Author/Illustrator Study Rubric
ED 307
Assignment Description: Students will study a specific children’s book author or illustrator and report their
findings to the class. Showcase products may include a digital storytelling piece, an informational poster board and
presentation, an interactive Prezi, or something else entirely.
Suggested Authors: The following is a list of recommended authors. Students may select from the list below or
may submit an alternative name to the instructor for approval. In order to provide a wide range of information,
only one student will be permitted to study each author.
Chris Van Allsburg
Katherine Paterson
Jack Prelutsky
Patricia MacLachlan
Joanna Cole
Avi
Jane Yolan
Amy Krause Rosenthal
Eric Carle
Tomie dePaola
Lois Lowry
Shel Silverstein
Robert McCloskey
Andrew Clements
Mo Willems
Mitsumasa Anno
Cynthia Rylant
Roald Dahl
Beverly Cleary
Mercer Mayer
Vera B. Williams
E.B. White
David Weisner
Barbara Cooney
Jez Alborough
Bill Martin, Jr.
Jon Scieszka
Lois Ehlert
Jerry Pinkney
Christopher Paul Curtis
Pam Munoz Ryan
Don Wood
Rubric
1. Students will demonstrate a thorough knowledge of their author/illustrator by citing at least three
sources of information (websites, professional publications, etc.) in the written summary and reading at
least five pieces of the author/illustrator’s work. The summary will include biographical information,
content focus of the author/illustrator’s work, and what makes the author or illustrator unique. An
overview of this information (including sources used) will be noted in a typed summary of the
presentation that is one page in length and a copy will be provided for all class members.
Points Possible: 10
Points Awarded: _______
2. Students will engage the audience in a creative and meaningful presentation that reflects best practices
in teaching and showcases the author/illustrator. The goal of the assignment is to TEACH the class
about the author/illustrator. Who are they? What do they do? How are they unique? Show us some of
their books. Make it interesting!
Points Possible: 10
Points Awarded: _______
3. The presentation will be well prepared, concise (not to exceed 10 minutes in length – including Q & A),
and will include a dynamic “hook” and polished closing.
Points Possible: 5
Points Awarded: _______
Total Points Possible: 25
Total Points Received: ________________
Comments: