Picture Books: Elements Of Illustration And Story

Noted children's author Betsy Hearne invites the viewer into her home for an in-depth analysis of picture book illustration and story elements. In her discussion of visual imagery, Hearne compares the 1957 and 1983 editions of the Friedrich's The Easter Bunny That Overslept, illustrated by Adrienne Adams. The significant changes in Adams' style, use of color, shape, texture, composition, and perspective, make this a particularly suitable choice. Hearne analyses the visual imagery in great detail, pointing out Adams' growth as an artist in her ability to visually control the mood of the story. For her discussion of verbal imagery, Hearne has chosen Like Jake and Me by Mavis Jukes, illustrated by Lloyd Bloom. Hearne shows how Jukes uses effective verbal motifs to enhance the plot, mood, theme, point of view, and increase tension. The technical quality of the video is good, and Hearne's manner is pleasant, reputable, yet informal (the only detracting factor is that she is obviously reading from a prepared text). Anyone interested in achieving a greater understanding of what makes a really good picture book has much to learn here. Recommended. (See LIBRARY SURVIVAL GUIDE for availability).(Vivian Fetty, Kitsap Regional Library, Bremerton, WA)