My first grader is very into visual storytelling. The first book that ever held his attention independently was a Spiderman comic book. At first, I was nervous — does his love of the pictures mean he won’t want to read the words? — but Julie Bogart of Brave Writer soothed my fears in her podcast: comic books are still books! He’s piecing together the story with the information he understands.
His sustained interest in visual storytelling has led him to compose (verbally narrate while I pen) his own stories for which he provides the illustrations. As of today, he’s written four books. (He tells people “he makes books like his mom” 🥹🥹🥹)
This practice has led to great conversations about the making of kid-friendly books, particularly what illustration is, why it’s important, and what we like about certain artists’ styles.
You can imagine my thrill when I found Elizabeth Haidle’s book, Before They Were Artists: Famous Illustrators as Kids, at our local library.
In the book, Haidle shares the origin stories of six distinguished illustrators (listed below). The book teaches kids (and adults!) how the images in these beautiful picture books and graphic novels were cultivated in the minds of their creators. I found the book on a “featured” shelf in our public library, and it launched us into a month-long (sporadic) study of illustrators, and I’m thrilled to share the lessons with you.
My hope in working through these books with my kids has been to instill a sense of wonder and empowerment in their creativity, even today in their earliest years. I want them to believe that the things they love to do now can be cultivated and enjoyed for their whole lives.
Here’s how we worked through this lesson:
One of the profound beauties of educating our children at home is the luxury of leisurely learning. I’m just beginning to practice conversational education — that is, setting the scene, inviting my children in, and seeing where it goes. If you choose to use this study, do not begin before deciding to allow it to look however it needs to for your child. The goal here is not information, it is connection.
1. Extend the invitation
Take one book from each illustrator (it doesn’t matter which), opened them to a page with an illustration, and spread them all out on our living room floor.
2. Begin the conversation
Each of our eyes will naturally be drawn to one style, color, image, etc. God made us with distinct tastes and preferences. Let your child choose their favorite illustration. Ask them to explain what they like about it. This opens a window into their gorgeous, developing mind. Do not pass judgement. Simply sit with them in curiosity.
3. Introduce the illustrator
Questions to ask:
Do you know what pictures in a book are called? — Illustrations
Do you know what artists who create pictures for books are called? — Illustrators
The illustrator of this book is named __________. Let’s learn about them together.
4. Read the illustrator’s story in Before They Were Artists
If it is your first time reading the book, it may help to begin with the introduction page.
5. Explore their work
Once you’ve learned about their chosen artist’s life, read the book your child chose at the start. As you go, be on the lookout for elements that may have been inspired by their childhood and/or events you learned about in Before They Were Artists.
6. Expand study
Activities & Themes for conversation:
VISUAL ARTS: Look for repeated elements of style throughout the books: what is similar? What is different?
ACTIVITIES:
Trace your favorite illustration from the book.
Replicate your favorite illustration from the book by drawing, painting, using clay or collage.
Create a color palette with watercolors based on your favorite page of the book.
See if there are any coloring pages from that book. Print them off and give them to your child to color while you read.
MATH: Put the books in chronological order by date published. Make a timeline of the books.
ENGLISH: Well, this is built in ;)
SCIENCE: Check out Treehouse Schoolhouse and see if there’s a corresponding nature study! Use code KATIENOBLE for 10% off!
BOOK LIST
All books are linked in my Amazon storefront. Grab a copy online or from your local library!
You’ll also find a free printable PDF version of this list below to take to the library with you.
ANCHOR BOOK: Before They Were Artists: Famous Illustrators As Kids written and illustrated by Elizabeth Haidle.
Supporting Books:
Illustrated by HAYAO MIYAZAKI
My Neighbor Totoro by Hayao Miyazaki (Grades 4-6/Readaloud)
Shuna’s Journey by Hayao Miyazaki (Grades 6+/Readaloud)
Spirited Away by Hayao Miyazaki (Grades 4-6/Readaloud)
Illustrated by TOVE JANSSON
The Moomins and the Great Flood by Tove Jansson (Ages 6-11)
Who Will Comfort Toffle? by Tove Jansson (Ages 9-12)
Illustrated by WANDA GÁG
Millions of Cats by Wanda Gág (Ages 2-6)
Snippy and Snappy by Wanda Gág (Ages 4-8)
Tales from Grimm translated by Wanda Gág (Ages 8-11)
Illustrated by MAURICE SENDAK
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak (Ages 2-8)
In the Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak (Ages 2-8)
Illustrated by JERRY PINKNEY
The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney (Ages 2-5)
The Tales of Uncle Remus by Julius Lester and Jerry Pinkney (Ages 8-12)
Illustrated by YUYI MORALES
Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales (Ages 4-8)
Dreamers by Yuyi Morales (Pre K - Grade 3)
My Abuelita by Tony Johnston and Yuyi Morales (Pre K - Grade 3)