Picture books encompass literary elements without words; art provides its own story, whether or not text exists. The reader uses the images in order to create connections with the text or to create personal or implied text if the piece exhibits solely art. The images in a picturebook are intended to create drama, to aesthetically drive literary elements. Art develops plot, setting, theme, point of view, mood, tone, characterization, and style. By analyzing the aspects of the art itself, one develops an appreciation of media and their implications, of conventions and their connotations. For example, watercolor provides a quiet, soft atmosphere with a warm sparkle. And, surrealism prompts the reader to believe in the most unreal scenes. As readers, we progress through picture books not only by enjoying the illumination of art, but also by nurturing our artistic, critical eye.
Flotsam
Lucky Beans