Children's Book Illustration & Design II (Hardcover)

by Julie Cummins (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
This visual feast follows the successful pattern established in the first volume: a sidebar with a photo and biographical sketch of the illustrator introduces carefully labeled, high-quality reproductions of children's book art with quotations from the artist. There are, however, many improvements over the earlier title. Because of the sophisticated new page design, the organization is better and more visually appealing. In volume one, entries ran to three pages, frequently leaving different artists on facing pages. This book usually employs two double-page spreads, providing more generous coverage. Cummins has selected more than 50 artists that go beyond the first volume's "notables" and introduces many up-and-coming illustrators (e.g., Mark Buehner, Yumi Heo, Dan Yaccarino) along with established artists not previously included (e.g., Victoria Chess, Leo and Diane Dillon, Ted Lewin). In addition to author/illustrator and title indexes, a segment for publishers has been added. Because of increased interest in children's book illustration and visual literacy, most public libraries should consider adding these volumes to their collections. Academic collections will find them essential because they document the contemporary scene and anticipate the future.ASue Burgess, Framingham State College, MA
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
The sumptuous color reproductions, boldly colored sidebars, and attractive design combine to invite readers to browse this lovely book. A follow-up to volume 1, published in 1992, it introduces a sampling of the work of 56 additional picture-book artists. As in the previous volume, each of the alphabetically arranged entries includes a thumbnail biography, a black-and-white photo, a quote from the artist, and an illustration from a picture book (sometimes work from several books is used), which is briefly described and identified by title, author, publisher, and medium. Cummins' introduction gives some sense of her criteria for selection of the artists ("chosen for their unique style, level of creativity, and recognition by professionals in the children's book field") but is not clear about how or why individual works were selected. Still, as a sweeping pictorial introduction to art in contemporary children's publishing, this is a pleasure. Stephanie Zvirin

Product Details

• Hardcover: 191 pages
• Publisher: Pbc Intl (December 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0866363939
• ISBN-13: 978-0866363938
• Product Dimensions: 12.2 x 9.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,168,052 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful resource for the budding illustrator..., May 16, 2002

By	Mark Savary "moon_city" (Seattle, WA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

As my fellow reviewer mentioned, the title of this book is a bit misleading (albeit unintentionally misleading). However, the book can still be an invaluable resource for those interested in woking in the picture book field.

While not a guidebook or "how to" manual, "Children's Book Illustration & Design II" does give an informative overview of various styles established illustrators have used with their children's book projects. As such, the book can be a useful tool for the novice commercial/picture book illustrator who may need inspiration when faced with a particular assignment.

Like a set of picture files on various topics, books such as this one are very handy to have in the artist's studio.