Picture Book Genres
This section features definitions, common characteristics, and examples of some genres that are typically encountered in picture books. Navigate through the tabs below to learn more about each! (Look in the TMC Fiction section for YA and Middle Grade examples).
Traditional Literature involves a variety of different tales that all tend to originate from oral storytelling. Many of them have been passed down for centuries! There are several sub-categories within traditional literature, such as folk talkes, fairy tales, fables, legends, myths, etc. Different cultures will tend to have their own authentic traditional stories.
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Historical fiction takes place in a time period in the past, and that setting is important to the plot lines and themes being explored. They often involve a fictionalized account of a real historical event (or time period) and can even include real historical figures. These books are NOT meant as a fully accurate retelling of historical events, however they make for good literary pairings with nonfiction books in a history lesson, bringing past events alive to readers.
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Fantasy involves imaginary situations that aren't possible in the real world. It tends to include supernatural elements like magic or mythical settings and situations, and usual creatures and beasts like dragons and so on. It can also possibly take place in the real world, bringing fantastic situations in to a seemingly realistic setting.
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Science fiction focuses on material such as fictional technology, space travel and extraterrestrials, or futuristic settings. It's taking real science and going a few steps ahead, speculating on what "could" be.
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Realistic fiction involves events that could actually happen; usually it takes place in a modern setting. In these stories, characters face anything from major (refugee experiences, immigration, etc) to smaller-scale (friendships, etc) real-world issues. Themes about growing up and independence are also common, as children go off to school and start to develop their identities. The main protagonists will often be children, typically an age that's relatable to the audience.
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Example Books:
Biographies showcase the lives of real people, whether modern or historical. They can be about famous figures, or even regular people who have been through extraordinary events. Autobiographies are a firsthand account written by the subject of the book.
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Poetry books in the picture book format are illustrated books featuring specific poems, or collections of poems.
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Nonfiction books discuss real events, people, places, and things
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