Illustrating Children's Books: Creating Pictures for Publication

From School Library Journal The chapters of this richly illustrated book touch on everything from media, materials, and techniques to design and typography, but the information given is not enough to actually teach the subject. Instead, the author gives readers a brief but interesting overview. For instance, in the chapter entitled "Character Development," Salisbury discusses mannerisms, facial expressions, and child-friendliness of characters, but doesn't tell readers how to actually create these effects on their own. However, this book does a very good job of addressing the many elements of illustration for someone who is unfamiliar with the process. Topics such as "What to illustrate," "Dynamics of composition and layout," and "Type as image" give a more concrete concept of the profession and artistry. The featured artwork is all pulled from children's picture books to demonstrate the concepts in the related text. Some are spot illustrations, a character or scene cut from its background, while others are spreads reduced to fit within the page with accompanying text. Colorful and lively, the illustrative material is indispensable to the content. A fine choice for adults interested in illustration, or as a resource for someone new to discussing art in children's books. - Heather E. Miller, Homewood Public Library, AL Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. back cover Illustrating Children’s Books The art of illustration for children has a long and rich tradition, and for generations has been beloved by countless readers. Illustrating Children’s Books shows you how to create beautiful artwork for children. It examines the approaches taken by advanced-level students and leading artists, and describes how their ideas evolve from start to finish. Sketches and annotations reveal the techniques of successful children’s illustrators and explain how to tackle fantasy, fairytale, realism, and nature drawings. Sketches and annotations reveal the techniques of successful children’s illustrators and explain how to tackle fantasy, fairytale, realism, and nature drawings. Includes tips on working in a variety of media and offers advice on illustrating for different age groups and types of books. Includes tips on working in a variety of media and offers advice on illustrating for different age groups and types of books. Teaches you how to interpret and enrich the text, build characters, and create vibrant settings that will stir readers’ imaginations. You’ll discover how to create storyboards and layouts, work to a brief, and present your work professionally. Martin Salisbury is Course Director for the Master of Arts Degree in Children’s Book Illustration at Anglia University, Cambridge, England. Since graduating in illustration from Maidstone College of Art he has worked continuously as a book illustrator and painter alongside his academic post. He is a regular contributor to Artists and Illustrators Magazine and is co-editor of the graphic arts magazine Line. Martin lives in Cambridgeshire, England. Teaches you how to interpret and enrich the text, build characters, and create vibrant settings that will stir readers’ imaginations. You’ll discover how to create storyboards and layouts, work to a brief, and present your work professionally. Martin Salisbury is Course Director for the Master of Arts Degree in Children’s Book Illustration at Anglia University, Cambridge, England. Since graduating in illustration from Maidstone College of Art he has worked continuously as a book illustrator and painter alongside his academic post. He is a regular contributor to Artists and Illustrators Magazine and is co-editor of the graphic arts magazine Line. Martin lives in Cambridgeshire, England.