Chapter 4 – Artists and Their Illustrations

Essay Question Feedback

1. An effective response will pair specific illustrations in children’s literature to an analysis of line, color, shape, texture, or design.

2. A complete response would include the elements listed in the Evaluation Criteria box on page 115. For example, the response should connect to visual elements (line, color, shape, texture, and media and how these elements extend the development of plot, characterization, setting, and theme. Mention of the artistic style and its connection to the author’s literary style is important. The degree to which the illustrations develop the characters should be noted; as should the accuracy of historical, cultural, and geographical detail.

3. Students should provide three different kinds of media (lines and washes, watercolors, acrylics, pastels, oils, woodcuts, and collages). Each kind of media should be paired with illustrators and book titles with matching media.

4. A complete answer would include the levels of formality discussed on pages 121-123. Specific levels of formality should be paired with examples of children’s literature that matches each level of formality.

5. A complete response will describe the illustrations of an award winning book in terms of aesthetics, relying on the elements of line, color, shape, texture, and media. It should resemble the format presented on page 141 in the text.

Answer Key Multiple Choice

Essay Question Feedback

1. A thorough response will include analysis and evaluation based on the evaluation criteria in the box on page 159 (accuracy of illustrations; degree to which the illustrations complement the setting, plot, and mood of the story; degree to which the illustrations enhance characterizations; avoidance of stereotypes; amount of appeal to children; contains a worthwhile theme; author’s style and language are appropriate for the interests and age level of intended audience; the book on a whole-how harmonious are the illustrations, the format, and the typography). Specific details and examples from the book to illustrate these points should support the answer.

2. A thorough answer will include concepts drawn from the text on pages 165-166, using specific books and examples to support the use of alphabet books for younger children and those written for older children.

3. A good response will include an analysis of originality and imagination, characterization, setting, theme, style, and humor.

4. The response should identify the five general sources of humor (word play and nonsense, surprise and the unexpected, exaggeration, the ridiculous and caricatures, and superiority) as demonstrated in a number of picture books mentioned in the text or found in the library or bookstore by the student.

5. A quality response will include the ideas presented on page 189-191. A persona l statement of the student’s intentions to adhere to the practice of reading aloud to children in the classroom with supporting evidence from the chapter and course content should be included.