Welcome, Illustrators and Authors. Thepicturebook.com is here, to project you on an odyssey into the art of picture book design, aiding you through the basic principles of image and word narrative, giving you a deeper understanding on what a picture book is and does, and sparking your creativity through past and current picture book inonvations. We are an ongoing to database, here to help YOU get the most out of what you do.
A Picture Book, is, in short, a book
There are many different types of
commonly aimed at children, in
picture books, each of which can
which the content is conveyed
serve a different purpose. For
through the use of a combination
example - board books, concept
of words and pictures, or solely
books, easy-readers, non-fiction and
through pictures alone.
wordless.
The term picture book should
There are also various ways in which
not be confused with that of an
children learn and respond through
illustrated book, as the pictures
reading picture books. These consist
they contain form an essential
of - Word and image interaction,
part of the structure, as apposed
extending
to simply accompanying the text.
understanding
their letters,
vocabulary, analysing
colour for significance, becoming Picture Books, thus defined, are a
aware of phonics, reading body
relatively modern form of book,
language, reading visual metaphors,
yet their origins and influences
looking and thinking, rising to the
can be traced back thousands of
challenges offered, looking and
years.
learning, and affective responses.
The Beginning Pictorial storytelling can be traced back to earliest paintings on wall caves, some of which can be dated back to 60,000 years ago. We can only speculate the purpose/meanings of these, but it is clear they were one of most important means of communication at the time. Trajan's Column in Rome is also one of the oldest examples of visual narrative., Built in the second ceuntry, it tells the story of Trajon's victories in the Dacian Wars. Following this, the Tombs of Ancient Egypt likewise gave birth to some amazing stories through the form of pictures.
Need help with beginning your picture book? Well look no further! Have a flick through our very own step by step guide of the thought process and developmental procedures, created from the wise advice of professional writers and designers. Click the arrow to begin‌
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Henri’s Walk to Paris This charming picture book with its bright orange pages and striking, simple graphics tells the story of a little boy who lives in a tiny French village but dreams of going to Paris. With a delightful text written by Leonore Klein, it was originally published in 1962, the only children’s book illustrated by the talented graphic designer Saul Bass.