IndyStar.com Metro & State November 3, 2007 Penny Patterson Picture books enrich writing skills Reading and writing go hand in hand. Here are some books about writing to read. In "Story With Pictures" by Barbara Kanninen, the author loses the manuscript of her story. The illustrator takes over but doesn't know what is needed to make a good story. They work together to get it going. The concepts of character, setting and plot are introduced. This picture book could be used with several different grade levels. Younger kids can be introduced to the story elements and enjoy the silliness of the book. It can be used for review with fourth- through sixth-graders. The book ends when the author realizes that her story is more exciting when she puts herself in the story. She discovers that adding adventure makes the story more interesting. Lynn Rowe Reed's mixed media illustrations are bright and cartoon-like. "Story With Pictures" by Barbara Kanninen; Holiday House; $16.95. "Pass It Down: Five Picture Book Families Make Their Mark" explores five families of children's book writers. The famous families include the Crews/Jonas family, the Hurd family, the Myers family, the Pinkney family and the Rockwell family. Each family discusses how the parent became an author and/or illustrator and the obstacles overcome. Normally, the parents had a harder time breaking through because they were blazing the trail of making children's book writing and illustrating a respectable occupation. The children had to find their own way in the publishing world, while being compared to their parents. They had to find their own style. The nonfiction book includes family photos, sketches and actual art from the books of the families. The book would be great for fourth- through sixth-grade kids making a connection to themselves in a family. It could also be used with a careers unit. "Pass It Down: Five Picture Book Families Make Their Mark" by Leonard S. Marcus; Walker & Co.; $19.95. "Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel" is a fun book, especially for doodlers. Ruth McNally Barshaw writes and illustrates the book. The pen and ink drawings are important since they are such a big part of the story telling. Ellie has to spend a week camping with her aunt and uncle and horrible cousins. Although they are going to her favorite lake in Michigan, it won't be any fun because her relatives don't even camp right. They don't sleep in a tent. They rent a cabin. The book describes the terrible time she has through her sketchbook. She, of course doodles, to tell the story. She also writes captions, thought bubbles, lists and short paragraphs. This book could be used with reluctant readers. The different format might encourage them to finish the book. Older elementary students -- fourth- to sixth-graders -- would get the most out of this book. Ellie McDoodle could also be used with lessons on getting along with others. "Ellie McDoodle: Have Pen, Will Travel" by Ruth McNally Barshaw; Bloomsbury Children's Books; $11.95.