Flotsam

Written and Illustrated By: David WiesnerPublished By: Clarion/Houghton Mifflin

2007 Caldecott Medal

By: Christine K. Myers

Style & MediaFlotsam has illustrations that depict realism.

Realism is defined as “faithful reproduction of nature, people, and objects as they usually appear.”

In this photo, the boy is using a magnifying glass to see what is in the photo.

LineWiesner uses a lot of diagonal lines in his

illustrations to suggest movement.

The squid appears to be swimming by the position of the lines used.

The balloon appears to be floating above the water.

ShapeThe shapes used in the illustrations are easily

recognized.

This picture suggests swimming fish in the ocean. They are curved which generally suggests things found in nature.

ColorThe author uses vibrant color throughout his

illustrations, creating a joyful atmosphere. He utilizes cool colors in general to depict the ocean.

TextureThis picture depicts many different textures. The sky appears smooth, the starfish appear rough, and the sand appears bumpy. Wiesner was able to create the appearance of texture on a two-dimensional surface.

CompositionIn this illustration, the author utilized the composition of the photo by enlarging the eye and the sea-creature. “Artists can ensure that certain shapes are dominant by aking them larger or brighter in order to attract the eye.”