Walker Finds His Wiggle: Formative Process in Developing a Picture Book to Foster Physical Literacy in Young Children

Background: There is a growing body of research on the role of picture books in children’s learning. Picture books enhance language and academic literacy; expand life experiences; promote creativity; explore/regulate... [ view full abstract ]

Background: There is a growing body of research on the role of picture books in children’s learning. Picture books enhance language and academic literacy; expand life experiences; promote creativity; explore/regulate emotions; and nurture parent/caregiver interactions.  When learning health-related behaviors, studies have investigated children’s vegetable consumption using picture books.  However, the use of children’s picture books to foster physical literacy is unknown.  To answer this question, the researchers developed the picture book, Walker Finds His Wiggle.  The purpose of this study is to describe the formative process in developing the picture book. 

Methods: This qualitative study used timelining, field notes, and reflexive diaries to describe the formative process in developing the children’s picture book, Walker Finds His Wiggle. 

Results: The development of the picture book took place over 16 months and consisted of four phases: Phase 1: Researching and Brainstorming; Phase 2: Drafting Storyline; Phase 3: Revising to Improve Stoyline; and Phase 4: Printing and Publishing of Book.  Phase 1 focused on the approach to writing a children’s book resulting in identifying a writer and illustrator with expertise in publishing picture books.  Phase 2 involved a collaborative process between the research team and writing team in developing the storyline for the book.  This iterative endeavor included the rejection of the initial animal character and storyline by the research team and recommendations for the main character and integration of movement concepts into the storyline.  Phase 3 concentrated on improving the storyline and illustrations and Phase 4 researched and finalized the printing and publishing of the book.

Conclusion: The development of the picture book, Walker Finds His Wiggle, provides the story to assess the role of a themed physical activity picture book on physical literacy in young children.  Next steps include investigating the impact of the picture book on young children’s physical literacy.