Small kids have amazing cognitive abilities that enable them to comprehend the things in their environment. The most pronounced ability comes from their eyes as they can see and interpret the messages in the images. These kids can take simple pictures and transform them into messages just as the old people can interpret texts. Another aspect of the kids is the importance of the development of cognitive abilities in these kids. This became the reason for the development of illustrations to enhance the ease of accessing messages presented by the texts. Picture books have taken many turns since its inception from the use of vignettes and engravings to the use of computer programs in the current world. However, the main message in the illustrations is still the same as most of them are meant for educational purposes. Indeed, the past saw the use of illustrations to present stories with moral teachings (Carle 2007). For instance, most of the illustrations were based on Bible stories and fables. However, this aspect of children illustrations has changed over time as the idea about the learning process is changing. Indeed, the concept of learning has changed to include fun activities. In essence, the nature of the kids concerning their concentration implies that the materials used in the process should be able to keep the kid’s attention. Additionally, the process should use materials that can be understood by these kids and in the process enjoy it. The illustrations came as a welcome development in child development and that is the reason the illustrations have received worldwide acclamation. This paper is going to study various types of illustrations while distinguishing and relating some of the major aspects of picture books.

CHAPTER ONE

History of Children Books and Illustrations

The past three centuries have seen a huge change in the way children books were made and published. Indeed, the books have changed chosen moralistic texts accessible only to a bunch of kids from middle and upper-class families to picture books that are accessible to every child. These books are now many and are brandishing imaginative elements about different topics that are suitable for the development of any kid. They are also in a variety of price ranges implying that every child in spite of their financial background can have access to them. The changes have been drastic mainly because of technological advancements, which have revolutionized this department (Tare, Chiong, Ganea & DeLoache 2010). In truth, the illustrations have moved from hand drawing and painting to use of machines such as computers and printers to bring out the message in the text to pictures. The importance of the illustrations in children’s development implies that that huge importance has been given to this field (De Jong & Bus 2002).

The years preceding the 18th century saw kid’s literature being utilized mainly to edify and encourage appropriate religious adherence and good morals. These scenes can be seen in the way the Bible stories were put in vignette insertions. Additionally, tales of animals and warriors were also illustrated this way to attract and keep the attention of the children. In essence, woodcut frontispieces and vignette placements were used most of the time to illustrate stories during this period. The main reason for the use of such elements is the lack of proper materials, invention and technology that is now present in the modern world. Other literature materials such as alphabetical books, horn and primer books that introduced the learning concept to children were illustrated to ease the process for the kids.

Children books and illustrations came at an age where it was appreciated because the stories told to children were all oral. Looking back, several societies used stories to teach their kids about the expectations in the society. These stories were verbally told primarily because of the non-existent knowledge of how to keep them. The only thing these communities depended on was its propagation from one generation to the next through the members of the community. The idea to put these stories, tales, and fables into books was a welcomed idea although the thought of using illustrations came later (De Jong & Bus 2002).

Children literature was not the focus of many authors and artists for several centuries. However, some anonymous artists began using vignettes to illustrate some of the existing stories during the time. Even so, the illustrations began getting attention from renowned artists, and some began doing great pieces that are still present to date. For instance, Amos is said to have been the creator of the first picture book for kids while Caxton made a print out of a woodcut-illustrated version of Aesop’s tales. Individuals of all ages could enjoy all these books. Amos became the father of children books illustrations as he continued making these books with Orbis Sensualium Pictus becoming his second book. Amos recognized that the perception and understanding of kids were different from that of the adults and thus some element is needed so that kids could enjoy their learning experiences. Amos’ book became the start of all the illustrated books as authors and illustrators began seeing the importance of this approach in kids learning.

It is fair to state that the authorship of children books began in Europe mainly because the English Imagination dictated the world of literary works at the time. For instance, Newberry, an Englishman, began the publication of the first library loaded with kid’s literature. His collection was composed of books that could be transformed from adult content to those that kids could understand with ease. These pieces of writing included Daniel’s Robinson Crusoe and Gulliver’s Travels by Swift. However, his notable contribution came from History of Goody Two Shoes published in 1765. This book like any other “Happy-ever-after” fables involved a character that left poverty and got a beautiful marriage courtesy of his tenacity and good moral character. This book is the main evidence of how these children’s books were used to promote good character among the kids and the other members of the society.

Indeed, the books focusing on entertainment of the kids such as rhymes and several other fables were anonymous. The nature of the societal norms then meant that the concept of morality was held in high regard and thus every material that could influence the members of the society especially the kids had to be educational. Additionally, the concept of entertainment had not budded in the society then as it now. The eighteenth century saw a huge change in the industry as the level of literacy rose. In addition, a different perception of education and learning process meat that kids books and illustrations changed its face. The increased comprehension of the crucial aspect of childhood education and the need for the kids to learn by themselves has inspired the rise and development of several illustrators. Moreover, both parents and teachers increased the use of these illustrations evidenced by charts seen in almost every kindergarten and homes. The increased demand for these illustrated books meant that innovative ideas and strategies had to be included to satisfy the client’s needs. This is the reason today there are several publishing houses and computer programs that design and print these texts in picture forms (De Jong & Bus 2002).

The growth in demand led to the establishment of small prints known as chapbooks, which were cheap and affordable to everyone. These chapbooks consisted of fables, legends, rhymes, educational materials, ballads, and crime stories. These were evidently the first bunch of illustrations produced in large volumes as they were made with woodcuts frequently colored by hand. Since they were cheap, they became a source of reading for kids who were could not buy books. These illustrations became famous mostly because of several people could afford them. Moreover, children education had received a boost from increased literacy levels.

Although the 1800s presents the hallmark in the changes that occurred in children literature and illustrations, the 1900s was phenomenal in different ways. The establishment of deluxe editions using color half-tone process was huge in this century. Fairy tales were told in multicolored printed pictured designs rather than the use of vignettes. This era was a precursor of the digital production of illustration seen today. Several artists such as Rackham developed and aired their talents during this period as the gap between the author, and the artist began to widen. The result of this is the establishment of picture books with few words in between the pictures. The artists also began to have their ideas on the creation of picture books without the use of text already in circulation. World War I saw the conclusion of the deluxe editions, but this time was the most crucial time for book illustrations in America as media groups such as Walt Disney began getting involved in the business. In addition, kid rooms were established in several places such as libraries and kid departments in major firms in the US. The importance of European publishing could be seen because most of the American prints had an aura of Europe’s prints. The establishment of Puffin picture books was a great step as the children were able to read alone at home. This was done through the development of color lithography. The advertisement industry also grew the same way as most of the published illustrations. This became a turning point in the industry as the illustrations began embracing modern technology and media.

The technological advancements in the 21st century have changed a number of things in the illustration of children books. Additionally, the changing perception of learning process and entertainment implies that the initial objective of these illustrations during its inception has changed. Nowadays, toy books and picture books on various subjects emphasize on entertainment more than education. Things like comics have also been created to tell diverse stories on education, sensitization, and entertainment. Unlike past illustrations, which were done mostly by hand, recent illustrations are done using computer programs developed for the sole purpose of their creation (Evans & Gillingham 2008).

This century saw the universality of literacy especially in developed nations and technological advancements. These developments allowed the production of cheap high-quality illustrations that contributed to a huge growth in kid’s publishing. Inventions in the initial years of the 20th century, especially the use of photographs and four-color utilization resulted in the making of luxurious collections. Artists such as Rackham and many others used colors in different ways creating different styles of children’s book illustrations. The illustrations created by the use of colors revolutionized illustrations as stories could be told in picture form in a vivid manner (Carle 2007).

Kid’s literature in the current world can be compared to famous adult literature especially in variety and multiplicity of genres. Indeed, books have been created for every age from infants to adulthood implying that the learning process has been made more effective. The rising need for knowledge and the recognition that a child needs to be nurtured from an early age implies that illustrated books are high in high regard in the society now than it was a few decades ago. Additionally, the fact that children nowadays attend learning institutions from ages a low as two years implies that they cannot comprehend the meaning in texts. The only thing that their minds can grasp is in the form of colorful pictures. In essence, this fact has led to the development of several colored illustrations that portray the real message in the texts being illustrated (De Jong & Bus 2002).

CHAPTER TWO

Case Studies

After the inception and development of illustrated books, several artists and authors came into the business creating illustrations that could only be imagined when the idea first came into being. Several artists with different styles have since cropped up, and their designs range from use of technology to those that are handmade even in the current technological world. Most of these artists draw, take what has already been put into text, paint or print them through computer-created programs. However, the differences in modes of creation do not imply that the purpose of these illustrations is different. In truth, the illustrations are meant to provide a message to the kids. The only element that has changed in the current world is the notion that learning should be made enjoyable as much as possible (Carle 2007). This may be the reason many colors are incorporated into the design of these illustrations.

Quentin Blake and Roald Dahl Partnership

Blake is one of the greatest child book illustrators in the world having created several illustrations for kids. Matilda, The Big Friendly Giant, Willy Wonka, enormous crocodiles, dancing frogs, countless flapping birds, and the hairy, spiteful stinky Twits are some of the creations of Blake. These creations sum up some of his brilliant works. Blake is known for changing the perception of illustrations because he began his line of joyful illustrations consisting of several lessons. In truth, Blake has created approximately 35 illustrations while working with authors on other 250 illustrations. The most famous author he has ever worked with Roald Dahl making several illustrations by this author who stated that illustration presented a very hard task to him (Blake 2012).

The partnership between the two talents became a huge success as Blake began putting Roald’s texts into illustrations comprehended and enjoyed by kids and adults. These two met when Blake had illustrated approximately a hundred books while Roald had tried to put his texts into animations. The partnership meant that Blake had to create illustrations according to what the texts stipulates. Indeed, illustration has an auxiliary role because they are the condition by what the words in Roald books demanded. Unlike the other illustrations, these illustrations meant that Blake had to contemplate on better illustrations with his partner. For instance, the creation of BFG, Blake states that they had to take long hours in deciding BFGs costume. The fact that Blake worked closely with Roald in the creation of these illustrations meant that the author’s personal touch was in the final patch of these pictures. This is perhaps the difference between his other creations and that of the other illustrators mainly because of the personal effect from the author (Blake 2012). Most illustrators use works from authors without the author’s presence implying that they may create their version of the work or create what is on the original books exactly. This is a complete contrast to works done by Blake for Roald in that Roald took the initiative by providing suggestions. For instance, the drawing of the BFG took some discussion, which led to Roald sending his Norwegian sandals to Blake. These sandals became part of BFG’s creation in the final illustrations. Their work enabled them to create a character with its persona and outlook although there were some factors similar to other creations. A similar routine was used in the illustrations of Roald’s other characters with both partners working together most of the time (Blake 2012).

The Gruffalo by Julia and Axel

This is another illustrated story meant mainly for the kids and the adults who can afford to have a light moment. The main actor in the story is a rat found in a hard situation and decides to make up a story about an enormous animal with strange features. The other animals such as the fox, snake, and the owl cannot help but feel afraid of this strange animal. The rat is obviously not afraid because the animal is its creation. Just like the past illustrations, the Gruffalo is a fable meant for entertainment and educational purposes. The rat serves as an epitome of wisdom and fast thinking when caught in a tight situation. Indeed, the fox, the snake, and the owl are a nemesis to the rat. The rat saw one opportunity of getting out alive and took it throwing the unknowing animals into fear and frenzy.

Unlike BFG and Matilda, the Gruffalo is a creation of the illustrators in that it was written and illustrated by the authors. This gives the illustration a different feel as the illustrator does what he or she wants with the characters. This may come out in two ways 1) better than a partnership because there is no clash of ideas and 2) inferior to the partnership because of limited ideas. However, the success of the book makes a statement that an illustration done without a partnership between the author and the illustrator can also be impeccable. Additionally, the book uses several colours mainly to make the story joyful and remove the anxiety created by the big Gruffalo. Moreover, the use of the colours is a sign of the journey the art of children illustration has come since its inception.

Fox in Socks by Dr. Seuss

The evolution of children illustrations has taken several forms including the use of woodcutting, vignettes, water paint, and most recently computer programs. Similarly, the content of the illustrations has changed over time from the illustrations of fables and Bible stories to inclusions of rhymes in the illustrations. Indeed, Fox in Socks is such an illustration where the main characters tell a story using rhyming words and phrases. The two main characters Knox and Fox are partners in a rhyming game where all the stories and occurrences are told using rhyming words. The complexity of the words rises as the story wears on with Knox complaining of the hardness of the task.

Unlike the two illustrations above, the main purpose of this book is educational purposes as the rhymes are meant to enhance the children’s vocabulary skills. The complexity of the rhymes as the story continues implies that the author is aware that the readers’ vocabulary ability grows with each rhyming word. The learning is eased by the fact that the rhymes tell a story and the song that emanates when the rhymes are sung out well.

The Very Angry Caterpillar by Carle

This illustration is more educational than entertaining in that it focuses on the days of the week and numbers. Indeed, the caterpillar in the story is very hungry and has some peculiar food preferences. These preferences change each day of the week making the story fun and unpredictable. The most notable component of the story is the fact that the book has holes that are supposedly created by the caterpillar as it eats its way into the next day. The caterpillar’s appetite seems to be rising every day as it eats an egg on Sunday, two oranges on Tuesday and completes the week by eating ten different kinds of food. The story adds an aura of reality as the caterpillar ends up with a stomach ache. However, a dish of green leaves helps cure it. In the end, the caterpillar creates a cocoon in which it stays for seven days before creating a hole in it. Surprisingly, a butterfly comes out of it instead of a chrysalis.

This illustration is comparable to other kid book illustrations in that its main concern is to enable the children learn the days of the week and numbers in an enjoyable manner. Another similarity arises from the use of color in the illustrations. Indeed, the illustrator used colorful collages that add to the attractiveness of the book. The main difference comes from the fact that Carle used different page sizes that corresponded to the volume of food eaten by the caterpillar. This aspect of the book allows the learners to know the difference between the numerals used in the book.

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