Common Sense Media Review
By Jose Solis
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Inspirational docu about picture books celebrates diversity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Story & Pictures By
What's the Story?
STORY & PICTURES BY celebrates the world of children's picture books by focusing on three contemporary authors, Christian Robinson, Yuyi Morales, and Mac Barnett, who share insights on their artistic process and the ways that picture books had an impact on their own lives growing up. The documentary also explores the influence of classics like Where the Wild Things Are, Goodnight Moon, and The Snowy Day to show how picture books have helped shape children's views on topics adults don't always know how to talk about.
Is It Any Good?
The greatest picture books all have one thing in common: They address children with respect, kindness, and a complete lack of condescension. They understand kids aren't "tiny adults," but human beings constantly absorbing new information about the world around them and shaping their dreams, hopes, and fears. Just like the greatest picture books, the documentary Story & Pictures By conveys this spirit.
Director Joanna Rudnick uses inventive animated techniques to bring some beloved classics to life, sharing how books like The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Where the Wild Things Are came to be and why they were so revolutionary. Rudnick also celebrates the work of contemporary masters like Mac Barnett, Christian Robinson, and Yuyi Morales, who share how their love for picture books as children inspired them to work in the medium as adults. Kids will surely be enthralled by the clever storytelling and the charming stories shared by the interviewees. Scenes in which Barnett, Robinson, and Morales read their work to children will leave viewers completely captivated by the magic of their words and illustrations. Similarly, adults are likely to be reminded of those exciting nights when someone they loved read them a picture book and opened up the world to them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Mac, Christian, and Yuyi show courage and respect for other people's cultures and points of view with their work.
What is your favorite picture book and why? What does it teach you about the world?
What would you ask Mac, Christian, and Yuyi about their work?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 31, 2025
- Cast : Mac Barnett , Christian Robinson , Yuyi Morales
- Director : Joanna Rudnick
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , African American Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Mexican Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Roco Films
- Genre : Documentary
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage
- Run time : 84 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : March 11, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate