Visual Literacy

Different ways present information visually:
http://www.visual-literacy.org/periodic_table/periodic_table.html

lessons on line
http://www.teachers.ash.org.au/bookzone/vislit.html

From AIS a tutorial downloadable for free
http://portals.studentnet.edu.au/literacy/Minisites/TinaAvatarADSL/default_files/Default.htm
 

These criteria that are used for judging the UK Kate Greenaway Medal, an annual award for an outstanding picture book.
http://www.carnegiegreenaway.org.uk/green/crit.html


The artistic style:
Is the medium is appropriate?
Is the artist's personal style creative and distinctive?
Does the style work with the subject?
Is there a consistent quality of illustration throughout the book?

The format:
Is the typography (i.e. format, typeface, print size, spacing, novelty
features etc.) integral or intrusive?
Does the layout draw the reader in or is it distracting?
How appropriate are the size and shape of the book?
What use is made of covers, end-papers and title page?

Synergy of illustration and text:
Are there recurring visual themes or images that enhance the reader's
understanding of the book?
How well do the illustrations and text relate to each other in terms of
layout?
Are the images and text consistent with each other?
Do the illustrations enhance the text or are they 'pictorial upholstery',
i.e. for decorative purposes only?
In the case of information books, how accurate and clear are the
illustrations?

The visual experience:
How well does the book either offer the reader new experiences, or reflect
their pre-existing experiences?
Does the book succeed in working at different levels for different readers?
What are the aesthetic qualities of the book?
What is the overall impact of the book on the reader?

Other questions  from the http://www.yara-online.org site


Do the pictures help the reader understand the story?
If it was read aloud to you and you couldn't see the pictures, would it be
just as good?
Do they help to build up a sense of atmosphere and anticipation?
Has the illustrator used any special media or techniques for the
illustrations?
How do these enhance the story?
Would the cover catch your eye if you were browsing in a bookstore or
library?

 The Last Tree by Mark Wilson

Books by Gary Crew (various illustrators)for Stage 3 and above. ; Shaun Tan;
and John Marsden, all specifically written for an older audience..
 

Tips for Exploring Picture Books
http://serafini.nevad.edu/Handouts/Picbooktips.htm

Lower Primary can start with most of the Anthony Brown Books, which contain visual texts that are full of simple and more complex meanings.

Fox

Voices in the Park

Mystery of Eilean Mor 

Short and Incredibly Happy Life of Riley