Picture Books: Puzzles and Possibilities

Abstract

This professional paper deals with the avenue provided by some recent Australian picture books for competent readers to examine the concept of story as well as their own internal and external worlds. Readers were encouraged to 'unlock' the puzzles presented in the books by Matt Ottley, Shaun Tan and Graeme Base. The illustrations were examined in terms of the techniques they used to relate their stories, including the visual images, meaning and symbolism. Personal journals provided an insight into how students related these experiences to their external world of mass media and advertising. Personal relationships, attitudes and feelings were also documented. It is felt that such literature provides endless opportunities for reflection on story and personal growth.