COLLABORATIVE CHILDRENS BOOKS

Collaborative Children's Books

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create a Collaborative Children's Book using illustration techniques learned in class
• Use monochromatic color (light yellow, yellow, dark yellow), space (positive, negative), and line variation (spiral, zig zag, straight) inspired by 1930s-1960s Printing Industry
• Use  paper engineering techniques (illustration analysis, story paneling, layout alignment) and design principles (balance, unity, variation) based on Contemporary Art
• Define Storyboard (a sequence of drawings arranged to show changes of scenes and actions)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Read Graphic Design: A Career Guide and Education Directory (1994) Sharon Helmer
2. Read Children's Book Covers: Great Book Jacket and Cover Design (2003) Alan Powers
3. Discussion Questions "What are picture books and how are they made? Do you agree with the summary of what should be included on the cover? Do you agree with the mood that was chosen? What images might you use? How could we demonstrate that we can sequence and retell these events? What will our main characters name be? What is the character name? What type of character will it be? Will the character have supporting cast or a side-kick? Will the character have props or a special environment that they live in? How do you generate content to help inspire others to tell their stories? What are your favorite book characters?"

Lesson Activities 

1. Choose 8.5 X 11" Drawing Paper
2. Draw Three Thumbnail Sketches for each caption (character, timeline, event) for collaborative children's book
3. Add details (background, expressions, content) to thumbnail sketches for collaborative children's book

Reminder:

• Initials & Teacher on Back of Paper

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Collaborative Children's Book for Assigned Table
2. Read Cartooning: The Ultimate Character Design Book by Christopher Hart
3. Discussion Questions "Storyboard- a sequence of drawings arranged to show changes of scenes and actions. What is a children book author and illustrator job? How do these careers help people in the community? What do you think a children book author and illustrator like most about their job? Why do characters behave as they do? What influences how people learn, perceive, and grow?" 

Lesson Activities

1. Use paper engineering techniques (illustration analysis, story paneling, layout alignment) to map out composition of collaborative children's book
2. Use balance (asymmetrical, symmetrical) and unity (form, composition, conceptual) move visual imagery within the collaborative children's book
3. Use drawing techniques (blending, contrast, shading) to add art elements (color, shape, value) to collaborative children's book

Day Three, Art Start

1. Retrieve Collaborative Children's Book for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (drawing paper, reference material, main character)

Lesson Activities

1. Use monochromatic colors (light yellow, dark yellow) to fill in positive space of collaborative children's book
2. Use monochromatic colors (light yellow, dark yellow) to fill in negative space of collaborative children's book
3. Add design details (border, typography, scenery) to background of collaborative children's book 

Artist Examples 

Student Examples