In Pictures and In Words Precision and Detail

I have a special gift from my daughter. A summer cold. I don't feel good. Sore throat. Stuffy nose. This should only happen during the school year, so I can take a day off. Pity party over time to move on...

I can't begin to tell you how much I'm enjoying this study.  Thank you Deedee for being the host for the first two weeks.  It has been a pleasure getting to know you. I've often wondered if people with 1000s of followers still get excited about a new follower, or notice beginners. If you are a person of character, like Deedee, you do. I wish she taught next door to me!

This weeks study made me look at picture books more closely. I could see how authors and illustrators worked together to bring precision and detail into their pictures and words. I chose three books to try and find various techniques highlighted in this chapter.

Do you have these in your collection? Ferdinand by Monro Leaf  illustrated by Robert Lawson
Olivia by Ian Falconer One Tiny Turtle by Nicola Davies illustrated by Jane Chapman

I'm going to use pictures from the book that I found to show the different techniques from this chapter.  The most important idea I took from chapter 8 is that small illustrations or details leave big and lasting impressions.

Ferdinand just sat on a bee!  Did he like it?  What do you think? Poor Ferdinand. The
"recruiters think he's going to be a prized bull for the bull fights!  I'll use this for technique number 13...Crafting details of expression and gesture.

Olivia shares a special bond with her mom in the arts. Here they
enjoy a Jackson Pollock  I think this reveals character with background but also
an element of surprise. I love Jackson Pollock and so does my son. He got quite excited when I read this
book to him because he recognized the inside joke, if you will.

I love the  rich background of these illustrations, but also the details from nature. Come a little closer...

This crab is even smaller than the tiny turtle!

You can really understand why Ferdinand would enjoy sitting under
a Cork Tree smelling flowers on this very hot day in July! These details from nature are
some of my favorite illustrating techniques. I love the shadow! Look at those corks growing
from the tree. What a hoot!

Ian does a wonderful job showing us just how busy Olivia is.
Olivia reminds me so much of my little Ella. Ella spent one summer dancing
with nothing but a tutu on and was caught in the cupboard applying some
of my bright red lipstick...I'd never have noticed that!

Do you think Olivia sings quietly?  Me either! Again, Ian is able
to give the illusion of sound with a simple illustration.

Here is Olivia's mom once again sharing a special snuggle with her favorite little girl
as she also shares her passion for the arts. Who is Callas you ask? Only one of the most
renowned opera singers of the 20th century!  What a wonderful surprise if you are an
opera lover!  I just love the way Ian ends the book with Olivia's mom showing love. Look
closely at the facial expressions on their faces and the way they snuggle together around the
book. What a great way to end any book, day and post!

As promised, I have finished this handy guide for you to be able to keep track of the books you have or will use to show each technique. I appreciate any editing...REALLY! I'm happy when someone actually reads what I wrote or shared.

Thank you Growing Kinders for hosting this week!  I can't wait to link up!!