Illustrations in Children's books

Discuss the May 2017 Book of the Month, Farmer Beau's Farm by Kathleen Geiger.

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Zero
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Re: Illustrations in Children's books

Post by Zero »

Illustrations are the most important part of children's books, as they tend to understand and enjoy the book on the basis of the illustrations. So the illustrations should be of the kind that the children can enjoy and the story is conveyed to them properly. In Farmer Beau's Farm the illustrations were not that great. They lacked the element of description.
Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere. -Albert Einstein
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Post by Rachaelamb1 »

Illustrations are essential to a good children's book. I'm a bit picky about the illustrations actually.
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Post by Khaya »

Based on my experience, I think the story matters a little more than the illustrations. If you have a good story but not so great illustrations, it doesn't have as big a blow as when you have a weak story with spectacular illustrations.

But than again, I'm probably seeing it through an adult's lens, and the quality of a story doesn't matter as much to a child.
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Post by Sarah G »

I think when a kids book has good quality pictures the story can fell that much more real. If the child can see what the world looks like or what the monsters look like it can come across as real.
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Post by Donnavila Marie01 »

Khaya wrote:Based on my experience, I think the story matters a little more than the illustrations. If you have a good story but not so great illustrations, it doesn't have as big a blow as when you have a weak story with spectacular illustrations.

But than again, I'm probably seeing it through an adult's lens, and the quality of a story doesn't matter as much to a child.
Kids at a certain age prefer books with nice pictures regardless of the story. The story will be narrated by their moms anyway. Book with good storyline and nice pictures is best.
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Post by kandscreeley »

I think illustrations are pretty essential until the child really starts to learn more about plot and character development. I used to love Clifford the big, red dog books. It wouldn't have been the same without the illustrations. They don't have to be perfect, but they can't be too amateur either...
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Post by Sindhu Srinath »

Illustrations always fascinated me, both when I was little and even now! I'm sure kids are more attracted to reading because of the pictures. Imagination runs wild without them, but having one every now and then helps.
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Post by nikkon »

Illustrations are important because it keeps the child engage in reading. At a young age, most of us learn by being aware of our surroundings through our eyes. Children have this sense of "wonderment" while staring as they break down what they see in order to understand and make connections. So yes, illustrations in books do help them understand whats going on in the text.
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Post by Azrevread »

I thought that the illustrations were helpful because the words in the story described what was happening in the pictures. It was interesting that the illustrator gave the pictures a unique look by drawing
certain sections of the picture using thin lines, and other sections of the pictures with different textures.
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Post by AA1495 »

I liked the illustrations in the book! They were very colorful, yet simple!
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Post by Katherine Smith »

I agree that illustrations are critical to the overall feel of the story and it helps for young children to engage in the story. The illustrations are what make children's books distinct from other genres.
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Post by Storygamer88 »

I think all works could benefit from pictures honestly. Not that masterful use of language isn't enough, but pictures truly can say a thousand words and make reading more immersive, lively, and just plain fun.
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Post by Lennycat »

As an artist, I feel that the illustrations in a book are just as important as the words. The illustrations help the child visualize the world that the author creates. Children can view the illustrator's image on the page and generate a whole world in their imaginations. I love looking at the pictures in children's books.
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Post by Sindhu Srinath »

Lennycat wrote:As an artist, I feel that the illustrations in a book are just as important as the words. The illustrations help the child visualize the world that the author creates. Children can view the illustrator's image on the page and generate a whole world in their imaginations. I love looking at the pictures in children's books.
I agree with you! The pictures definitely enhance imaginative minds.
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Post by Mrsbellaz »

As a childcare provider, I believe illustrations are super important to the book. If the pictures do not keep their interest, I lose them quickly. I might as well be reading an adult book to them for all they care.
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