As parents, educators, writers, and learners, we know the importance of seeing a topic from multiple perspectives—such a skill allows us to both refine our craft and to participate more wholly in an ever-more-global society. Dual Narrative picture books give early learners an introduction to this skill, as they tackle specific topics or storylines from more than one angle. The parallel structure of dual narrative picture books also makes it possible for new readers to make predictions based on plot and text structure—an essential skill when learning to read.
Here are some of our favorites:
Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey
Little Sal and her mother pick blueberries up one side of Blueberry Hill, while Little Bear and his mother munch their way up the other side of the hill. Before too long, both Little Sal and Little Bear end up far from their mothers– and their mothers end up with a big surprise! Originally written over fifty years ago, Blueberries for Sal is a sweet picture book classic.
Daylight, Starlight Wildlife by Wendell Minor
Creatures roam the ground and fly through the sky during the day and night, but those creatures aren’t the same! With simple descriptive language, this book highlights daytime and night-time wildlife, mirroring hawks with owls, butterflies with moths, and daytime mammals with night-time mammals. There’s even a fun facts page for more information about each type of creature. This dual narrative is easy for a child to follow, and reinforces important STEM-related topics!
Whale Trails: Before and Now by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by G. Brian Karas
Though whale-watching has become a popular maritime excursion, it hasn’t always been that way! This book contrasts our modern relationship with whales with a historical perspective on the whaling industry. Colored illustrations follow a young boy and his dad as they captain a whale-watching excursion. Sepia-toned illustrations depict historical similarities and differences. With an author’s note, glossary, and ideas for further reading, this book is perfect for curious children!
The Diamond and the Boy by Hannah Holt, illustrated by Jay Fleck
Before Tracy Hall invented a diamond-making machine, he was a boy. And before a diamond becomes precious, it is merely a rock. In this beautiful dual-narrative, Tracy’s life, beginning with poverty and bullying and ending with scientific discovery and invention, is juxtaposed with the life of a diamond, beginning with gray graphite and ending in brilliance. With mirrored language and poetic structure, this book is an incredible glimpse into both life and geologic science. Check it out!
Naming Liberty by Jane Yolen, Paintings by Jim Burke
A young Jewish girl travels with her family to America, in search of a new home and a new name. And a Frenchman has a big idea– a monument of liberty– as a gift from the French to the Americans. By following these two stories, we learn not only how the Statue of Liberty came to be, but what liberty meant for the many immigrants who sacrificed to come to America.
Martin & Anne: The Kindred Spirits of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Anne Frank by Nancy Churnin, illustrated by Yevgenia Nayberg
Martin Luther King, Jr. and Anne Frank never met. But they were born in the same year, they both suffered discrimination, and they both declared messages of love and kindness. Even in death, Martin and Anne’s words continue to change the world. This beautiful story highlights the kindred spirits of two people who refused to give up on love and goodness, even when hate swirled around them and ultimately took their lives.
Snow Globe Family by Jane O-Connor, illustrated by J.D. Schindler
Only Baby notices the forgotten snow globe on the mantle, but within the glass dome, a little family makes snow angels and wishes for one of the huge snowstorms of their past. When a huge snowstorm in the outside world draws most of the big family outside, Mother goes upstairs to start the bath, and Baby gets curious. You can guess what happens next! In this sweet story, the worlds of the big family and the tiny family intertwine to create a perfect snuggle story for a cold day.
Nathan of Yesteryear and Michael of Today by Brian J. Heinz, illustrated by Joanne H. Friar
Throughout this story, Michael’s modern life is compared to that of his great-great-great-grandfather Nathan, who lived in the 1880s. From views out the window to family activities in the living room, children can see how life both stays the same and changes over time. This book is a great story through which to discuss both history and the impact of technology on society.
Emma and Julia Love Ballet by Barbara McClintock
Emma and Julia both get up, eat breakfast, and attend a morning ballet lesson. Yet while Emma is a beginning dancer, Julia is all grown up and a performer in a ballet company. But they both love ballet—and after Emma travels to the city to see Julia’s ballet performance, she gets to meet Julia herself! The dual narrative of this story, combined with its beautiful illustrations, gives a delightful glimpse into what can happen when we dream big and work hard.
Where’s Mommy? by Beverly Donofrio, illustrated by Barbara McClintock
In this sweet story, Maria and her secret friend Mouse Mouse both get ready for bed, but when it’s time for a bedtime story, neither can find her mother! As they search their respective houses, they ultimately end up outside—where they find a wonderful surprise in the shed! The detailed illustrations of Maria’s search and Mouse Mouse’s mirrored search are wonderful– perfect for making comparisons and predictions that build critical reading skills!
We hope you enjoyed our Top 10 Picture Dual Narrative Picture books!
And for more great ideas, check out our Top 10 Wordless Picture Books, Top 10 Cumulative Picture Books, and our Top 10 Concept Picture Books!
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