I thought that Chapter 4 was very interesting in that I liked how they went through some children’s books and actually described how the illustrations were developed. It was interesting to learn that artists arrange the different elements such as: line, color, shape, and texture to create the mood and the energy for the story. I had also been aware that certain colors create such a mood in the story. I like to see a story use red, yellow, orange, and also blue. The rich vivid colors are also nice because they attract a happy mood, where as black and white give a dull mood. I agree with the author that texture and shape are important in the design of the illustrations. It is also neat to see the different kinds of tools that are used in the illustrations, such as woodcuts, collages that were put together by Eric Carle. When each author uses his own artistic style each author has a way to get the illustrations just like they want them to entertain and make the students interested in reading. To me the illustrations actually make the book as well as the words, you have to have one to make the other.
Chapter 4 has been my favorite so far! I absolutely love illustrations and the reasons behind why artists do what they do. I must admit, I am guilty of judging a book by its cover and second by its illustrations. I am actually teaching a unit on Caldecott Medal Award Winners this fall, it is unbelievable the amount of time and effort illustrators put into their work. Also, it is simply fascinating to see all the work that actually goes into the illustrations of a book. The fact that, not only are they trying to make it appealing to the reader, they have all of this other, almost hidden meaning too! Brush strokes, different mediums, color, etc., all saying something about the text, much more than just a little doodle or drawing on the page. Illustrators certainly have a hard job to do. Perhaps a question/concern for this chapter would be that as we enter the field of professional teaching, we should consider books carefully. Not only are we to look and evaluate the text, but perhaps some images may be too strong or intense for some readers.
Chapter 4 to me was like art apreciation all over again. In saying that I do love art, and I love drawing & painting myself. The texture section of the chapter was one of the most interesting parts to me, I have always be interested in how artists convey the feeling of the picture as if you could touch the owls soft feathers. Even though the images are drawn flat the ability for the artists to bring them off of the page is truely amazing. The artists need to use all of the elements to accomplish this. Line, shape, color, and the design make this possible.
Jacques, I agree with you, a good illustrator makes the story come alive. When I was little I didn't like to read, but I really enjoyed looking at the pictures. Now that I read these books to my two daughters, I realize the effect that the images bring to the story.
Jennifer, I wanted to comment on what you said about the time and effort it takes for the artists to illustrate a book. I took a lot of art classes in high school and college, and also some community classes in Topeka. I assume it would be like writing a book, draft after draft to get the perfect outcome. It truely is amazing what they can accomplish with their drawings.
Though abstract art has its place and is interesting to look at, I would have to say that it is my least favorite kind. Mainly because when I look at it I think "My two year old drew something like that yesterday." I realize there is a lot more that goes into it than scribbles here and there, it's just a thought.
Representational art is truely amazing to me. Being able to create an image as if were a picture taken by a camera. You could hold these images up outside your window and they are that real.
In response to Benjamin: I really appreciated your comments on art. It is interesting to get a real artists point of view. I am not an artist, but love art! The bit you mentioned about texture is true. It certainly is amazing how artists can make an image pop!! Texture adds so much!
In response to you Benjaminw from jacques: I also was like you, I didn’t always like to read at first, I always liked looking at the illustrations and other things. It does make the story come alive in the sense that it creates a picture in their mind that they can use their imagination. I also think that is great that you read to your girls and introduce them to the story through the use of illustrations.
When picking out a good book to read to children the pictures are vital. The more color the more likely they are to sit down and listen to you. I found a book at the Library this week “Deputy Harvey and the Ant Cow Caper” by Brad Sneed that I just loved the illustrations. I know nothing of art so I can’t tell you why I liked the pictures in this book. When going to the Library to look at books it is the pictures that usually grab my eye. There are hundreds of books to choose from and most of them are probably very good, but it is the pictures that captures ones eye. It’s like that for kids too. Having good illustrations are vital for a kids book. I personally like books that have rich colors and not too abstract.
As an art lover and student, this has also been my favorite chapter. I've put a bit of study into the psychology of colors and how different kinds of lines/shapes affect people and it never ceases to amaze me. It's really neat that if the book is about a fluffy, soft bunny, you might see the illustrations done in easy, fluid strokes and pastel colors. Or maybe they might make a collage using puffy cotton and other found objects. When a book talks about anger or other negative feelings, it's also kind of interesting that we see bright colors and shapes with lots of angles and points, and also lots of texture. I have two favorite kinds of childrens book illustrations. First, a collage type made with found objects, such as felt, sequins, paper, paint, clay. They are so interesting and fun to look at! Second, I love the loosely sketched kind of jagged drawings that have bright colors but not completely filled in, so it's almost sloppy. It takes a really good artist to make sloppy on purpose. I've always kind of wanted to be a childrens book illustrator. When I read, I have a tendency to pay attention to the feelings and words quite a bit and it would be very enjoyable to be able to put those emotions into something concrete that other people would love.
To me the various different mediums the illustrators uses is fascinating, exciting and somewhere between, “I gotta’ touch it.” And “I wanna’ do it”. I have been known to look at original pieces of art examining the brush strokes or trying to figure out the individual lines as it was drawn. I love art and love the drawings of children’s books. I you look, each artist put a unique personality or feeling into each piece they draw. Even the simple Little Golden Books like “A Childs Book of Prayers” (I think that is the name of it.) to the obscure Dr Seuss and his Who’s down in Whoville, each have depth of emotion. Fascinating!
Reply to Benjamin; Hey, I just read some of your comments and we have something in common. I, too, am an art lover. I am better at appreciating than doing, but I love to look close and see the method the artist uses. Abstract art is my least favorite as well. Many times I have wondered if some of the most famous artist said to a close friend: “People will buy anything, watch this” and then put a nose on a chin and a couple of eyes on top of each other. Don’t get me wrong, I can appreciate all art, it is just the more bazaar pieces I cock my head a little farther in wonder.
One of the books I read for this class is “Wings” by Christopher Myers, and aside from being a wonderful book on being different, the artwork was collage. I had never or so I can remember, seen a book with cut pieces of paper and no drawings. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or rhythm to the type of paper or the color of the paper but that just adds to the mystique of this wonderful book. The examples on page 132 are different from the Wings illustrator, in that Philemon Sturges made his Bridges Are to Cross picture realistic and Holly Meade’s illustration from Steamboat! The Story of Captain Blache leathers by Judith Heide Gilliland where she seems to abstractly demonstrate “the changing moods of the Mississippi River” are quite different from the theme of Myers’ Wings. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a book on diversity, differences and prejudices. The reader is able to infer any number of prejudices into this story, black, Hispanic, Mexican, rich, poor, the list is endless, a wonderfully simple yet complex book.
Chapter four topics were Artists and illustrations. The chapter discussed the elements of Artists and how they make successful illustrations.It also talks about organizing the designs,the different style techniques, and the different material used to create the illustrations. the chapter also included some art history.
The chapter was easy to read and understand. I didn't realize how much detail and steps Illustrators use to make pictures and drawings. When it comes to picture books, Authors and Illustrators have to make sure their work goes hand in hand or else it won't make sense when it is put together. Also, if they want their books to be a success, they have to make sure that their drawings and pictures are very attractive to children. if the pictures are boring or don't make sense, it is likely that you won't buy the book. If you notice, most of the award books have extroardinary illustrations. they make the book magical and real to the reader. This is how important illustrations are!
It is amazing how the illustrations of the book make the book. I know sometimes my children and I will pull out a good wordless picture book just to look at it and even make up our own story to it. The more creative the Illustrator is with the pictures and materials that is being used, the more likely it is for us to pick up the book to look at or buy!!
Chapter four discusses the importance of illustrations in children's books. It talks about the different elements of illustrations, as well as the different medias that are used.
The part that I feel was the most helpful is the part about evaluating the illustrations. I believe that this is something that is overlooked many times.
Illustrations are incredibly important to young readers, especially as they are learning to read. I have always enjoyed the role that illustrations play in children's books, yet I have to admit that it is something that I never really thought about until recently, as a factor to pick out literature to use with students. I love the art by Leo and Mary Dillon. I have one of their books and it is amazing at how they use cutouts and overlays to create texture, even on a flat page. I have to admit that some styles are less appealing to me, such as the style of David Shannon. I prefer neat illustrations in my books.
In response to Benjamin Re: Abstract vs. Realistic
I enjoy abstract art when it is displayed as art. In books that I read to my children I also prefer realistic or representational art. It is easier for young children to make predictions about the story if the pictures actually represent the story directly.
I thought Chapter 4 was really interesting and informative. I enjoy art and illustrations and feel they can help children learn and understand what they are reading, but I had no idea there was so much to it.
The recommendations on activities and learning techniques for children to connect illustrations to the story they accompany were great. I think having children actually study what they see, rather than just look at the pictures, will allow them to take more away from the story. Not only that, but great illustrations can stand alone in a book and words are not necessary. For younger students, wordless picture books can help foster their imagination – the story is what the child makes it.
One thing I took from this chapter that I would never have thought of was using illustrations to connect to the history of art and works of renowned artists. Using something familiar to student, storybooks, and introducing them to artwork they have never experienced before is a great way to ease into what can be a complicated subject. I think using this technique will make it easier for students and keep them interested in art as they grow older. I actually wish something like this was done when I was growing up so hadn’t missed out on having art in my life for so many years.
With illustrations having such a big impact on a story, makes me wonder which is more important to a book – the words or the pictures?
Jennifer - I agree with you that it can be a challenge for teachers to choose a book that is appropriate for our students... not only does the story affect them, but the illustrations can too. There is a lot to keep in mind!
I'm not an artist. I know this but it wasn't as clear until I started reading about illustrations and realized that I never really noticed much about the pictures before. Lines, textures, color, shapes, and styles can really add to the story. I just took them for granted before. I learned the differences in styles and I know that when I look at books, I'll pay much more attention to the illustrations.
I enjoyed Chapter 4! I loved reading about how artists create the illustrations and the various steps that go into creating a page. As a teacher it would be fun to introduce a book or a series of books by the same illustrator and then recreate some of their artwork as a class. Allowing us to demonstrate to the students the amount of time and effort that goes into creating the illustrations. Both of my children really enjoy reading all of the Eric Carle books. My son came home just the other day taking about how Eric Carle creates his “pictures” and he was amazed with the process. To me this shows how expanding children’s exposure to art through literature plays an important role in learning. It may be the one avenue for a child to connect more with reading and find more pleasure in books. One of the most important things that I took away from this chapter goes back to previous chapter discussions. Children need to be exposed to a variety of books, the more the better. As teachers we need to be conscious of so many things, it is mind boggling how we are going to keep everything straight. One issue I may have is leaning more towards the books I enjoy reading versus providing a wide variety of books from different authors and illustrators. It is something I am more aware of now and know that I will have to continue to keep it in mind when selecting reading materials.
Sarah S. brings up the question “With illustrations having such a big impact on a story, makes me wonder which is more important to a book – the words or the pictures?”
Well said! I’m where you are in the learning process on selecting books. It seems like there is so much more to consider that I have never thought about. The pictures definitely keep readers attention and let their imaginations take over, but then again the words have to be interesting and flow well. It seems like to me they are pretty equal when it comes finding an excellent children’s book. You can’t have one without the other or the book is not successful.
Chapter 4 was a very interesting chapter. I really enjoyed reading the different kinds of illustrations there were. I did not know that there were different names for each kind of illustrations. I guess I never looked at the pictures close enough to figure out how they were displayed.
When I book out a book for my child I make sure that there are colorful pictures. These types of books draws his attention. I also make sure they are clear enough for him to determine what they are. He likes to point to the different things you talk about when you are reading. Pictures can also explain a story without using words. Children's imaginations are great when they tell the story by the picture.
I would agree with you, pictures are the one thing that bring a book to life. I have a hard time looking at pictures that are in black and white. I know there books that need to be black and white because of the history of the book, but color adds so much detail. It also makes it clear enough to understand what is going on with the story.
When choosing a books for my son I make sure there are colorful pictures. It seems to keep focused on the book. It also helps him pick out things when I read to him.
26 comments:
Jacque Schawe
Jacques said
Blog Chapter 4
I thought that Chapter 4 was very interesting in that I liked how they went through some children’s books and actually described how the illustrations were developed. It was interesting to learn that artists arrange the different elements such as: line, color, shape, and texture to create the mood and the energy for the story. I had also been aware that certain colors create such a mood in the story. I like to see a story use red, yellow, orange, and also blue. The rich vivid colors are also nice because they attract a happy mood, where as black and white give a dull mood. I agree with the author that texture and shape are important in the design of the illustrations. It is also neat to see the different kinds of tools that are used in the illustrations, such as woodcuts, collages that were put together by Eric Carle. When each author uses his own artistic style each author has a way to get the illustrations just like they want them to entertain and make the students interested in reading. To me the illustrations actually make the book as well as the words, you have to have one to make the other.
Chapter 4- Blog
Chapter 4 has been my favorite so far! I absolutely love illustrations and the reasons behind why artists do what they do. I must admit, I am guilty of judging a book by its cover and second by its illustrations. I am actually teaching a unit on Caldecott Medal Award Winners this fall, it is unbelievable the amount of time and effort illustrators put into their work. Also, it is simply fascinating to see all the work that actually goes into the illustrations of a book. The fact that, not only are they trying to make it appealing to the reader, they have all of this other, almost hidden meaning too! Brush strokes, different mediums, color, etc., all saying something about the text, much more than just a little doodle or drawing on the page. Illustrators certainly have a hard job to do.
Perhaps a question/concern for this chapter would be that as we enter the field of professional teaching, we should consider books carefully. Not only are we to look and evaluate the text, but perhaps some images may be too strong or intense for some readers.
Chapter 4 to me was like art apreciation all over again. In saying that I do love art, and I love drawing & painting myself. The texture section of the chapter was one of the most interesting parts to me, I have always be interested in how artists convey the feeling of the picture as if you could touch the owls soft feathers. Even though the images are drawn flat the ability for the artists to bring them off of the page is truely amazing. The artists need to use all of the elements to accomplish this. Line, shape, color, and the design make this possible.
Jacques,
I agree with you, a good illustrator makes the story come alive. When I was little I didn't like to read, but I really enjoyed looking at the pictures. Now that I read these books to my two daughters, I realize the effect that the images bring to the story.
Jennifer,
I wanted to comment on what you said about the time and effort it takes for the artists to illustrate a book. I took a lot of art classes in high school and college, and also some community classes in Topeka. I assume it would be like writing a book, draft after draft to get the perfect outcome. It truely is amazing what they can accomplish with their drawings.
Abstract vs. Representational Art
Though abstract art has its place and is interesting to look at, I would have to say that it is my least favorite kind. Mainly because when I look at it I think "My two year old drew something like that yesterday." I realize there is a lot more that goes into it than scribbles here and there, it's just a thought.
Representational art is truely amazing to me. Being able to create an image as if were a picture taken by a camera. You could hold these images up outside your window and they are that real.
In response to Benjamin:
I really appreciated your comments on art. It is interesting to get a real artists point of view. I am not an artist, but love art! The bit you mentioned about texture is true. It certainly is amazing how artists can make an image pop!! Texture adds so much!
In response to you Benjaminw
from jacques:
I also was like you, I didn’t always like to read at first, I always liked looking at the illustrations and other things. It does make the story come alive in the sense that it creates a picture in their mind that they can use their imagination. I also think that is great that you read to your girls and introduce them to the story through the use of illustrations.
Childrens Lit. chapter 4
When picking out a good book to read to children the pictures are vital. The more color the more likely they are to sit down and listen to you. I found a book at the Library this week “Deputy Harvey and the Ant Cow Caper” by Brad Sneed that I just loved the illustrations. I know nothing of art so I can’t tell you why I liked the pictures in this book. When going to the Library to look at books it is the pictures that usually grab my eye. There are hundreds of books to choose from and most of them are probably very good, but it is the pictures that captures ones eye. It’s like that for kids too. Having good illustrations are vital for a kids book. I personally like books that have rich colors and not too abstract.
As an art lover and student, this has also been my favorite chapter. I've put a bit of study into the psychology of colors and how different kinds of lines/shapes affect people and it never ceases to amaze me.
It's really neat that if the book is about a fluffy, soft bunny, you might see the illustrations done in easy, fluid strokes and pastel colors. Or maybe they might make a collage using puffy cotton and other found objects.
When a book talks about anger or other negative feelings, it's also kind of interesting that we see bright colors and shapes with lots of angles and points, and also lots of texture.
I have two favorite kinds of childrens book illustrations. First, a collage type made with found objects, such as felt, sequins, paper, paint, clay. They are so interesting and fun to look at! Second, I love the loosely sketched kind of jagged drawings that have bright colors but not completely filled in, so it's almost sloppy. It takes a really good artist to make sloppy on purpose.
I've always kind of wanted to be a childrens book illustrator. When I read, I have a tendency to pay attention to the feelings and words quite a bit and it would be very enjoyable to be able to put those emotions into something concrete that other people would love.
To me the various different mediums the illustrators uses is fascinating, exciting and somewhere between, “I gotta’ touch it.” And “I wanna’ do it”. I have been known to look at original pieces of art examining the brush strokes or trying to figure out the individual lines as it was drawn.
I love art and love the drawings of children’s books. I you look, each artist put a unique personality or feeling into each piece they draw. Even the simple Little Golden Books like “A Childs Book of Prayers” (I think that is the name of it.) to the obscure Dr Seuss and his Who’s down in Whoville, each have depth of emotion. Fascinating!
Reply to Benjamin;
Hey, I just read some of your comments and we have something in common. I, too, am an art lover. I am better at appreciating than doing, but I love to look close and see the method the artist uses.
Abstract art is my least favorite as well. Many times I have wondered if some of the most famous artist said to a close friend: “People will buy anything, watch this” and then put a nose on a chin and a couple of eyes on top of each other. Don’t get me wrong, I can appreciate all art, it is just the more bazaar pieces I cock my head a little farther in wonder.
One of the books I read for this class is “Wings” by Christopher Myers, and aside from being a wonderful book on being different, the artwork was collage. I had never or so I can remember, seen a book with cut pieces of paper and no drawings. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or rhythm to the type of paper or the color of the paper but that just adds to the mystique of this wonderful book.
The examples on page 132 are different from the Wings illustrator, in that Philemon Sturges made his Bridges Are to Cross picture realistic and Holly Meade’s illustration from Steamboat! The Story of Captain Blache leathers by Judith Heide Gilliland where she seems to abstractly demonstrate “the changing moods of the Mississippi River” are quite different from the theme of Myers’ Wings. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a book on diversity, differences and prejudices. The reader is able to infer any number of prejudices into this story, black, Hispanic, Mexican, rich, poor, the list is endless, a wonderfully simple yet complex book.
Laura Tawater
Chapter 4 Blog:
Chapter four topics were Artists and illustrations. The chapter discussed the elements of Artists and how they make successful illustrations.It also talks about organizing the designs,the different style techniques, and the different material used to create the illustrations. the chapter also included some art history.
The chapter was easy to read and understand. I didn't realize how much detail and steps Illustrators use to make pictures and drawings. When it comes to picture books, Authors and Illustrators have to make sure their work goes hand in hand or else it won't make sense when it is put together. Also, if they want their books to be a success, they have to make sure that their drawings and pictures are very attractive to children. if the pictures are boring or don't make sense, it is likely that you won't buy the book. If you notice, most of the award books have extroardinary illustrations. they make the book magical and real to the reader. This is how important illustrations are!
Response to lindam:
It is amazing how the illustrations of the book make the book. I know sometimes my children and I will pull out a good wordless picture book just to look at it and even make up our own story to it. The more creative the Illustrator is with the pictures and materials that is being used, the more likely it is for us to pick up the book to look at or buy!!
Chapter four discusses the importance of illustrations in children's books. It talks about the different elements of illustrations, as well as the different medias that are used.
The part that I feel was the most helpful is the part about evaluating the illustrations. I believe that this is something that is overlooked many times.
Illustrations are incredibly important to young readers, especially as they are learning to read. I have always enjoyed the role that illustrations play in children's books, yet I have to admit that it is something that I never really thought about until recently, as a factor to pick out literature to use with students. I love the art by Leo and Mary Dillon. I have one of their books and it is amazing at how they use cutouts and overlays to create texture, even on a flat page. I have to admit that some styles are less appealing to me, such as the style of David Shannon. I prefer neat illustrations in my books.
In response to Benjamin
Re: Abstract vs. Realistic
I enjoy abstract art when it is displayed as art. In books that I read to my children I also prefer realistic or representational art. It is easier for young children to make predictions about the story if the pictures actually represent the story directly.
I thought Chapter 4 was really interesting and informative. I enjoy art and illustrations and feel they can help children learn and understand what they are reading, but I had no idea there was so much to it.
The recommendations on activities and learning techniques for children to connect illustrations to the story they accompany were great. I think having children actually study what they see, rather than just look at the pictures, will allow them to take more away from the story. Not only that, but great illustrations can stand alone in a book and words are not necessary. For younger students, wordless picture books can help foster their imagination – the story is what the child makes it.
One thing I took from this chapter that I would never have thought of was using illustrations to connect to the history of art and works of renowned artists. Using something familiar to student, storybooks, and introducing them to artwork they have never experienced before is a great way to ease into what can be a complicated subject. I think using this technique will make it easier for students and keep them interested in art as they grow older. I actually wish something like this was done when I was growing up so hadn’t missed out on having art in my life for so many years.
With illustrations having such a big impact on a story, makes me wonder which is more important to a book – the words or the pictures?
Jennifer - I agree with you that it can be a challenge for teachers to choose a book that is appropriate for our students... not only does the story affect them, but the illustrations can too. There is a lot to keep in mind!
I'm not an artist. I know this but it wasn't as clear until I started reading about illustrations and realized that I never really noticed much about the pictures before. Lines, textures, color, shapes, and styles can really add to the story. I just took them for granted before. I learned the differences in styles and I know that when I look at books, I'll pay much more attention to the illustrations.
I enjoyed Chapter 4! I loved reading about how artists create the illustrations and the various steps that go into creating a page. As a teacher it would be fun to introduce a book or a series of books by the same illustrator and then recreate some of their artwork as a class. Allowing us to demonstrate to the students the amount of time and effort that goes into creating the illustrations. Both of my children really enjoy reading all of the Eric Carle books. My son came home just the other day taking about how Eric Carle creates his “pictures” and he was amazed with the process. To me this shows how expanding children’s exposure to art through literature plays an important role in learning. It may be the one avenue for a child to connect more with reading and find more pleasure in books.
One of the most important things that I took away from this chapter goes back to previous chapter discussions. Children need to be exposed to a variety of books, the more the better. As teachers we need to be conscious of so many things, it is mind boggling how we are going to keep everything straight. One issue I may have is leaning more towards the books I enjoy reading versus providing a wide variety of books from different authors and illustrators. It is something I am more aware of now and know that I will have to continue to keep it in mind when selecting reading materials.
Sarah S. brings up the question “With illustrations having such a big impact on a story, makes me wonder which is more important to a book – the words or the pictures?”
Well said! I’m where you are in the learning process on selecting books. It seems like there is so much more to consider that I have never thought about. The pictures definitely keep readers attention and let their imaginations take over, but then again the words have to be interesting and flow well. It seems like to me they are pretty equal when it comes finding an excellent children’s book. You can’t have one without the other or the book is not successful.
Chapter 4 was a very interesting chapter. I really enjoyed reading the different kinds of illustrations there were. I did not know that there were different names for each kind of illustrations. I guess I never looked at the pictures close enough to figure out how they were displayed.
When I book out a book for my child I make sure that there are colorful pictures. These types of books draws his attention. I also make sure they are clear enough for him to determine what they are. He likes to point to the different things you talk about when you are reading. Pictures can also explain a story without using words. Children's imaginations are great when they tell the story by the picture.
In response to Jacques...
I would agree with you, pictures are the one thing that bring a book to life. I have a hard time looking at pictures that are in black and white. I know there books that need to be black and white because of the history of the book, but color adds so much detail. It also makes it clear enough to understand what is going on with the story.
When choosing a books for my son I make sure there are colorful pictures. It seems to keep focused on the book. It also helps him pick out things when I read to him.
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