The Original Art Show enables viewers to look at the best illustrations of children’s book. This paper is aimed at discussing some of the works showcased at this exhibition. They illustrate a variety of techniques used by modern artists. Overall, this exhibition may be visited by people who take interest in art or design. Moreover, such cultural events can be considered by parents who want to give their children new books.
First of all, I would like to speak about the book If You Lived Here: Houses of the World, illustrated by Giles Laroche. This book helps children to look at houses that represent different countries such as Italy, China, Greece, England, Chile and so forth[1].
Giles Laroche uses bas-relief collages in order to help readers to visualize various types of buildings. The paper-cut illustrations created by the author can greatly appeal to readers who age ranges between 8 and 12. Overall, this book can inspire children learn more about other countries or cultures. This is why it can be considered by parents.
Furthermore, one can mention the book Now I Am Big! written by Stephen Krensky and illustrated by Sara Gillingham. It should be noted that Sara Gillingham uses almost pure geometric forms[2] and the authors encourage children to explore the world. The artistic simplicity of Sara Gillingham can certainly fascinate readers of pre-school age. On the whole, this book can be of some interest to parents with toddlers.
Another exhibit that greatly appeals to me is the book Otter and Odder: A Love Story by James Howe and Chris Raschka. This book tells the story of love between an otter and a fish. The authors let children understand what it means to love a person who may be different in some way. Moreover, Chris Raschka succeeds in creating penciled images that emulate children’s drawing techniques [3].
There is another work that can attract the attention of people who are interested in art or design. In particular, one can speak about the book The Christmas Quiet Book written by Deborah Underwood and illustrated by Renata Liwska. This book can be particularly suitable for pre-school children.
Renata Liwska creates soft-colored illustrations of bunnies, bears, deer, and other animals associated with Christmas[4]. It seems that this work can be distinguished among many other Christmas books. One of its most distinctive traits is a very rich palette.
Finally, I would like to speak about the debut book Red Knit Cap Girl written and illustrated by Naoko Stoop. It gives a visual story of a girl who lives with animals in some enchanted forest. It should be noted that Naoko Stoop uses a very unusual medium, in particular, pencil and acrylic paintings on plywood[5].
This work illustrates that an artist should combine powerful images with unusual media. One can argue that Naoko Stoop was able to cope with this task. It seems that this book can of great interest to children of pre-school age, especially girls.
On the whole, this exhibition has given me deep insights into the techniques used by illustrators of children’s book. These artists have to ensure the clarity of their pictures, but at the same time they have to strive for originality. The Original Art Show can be visited by parents, artists, or designers.
Bibliography
Howe, James, and Chris Raschka. Otter and Odder: A Love Story. London: Candlewick, 2012.
Krensky, Stephen, and Sara Gillingham. Now I Am Big! Washington: Abrams Appleseed, 2012.
Laroche, Giles. If You Lived Here: Houses of the World. New York: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011.
Stoop, Naoko. Red Knit Cap Girl. New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2012.
Underwood, Debohar, and Renata Liwska. The Christmas Quiet Book. New York: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2012.
Footnotes
- Giles, Laroche,. If You Lived Here: Houses of the World. (New York: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2011), 4.
- Stephen Krensky and Sara Gillingham. Now I Am Big! (Washington: Abrams Appleseed, 2012), 1
- James Howe and Chris Raschka. Otter and Odder: A Love Story. (London: Candlewick, 2012), 2
- Debohar Underwood and Renata Liwska. The Christmas Quiet Book. (New York: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children, 2012), 1
- Naoko, Stoop. Red Knit Cap Girl. (New York: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2012), 1.