Illustrations in Children's Literature

I am amazed by the way in which Children’s book authors/illustrators use the illustrations to tell a great part of the story. Many beloved books, such as Where the Wild Things Are, would not be the beloved classics they are today without their complex illustrations. Sendak’s pictures make his story and are representative of the text and themes within the story. I love how the illustrations in beginning have a large white border, which gradually becomes smaller as Max leaves civilization and enters “where the wild things are”. And the theme continues as he returns to the civilized world of white borders and text. The last page is amazing with its picture-less, white background and text. The symbolism within children’s picture books is phenomenal!