Final answer:
Illustrations in excellent picture books can provide plot information, set mood and setting, and extend characterization, but cannot tell the whole story, as they need the text to provide complete narrative context.
Step-by-step explanation:
Illustrations in excellent picture books cannot tell the whole story. A key aspect of storytelling in picture books is the interplay between text and illustration. While illustrations can provide plot information, set or give clues about mood and setting, and extend characterization by giving clues to character traits, they typically do not convey every aspect of the narrative. The written story complements the visual elements by providing context, dialogue, and other narrative details that are not easily depicted visually. Moreover, illustrations should not be incidental to the story but should enhance the reader's understanding and engagement with the text.
Reading for plot is essential in understanding the bigger picture of a narrative. A well-crafted story draws readers in with an immersive experience, often employing strategies like 'showing, not telling.' Sensory images, careful sentence structure, and descriptive imagery play a significant role in transporting the reader into the world of the book. These elements help define, illustrate, explain, or prove an idea, and provide a backbone to the storytelling, giving strength or credibility to the ideas depicted within the story.