ABSTRACT
Scholars involved in picturebook research unanimously agree that picturebooks are a unique art form, because they combine two modes of communication: words and images. 'Hybrid' and its derivative 'hybridity' are used to refer to all kinds of phenomena that are a mixture of two or more elements. In the humanities, "hybridity has become a master trope across many spheres of cultural research, theory and criticism". Cultural hybridity can be discussed from different angles. Looking at picturebooks from a genre perspective reveals that this art form covers almost all other genres distinguished within children's literature. The picturebook includes genres such as alphabet books, poetry, fairy tales, nonfiction, realistic stories, autobiographies, and fantastic stories. Picturebooks have always been characterized by a variety of artistic styles, because many picturebook artists have had a formal art training, so that they have learned to apply diverse styles, techniques, and materials.
