For today’s post, I’d like to piggyback a little on what Tanya
Lee Stone wrote last week regarding the frequently asked
question, “Will the internet replace nonfiction?” Tanya’s answer
to the question is “a solid and emphatic NO!” and she had many
insightful, supportive arguments. But, Tanya’s article made me
think more on the subject, especially how nonfiction books
relate to art, creativity, and learning styles. My memorable art
appreciation presentations have been when I introduced an artist
by reading to the class a nonfiction picture book. One of my
favorite nonfiction books is Frida by Jonah Winter. Having read
the book in several elementary classrooms, I’ve always had all
ears listening to every word and all eyes studying the
illustrations. Then, the fun begins where we discuss what they
learned from my reading of the book, which is filled with
insightful observations and never boring. As Tanya points out in
her INK article, “Nonfiction books, especially when done well,
tell a story. Good nonfiction wr