A Book for Children as Symbiosis of a Text and a Picture: Can Future Teachers Evaluate Literary and Illustrative Value of Books for Children?

Abstract In the paper, the authors analyse to what extent university students – future teachers – can evaluate a book for children as a symbiosis of a text and a picture, and their ability to present these features to readers in preschool, and primary education. Comparing the international PISA results, the level of reading literacy in Slovakia is not sufficient. The authors of the paper look for possible reasons and analyse the current level of professional university students’ preparation for work with the book for children. Furthermore, they suggest the procedures, and criteria that can be applied in evaluating the books’ textual and illustrative quality, concerning their usage in the particular activities of the educational process.