CHAPTER 4 Annmarie (BETTY) P As I read stories even long verbal ones, I prefer an occasional picture or photo to break the monotony of reading. The different styles and types of illustration introduced me to ideas that are new. The chapter gave me new insight on writers and the way they illustrate and write. I have a clearer understanding of page layout and design. I can see now how I may use formal and informal text to my readings. Of all the authors mentioned, Keats, McCloskey and Sendak are the ones I am most familiar with. Although I am not into the fantastic and prefer realistic, Maurice Sendak and “Where the Wild Things Are”, is my favorite because of the style, colours, characters and fun. This chapter presented lots of information and the material was easy to follow. Overall the chapter gave a great presentation of the topics of “Artist and their Illustrations” and teaching. As a visual first learner, I like, follow and appreciate colour, illustration and well presented materials. It was interesting to see all of the drawings using lines to confer different meaning.
I was definitely amazed at how illustrations are constructed, for example by lines, shape, texture, and color. In school, I never took any art classes beyond elementary school. So, being introduced to the intricacies of art was eye-opening to me. I mainly thought that artists would just draw whatever came to their head, no thinking about what the lines are saying and so forth. When they mentioned that all children want to know how things feel when they learn about it, I was quite intrigued. I thought back to my childhood and remembered wanting to touch everything. Even today, I still touch things, such as the new, softer fabrics. I definitely agree with the book in regards to texture.
I agree with Annmarie that it was interesting to see all of the drawings using lines, colors, shapes, and textures. It helps to actually see examples of what you are reading about. When the book lists numerous books and how they are familiar to the topic being discussed, it makes me feel lost. It feels like it is just unnecessary to throw all of the books at you in the text.
This chapter helped me to look at the process of illustrating children's book completely different. I always assumed illustrations were just drawn, however the artist wanted, not so much with regard to what the picture would emulate from the text. Watercolor, pencil, oils, I thought they used what they wanted! Personally, I had also always wondered how the artist chooses their illustrations from the text. Although there was no direct answer to this question in the text, the discussions hinted at the fact that the most guidance they get from the author is a few notes. Otherwise, they are free to pick which parts of the text they would like to highlight. It amazes me that they always seem so cohesive, even though two separate people have worked on the book. I believe understanding illustrations, how they are made, from where inspiration strikes, and so on, will be a wonderful and fun addition to classroom discussions.
Lacy E-- I also have not taken any art classes, so this chapter was very informative for me, learning about line, shape, texture, etc. I also agree with your statement about kids touching different textures; it made me think about how hard it is to keep our son's hands off of everything in a store, and how often I have to say "nice hands." I've always known he was trying to learn through touching, but maybe I'll have a little more patience now!
This chapter was very helpful to me. When writing my book summaries, I sometimes have difficulties finding the right words to describe the illustrations. However, after reading chapter four, I became more knowledgeable about (1) how to really evaluate illustrations found in children’s books and (2) what to look for and describe, for example, I should observe not only the colors but lines, shapes and texture as well. This would help me to create the perfect picture to complement my summary/story.
I think illustrations are so important in literature because they can actually bring a story to life and as a result, readers can actually visualize and imagine themselves really being in that story/setting. Furthermore, for some of the readers who have a short attention span or for those readers who are visual learners, illustrations make literature much more interesting and fun.
I agree, having a classroom discussion with the kids about illustrations should be fun and interesting and then, I would suggest incorporating llustrations into the classroom lesson, for example, I would have the students do some illustration after completing a writing activity. I believe this would provide the students with great opportunities to become creative.
Children are so curious! Sure, just like you, I remembered I was interested in just about everything and I had to touch everything. I guess this is how we all learn.
I like the way Chapter 4 discuss the shapes and colors. I'm also taking a art class. It teaches you about different stages in art. 1. The Preadolescent Stage which is use of color and art techniques. 2 The Manipulative Stage which is by making marks and lines the normal child gains experiencein making shapes as they progress. 3 The Symbol Making Stage which they see the same things an adults see but the differences is they draw what they know not what they see. Maybe the illustrator of books does the same thing that kids do. using your imaginary mind cna stick up beatuiful pictures
Annmarie I agree with you. It is nice to see all the lines, shapes and colors. I truly believe every line or shpae that is illustrator really mean something. I love the iullstrations in the Knuffle Bunny Story. The Illustrator made the block and washer/dryer look real.
Allison I like when you say that illustration can make stories look like real life. That is really true. My daughter does that all the time. I find her laughing out loud when she into a story that she is reading.
Lacy, I agree with you, I always thought artists drew whatever they had in their mind. I never realized how much thought actually went into a painting or drawing.
Sarah, It is really amazing how the illustrator can depict what the author is 'drawing' with their words. They seem to compliment each other so well. I always thought that they worked closely together on the text and illustrations.
This was a very enlightening chapter. I have always loved the illustrations in children's books. Most of the books we read as adults have no illustrations and it is up to us to develop those pictures in our minds from the information in the text we are reading. I enjoy reading children's books as much for the art as for the stories. Some children's books have the most elaborate and beautiful artwork they are a pleasure to just look at for the pictures. Children are truly lucky to have so much thought and love put into their books. I really liked reading about all the details on how illustrations are composed. It was very interesting to read how the use of line, color, light and shadow are thought out and play an important part in the messages to be conveyed. It makes since to me now that there is this amount of thought behind them. When you think about it children are very much visual learners, so it makes perfect sense that the illustrations in their books contain so much background.
The one thing that I really took away from Chapter 4 was just how much goes into doing illustrations. I kind of had an idea that illustrations took some work but after reading "The Grammar of Artists" I realized that it was more than just throwing some art down on a page. Artists use line for direction, motion, energy and mood. Artists use color with mood to convey the emotion and mood. Artists use lines and color to suggest shape and texture to make the picture pop out at you, as if you want to touch it. Using all the elements together really can make a book’s illustrations.
I had just read a book called "The House in the Night." This book was the 2009 Caldecott Winner, so the illustrations are good. I really feel the artist did a nice job of using the elements of line, color, shape, and texture.
The other thing that I like about chapter 4 was how they talked about the outstanding illustrators of children's books. Giving the names and some of their work will give me a chance to go to the local library and look at some of their work.
I agree with you about never realizing how much thought and I would say time as well that goes into the illustrations of children's books. I think that it would take a special kind of person to so the work that the illustrators do.
I really like your idea about adding illustrations to the discussion of the reading in the classroom. It would be interesting to get a child's view on what they thought about the illustrations.
Alison, I think it is very important to know what the affect illustrations have on a story. Like you, I struggled trying to find words that summarized my thoughts about the illustrations. Chapter 4 is a great resource for this.
Chapter 4 Summary by Lisa White I enjoyed reading about the visual elements used in illustrations. I never took any art classes so I struggle when I had to describe the illustrations in the books. This part will help me decide what I need to focus on when looking at illustrations. I loved learning about the artistic media such as woodcuts and collages. I find books using these techniques very entertaining and I love reading them because of the pictures only. Finally, I enjoyed learning about some of the illustrators. I am sad to say I didn't know some of these people and their accomplishments. Now that I read this section, I will definitely be on the lookout for some of this books illustrated by these illustrators.
Luke, I loved the book, "The House in the Night." I have found out that I love looking at the Caldecott winners just because the pictures add some much detail that you almost don't need the words to understand the story.
I really enjoyed Chapter 4 in our textbook. I have always loved looking at the pictures in a book, but have never really thought about the way the illustrations were created or the reasons behind the techniques that the author chose for that particular story. I found it very interesting how so much can come from just a line, whether it is straight, diagonal or curvy. As well as the lines, I was really intrigued by the author's portion of the chapter that talked about collages. I read Ezra Jack Keats' The Snowy Day for my Caldecott award book and the author of our text book, made great effort to discuss how Keats chose to create his illustrations by paper pasted together to form such beautiful pictures. After I read the chapter in our textbook, I went back and read Keats' book again and really looked at the pictures, they are amazing! Another portion of the chapter that really interested me was the when the author was talking about the book Where the Wild Things Are. It is so neat how the author of that book included 6 pages of only illustrations and no words. That really does make a difference in a story and kids love it, as well as the adults. Great Chapter!
RE: CAROLYN S. I completely agree with you. Isn't it amazing how the colors and shapes of a picture can depict so may different ideas or concepts. I have always loved looking at my students drawings of people and animals, they are so simple and full of random shapes, but somehow to really seem to show what they are trying to depict without much confusion at all. I keep a pic on the fridge that my little brother drew when he was little of a dog, specifically our dog, and it is funny, all though in reality it looks nothing like our dog, the circles and ovals he put together make a dog! So neat!
RE: ALISON M. Isn't it so true, some kids have such short attention spans!! I think it is very important for a books illustrations to be entertaining and intriguing for the students. I know sometimes, the books with so many words will often times bore the students if there are not amazing illustrations to go along with it.
Friday I was reading Franklin’s Valentines at a 1st grade party. When Franklin arrives at school he doesn’t have his valentines to give away. Some of my first graders asked where the valentines had gone. A few students had noticed in the illustrations that Franklin’s valentines had flown out of his backpack into a puddle when he ran to catch the bus. I realized from this chapter that I hadn’t spent enough time on the illustrations, so I went back to the right page so everybody could study the picture and see what had happened. Also Friday we were studying in math the concept of symmetry. I was interested that our text calls attention to symmetry in art. It would be possible to find illustrations to show during math class. I realize that I could be supporting our art classes by spending more time on the illustrations in books by looking at how they support the story with color to show mood or time of day. Also interesting to figure out what medium the artist has used and why they might have made the choice. I appreciate the initiating questions on p. 143. I don’t think I can keep them all in my head…I need to copy down the questions I might find useful and put them in my sub bag. In encouraging studying the illustrations we are also preparing students to study photos and illustrations in textbooks which give us additional information on subjects. I had a college bacteriology professor that always took one test question from the captions underneath a photo or drawing because she wanted us to always study the pictures and drawings.
robin a: I also have always loved the illustrations in children's books. I miss them in adult books. It is fun in this class to get to read so many children's books. I think I will keep on. They aren't boring at all and I think the artists help to keep our interest in adding in details beyond the text.
In chapter 4 we discover what illustrations do for a book. This is why when reading a picture book sometime we have to look within the pages to see what is really going on. Children tend to enjoy books with bright colors and rhythmic wording and imagery. For example on page 122 it talks about how Barbara Cooney’s choices of color are used to show the passing of time. The visual grammar gives the reader elements of color, shape, line, and texture. These key elements come together and help us as readers see, feel, and understand what is happening in a book. Most younger aged children need something to help keep their imagination flowing. As you are reading picture book to your students they always like to see the picture. I have recently realized that the pictures and illustrations in books help a story flow. The illustrations give warmth, comfort, sadness, and happiness, which helps the reader understand the meaning of the story. I didn’t realize how important color, texture, lines, and shape were until reading chapter four. Now when I read a book I will understand more by learning and studying the illustrations and what they are telling the reader about the story. It would benefit all readers to read a book once and then read it again and study the illustration and see how much more you understood the second time.
Luke, I didn't realie until chapter 4 how important illustrations were either. How they come together with the text to make the whole story. Sometimes they even have hidden meaning. Meaning we don't see until we take a more in deepth look at what is being protrayed through the illustrations.
I really liked reading about the process of the illustrations. It makes me think of the Bill Martin Jr. book, "Polar Bear Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?" I love that book even now I love the illustrations in the book when I read it to my nieces, so reading about what goes into it is really neat. I am taking a childrens art methods class right now so it makes it even better to read about.
I have always felt that if there were going to be illustrations with a book, that they had to be good ones. Nothing kills a book faster, especially with a child, than poor illustrations. I however did not understand the complexity of illustrations until now. As I read about the use of horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines it made complete sense and I wondered how I could have missed it all of these years. I have always understood that the coloring of things can create the mood for things. It was also interesting how textures, shapes, and the organization of the illustrations affected things also. Being able to tell the culture of the art also helps the reader also relate to the book. Really to me this chapter was a lesson on art just as much as it was about literature. I have never had much exposure to art an the book made a good point that the books are a good way to expose yourself and others without having to make a trip to an art museum.
I think that this chapter was very informative. There were so many things presented in this chapter that I had learned so long ago and then never gave another thought to. The chapter did a great job of explaining the importance of the illustrations of a story. I really liked the section that is dedicated to different illustrators. I have read or own several of the books listed in this section. And it gave me a list of books that I would like to add to my collection.
I agree with you about not knowing so much work went into illustrating books. I took an art class or two in high school and learned about the lines, shapes, colors, ect. But I am with you I never put them togther to make the pictures.
I really never gave much thought to a books Illustrations before reading Ch. 4. I now have a new perspective toward lines, colors and shapes and how they compliment the text. I would like to apply this to the classroom, by having students write a story. The stories would be written on one page, and then the opposite page would be left blank for an Illustration. Next, I would like for them to find a partner. They would switch stories with their partner, and design the Illustration that would fit best with their partner’s story. Prior to any of this, I would discuss the impact of shape and color on the mood in illustrated books. We would take a look at award-winning books, and compare those with other illustrated books.
Re: Jolene L. I agree that Ch. 4 did a great job describing the importance of illustrations in children’s books. I too would like to get some books listed in this section and add it to my collection.
Chapter 4: This chapter was very interesting to me, as I don’t always take time to stop and consider how important illustrations are in children’s books. The pictures children see can strongly influence their perception of the book and how well they connect to a story or character. As we read a story without pictures, we each create a different picture in our heads, so it is neat to look at how illustrators portray a picture and create illustrations after reading a book that they or someone else has authored. I also enjoyed learning about how different visual elements can enhance an illustration and picture. I found many great resources in this chapter for books that help children look at art and illustrations in new ways. I think art education is very important and I liked learning ideas for combining it with other lessons in the classroom. One example is to study illustrators who follow some of the more well known artistic movements and how their children’s book illustrations are impacted by that type of art. Another area of illustrations that can be taught in the classroom is that of other cultures. There are so many books that use artwork and illustrations to teach children about other cultures. I think this is an especially good idea for younger children in elementary schools. I am constantly amazed at how many practical applications this book has for later use in the classroom. It will be a book I refer to often!
Tricia- I really like your idea about having two children illustrate the same story. I think one of the best things about reading is being able to use your imagination. It is always a neat experience to see how your interpretation of a story differs from someone else who reads the same story. I will save your idea and try it out myself when I become a teacher! -LauraA
Tamika Merkison I had no clue how much thinking and work went into illustrating a book. There are so many techniques that can be used. As I was reading the chapter and it talked about what the different colors represented I was amazed because when reading pictures books to my PSCD class I tend to point out the colors and ask them what they think will happen next based on the colors. The chapter speaks on textures and wanting to touch the picture, I think that is so true. If the pictures show some type of texture you want to touch the picture because it is just your first instinct to do that. Using texture with children books is so important; this shows that there are different ways a picture can be in a book. Textures in a book can keep children in amaze for hours it is something that they are interested in. Nature books are the best to show texture, this is just my belief.
Tamika Merkison RE: Tricia I am the same way. I never put much thought into how much work goes into the pictures in a children’s book. Reading this chapter has made me aware of all the hard work that they do. Now as I read to my class and my children I will be pointing out the pictures, colors, shape, and textures of the pictures. Wow what hard work they have in developing the pictures to match the words of the author.
Chapter 4 Had many interesting things in it. But my question is why isn't Eric Carle listed as an Outstanding Illistrator? I saw Marice Sendak and David Wiesner but not Carle. I really hadn't thought to investigate the pictures in the books I read to children. I just enjoy them as back ground.
Laura P you make a good point about art. I didn't realize I was exposing my children to art in their books, like going to a museum and letting them see art there. What a great thought.
It is amazing how many of us comment on how we have never realized so much goes into illustrating a children's book. I feel this way about most of the chapters we've read so far--I'm starting to understand that these authors and illustrators spend much more time than I ever thought, plotting, using illustration techniques, and really working the story to their best capabilities. I guess I always assumed these books just pop right out of their heads!
Robin. I understand what you are saying about the artists drawing. I have been paying special attention to my students reading materials that implement lines and drawing to depict characters instead of words.
I am currently taking Elementary Art Methods and previously took an Art Appreciation course. This chapter did a great job of reinforcing the visual elements of art that I learned about in Art Appreciation. Probably the most important component of teaching art to young children that is conveyed in my Elementary Art Methods class is the need to incorporate art in everyday lessons. Art is all around us. Teaching visual concepts through illustrations in literature is an ingenious way to do this because children get to learn about two subjects at once. I honestly never knew how much thought and technique went into creating illustrations for children’s books. When the viewer sees the illustrations they are usually on the flat surface of the pages. Many times they are on either glossy or flat paper, we do not see the three dimensional surface the artwork was actually created on. For example, although the illustrations may feel dimensional and have texture it is an illusion. When viewing a piece of artwork like a collage or painting you see the texture in 3-d, sometimes you can even feel it, getting a better idea of the media used to create it and the amount of work and technique that went into it. Reading this chapter allowed me to take what I already know about art technique and apply it to various illustrations. I loved looking at the pictures and learning about the ways in which the artists used color, texture, symmetry, and line. My favorite part was learning about the media artists choose to create the illustrations and convey mood. I also enjoyed looking at the illustrations in some of my favorite stories in a new light. I can't wait to re-read some of my old favorites and as well as new, with this new understanding for the beauty and mood created by their illustrations and how this contributes to the overall meaning and feel of the book.
Reply to Tamika: I felt the same way after reading the chapter. Even though I am currently taking Elementary Art Methods and took an Art Appreciation class I never learned about how this related to illustrations in books. I never knew how much thought, technique and use of different medias went into illustrations for children's books. Many times I feel this is why these artists don’t earn the respect they deserve. I think they should start including some of these artists in classes like this. I liked your comment about how you are drawn to touch a picture based on texture. This is especially true for children who learn a great deal about the world through touch. And it is very closely related to the techniques artists use to draw people to do just that, especially through the use of line.
I was surprised at all of the writing on illustrations. Having seen many illustrations in many different types of books, I never reliezed how important they are. The way that they are creatived is very impressive. With the shape, line, textures and color. To put all of these things together, to create a story is a very interesting idea. I find it very interesting that we see so many different styles of art in children literature. After reading this chapter, I found myself going back thru the different childrens book I had used for a our reading logs to really look at the illustrations. When talking to a art teacher in my building, I was amazed how many of the different elements discussed in the reading that she noticed right away.
To krista, I complete agree that we need to put art in all different types of lessons.Putting art into lessons would be a very easy thing to do, as we are consently look at it. I also enjoyed learning about the texture, lines, and colors
This chapter made me look completely different at art altogether. I think back to before when I was reading children's books, I just simply glanced at the illustrations. It makes me feel kind of bad, because there is so much thought and planning into each detail. Now, I will look at every picture and think about how the illustrations bring out certain parts of the story. When I was in school, I was not offered art class. Our school did not have an art teacher, and they did not see it as important in the curriculum. I was a little disappointed back then, but now I am completely horrified. Children get so much out of art and there is so much to learn from it. The illustrations in books are just as important as the words, and I think children need to see that. This was yet another great eye opening chapter. There is so much more to children's literature, and this book does a great job of introducing new topics.
Reply to Tamika: I agree that we need to teach students the importance of colors and textures. Although this is a college level course, the information is very important for children of all ages. The textures is also very good interaction for the younger ones.
Reply to Sarah C: I think it would be interesting to find out exactly how authors and illustrators work together from start to finish. It might be suprising to hear what suggestions and requests the author has for the illustrator or how the author picks an illustrator...
Chapter 4 I think illustrations are great in books. Sometimes the illustrations can tell the story by themselves. I liked reading about lines, color, shape, and texture. I think art is good for children. I think alot of Eric Carle's book have very good illustrations that children like.
CHAPTER 4
ReplyDeleteAnnmarie (BETTY) P
As I read stories even long verbal ones, I prefer an occasional picture or photo to break the monotony of reading. The different styles and types of illustration introduced me to ideas that are new. The chapter gave me new insight on writers and the way they illustrate and write.
I have a clearer understanding of page layout and design. I can see now how I may use formal and informal text to my readings. Of all the authors mentioned, Keats, McCloskey and Sendak are the ones I am most familiar with. Although I am not into the fantastic and prefer realistic, Maurice Sendak and “Where the Wild Things Are”, is my favorite because of the style, colours, characters and fun.
This chapter presented lots of information and the material was easy to follow. Overall the chapter gave a great presentation of the topics of “Artist and their Illustrations” and teaching. As a visual first learner, I like, follow and appreciate colour, illustration and well presented materials. It was interesting to see all of the drawings using lines to confer different meaning.
I was definitely amazed at how illustrations are constructed, for example by lines, shape, texture, and color. In school, I never took any art classes beyond elementary school. So, being introduced to the intricacies of art was eye-opening to me. I mainly thought that artists would just draw whatever came to their head, no thinking about what the lines are saying and so forth.
ReplyDeleteWhen they mentioned that all children want to know how things feel when they learn about it, I was quite intrigued. I thought back to my childhood and remembered wanting to touch everything. Even today, I still touch things, such as the new, softer fabrics. I definitely agree with the book in regards to texture.
I agree with Annmarie that it was interesting to see all of the drawings using lines, colors, shapes, and textures. It helps to actually see examples of what you are reading about. When the book lists numerous books and how they are familiar to the topic being discussed, it makes me feel lost. It feels like it is just unnecessary to throw all of the books at you in the text.
ReplyDeleteThis chapter helped me to look at the process of illustrating children's book completely different. I always assumed illustrations were just drawn, however the artist wanted, not so much with regard to what the picture would emulate from the text. Watercolor, pencil, oils, I thought they used what they wanted!
ReplyDeletePersonally, I had also always wondered how the artist chooses their illustrations from the text. Although there was no direct answer to this question in the text, the discussions hinted at the fact that the most guidance they get from the author is a few notes. Otherwise, they are free to pick which parts of the text they would like to highlight. It amazes me that they always seem so cohesive, even though two separate people have worked on the book.
I believe understanding illustrations, how they are made, from where inspiration strikes, and so on, will be a wonderful and fun addition to classroom discussions.
Lacy E--
ReplyDeleteI also have not taken any art classes, so this chapter was very informative for me, learning about line, shape, texture, etc.
I also agree with your statement about kids touching different textures; it made me think about how hard it is to keep our son's hands off of everything in a store, and how often I have to say "nice hands." I've always known he was trying to learn through touching, but maybe I'll have a little more patience now!
Chapter 4: Artists and Their Illustrations
ReplyDeleteThis chapter was very helpful to me. When writing my book summaries, I sometimes have difficulties finding the right words to describe the illustrations. However, after reading chapter four, I became more knowledgeable about (1) how to really evaluate illustrations found in children’s books and (2) what to look for and describe, for example, I should observe not only the colors but lines, shapes and texture as well. This would help me to create the perfect picture to complement my summary/story.
I think illustrations are so important in literature because they can actually bring a story to life and as a result, readers can actually visualize and imagine themselves really being in that story/setting. Furthermore, for some of the readers who have a short attention span or for those readers who are visual learners, illustrations make literature much more interesting and fun.
RE: Sarah
ReplyDeleteI agree, having a classroom discussion with the kids about illustrations should be fun and interesting and then, I would suggest incorporating llustrations into the classroom lesson, for example, I would have the students do some illustration after completing a writing activity. I believe this would provide the students with great opportunities to become creative.
Re: Lacy
ReplyDeleteChildren are so curious! Sure, just like you, I remembered I was interested in just about everything and I had to touch everything. I guess this is how we all learn.
I like the way Chapter 4 discuss the shapes and colors. I'm also taking a art class. It teaches you about different stages in art. 1. The Preadolescent Stage which is use of color and art techniques. 2 The Manipulative Stage which is by making marks and lines the normal child gains experiencein making shapes as they progress. 3 The Symbol Making Stage which they see the same things an adults see but the differences is they draw what they know not what they see. Maybe the illustrator of books does the same thing that kids do. using your imaginary mind cna stick up beatuiful pictures
ReplyDeleteAnnmarie I agree with you. It is nice to see all the lines, shapes and colors. I truly believe every line or shpae that is illustrator really mean something. I love the iullstrations in the Knuffle Bunny Story. The Illustrator made the block and washer/dryer look real.
ReplyDeleteAllison I like when you say that illustration can make stories look like real life. That is really true. My daughter does that all the time. I find her laughing out loud when she into a story that she is reading.
ReplyDeleteLacy,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, I always thought artists drew whatever they had in their mind. I never realized how much thought actually went into a painting or drawing.
Sarah,
ReplyDeleteIt is really amazing how the illustrator can depict what the author is 'drawing' with their words. They seem to compliment each other so well. I always thought that they worked closely together on the text and illustrations.
This was a very enlightening chapter. I have always loved the illustrations in children's books. Most of the books we read as adults have no illustrations and it is up to us to develop those pictures in our minds from the information in the text we are reading. I enjoy reading children's books as much for the art as for the stories. Some children's books have the most elaborate and beautiful artwork they are a pleasure to just look at for the pictures. Children are truly lucky to have so much thought and love put into their books.
ReplyDeleteI really liked reading about all the details on how illustrations are composed. It was very interesting to read how the use of line, color, light and shadow are thought out and play an important part in the messages to be conveyed. It makes since to me now that there is this amount of thought behind them. When you think about it children are very much visual learners, so it makes perfect sense that the illustrations in their books contain so much background.
Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteI'll bet your taking elementary art methods. Me too. Isn't it interesting?
Alison,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the idea that illustrations help children visualize what is happening in the story and it brings it to life for them.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe one thing that I really took away from Chapter 4 was just how much goes into doing illustrations. I kind of had an idea that illustrations took some work but after reading "The Grammar of Artists" I realized that it was more than just throwing some art down on a page. Artists use line for direction, motion, energy and mood. Artists use color with mood to convey the emotion and mood. Artists use lines and color to suggest shape and texture to make the picture pop out at you, as if you want to touch it. Using all the elements together really can make a book’s illustrations.
ReplyDeleteI had just read a book called "The House in the Night." This book was the 2009 Caldecott Winner, so the illustrations are good. I really feel the artist did a nice job of using the elements of line, color, shape, and texture.
The other thing that I like about chapter 4 was how they talked about the outstanding illustrators of children's books. Giving the names and some of their work will give me a chance to go to the local library and look at some of their work.
Re: Robin
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about never realizing how much thought and I would say time as well that goes into the illustrations of children's books. I think that it would take a special kind of person to so the work that the illustrators do.
Re: Sarah C.
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea about adding illustrations to the discussion of the reading in the classroom. It would be interesting to get a child's view on what they thought about the illustrations.
Alison,
ReplyDeleteI think it is very important to know what the affect illustrations have on a story. Like you, I struggled trying to find words that summarized my thoughts about the illustrations. Chapter 4 is a great resource for this.
Chapter 4 Summary
ReplyDeleteby Lisa White
I enjoyed reading about the visual elements used in illustrations. I never took any art classes so I struggle when I had to describe the illustrations in the books. This part will help me decide what I need to focus on when looking at illustrations.
I loved learning about the artistic media such as woodcuts and collages. I find books using these techniques very entertaining and I love reading them because of the pictures only. Finally, I enjoyed learning about some of the illustrators. I am sad to say I didn't know some of these people and their accomplishments. Now that I read this section, I will definitely be on the lookout for some of this books illustrated by these illustrators.
Luke,
ReplyDeleteI loved the book, "The House in the Night." I have found out that I love looking at the Caldecott winners just because the pictures add some much detail that you almost don't need the words to understand the story.
I really enjoyed Chapter 4 in our textbook. I have always loved looking at the pictures in a book, but have never really thought about the way the illustrations were created or the reasons behind the techniques that the author chose for that particular story. I found it very interesting how so much can come from just a line, whether it is straight, diagonal or curvy. As well as the lines, I was really intrigued by the author's portion of the chapter that talked about collages. I read Ezra Jack Keats' The Snowy Day for my Caldecott award book and the author of our text book, made great effort to discuss how Keats chose to create his illustrations by paper pasted together to form such beautiful pictures. After I read the chapter in our textbook, I went back and read Keats' book again and really looked at the pictures, they are amazing! Another portion of the chapter that really interested me was the when the author was talking about the book Where the Wild Things Are. It is so neat how the author of that book included 6 pages of only illustrations and no words. That really does make a difference in a story and kids love it, as well as the adults.
ReplyDeleteGreat Chapter!
RE: CAROLYN S.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. Isn't it amazing how the colors and shapes of a picture can depict so may different ideas or concepts. I have always loved looking at my students drawings of people and animals, they are so simple and full of random shapes, but somehow to really seem to show what they are trying to depict without much confusion at all.
I keep a pic on the fridge that my little brother drew when he was little of a dog, specifically our dog, and it is funny, all though in reality it looks nothing like our dog, the circles and ovals he put together make a dog! So neat!
RE: ALISON M.
ReplyDeleteIsn't it so true, some kids have such short attention spans!! I think it is very important for a books illustrations to be entertaining and intriguing for the students. I know sometimes, the books with so many words will often times bore the students if there are not amazing illustrations to go along with it.
MeredithC
ReplyDeleteChapter 4
Friday I was reading Franklin’s Valentines at a 1st grade party. When Franklin arrives at school he doesn’t have his valentines to give away. Some of my first graders asked where the valentines had gone. A few students had noticed in the illustrations that Franklin’s valentines had flown out of his backpack into a puddle when he ran to catch the bus. I realized from this chapter that I hadn’t spent enough time on the illustrations, so I went back to the right page so everybody could study the picture and see what had happened. Also Friday we were studying in math the concept of symmetry. I was interested that our text calls attention to symmetry in art. It would be possible to find illustrations to show during math class. I realize that I could be supporting our art classes by spending more time on the illustrations in books by looking at how they support the story with color to show mood or time of day. Also interesting to figure out what medium the artist has used and why they might have made the choice. I appreciate the initiating questions on p. 143. I don’t think I can keep them all in my head…I need to copy down the questions I might find useful and put them in my sub bag. In encouraging studying the illustrations we are also preparing students to study photos and illustrations in textbooks which give us additional information on subjects. I had a college bacteriology professor that always took one test question from the captions underneath a photo or drawing because she wanted us to always study the pictures and drawings.
robin a:
ReplyDeleteI also have always loved the illustrations in children's books. I miss them in adult books.
It is fun in this class to get to read so many children's books. I think I will keep on. They aren't boring at all and I think the artists help to keep our interest in adding in details beyond the text.
In chapter 4 we discover what illustrations do for a book. This is why when reading a picture book sometime we have to look within the pages to see what is really going on. Children tend to enjoy books with bright colors and rhythmic wording and imagery. For example on page 122 it talks about how Barbara Cooney’s choices of color are used to show the passing of time. The visual grammar gives the reader elements of color, shape, line, and texture. These key elements come together and help us as readers see, feel, and understand what is happening in a book. Most younger aged children need something to help keep their imagination flowing. As you are reading picture book to your students they always like to see the picture. I have recently realized that the pictures and illustrations in books help a story flow. The illustrations give warmth, comfort, sadness, and happiness, which helps the reader understand the meaning of the story. I didn’t realize how important color, texture, lines, and shape were until reading chapter four. Now when I read a book I will understand more by learning and studying the illustrations and what they are telling the reader about the story. It would benefit all readers to read a book once and then read it again and study the illustration and see how much more you understood the second time.
ReplyDeleteLuke, I didn't realie until chapter 4 how important illustrations were either. How they come together with the text to make the whole story. Sometimes they even have hidden meaning. Meaning we don't see until we take a more in deepth look at what is being protrayed through the illustrations.
ReplyDeleteI really liked reading about the process of the illustrations. It makes me think of the Bill Martin Jr. book, "Polar Bear Polar Bear, What Do You Hear?" I love that book even now I love the illustrations in the book when I read it to my nieces, so reading about what goes into it is really neat. I am taking a childrens art methods class right now so it makes it even better to read about.
ReplyDeleteI have always felt that if there were going to be illustrations with a book, that they had to be good ones. Nothing kills a book faster, especially with a child, than poor illustrations. I however did not understand the complexity of illustrations until now. As I read about the use of horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines it made complete sense and I wondered how I could have missed it all of these years. I have always understood that the coloring of things can create the mood for things. It was also interesting how textures, shapes, and the organization of the illustrations affected things also. Being able to tell the culture of the art also helps the reader also relate to the book. Really to me this chapter was a lesson on art just as much as it was about literature. I have never had much exposure to art an the book made a good point that the books are a good way to expose yourself and others without having to make a trip to an art museum.
ReplyDeleteI think that this chapter was very informative. There were so many things presented in this chapter that I had learned so long ago and then never gave another thought to. The chapter did a great job of explaining the importance of the illustrations of a story. I really liked the section that is dedicated to different illustrators. I have read or own several of the books listed in this section. And it gave me a list of books that I would like to add to my collection.
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about not knowing so much work went into illustrating books. I took an art class or two in high school and learned about the lines, shapes, colors, ect. But I am with you I never put them togther to make the pictures.
I really never gave much thought to a books Illustrations before reading Ch. 4. I now have a new perspective toward lines, colors and shapes and how they compliment the text. I would like to apply this to the classroom, by having students write a story. The stories would be written on one page, and then the opposite page would be left blank for an Illustration. Next, I would like for them to find a partner. They would switch stories with their partner, and design the Illustration that would fit best with their partner’s story. Prior to any of this, I would discuss the impact of shape and color on the mood in illustrated books. We would take a look at award-winning books, and compare those with other illustrated books.
ReplyDeleteRe: Jolene L.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Ch. 4 did a great job describing the importance of illustrations in children’s books. I too would like to get some books listed in this section and add it to my collection.
Chapter 4:
ReplyDeleteThis chapter was very interesting to me, as I don’t always take time to stop and consider how important illustrations are in children’s books. The pictures children see can strongly influence their perception of the book and how well they connect to a story or character. As we read a story without pictures, we each create a different picture in our heads, so it is neat to look at how illustrators portray a picture and create illustrations after reading a book that they or someone else has authored. I also enjoyed learning about how different visual elements can enhance an illustration and picture. I found many great resources in this chapter for books that help children look at art and illustrations in new ways. I think art education is very important and I liked learning ideas for combining it with other lessons in the classroom. One example is to study illustrators who follow some of the more well known artistic movements and how their children’s book illustrations are impacted by that type of art. Another area of illustrations that can be taught in the classroom is that of other cultures. There are so many books that use artwork and illustrations to teach children about other cultures. I think this is an especially good idea for younger children in elementary schools. I am constantly amazed at how many practical applications this book has for later use in the classroom. It will be a book I refer to often!
Tricia-
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea about having two children illustrate the same story. I think one of the best things about reading is being able to use your imagination. It is always a neat experience to see how your interpretation of a story differs from someone else who reads the same story. I will save your idea and try it out myself when I become a teacher!
-LauraA
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ReplyDeleteTamika Merkison
ReplyDeleteI had no clue how much thinking and work went into illustrating a book. There are so many techniques that can be used. As I was reading the chapter and it talked about what the different colors represented I was amazed because when reading pictures books to my PSCD class I tend to point out the colors and ask them what they think will happen next based on the colors.
The chapter speaks on textures and wanting to touch the picture, I think that is so true. If the pictures show some type of texture you want to touch the picture because it is just your first instinct to do that. Using texture with children books is so important; this shows that there are different ways a picture can be in a book. Textures in a book can keep children in amaze for hours it is something that they are interested in. Nature books are the best to show texture, this is just my belief.
Tamika Merkison
ReplyDeleteRE: Tricia
I am the same way. I never put much thought into how much work goes into the pictures in a children’s book. Reading this chapter has made me aware of all the hard work that they do. Now as I read to my class and my children I will be pointing out the pictures, colors, shape, and textures of the pictures. Wow what hard work they have in developing the pictures to match the words of the author.
Chapter 4 Had many interesting things in it. But my question is why isn't Eric Carle listed as an Outstanding Illistrator? I saw Marice Sendak and David Wiesner but not Carle. I really hadn't thought to investigate the pictures in the books I read to children. I just enjoy them as back ground.
ReplyDeleteLaura P you make a good point about art. I didn't realize I was exposing my children to art in their books, like going to a museum and letting them see art there. What a great thought.
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing how many of us comment on how we have never realized so much goes into illustrating a children's book. I feel this way about most of the chapters we've read so far--I'm starting to understand that these authors and illustrators spend much more time than I ever thought, plotting, using illustration techniques, and really working the story to their best capabilities. I guess I always assumed these books just pop right out of their heads!
ReplyDeleteRobin. I understand what you are saying about the artists drawing. I have been paying special attention to my students reading materials that implement lines and drawing to depict characters instead of words.
ReplyDeleteI am currently taking Elementary Art Methods and previously took an Art Appreciation course. This chapter did a great job of reinforcing the visual elements of art that I learned about in Art Appreciation. Probably the most important component of teaching art to young children that is conveyed in my Elementary Art Methods class is the need to incorporate art in everyday lessons. Art is all around us. Teaching visual concepts through illustrations in literature is an ingenious way to do this because children get to learn about two subjects at once. I honestly never knew how much thought and technique went into creating illustrations for children’s books. When the viewer sees the illustrations they are usually on the flat surface of the pages. Many times they are on either glossy or flat paper, we do not see the three dimensional surface the artwork was actually created on. For example, although the illustrations may feel dimensional and have texture it is an illusion. When viewing a piece of artwork like a collage or painting you see the texture in 3-d, sometimes you can even feel it, getting a better idea of the media used to create it and the amount of work and technique that went into it. Reading this chapter allowed me to take what I already know about art technique and apply it to various illustrations. I loved looking at the pictures and learning about the ways in which the artists used color, texture, symmetry, and line. My favorite part was learning about the media artists choose to create the illustrations and convey mood. I also enjoyed looking at the illustrations in some of my favorite stories in a new light. I can't wait to re-read some of my old favorites and as well as new, with this new understanding for the beauty and mood created by their illustrations and how this contributes to the overall meaning and feel of the book.
ReplyDeleteReply to Tamika:
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way after reading the chapter. Even though I am currently taking Elementary Art Methods and took an Art Appreciation class I never learned about how this related to illustrations in books. I never knew how much thought, technique and use of different medias went into illustrations for children's books. Many times I feel this is why these artists don’t earn the respect they deserve. I think they should start including some of these artists in classes like this. I liked your comment about how you are drawn to touch a picture based on texture. This is especially true for children who learn a great deal about the world through touch. And it is very closely related to the techniques artists use to draw people to do just that, especially through the use of line.
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ReplyDeleteI was surprised at all of the writing on illustrations. Having seen many illustrations in many different types of books, I never reliezed how important they are. The way that they are creatived is very impressive. With the shape, line, textures and color. To put all of these things together, to create a story is a very interesting idea. I find it very interesting that we see so many different styles of art in children literature. After reading this chapter, I found myself going back thru the different childrens book I had used for a our reading logs to really look at the illustrations. When talking to a art teacher in my building, I was amazed how many of the different elements discussed in the reading that she noticed right away.
ReplyDeleteTo krista,
ReplyDeleteI complete agree that we need to put art in all different types of lessons.Putting art into lessons would be a very easy thing to do, as we are consently look at it. I also enjoyed learning about the texture, lines, and colors
This chapter made me look completely different at art altogether. I think back to before when I was reading children's books, I just simply glanced at the illustrations. It makes me feel kind of bad, because there is so much thought and planning into each detail. Now, I will look at every picture and think about how the illustrations bring out certain parts of the story. When I was in school, I was not offered art class. Our school did not have an art teacher, and they did not see it as important in the curriculum. I was a little disappointed back then, but now I am completely horrified. Children get so much out of art and there is so much to learn from it. The illustrations in books are just as important as the words, and I think children need to see that. This was yet another great eye opening chapter. There is so much more to children's literature, and this book does a great job of introducing new topics.
ReplyDeleteReply to Tamika:
ReplyDeleteI agree that we need to teach students the importance of colors and textures. Although this is a college level course, the information is very important for children of all ages. The textures is also very good interaction for the younger ones.
Reply to Sarah C:
ReplyDeleteI think it would be interesting to find out exactly how authors and illustrators work together from start to finish. It might be suprising to hear what suggestions and requests the author has for the illustrator or how the author picks an illustrator...
Chapter 4
ReplyDeleteI think illustrations are great in books. Sometimes the illustrations can tell the story by themselves. I liked reading about lines, color, shape, and texture. I think art is good for children. I think alot of Eric Carle's book have very good illustrations that children like.
Joan S, I was thinking the same thing that Eric Carle's book have really good illustrations. I love The Very Hungry Catepillar!!
ReplyDeleteAnnmarie was right when she said that the differnt styles of literature was interesting and fun.
ReplyDelete