Caldecott Illustration Analysis

By: Christine Miller

Basic Information

Officer Buckle and Gloriaby Peggy Rathmann

Published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons *New York

1996 Caldecott Medal Winner

Style and Media

The artist’s style is…………………….

Cartoon Art!

LineHow is line used to communicate the illustration?

• The diagonal lines of Officer Buckle’s body relate to the viewer that there is movement of his body (he is falling).

• The majority of lines are horizontal giving a sense of order but the vertical and angular lines thrown in offer that the sense of order that is being sought may not be being achieved.

• The solid, bold lines of the Officer’s shape draws the viewers eyes to him and then up to the action that he is performing on the bulletin board.

ShapeHow is line used to communicate the illustration?• The prominent shape of

the Officer Buckle and Gloria are set in the foreground of the picture drawing attention to them.

• Their rounded shape shows that they are naturally made.

• The audience in the background are more abstract because they are not the center focus except for the camera person.

• The camera is better defined but the bottom half of the person is more abstract, showing that the camera is very important and its holders is somewhat important but not as important and the ones on stage.

ColorHow does color manipulate the mood of the picture?

• The yellow hue of the stage is a warm color, showing the heat and excitement of being on stage.

• The dark values and saturation of the main objects (Officer Buckle, Gloria, camera people, cameras) versus the muted colors of the abstract audience brings our attention to the center focus of the picture.

TextureWhat is the tactile impression communicated by the artist?

• This drawing is an example of plastic art where 3-D is created on a 2-D surface.

• The placement of the lines (some in the foreground others in placed further back) and their thickness creates the look of papers being piled up on top of each other.

• The “flat” surface of the paper makes for a smooth surface.

• The sharp lines of each sheet of paper set each piece apart (3-D).

CompositionHow are the illustration elements balanced?

• The picture split down the middle vertically using the edge of the room as its guide.

• It is balanced asymmetrically by the carefully balanced placement of students, desks, and chalkboards.

• The placement of Officer Buckle in the center of the picture makes him the focal point.

• Gloria being the highest point in the picture then draws the viewers attention up.