Show & Tell by Dilys Evans

Genre 1: Picture Books

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY

Evans, Dilys. 2008.Show & Tell: Exploring the Fine Art of Children's Book Illustration. San Francisco: Chronicle Books.ISBN: 9780811849715

2. PLOT SUMMARY

Show & Tell is a collection of Dilys Evans’ professional observations, critiques and interviews that features twelve children’s book illustrators. Ms. Evans founded the Original Art Exhibition. It is an annual show that is dedicated to the idea that children’s picture books should be classified as fine art. Evans is an accomplished curator, author and speaker. In the past, she has served as the art director of Cricket magazine and advised Caldecott committees. Evans explains in the author’s notes that her objective in writing this book was to “help all who value the fine art of children’s books to find a universal language to use when discussing the illustrations…” She chose illustrators whose work is worthy of ”celebration and recognition” and "looked for powerful imagery and storytelling that goes beyond a simple interpretation of the text.” Each chapter features an analysis and short biography of an illustrator. The artists she covers are Harry Bliss, Bryan Collier, Denise Fleming, Trina Schart Hyman, Hilary Knight, Betsy Lewin, Petra Mathers, Brian Selznick, David Shannon, Lane Smith, David Wiesner and Paul O. Zelinsky.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The story of each artist’s life is told in combination of first person responses to interview questions and expository text. Evans describes the artist in addition to the artistic process. Images of each artist’s creations are used to illustrate this book. The reproductions are used to provide visual models of Evan’s narrative explanations. She is brilliant at explaining why certain illustrations work with certain books. I enjoyed these illustrations in their original books but now have a deeper awareness of what they communicate. Readers will recognize that Evan’s charismatic biographies connect them to the artists. They will appreciate her explanations of how each artist’s unique style enriches the stories they illustrate. This collection highlights great artists who illustrate lovable stories with incredible talent.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

BOOKLIST: “This attractive title will be a boon for librarians, teachers, students, and anyone else who wants to learn to look at and talk about the art in children\'s books, as well as better understand the stories behind the pictures.”

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL STARRED REVIEW: “An enlightening must-read for all picture-book enthusiasts.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*This text is a valuable resource when sharing author studies with students as many of these illustrators are also writers. Some have illustrated each other’s books. After sharing some of Evan’s analysis, ask students why.
*At the end of a personal narrative writing lesson, have students write their own observations (and maybe mini biographies, too) of each other’s stories and illustrations.