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katrinky's review against another edition
3.0
Children's book illustrations are, to my mind, the fastest way to the pulse of a society and its zeitgeist. Some are barely concealed (or blatant) propaganda ("Mr Tompkin Explores the Atom," 1945, or "Biggles Defies the Swastika," 1941), and some are more subtle reifications of politics ("Pippi Longstocking," when originally produced in neutral Sweden, was still published on cheap, tiny folios). And that's before we even start talking about art. Illustrating covers for children, some of whom are always reluctant readers, has been targeted as a distinct and crucial publishing quadrant since, according to this book, the 18th century. What better vehicle for trying new art forms, imparting socio-political-behavioral memes, and gently tugging at the edges of propriety than in stories given to the young and impressionable?
What makes children's book illustrations so wonderful is also what makes them terrifying, of course, and for every "Good Night Moon" there is a "The Magic of Coal," published within two years of each other. But the good are so soul-growingly good that I won't ever be deterred.
What makes children's book illustrations so wonderful is also what makes them terrifying, of course, and for every "Good Night Moon" there is a "The Magic of Coal," published within two years of each other. But the good are so soul-growingly good that I won't ever be deterred.
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