Picture Book Story Elements word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

Picture Book Story Elements word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this picture book story elements puzzle set for my 1st and 2nd graders during our reading unit. The kids loved picture books but had no idea what words like author, illustrator, or cover meant when we talked about the parts of a book. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like author, illustrator, cover, title, page, picture, story, character, setting, and plot. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the picture book vocabulary finally stick.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess or indoor recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether the author and illustrator can be the same person. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple book, pencil, and paintbrush drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for K through 3rd grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers draw their favorite book cover on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.