Childrens Book- NOTES & ACTIVITY

What was your favorite childrens book when you were little? The Three Little Pigs,
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Jack and the Beanstalk, the Frog Prince, Puss in
Boots? Most likely, you have fond memories of a caring adult or sibling reading to you.
1. Childrens stories are important because they: foster imagination, help kids learn to
read, teach lessons/morals, teach spelling/ABCs, and help kids bond with family.
Childrens stories frequently:
Have colorful pictures
Teach the ABCs & 123s
Teach colors/shapes
Use basic, understandable language (no large words)
Have very few characters (helps reduce confusion)
Introduce kids to the concept of good/evil characters
Teach basic storyline (once upon a time happily ever after)

2. The storyline, or plot, has a beginning, middle, and end. The diagram below frames
how a basic story is outlined:
Climax (turning point)
Rising Action

Falling Action

Exposition
(background information)

Resolution
(tie up loose ends)

Exposition: Is the beginning (Once Upon a Time). It orientates you to the location and characters.
Rising Action: Is where the problem is identified
Climax: Often called the BANG or main action of the story. This is where the problem is fully developed.
There is usually a major change/fight scene in the climax.
Falling Action: The climax is over and problems are starting to be resolved.
Resolution: All loose ends are tied up (Happily Ever After)

3. Types of characters:
ROUND- The main characters, they show emotion and change as a result of the story
FLAT- This is a minor character that has only a few lines in the story. He/she shows
little/no emotion and does NOT change as a result of the story.
STOCK- Present to fit a certain need and usually plays to stereotypes. We dont see
them change or grow (townspeople, a ditzy cheerleader)
PROTAGONIST- is the good guy in the story
ANTAGONIST- is the evil guy in the story

CREATING YOUR CHILDRENS STORYBOOK

You will be creating your own childrens story. You have the option to earn an A (90%), B
(80%), or C (70%) on this project. Choose an option below, and then follow directions.
For an A:
Create a 10+ page childrens story
For a B:
Create an 8 to 9 page childrens story
For a C:
Create a 7 page childrens story

REQUIREMENTS FOR STORY:

1. Must have appropriate structure: Intro, R. Action, Climax, F. Action, Resolution
2. Each page must have a picture with color and all words typed
3. Story must have at least one protagonist and one antagonist
4. Story must be developmentally understood by children less than 10 yrs old
5. Story must teach a concept (ex: ABCs) or a lesson (ex: dont lie)
6. Story should have 25 words or less per page
7. Story should have a cover with: a picture, title, authors name

MEDIUM:
You can complete this project on the computer or on paper. All drawings must be neat/in
color and all words must be typed and big enough to read at a 5 foot distance.

TIME: 6 to 8 days to complete

1. Brainstorming your storyline should take around 2 days
2. Outlining/drafting/revising your story should take around 2-3 days
3. Completing the final project should take 2-3 days