This is a splendid volume in full colour that offers an overview of some of the great Children's book illustrators both old and new.
In size, this book is a little shorter than A4 but a little wider. On the back is a list of the contents. There are some sections on individual illustrators whilst others focus on particular stories that have been illustrated several times, for example there are sections dealing with Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Treasure Island, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and The Wind in The Willows. Individual illustrators featured include Eric Carle, Edward Ardizzone, Emily Gravett, Shirly Hughes, Richard Scarry, Kate Greenaway amongst many others.
The book has 238 pages and is illustrated in full colour throughout. The forward by current Children's Laureate Anthony Browne is relevant and insightful and sums up the aims of the book well.
From pages 9 to 27 there is a fascinating chapter entitled 'The World in Pictures' by Peter Hunt which reads as a compressed history of Children's books.
From pages 28 to 87 is a section 'Ilustrators and Authors 1659-1945' where you will find portions dedicated to Alice In Wonderland, Babar, Thomas Bewick, Chapbooks, Walter Crane, The Jungle Book, Edward Lear, Struwwelpeter, amongst others.
Following this Chapter is 'Contempory Children's Books' which ends at page 125. Many popular artist and writers are covered here including Captain Pugwash, Miffy, Tony Ross, Oliver Jeffers and others.
The final section is 'Illustrators and Authors 1945 - Now'. Here you will find the Ahlbergs, Quentin Blake, Anthony Browne, The Gruffalo, Shirley Hughes, Judith Kerr, Jan Pienkowski and others.
This is a wonderful book representing very good value for money. It would appeal to anyone interested in the history of Children's books or contempory Children's book illustration. The inclusion of Emily Gravett brings this book bang up to date.
There are some notable artists/characters missing here such as Charles Keeping, Herge, Noddy, Rupert the Bear, Dan Dare and others, but really this is a very minor gripe. A highly Recommended book
Phiz