Illustration in Children's Literature

Illustration

Illustration is the central feature of  children’s literature. In picture books, illustration establish story's location in time and place; for example, in the story “How smudge came”, Cindy's standing in grid lines shows her listening to the speech of the woman and man. This illustration creates a mood of story which can be demonstrate our sympathy toward her embarrass. Illustration shows us characters in situation that reveal information about their attitude or action. Time periods in the story or place can be brought thought and realization thorough illustrations in ways words cannot do.

The characters in picture books have specific traits that make them appealing to the child reader. Character is generally consistent while plots and setting change. On the other hand, character’s place can be change gradually with time and events as long as the story goes. The media that illustrator use it in the story has affected children’s understanding to the meaning of the story through painting powerful images and colors. Picture books are the perfect way to open children's eyes to the beauty and power of art. In the story, the picture show Cindy’s weaknesses in defending herself for her attitude, this attitude can be demonstrated in her standing quietly which is an easy understanding regardless of the no text. Most of the pictures are establishing significant themes, characters action, continuing conflicts. The theme can be demonstrated through incidents and speech, or through character’s conflicts along the way.

Children can interpreter plot, characters, theme and setting when they read picture books. Illustration helps and motivates young readers to predict what is going to happen next. Illustration introduces Children to the value and wonder of beautiful art, visual imagination. The image in the book "When the smudge came", is touching and emotional with soft color background, it creates a kind of interesting effect upon the reader. The images are depicting simply and showing the reality of little innocent girl. The reader feels sympathetic toward Cindy's situation and feel bias to her attitude in having a smudge.