Navigation
Students learn how a book is organized, including the roles of the author and illustrator.
Imagine you have a magic box that can take you to a land of dragons or a trip to the moon. Did you know that every book is a magic box, and its cover is the secret door?
Every book has a front cover and a back cover. Think of the front cover like a book's face! It tells you the book's name, which we call the title. The title is usually written in big, bold letters so you can see it easily. The back cover is like the book's backpack; it protects the pages inside and often has a small story or a picture to tell you what is happening. When we hold a book, we always start by looking at the front cover to see what adventure is waiting for us.
Quick Check
If you want to know the name of a book, what part should you look at?
Answer
The title (found on the front cover).
Books don't just appear; people make them! The author is the person who dreams up the story and writes all the words. If you see 'Written by,' that is the author's name. The illustrator is the artist who draws the beautiful pictures or takes the photos. If you see 'Illustrated by,' that is the person who made the art. Sometimes, one person does both jobs! They are like the captain and the artist of a ship, working together to make the book wonderful.
Look at a book called 'The Hungry Cat.' 1. Under the title, it says: 'By Sam Smith.' Sam Smith is the author because he wrote the words. 2. Below that, it says: 'Pictures by Joy Day.' Joy Day is the illustrator because she drew the cat.
Quick Check
Who is the person that draws the pictures in a book?
Answer
The illustrator.
When you open the front cover, you will find a special page called the title page. It is like a repeat of the front cover! It shows the title, the author, and the illustrator again. It is usually the very first or second page you see. It’s the book's way of saying, 'Welcome! Here is who made this story for you before the adventure begins!'
Imagine you are holding a book. 1. First, look at the front cover to see the title. 2. Open the cover just one time. 3. Look at the page on the right. If it has the name of the book and the author again, you found the title page!
What do we call the name of a book?
If you are writing the words for a story, what is your job title?
The title page is found on the very back of the book.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow, pick up your favorite book and see if you can point to the author's name and the illustrator's name without help!
Practice Activity
Go to your bookshelf and find 3 different books. Open each one and try to find the 'Title Page' as fast as you can!