The clearest explanation of visual composition! Should be read with a set of Colorforms (the old abstract ones) at hand, so one can try one's own ideas. The Colorforms come with both a black and a white background board, so the same composition against the differing backgrounds can be compared. Great fun. ( )

Wonderful explores graphic design and the creation of picture books in particular by trying various cut shapes of different colors to create scenes in the story, Little Red Riding Hood. She explains why certain colors work better than others and how to connect people or themes via colors. This is followed by a list of principles for placing objects on a page to evoke ideas and feelings. Although this book is in the Children's Department of my local library, I think it is of far more interest to adults and a wonderful introduction to graphic design concepts. ( )

This book was used in a class to discuss art in children's literature. It reveals concepts artists use to capture exactly what is suppose to be seen and felt from a picture. This book showed me how to use these concepts when creating art or when picking out a children's book to read to my students. It made me aware of the importance of angles, color, distance, and shapes to create a feeling. This book can be used to help children of all ages develop their art.