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Cumulative.
Cumulative plots are most often found in traditional literature and pat-
tern books. In cumulative plots there is repetition of phrases, sentences, or events with 
one new aspect added with each repetition. “The Gingerbread Man” is a good ex-
ample of a story with a cumulative plot. Young children love to join in on its refrain.
Linear.
Linear plots are popular in realistic fiction and fantasy, as in Swimmy (Lionni). 
The plot should be constructed logically; that is, events should happen logically and 
not by coincidence. There are three major parts to a progressive linear plot: 
1. In the beginning, the characters and setting are introduced, and the central prob-
lem of the story is revealed. Usually the main character sets a goal to overcome 
a problem.
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C H A P T E R 2 :
Elements of Quality Children’s Literature

37
 2.  In the middle, the main character attempts to overcome the problem and usually 
meets with obstacles, or the main character participates in a series of events that 
lead to a solution of the problem.
3.  In the end, either the problem is resolved or the main character learns to cope 
with it.
Episodic.
Episodic plots are most often used in easy-to-read books or transitional 
books, such as Frog and Toad All Year (Lobel). Although the characters and setting 
are usually the same throughout, there is no central problem that permeates the 
book. Rather, each chapter has a miniplot complete with introduction, problem, 
events, and resolution. Books with episodic plots are good for children with short 
attention spans or for children with limited reading ability. In either case, if children 
listen to or read only one chapter a day, they do not have to remember what was 
read the day before to enjoy the book.