1. Diary of a Worm- The comic book like illustrations of this book work to enhance, not replace, the humor within the text of the story. While lines such as the one referring to the worm hokey pokey are funny on their own, the illustration of worms at a dance, disco ball included, can send the reader over the top into fits of giggles. The reader feels texture in the worm and his earthly home. The use of primary colors allows for a focus on the story, rather than the emotion a picture may convey. The added dialogue included in the illustrations of Worm and his family further enhances the story- bringing in a more personable side of the creatures. Also, as an added bonus, the reader is treated to a fun collection of items and the beginning and end of the novel that provide further insight into the lives of earthworms. Who knew what they thought of gum?!
2. Chicka Chicka Boom Boom- Every year my sudents are delighted with this book and it's use of bold exciting colors. The border around the pages suggests fun and excitement. The curvy line of the palm tree tells the reader that action is occurring. Seeing a T with a loose tooth rather than reading the words only brings an entirely new dimension to the fun rhyme. And that pile of letters, oh my! You can feel the calamity in the harsh diagonal lines and bold colors. Small text and huge illustrations make it easy for the reader to see that the pictures tell the story. We see the tears of the letters, the worry of the parents- all in a jumbled mess of diagonal lines, coming together only at the end of the book when they are shown lined up in rows.
3. Skippyjon Jones- The texture of these illustrations is incredible! The readers sees Skippyjon Jones so clearly it's almost as if we could reach out and pet his soft chihuahua, er I mean- cat, fur. While the colors may be mostly soft, the striking contrast of his black bandito mask conveys danger and mystery. The jagged lines of the bumble bee show the reader trouble is ahead. Even Skippyjon's pointy triangle shaped ears let the reader know this is not a book about a cat nap! Skippyjon's mother, on the other hand, is as soft and round as the lines and patterns on her apron suggest. Only her hand on her hip, and the triangle it creates, serve to suggest her anger. Contrasting this with the overall softness surrounding her, the reader knows she loves her little boy even when he has an over active imagination. These illustrations are a wonderful example of (the first in this list) illustrations necessary to the comprehension of the story.
4. No David!- This book was one of the first I ever analyzed as far as illustrations. While I had always liked the simple story, I had never realized exactly how precisely David Shannon used color and line to convey emotion and feeling. Obviously, with just a simple words in the text, the pictures are essential to telling the story of this naughty young boy. However, looking deeper the reader notices that not a single straight line is used as David continues to make mischief. The curves and tilts give the reader a feeling of constant motion and chaos. Even his pointed teeth are out of control! The colors are bold and strong- warm reds, oranges, and yellows. They convey the fire of activity that is within David. However, when David's mom holds him tight we see a change in the illustrations- cool and calming blue, soft green, round soft lines on the mother, straight a simple lines on David. While the reader may not notice, he/she is instantly soothed with thoughts of calm and peace. David Shannon is a master illustrator, and though simple, this book is no exception.
5. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus- As a Caldecott honored book, clearly the illustrations in this book show a great deal of artistry, although one may not realize this at first glance. Upon further analysis, the reader sees that although simple, the illustrator has been able to convey the emotions of this wound up pigeon through the use of a single eyelid. Up, down, or slanted, the reader needs only to see the direction of the eyelid to know exactly what the pigeon thinks of your refusal to his argument. And when he really gets going? Whoa! The shadowing, the use of red, bold text, action lines, excessive exclamation points- we know that pigeon is MAD! Once calmed, we again see a return to the serene colors of the pastel backgrounds and dull pigeon feathers. My students always enjoy this book, mostly due to the illustrations. The feelings are portrayed so vividly, there is no need for them to conduct in depth analysis. They just get it!
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