Why Define Picture Books?

Why do we need to define a picture book? The answer is different for everyone.

For Caldecott, the reason is to limit their award within set boundaries.

For Amazon, the reason is to help their customers find relevant products.

Our purpose is to develop our understanding of picture books and perhaps to market them appropriately. But in the end, I would as soon throw out the definition, Dead Poets style, and be done with it.

John Keating (Dead Poet's Society) was an English teacher who famously tore the definitions and rules out of his poetry textbook because he wanted to cause a stir on his first day of work. He also understood the power of understanding poetry through the heart over the mind. But John knew the definition of poetry before tearing it out. He probably knew it well.

The problem with John Keating, or any other instructor for that matter, is that he forgets his students need to learn the definition first and decide to tear it out for themselves. The journey is essential.

"Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought." -Matsuo Basho

The student needs to learn the same way their teacher learned to produce the same results. Otherwise, you end up with lousy poetry—poetry without a sense of purpose or meaning.
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The same is true for everything, but in this case, also picture books. Perhaps when we understand picture books better, we can break the limits and explore original ideas with intention.

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xx

​Cory

This post was proofread by Grammarly