Weaving Words and Pictures: Allen Say and the Art of Illustration

Authors

Christina M. Desai

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-1-2004

Abstract

Text and illustration in childrens literature can interact in many ways, sometimes complementing, sometimes contradicting each other. Picture books for children now receive considerable critical attention, yet the illustrations are seldom analyzed as seriously as the text. This article explores the dynamics between words and pictures in three fiction works: The Boy of the Three-Year Nap, by Dianne Synder, El Chino, and Emma's Rug, both by Allen Say. Say brings varied artistic techniques, such as visual metaphor, cartoon elements, and irony, as well as a multicultural perspective, to the development of character and meaning.'

Publisher

Johns Hopkins University Press

Publication Title

The Lion and the Unicorn

ISSN

0147-2593

Volume

28

Issue

3

First Page

408

Last Page

428

Language (ISO)

English

Keywords

Say, Allen, 1937-; Illustration; Picture books; Visual literacy; Book design

Recommended Citation

Desai, Christina M.. "Weaving Words and Pictures: Allen Say and the Art of Illustration." The Lion and the Unicorn , 3 (2004): 408-428. https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/ulls_fsp/87