picture books
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'There is a growing body of picture books which utilise their complex pleuralistic nature and their unique physical qualities to present self-conscious, parodic, intertexual, interrogative texts that can be described as postmodernist'. Such picture books allow young readers to question conventional aspects of narrative and challenge an unthinking empathy with what they read in various discourses. (Grieve 1993: 24)
The two picture books that I have selected for this assignement are Piggybook by Anthony Brown and Rose Meets Mr Wintergarten by Bob Graham.
'Piggybook' by Anthony Brown
On the front cover of this book, there is an illustration of the mother piggy-backing her husband and their two sons. The only people smiling are the husband and the two boys. The first page introduces Mr Piggott, the two sons and all of their 'nice' possessions. The last sentence of this page states that 'inside was his wife'. The illustration supports the text, showing Mr Piggott, his two sons, the 'nice' house and the 'nice' car in the 'nice' garage.
The text on the second and third pages, talk about the husband's very important job and the son's very important school. The illustration is of the boys and the husband (whom is hidden behind a newspaper) calling out to mum/wife for breakfast, with their mouths wide open...