Show & Tell : Exploring the Fine Art of Children's Book Illustration by Dilys Evans

While this is not exactly a children's book, it is recommended for grades 7 and up in SLJ's Best Books of 2008. A handsome, well-designed volume, it details the life and works of twelve well-known children's book illustrators. The illustrations in picture books are described as a form of fine art "worthy of celebration and recognition." The author has not tried to create an exclusive "best-of" list but rather to offer a wide spectrum of styles representing excellence in both art and storytelling. There are many well-chosen examples of each artist's work. This book will send you straight to the stacks to read and appreciate anew the art of the picture book. It could be useful to art teachers and to language arts teachers who use picture books as a teaching tool for older kids. Or it can just be read for pure pleasure.