Play Pen: New Children's Book Illustration (Paperback)

~ Martin Salisbury (Author)
Key Phrases: play pen, graphic design, magic bottles, Walker Books, Edizioni Corraini, Jeff Fisher (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Once dismissed as a cozy world of teddy bears and fairies, the arrival on the scene of numerous highly original, contemporary, and 'cool' graphic artists in recent years has transformed perceptions of children's book illustration. Children now grow up with a more informed and sophisticated visual diet—with cartoons, animated movies, comics, TV, and computer games—consuming a vast range of stylistic approaches, and illustrated books have moved to match the demands of a more discerning market. Equally, artists who in the past may not have considered the children's picture book as an appropriate vehicle for artistic expression are increasingly drawn to the area.

This book showcases some of the most interesting work emerging within the genre from a range of cultural backgrounds. It examines trends in use of media—both digital and traditional—and discusses the variety of approaches to subject matter.

About the Author

Martin Salisbury is a lecturer in illustration and a freelance illustrator. He designed and leads the UK's first Masters program in children's book illustration at Anglia Ruskin University. He is the author of Illustrating Children's Books (Quarto/A&C Black), a practical guide to illustration.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Laurence King Publishers (October 11, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1856695247
• ISBN-13: 978-1856695244
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 9.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #244,816 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A varied selection, really inspiring!, January 23, 2008

By	dragonness (Cambridge, MA) - See all my reviews

In the Introduction, Martin Salisbury has an important quote from Walter Herdeg that pinpoints why it's so important to expose children to good art: 'The smallest owner of books has his special, private art gallery and a unique relationship to it, for he pores over his favourites endlessly, staring at them with a fascination that guarantees indelible memories of scenes and subjects - French, Swedish, Swiss, English, and many others.'

The book offers a varied selection of the best of contemporary children's illustrators from around the world, including Mexico, China and Iran, as well as the more accessible Western artists. There is some biographical information about each artist, and a selection of beautifully reprinted illustrations. In addition, we get a few quotes from the artists themselves where they talk about their inspiration and their style.

I was surprised to learn how many work entirely in the digital medium, even though you couldn't tell the difference from looking at their output.

Less surprising was the note about the more cautious and politically correct approach to illustration that American publishers have, versus, for example, their Italian counterparts, who are much more open to experimental work that is not necessarily obviously aimed at an audience of children.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rewarding purchase, May 4, 2008

By	A. Summers - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

A gorgeous and effortless read showcasing interesting and varied children's book illustrators from around the world. The layout is simple and clean, with biographical info about each illustrator and then three pages of their work (or in some cases, five pages). Despite a pithy (but short) introduction, this is far from an academic text. It will, however, get you thinking about the nature of illustration for children's books and may spur you onto further reading or research. Plus the visual stimulation is inspiring!

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Contemporary graphic artists, February 14, 2008

By	Mama Lunada (Little Town, NY) - See all my reviews

Beautifully illustrated, with several examples of each artist studied, this book is packed with original works. Biographical information of the artists is included. Very interesting, diverse and often whimsical, the book is well designed to introduce contemporary children's book illustration.