Picture books have the potential to expand students' visual perceptions and foster language development, as well as promote an appreciation of art and literature. While books traditionally have been used to foster language development, limited use has been made of them in areas of visual and aesthetic literacy. This book intends to establish useful connections between picture book resources and the elements and principles of design; assist integration of visual and language arts; and establish access to picture books by literary theme, formal aesthetic quality, and artistic technique. The book is divided into 3 parts. Part 1, "Features," identifies the design elements and principles, line, texture, shape, color, pattern, form, tone, and intensity, and highlights their application through interdisciplinary use of picture books. In part 2, "Annotated Bibliography," each entry provides information on the formal qualities of design, ideas for use, suggestions for strategies and thematic applications in language arts, and ideas for integration across the curriculum. Part 3, "Appendices," contains seven appendices that enhance, support, or expand the information provided in parts 1 and 2. These appendices are "List of Illustrators"; "Title Index"; "Border Design"; "Alphabet Books"; "Literary Subjects and Themes"; "Artistic Elements, Techniques, and Themes"; and "Bibliography of Resources." (MM)