Task 2: Appropriateness of genre

What 'art-style' would be appropriate for:
• Information/Reference title - aimed at 9-11 years olds.
   Information books aimed to children at age 9-11, I believe, should have a more realistic art-style, or even have photos.
Children at the age of 9 to 11 are not yet at the adolescent zone, hence they are still exploring the world and its mysteries. At this age it is likely that children still have their heroes, favourite stuffed animals and best memories of stories and tales from the earlier years. Moving on from that age means exploring he outside world and making sure, that everything they have been told is still true (pirates, etc.) Curiosity is the main drive during those years, that is why information children's books could be a mixture of illustration (to satisfy their playful side) and photography (to satisfy their curious side).
Playfulness of illustration in these books is relatively important. Although there might not be any storytelling as such, the books have to look dynamic and interesting. Information about any subject is quite important, keeping the facts straight, though in a light and happy mood.

• Baby/Toddler - First Objects Book.   
Primary colours, simple shapes and figures. Developing knowledge of names, objects, etc.
It is an appropriate art style for a first object book, because it introduces children to colours, objects and their names at early age. These books are only introductory for kids to develop their recognition skills.

The most important criteria for First Objects Books is focusing attention: there should not be a lot going on the pages, only the most important aspect closely in the middle, so teachers, parents or baby sitters could interact with children using the book. Moreover, the colours should be primary, although not too bright or edgy.



• Picture book - aimed at 3-6 year olds.
Interactive (or just more interesting with its layout) picture books, containing a few more details, so the attention, curiosity and imagination of the child could be stimulated, while reading it. The imagery, I believe, should still be in light, pastel colours, with more intricate details than books for toddlers/babies.

I consider the art style to be appropriate, because it usually represents love, happy, nice life/ friendship/ relationship with others, has links to animals, family and friends. Illustrations should be nice to explore and look at, this way curiosity is stimulated.
The most important elements of picture books are the story, the moral of the story and the dynamics of illustrations, so children would not be only interested in their parents or guardians reading for them, but reading on their own.