Pictured Worlds: Masterpieces of Children’s Book Art by 101 Essential Illustrators from Around the World

In this definitive reference work, children’s book historian Marcus (Mr. Lincoln Sits for His Portrait) spotlights 101 influential children’s book artists from the past two centuries. An “endlessly surprising art form and a bridge between generations,” illustrated children’s books exploded in popularity in the late 19th century thanks to rising literacy rates and new printing technologies. The form has seen no shortage of innovation since, Marcus notes. Among the artists surveyed are British illustrator George Cruikshank, who brought his “comedic zest” to depictions of giants and ogres in the 1823 Brothers Grimm’s Collection of Popular Stories (its first appearance in English); four-time Caldecott Honor winner Bryan Collier, whose “mesmerizing trademark watercolor” style complemented the “joyful, high-energy rhythm” of Troy Andrews’s 2015 Trombone Shorty; and Eric Carle, who was best known for his collage illustrations made from “sumptuous hand-painted paper” as seen in, among other of Carle’s classics, 1969’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Marcus also highlights lesser-known and international artists, such as Japanese illustrator Chihiro Iwasaki and German Binette Schroeder. By delving into myriad artists’ styles in language that’s reader-friendly without eliding technical detail, Marcus leaves readers to look at the artworks showcased throughout in new ways. Fans of art history and children’s literature will adore this. (Mar.)