Illustration and its Influence on Book Selection

Abstract

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the influence that illustration has on book selection. The subjects were students from a first, third and fifth grade setting in a suburban school district in Western New York State. The children responded verbally as well as in writing to express the characteristics of illustration which influence the process of book selection. This was done through the use of Caldecott award and honor books as well as books with inferior illustration. This research shows a descriptive analysis categorizing related concepts, similarities and patterns in illustration, through subject response at the various levels. The research results also indicate that subjects more readily choose books with quality illustration over those with inferior illustration.