists create picture books. Rendered in black-and-white drawings, she sits in her studio surrounded by vividly colored and humorously garbed animals who urge her to write a story. Stevens agrees, picks three creatures (a rhino, koala and cat) to appear in her tale and, insisting she is an illustrator and not an author, cautions them not to expect too much of her. As the characters contribute sometimes outlandish suggestions and diverting asides, Stevens tells them that their story needs a setting; a beginning, middle and end; plus a plot in which something happens. She lays out her sketches in a storyboard and then, with her chatty characters by her side, goes through the processes of writing, editing, making a dummy and creating the final art. Though the detailed explanations may prove a bit laborious, aspiring writers and artists will appreciate this tidy lesson. Ages 7-9.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Booklist

Gr. 2^-4. With so many successful picture books to her credit, Stevens seems the perfect person to introduce picture-book writing and illustrating to children. Her clever book may not be prime story-time material, but it will be fun for teachers to use in class and ideal for sharing with creative kids. Stevens, appearing as herself sketched in black-and-white, is the main character in her story. She's surrounded by a fetching assemblage of colorful animal characters who encourage her to write a book starring them. With help from Cat, Koala Bear, and Rhino, she does, explaining as she goes along the basic elements of writing and illustrating--setting, plot, tension, and characterization. Kids won't learn the technical production stuff, but Stevens demystifies the creative process, not only in her text, but also in the warm and friendly chaos of the pictures. A last page encourages children to try making a book of their own. Stephanie Zvirin --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House (March 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823412717
• ISBN-13: 978-0823412716
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 9.2 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #732,653 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #73 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Biographies > Literary
  • #78 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Reference & Nonfiction > Language Arts > Composition & Creative Writing

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful story for children and adults of all ages!, July 29, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: From Pictures to Words: A Book about Making a Book (Hardcover)

Stevens has created a delightful story, complete with fabulous illustrations, in which she models for the reader how a book/story is written. This is a valuable/must resource for any elementary teacher wanting to introduce or reinforce the elements of a story or who just wants her students to enjoy a well-written, fun tale

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Definite Winner!, April 1, 2002

By 

Bettie Fisher (Dexter, MI USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From Pictures to Words: A Book about Making a Book (Paperback)

I love Janet Stevens' work and this one is no exception. The illustrations are delightful, as always, and the concept of showing readers how a book is made is terrific. I'll enjoy sharing this with classes. It would be a great lead-in for students to do writing of their own, too. It's a winner!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fabulous Book for Teaching Students, October 17, 2010

By 

Amy - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: From Pictures to Words: A Book about Making a Book (Paperback)

I am an elementary teacher and have loved sharing this book with my students for many years -- especially those who have chronic writer's block. This is also an inspirational book for an art activity. I like to have students think about the characters from their own favorite children's books and then draw a picture of themselves reading a book (blank cover) with the main characters from their favorites behind and around them, reading the book with them.

This is also a very, very good author to meet in person! She really teaches kids how to think artistically and draw! Brings in lots of geometry, too -- seeing the shapes.