Artwork in children's books

​I've noticed a trend when I post about books that I love...

... the imagery is beautiful.
​... this book has beautiful images.
​... also, the artwork is beautiful.
​... beautiful artwork.

​I think it's safe to say I often choose a book based on its illustrations. Given the artwork in children's books is so important to me, I thought I'd share my thoughts on the kind of artwork I love and why. 

One quality I like is for the artwork to be vague and open-ended... more like a prompt to create an image than a pre-made picture. Just as imagination is the child's work in play, it is also the child's work in listening to stories. Giving a child space to imagine a character or a scene allows him to make it what he needs it to be to be relevant to his life. 

​Beach, Elisha Cooper

​Beach, Elisha Cooper

The ​Hello, Goodbye Window, artwork by Chris Raschka

The ​Hello, Goodbye Window, artwork by Chris Raschka

​A Color of His Own, by Leo Lionni

​A Color of His Own, by Leo Lionni

But the artwork doesn't have to be vague to inspire. I love these pictures - even though they are well-defined, they still allow one to imagine movement. That is, they are not outlined in black ink with a shallow, still feel to them (i.e., Dora, Thomas the Train). They have depth and beauty.

Inside All, artwork by Holly Welch

Inside All, artwork by Holly Welch

​Owl Babies, artwork by Patrick Benson

​Owl Babies, artwork by Patrick Benson

​The Serpent who came to Gloucester, artwork by Bagram Ibatoulline

​The Serpent who came to Gloucester, artwork by Bagram Ibatoulline

And then there is artwork that is done through different mediums. I love the creativity and work that went into creating these.

​Teddy, by Enid Warner Romanek. (The illustrations are from etchings done on zinc plates on the artist's own etching press)

​Teddy, by Enid Warner Romanek. (The illustrations are from etchings done on zinc plates on the artist's own etching press)

​The Cat Who Wouldn't Come Inside, by Cynthia von Buhler. (The illustrations are photographs of a set the artist designed and created - using clay, hand sewn clothing, a homemade dollhouse, and various other materials)

​The Cat Who Wouldn't Come Inside, by Cynthia von Buhler. (The illustrations are photographs of a set the artist designed and created - using clay, hand sewn clothing, a homemade dollhouse, and various other materials)

Finally, there is artwork that ​is just plain awesome. David Wiesner's Art & Max, for example.

Maaax.jpeg
Arthur.jpeg

What are some of your favorite illustrators?​