Needing a little distraction?
Well, here’s a little secret – I love books 🙂 – all sorts of books and I don’t just mean genres. I revel in their different sizes, the textures of the cover and the paper, the fonts used… such a sensual experience.
So here are five of my illustrated books selected from my bookcase. Enjoy!
Thompson, C (1998) ‘How to live forever’
Colin is the illustrator and writer of this thought provoking book about immortality and ethics. Don’t be misled by its attractive cover – it is not just a ‘children’s book’. Colin has the ability to create mystery within these pages of his book.
Look at the intricacies of the illustrations!
Tan, S (2007) ‘The Arrival’
This is a graphic novel with no words about the experience of an immigrant. The reader is invited to immerse herself in the richness of Shaun’s illustration, with ‘vintage’ colours, and to make meaning of a man’s search for a new home for his family in a new land.
His illustrations illuminate – so compelling.
Phaidon Press (1994) ‘The Art Book‘
Winner of the Illustrated Book of the Year award in 1994, this book is a collection of renowned paintings over centuries with explanatory notes about the works of art and their creators, such as Basquait, Giacometti, Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Mondrian, Monet, Turner and Warhol.
To quote the editor at Phaidon Press, “[G]reat art can exciting, inspiring and thought provoking, but it can also be confusing…The key to ‘The Art Book’s’ success is its simplicity. It’s an easy way into that world that is exciting and inspiring, and it’s a door that’s open to everyone.” For those interested, have a wander on Phaidon’s site.
Sendak, M (1963) “Where the Wild Things Are“
This classic children’s book is illustrated by the author Maurice Sendak, and captures of the creativity of being a child. An oldie but a goodie 🙂
Whimsical and adventurous illustration, the book draws our attention to a boy’s mischief and his dealing with the consequences of his actions in a creative way – through his fantasy.
Dahl, R (1978) “The Enormous Crocodile“
This book was first published in 1978. The illustration is by Quentin Blake, who formed a long collaboration with Roald Dahl. The illustration is quirky, light, whimsical and most suitable for the story.
I had fun reading this with my children when they were little.
Zahed, R (2014) “The Art of Dreamworks Animation“
A most recent hardcover book celebrating the Dreamworks team and their artistry in animation. This book is not classified as an illustrated book, but hey, I’m a rebel 🙂 It contains many samples of Dreamworks’ animation from movies such as Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Madagascar and Puss in Boots.
A book worth having just to browse the magnificent images.
Well, I hope you explored the links I put in for each of the books.
I am interested to know what your favourite illustrated book is, or one which has a special place in your heart for some special reason… I am always looking to add to my collection 🙂
Till next time
– FlorenceT
@FTThum
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