Illustrated book
Overview
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History
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Defintion
The term illustrated book refers to a book which contains images. An illustrated book can contain various different types of images such as, photography, paintings and drawings.[1] However, illustrated books are not limited to these types of art. As long as the book features images, the manner or form in which these images are shown is completely interchangeable.
Types of Illustrated Books
Illustrated books may include, gardening books, cookbooks and lifestyle books. Illustrated books may also include children books and illustrated fiction which are explained in more detail below. While each of these types of books slightly differ, each features images, unlike text-only books. Furthermore, each of these books, along with any other types of illustrated books, aren't necessarily made to be looked at consistently, but rather be flipped through selectively. [1]
Children Books
Children books can be defined as a genre that is tailored for young readers through both written and illustrations which complement the story. Much like other genres, the purpose of such a books can be to inform or persuade, but are usually to entertain. Some examples of children books can include fairy tales, lullabies, fables, and more.[2] It is important to note however, that while picture books can fall under children books, there is a distinction that can be made from picture and illustrated books, which is later discussed.
Illustrated Fiction
Illustrated fiction though can include a variety of stories, can be defined as a story or narrative that uses images to both further the story and thus brings more meaning to it. This form of fiction results in a lot of controversy or arguments in which the line between the story being a novel or illustration becomes blurred.[3] Though illustrated fiction is the very blending of novel format and illustrations, these arguments are still made.
Picture Books vs Illustrated Books
It is important to note that while picture books and illustrated books may seem like the same thing, they are actually two different forms of books. Though some may argue that certain types of illustrated books such as cookbooks or gardening books are picture books instead of illustrated books, this can be proven false. Cookbooks and gardening books though may depend on illustrations a bit more than other illustrated books, don't necessarily need the illustrations. That is, their story or really instructions can be followed with the text in the absence of illustrations, unlike picture books where you can't one of these aspects missing.
Picture Books
Purpose
Though much like illustrated books picture books contain image, the purpose and intention behind this differs. Within a picture book the images serves as a means of telling the story. The images are needed to depict the particular scene or part of the story and may or may not be accompanied with words. This distinct purpose is shown further in the Caldecott terms and criteria for children picture books. The Caldecott Medal is awarded the America's most distinguished children's book. Within the criteria of this reward a definition of what qualifies as a children's picture books is stated. According to this definition a picture book contains a "unity of story-line, theme, or concept, developed through the series of pictures of which the book is comprised."[4] With this defintion it is made clear that a picture book represents the unity of a story and illustrations, that unlike a illustrated book, highly depends and relies on the use of its llustrations, and are thus pivotal to the story.
Picture books are also typically tailored for a younger audience with the purpose of engaging and entertaining children.
Example
One example is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. (EXPLAIN FURTHER)
Another examples can include Dr. Seuss's work. (EXPLAIN FURTHER)
Illustrated Books
Purpose
Unlike the purpose of a picture book, illustrated books use illustrations as a means to simply enhance or further the story. These illustrations are not necessary to tell the story but are simply something added to further grab the readers attention. (COME BACK TO PUT CITATION)
Illustrated books can include a wide of variety of stories and genres and aren't necessarily tailored for one type of audience, showing the endless possibilities under this type of book.
Example
One example of an illustrated book is the illustrated edition of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, illustrated by Jemima Catlin. (EXPLAIN FURTHER)
Another example is Charolette's Web by E.B. White. (EXPLAIN FURTHER)
Designs
When it comes to design and layout, illustrated books can either be vertical or horizontal. If the featured images are vertical, they look much like portraits. On the other hand, if they are horizontal they look similar to landscapes. This design decision is entirely dependent on which looks better for said image. This decision is also influenced by how the book itself will be held. Some illustrated books may be simply held by hand or laid out on a table, while others are much larger requiring two hands or to not be held at all. [1]
Some illustrated books may also be referred to as "coffee-table books." These form of illustrated books, while read, are mainly for decoration or design purposes. A coffee table book, also known as a cocktail table book[citation needed], is an oversized, usually hard-covered book whose purpose is for display on a table intended for use in an area in which one entertains guests and which can serve to inspire conversation or pass the time.
Future of Illustrated Books
speak about how they are today in the publishing field- are they big? do they play a big role? briefly mention how the idea or definition of illustrated books has changed- how are they viewed/seen/done today vs earlier??
Impact of Technology
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Role in the Publishing Industry
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Berne, Debbie. (2024). The Design of Books. University of Chicago Press: (10)
- ↑ Children’s Literature | History, Books, Types, Awards, & Facts | Britannica. 2 Oct. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/art/childrens-literature.
- ↑ Godbey, Margaret J. “Illustrated Novel.” The Encyclopedia of the Novel, edited by Peter Melville Logan, 1st ed., Wiley, 2010. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1002/9781444337815.wbeotni003.
- ↑ Randolph Caldecott Medal | Association for Library Service to Children. https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/bookmedia/caldecott. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.
