A Tale of Two Heroines:

Picture Book Analysis

Danyl Grose

INTC 5120: Visual Design & LiteracyFall 2011Dr. Lee

WelcomeBegin here

Technical Critical

R

O

S

E

M

A

R

Y

Click to see Rosemary

swing

Rosemary is spunky and headstrong. These character traits are emphasized through the illustrator’s use of bold colors patterns and

eccentric dress. Her rounded features are drawn in color pencil sketches.

Use of Line

Circular lines are used to symbolize fullness, softness,

and a sense of completeness.

As the object of everyone’s scrutiny,

the circle is used to represent the only child syndrome.

A contrast of colors is used to distinguish between adults and children. Adults appear faded and pale, whereas children such as Rosemary and her friends appear in vibrant colors and bold patterns.

The Use of ColorThe vibrant color orange is

often used to symbolize energy and flamboyance. This color demands attention – just like Rosemary herself.

ELIZABETH

BROWN

Born skinny, near-sighted, and shy…she lives for her literature. Books are her life’s passion.

Click here to turn on Elizabeth’s reading light

Elizabeth is a true

bibliophile,

collecting and

immersing herself

in books. She

chooses the

companionship of

books over people.

However, as she

ages, she’s faced

with the problem

of an overrun

personal library.

As an altruistic gesture Elizabeth donates her book

collection for use as a public library. Young female readers can learn

lifelong lessons about generosity, altruism, and the importance of being an independent woman.

Elizabeth challenges the stereotype of the

loner bookworm

I applaud Miss Brown’s

altruism. The only thing more expensive than

education is ignorance!

ReferencesBest, C. (2007). What’s so bad about

being an only child? New York, NY:

Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.

Stewart, S. (1995). The Library New

York, NY: Farrar, Straus, and Giroux.