On Hand: Several picture books by Eric Carle and Jan Brett (or by other illustrators whose work is instantly recognizable).

Mini-Lesson: Introduce voice through art, beginning with picture books by Jan Brett. Show students several full-page spreads and ask them what they notice about her art. Here are some of the most common answers:

·         She incorporates lots of details.

·         Her work is framed-usually by borders.

·         She often paints animals and seems drawn to nature.

·         She provides little "windows"-glimpses of what has happened and what will happen. 

            Validate student responses by telling them that Jan Brett has a very distinctive artistic voice. That's what makes her work so instantly recognizable.

            Then show them the work of Eric Carle and ask, "What can you tell me about his voice?" Students might suggest:

·         His work is fanciful (pretend)-more imaginary than realistic.

·         His shapes are large, bright, bold. 

·         He does not include a realistic background, though he sometimes fills the page with colorful shapes.

·         You can see his brush strokes in some of his work.

            Eric Carle has an equally distinctive voice, but one that's very different from Jan Brett's. Test students by holding up artwork by one of these two illustrators and asking, "Whose work is this?" You'll find that they don't hesitate to identify the artist.

            Tell students that these illustrators have their own artistic voice, and that they have a distinct writer's voice. Invite students to write with attention to voice and show their unique style. Tell them: "Your voice is as unique as your thumb print. Put your thumbprint on your work today."

Extension: In the picture book Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? by Jon Agee and others (2006), fourteen artists offer a punch line to the age-old riddle, giving us the perfect opportunity to examine different artistic responses to the very same subject. Read the book to students and ask them to provide adjectives, from sweet to silly, to describe the tone of the visuals. Reinforce the idea that each illustrator used his or her own unique voice.