What Do Illustrators Do? Hardcover - 1999

"Jaunty in tone, informative in content, and, with its comic-book-style presentation, accessible in format, this is a fitting companion to Christelow's What Do Authors Do? . By featuring two fictional artists-one male and one female-each inspired to retell and illustrate "Jack and the Beanstalk," Christelow not only explains the process of bookmaking but also defines abstract concepts (style, design) with as much clarity as more concrete technical terms (dummy, typeface). The choice of story for analysis is particularly fortuitous: it is familiar to the intended audience; it has the potential for depicting a wide range of emotions; and it can be adapted to alterations-such as changing the gender of the protagonist-while still retaining basic elements. Discussion of the many ways in which these elements can be portrayed affords insight into the whole process of bookmaking: working within the constraints of a picture-book format, avoiding the perils of page design (especially losing art in the gutter), and selecting the appropriate medium and technique for realizing an idea. The two artist characters (and their voluble pets) are appealing; their individual creative experiences are related humorously and informatively without being didactic. Here is one introduction to a specific profession that entertains as it instructs; it should not be restricted to the elementary-school-age children for whom it is intended." Horn Book

"As breezy and enlightening as its companion, What Do Authors Do? (1995), this volume takes readers behind the scenes to watch two (fictional) artists create picture-book editions of Jack and the Beanstalk. Between the first flash of inspiration and celebratory ice cream cones at the end, both illustrators sketch dummies; make decisions about character, perspective, point-of- view, and composition; experiment with different media; and entertain tactful suggestions from editors and designers. Meanwhile, each takes the story in a different direction, one sticking to tradition, the other switching to an all-female cast. Around and within the cartoon panels, pets and a child add explanatory comments to the captions. Although she only hints at the amazing diversity of today's illustrators, Christelow captures the effort that goes into the making of picture books while also answering many of the questions children ask on the subject." Kirkus Reviews

"In this companion to WHAT DO AUTHORS DO?, Christelow gives readers a great deal of insight into the creative process while entertaining them with a story (actually two) within the story that tells the story of how picture-book artists work. . . . Better than a magic bean, this title is sure to spark youngsters' curiosity and creativity, and when that happens-as everyone knows-the sky's the limit." School Library Journal, Starred