Postmodern picture books are often designed by authors and illustrators “who deliberately work against a linear storytelling pattern” (Wolfenbarger and Sipe, 2007, p. 275). Characteristically, postmodern picture books have a non-linear storyline, encompass a socio-cultural or political concern, and allow students to actively engage by encouraging the construction of meaning from the interplay between visual imagery and text, resulting in narrative construction. The postmodern picture book entitled The Tortoise and the Hare: An Aesop Fable by Janet Stevens (2008a) utilises a plethora of visual imagery and written text in order to highlight the perseverance of Tortoise and the boastfulness of Hare in this creative rendition of a well-known Aesop
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Finally, when Hare awakens, he finds that Tortoise has overtaken him and is nearing the finish line. Stevens’ use of satire and gentle humour is imbued throughout, which makes the book’s social purpose easier to comprehend, and makes for a thought-provoking book. Additionally, Stevens’ illustrations have been executed with a great deal of thought as they enhance the interpretation of the written text, adding to the overall dimension of this story. Moreover, this postmodern picture book is filled with various life lessons. Best suited to the Key Learning Area of Australian Curriculum: English (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, 2017) and targeted at an audience of middle primary school students (Grade 2 – 4), this book’s rich content allows for reflection and contrast between their own lives and the lives of the two main characters, the persistent Tortoise and the complacent Hare. The themes evident within this resource promote resilience and perseverance, as recognition of the value of making mistakes, and learning from them is an imperative aspect of student
Finally, when Hare awakens, he finds that Tortoise has overtaken him and is nearing the finish line. Stevens’ use of satire and gentle humour is imbued throughout, which makes the book’s social purpose easier to comprehend, and makes for a thought-provoking book. Additionally, Stevens’ illustrations have been executed with a great deal of thought as they enhance the interpretation of the written text, adding to the overall dimension of this story. Moreover, this postmodern picture book is filled with various life lessons. Best suited to the Key Learning Area of Australian Curriculum: English (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, 2017) and targeted at an audience of middle primary school students (Grade 2 – 4), this book’s rich content allows for reflection and contrast between their own lives and the lives of the two main characters, the persistent Tortoise and the complacent Hare. The themes evident within this resource promote resilience and perseverance, as recognition of the value of making mistakes, and learning from them is an imperative aspect of student