Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Picture Book Review: Free Printable Worksheet for Reception
- ForReception
- StageEarly Years
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Picture Book Review is a free printable literacy worksheet for Reception (ages 4 to 5), in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Children draw their favourite page from a picture book and give it stars. Then they say why they liked it. A grown up can write the words, so no child is held back by handwriting. Page 2 has notes, help for children who find it hard, and a stretch idea.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children choose a picture book, ideally one they have just shared with a grown up. They find the page they like best and draw it in the box. Then they give the book stars to show how much they liked it. There are lines for writing and boxes for drawing or notes. A grown up can write down the child's words as they speak. The focus is on drawing, talking and giving an opinion.
- My favourite page
Why talk about picture books?
A picture book tells its story with pictures and words working together. Often the pictures show things the words do not say, such as how a character feels or what is happening in the background. The author writes the words. The illustrator makes the pictures. Sometimes one person does both. Looking closely at a page is a real reading skill, even before a child can read the words alone.
Saying what you think about a book, and giving a reason, is an early and important step in comprehension. In Reception, children learn to talk about stories, say what happens and share their views. A review gives that talk a purpose. It also shows children that their opinion matters, and that two people can enjoy the same book for different reasons.
Skills and curriculum link
- Drawing from memory
- Speaking in sentences
- Giving an opinion
- Giving a reason
- Talking about a story
- Early comprehension
This sheet supports the area below. It is matched to the published England framework. Please check it against your own school plan.
| Framework | Subject or area | Strand | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years Foundation Stage | Literacy | Comprehension | Reception |
What children will be able to do
- I can talk about a book I like.
- I can say why I like it.
- I can tell someone what happens in the story.
Ideas for helping your child talk about a book
- Look at the picturesTurn to a page and ask what your child can see. Pictures often show feelings and small details that the words leave out.
- Use the word becauseShow your child how to give a reason. Say, "I like this page because it is funny." Then invite them to try.
- Name the people in the storyAsk who is in the book and what they do. This helps children think about the whole story, not just one moment.
- Think about who would enjoy itAsk who else might like the book. This helps children see that people have different tastes, and that is fine.
Key words
- Picture bookA book where the pictures help to tell the story.
- AuthorThe person who writes the words in a book.
- IllustratorThe person who draws the pictures in a book.
- FavouriteThe one you like best.
- OpinionWhat you think or feel about something.
- ReviewTelling other people what you thought about a book and why.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the notes for the grown up.
- Choose a picture book you have just read together. Flick through it and let your child pick a favourite page.
- Let your child draw that page in the box. A grown up can write the words as your child says them.
- Talk about each choice, including the stars. Ask, "What did you like about it?" and listen for the reason.
- Come back to the sheet another day with a different book. Repeating a familiar activity builds confidence.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Point at the picture and talk first. Ask what your child can see and how the characters might feel. Say a sentence for them to copy, such as "I like this page because...", and let them finish it. A grown up can write the words.
To stretch confident children
Ask your child to say what their favourite part was and give a clear reason. Then ask what they would change in the story. Older or more confident children can try writing a word or a short sentence themselves.
Make it a game
Make another review for a friend or family member. Swap the sheets and read them aloud. Can the other person guess which book it is from the drawing? Then they can share a different favourite page of their own.
Mistakes to watch for
Watch forA child says only "I like it" and cannot say why.
Try thisAsk a small question such as "What made you smile?" or "Which character did you like?" Then offer a start, "I like it because..."
Watch forA child tries to draw the whole story instead of one page.
Try thisHold up the book and open it at one page. Say, "Draw just this bit." Talk about what is in the picture first.
Watch forA child gives every book the most stars and finds it hard to choose.
Try thisPut two books side by side and ask which one they would read again first. Talk about what makes one a bit better.
Talk about it
- What is your favourite part and why?
- Who is in the story and what do they do?
- Who would you share this book with?
- What can you see in the pictures that the words do not say?
- How do you think the character feels on your favourite page?
- Would you read this book again? Why?
Take it off the page
Book talk at bedtime
After a story, ask your child to pick one page and say why they like it. Keep it short and relaxed. Write down one thing they said.
Story box
Gather a few small toys that match a favourite book. Use them to act out the story and say what happens first, next and last.
Make a bookmark
Fold or cut a strip of paper. Draw a favourite character on it and use it in the book you review.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit beside your child for the first go and let them lead. Use a book you have just read together. You can write the words while they talk. Praise their ideas and their reasons, not only the drawing.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, a plenary, an early finisher task or a table activity after a story session. It needs no preparation beyond printing. The sheet supports comprehension and talk, and page 2 gives support and stretch ideas for mixed groups.
Home educators
Pair it with a library visit or a book from your own shelf. Reuse the sheet for brothers and sisters, or return to it with new books. It fits well with outdoor play, everyday talk and other reading.
Where this fits in learning
Before this sheet, children enjoy listening to stories, looking at pictures and joining in with familiar books. They begin to mark make and to talk about what they see. Sharing a book with a grown up is the best preparation for this sheet.
After it, children move towards retelling stories in order and writing short sentences about what they have read. Saying what you think and why is a skill they will use again and again as they grow into confident readers.
Check it worked
Ask these when the sheet is finished. Listen for the reasoning, not just the answer.
- What is your favourite part and why?
- Who is in the story and what do they do?
- Who would you share this book with?
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Picture Book Review for?
It is written for Reception, which is ages 4 to 5, in the Early Years Foundation Stage. It works best when a grown up shares it with the child, especially for the first go.
- What will children practise?
They practise sharing a favourite book and saying why they like it. They also draw, speak in sentences and give an opinion. It supports early comprehension through talk and drawing.
- How do I use it?
Choose a book you have just read together. Let your child pick a favourite page and draw it. A grown up can write the words. Talk about each choice, then come back another day.
- What if it feels too hard?
Point at the picture and talk first. Ask what your child can see and how the characters feel. Offer a sentence start for them to finish. A grown up can write the words for them.
- Is it free, and do I need colour printing?
Yes, it is free to print for home and classroom use. You do not need colour. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper, and children can add colour if they like.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. Teachers can use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing. Page 2 has support and stretch ideas for mixed ability groups.
- How long does it take?
There is no set time. Let your child go at their own pace and stop when they lose interest. You can draw on one day and talk about the book on another. Short, relaxed sessions work well.
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Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.