Monday, February 4, 2008
Graphic Novels--all books?
The article made a comment about how children were really the only readers who could truly appreciate graphic novels. In a way, I agree. Once you start seeing pictures with words, you almost rely on the words to tell the story for you. But a little kid's imagination can tell a completely different story. I work at a daycare, and the kids love "reading" books to me. Of course, they just make up the story; but I love to hear what they come up with. While they're "reading", they are basically just looking at the pictures and telling a story. So, in a way, it seems like picture books are graphic novels to kids before they can read. Agree or disagree?
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4 comments:
I agree that to kids, picture books are very much graphic novels. They have enough language that they can orally tell a story based on pictures they see, they are just unable to read the text. I also think that graphic novels exist for people of all ages, not just kids. A lot of adult literature is being turned into grpahic novels, so I think they are something for all ages to enjoy.
I agree with the idea that picture books are graphic novels for children. The children are able to tell their own story just by looking at the pictures and I believe that is a great language builder. As they grow up and start reading the words, graphic novels might be more intriguing for them to read. I also agree with the fact the graphic novels are for all ages. Before reading this article, I did not know there were graphic novels for children; I thought they were just for young adults and up. Now I understand that graphic novels are for everyone and can be enjoyed at all ages.
So we can talk about form (picture book vs graphic novel) or a way of reading (slow/careful/imaginative vs "adult"/rushed/textual) or how particular forms or contexts position us to read in particular ways!
Even though we make these divisions, I think that adults can enjoy picture books, kids can enjoy books with and without pictures or texts, and everyone can learn to broaden their reading styles, preferences, etc.
I agree with the two of you that picture books are considered graphic novels for children. Although graphic novels are usually lengthly and aimed at mature audiences, they still make you look at the pictures and tell the story based on illustrations. I remember a specific example from my childhood where I was sitting on my Grandpa's lap "reading", but really just looking at the pictures and telling the story from my point of view, one of the Beringstain Bears books. Although there are words along with the pictures in the Beringstain Bears' books, I didn't have enough education to read the text; I'm sure the actual text was much different that my interpretation. Graphic novels and picture books definitely give adults and children the opportunity to use their imagination; you don't have to be a child to imaginitive.
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