A Textual Analysis of Picturebooks Co-created Through Intergenerational Collaboration: Elder Learners from a Rural Fishing Village

Abstract

This study employs qualitative textual analysis to examine three picturebooks co-created through intergenerational collaboration between older adult learners and university students in a rural fishing village in Taiwan. Adopting a qualitative textual analysis approach, this research examines three original picture books jointly created by elder learners participating in six intergenerational co-creation workshops conducted in a rural fishing community in Chiayi County. The picture books—Jiahao Eco-Garden ( 嘉好生態園 ), Mazu's Daughter ( 媽祖的女兒 ), and Haomei Fishponds ( 好美魚塭 )—were analyzed on three levels: thematic content, expressive form, and educational implications. First, regarding thematic content, all three works demonstrate core themes such as "local nature and ecological environment," "place-based memory and cultural identity," "intergenerational collaboration and dialogue," and "imagining community action". "Jiahao Eco-Garden" centers on ecological transformation and environmental greening; "Mazu's Daughter" explores religious faith and female identity; and "Haomei Fishponds" presents a narrative dialogue between traditional aquaculture practices and contemporary innovation. Second, in terms of expressive form, the picture books employ mixed media including hand-drawing, collage, photography, and handwritten texts, reflecting a high degree of creative autonomy and lived experience. "Jiahao Eco-Garden" exhibits an experimental and diverse artistic style; "Mazu's Daughter" blends religious imagery with everyday life, revealing a delicate feminine perspective; while "Haomei Fishponds" uses a documentary visual language to highlight industrial processes and ecological awareness. Third, the educational implications of these works are multi-layered. They contribute to the construction of local cultural identity, establish a space for intergenerational learning, and promote environmental education. "Jiahao Eco-Garden" emphasizes community engagement and ecological conservation; "Mazu's Daughter" underscores cultural transmission and female participation; and "Haomei Fishponds" advances localized education on smart aquaculture and water sustainability. Overall, the creation of these picture books represents not only an artistic practice of documenting local life, but also serves as an educational medium for community knowledge regeneration, cultural continuity, and intergenerational co-creation.