Tuesday, July 8, 2014

The Purpose of Illustration...


"The main function of illustration is to illuminate text, to throw light on words. In fact, illustration in medieval books is called illumination and the term illustration derives from the Latin verb meaning "to light up," "to illuminate."

- pg. 120 of "Writing With Pictures: How To Write and Illustrate Children's Books" by Uri Shuilevitz.

This is just one of many inspirations from this number one most-recommended craft book on illustrating for children and teens!


Who said was it number one?

I asked twenty-five of the top authors, illustrators, and author/illustrators working in children's literature today. Also a book seller, an agent, an art director, a lawyer, a few poets, and an editor. I asked these experts for the books on craft that inspire them, that are must-reads, and that they recommend - and "Writing with Pictures" won the race, being included on ten short-lists!

You can check out the entire recommended bibliography in my "Essential Reference Books on Writing & Illustrating for Children & Teens" article in SCBWI's "The Book: The Essential Guide to Publishing for Children."


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