How Epitexts Enrich the Study of Visual Culture and Spirituality in Picturebooks.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	How Epitexts Enrich the Study of Visual Culture and Spirituality in Picturebooks.
Authors:	DÁVILA, DENISE¹ ddavila@utexas.edu, JUZWIK, MARY² mmjuzwik@msu.edu, DOUCETTE, CRYSTAL^3,4 crystal.galvan11@utexas.edu
Source:	Journal of Children's Literature. Fall2025, Vol. 51 Issue 2, p47-60. 14p.
Subject Terms:	Picture books, Learning, *Children's literature, Spirituality, Narrative art, Manners & customs, Visual culture, Illustration (Art)
Abstract:	The article explores how picturebook illustrators curate material objects to reflect the lived spirituality and cultural practices of families, emphasizing the significance of these "things" in visual storytelling. It discusses the concept of "things-as-heuristics," which posits that objects in illustrations carry deeper meanings based on their roles in characters' lives. The authors analyze various picturebooks, highlighting how illustrators' choices—shaped by their own cultural backgrounds and experiences—inform the depiction of spirituality and religion in children's literature. The study underscores the importance of recognizing these dimensions in educational contexts to foster inclusivity and critical visual literacy among students. [Extracted from the article]
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Database:	Education Research Complete

Description
Abstract:	The article explores how picturebook illustrators curate material objects to reflect the lived spirituality and cultural practices of families, emphasizing the significance of these "things" in visual storytelling. It discusses the concept of "things-as-heuristics," which posits that objects in illustrations carry deeper meanings based on their roles in characters' lives. The authors analyze various picturebooks, highlighting how illustrators' choices—shaped by their own cultural backgrounds and experiences—inform the depiction of spirituality and religion in children's literature. The study underscores the importance of recognizing these dimensions in educational contexts to foster inclusivity and critical visual literacy among students. [Extracted from the article]
ISSN:	15217779