Examine how the text uses patterns, such as rhyme and repeated phrases, which preschoolers love. For example, in "Where the Wild Things Are," Sendak writes that the wild things "roared their terrible roars and gnashed their terrible teeth and rolled their terrible eyes and showed their terrible claws."
Ask yourself how important sound and rhythm are because young children enjoy the sound of language. For instance, Sendak describes Max's journey thus: "...he sailed off through night and day and in and out of weeks and almost over a year to where the wild things are."
Consider whether the subject is appropriate for a child's cognitive level and experience. Preschoolers can understand concrete objects but may not grasp abstract ideas. Max's transition from waking to dreaming includes familiar objects such as trees, vines and a boat.
Evaluate how well the artist employs elements of composition such as variation and unity. Max wears his wolf suit throughout the story. He resembles the wild things, who in turn mimic his posture and walk.
Decide whether the artist makes skillful use of visual elements such as line, shape and texture. In Max's dream, familiar shapes become bigger. The wild things are larger versions of himself.
Judge how skillfully the artist works in the medium chosen for the book. This might be paint, photography or pen and ink, for example.
Assess how well illustrations harmonize with text. Sendak's choice of subdued color throughout the story underscores its dreamlike aspects.
Notice whether the pictures add details that flesh out the story. Sendak's text states that Max "made mischief of one kind and another," but the pictures show what he did.
Analyze the pictures to see whether they add depth and meaning not expressed in the text. For example, the grass and leaves in the wild things' land resemble Max's bedroom carpet and the houseplant by his window. These details suggest that the wild things are inside Max's dream and that their world derives from his, although the text never states that information.