“Everything Comes from Seeing Things”: Narrative and Illustrative Play in Black and White

In 1991, David Macaulay was awarded the Randolph Caldecott Medal for his picturebook, Black and White (1990). He believed the Caldecott committeeʹs choice communicated many messages to readers of all ages: “that it is essential to see, not merely to look; that words and pictures can support each other; that it isnʹt necessary to think in a straight line to make sense; and finally that risk can be rewarded” (p. 419). This article focuses on how Macaulay uses play to engage readers—to arouse their curiosity, to make them think, and to incite them to `see thingsʹ in Black and White. Excerpts from Grade 5 studentsʹ written responses illustrate some of their responses to and interpretations of various kinds of narrative and illustrative play in Black and White.