Criterion in the books development dedicated to children between three and four years old in Argentina.: Study of three cases

Abstract

The aim of this work was to analyse both positive and negative aspects that books for three and four year old children display as graphic products to see if through these graphics, motivation can be achieved; considering books as highly necessary educational toys for children to create a bond with the teaching material. From different Argentinean editorials three book collections were selected because they not only teache shape, colours, numbers and opposites but also include mobile pieces that highly stimulate children’s senses. The concept of early stimulation together with the knowledge to understand the learning process and children’s cognitive development according to Piaget and Vigotsky theories was considered for the analysis. Principles and laws of Gestalt theory were also taken into account. Basic elements of graphic design (image, typography and colour) and their ability to convey different messages were analysed. Besides, an in-depth analysis of the editorial design was carried out to check the different parts and elements that the books have. The final conclusion was that simple backgrounds help to capture shapes; text to guide the image; shocking colours to call children’s attention; besides small books are easy to handle and in most images overlapping is present.