Analyzing Visuals and Design in Picture Books

• Where is the text located? Within the image? Separated by borders or white space, Why?

The text is located on the right side of the page as if one was reading a book. This layout is throughout the entire picturebook. One looks at the picture first (at least I did) and then at the text. This is how we read naturally; from left to right. There is plain white in the background and the text is in stark contrast to the image. 

• Are the illustrations double page spreads, single page images, collages, overlapping images, or portraits?

The images are all single page and does not touch on any of the text. Even the man's voice which starts without a border is separated from the text.

• Consider the series of images in the picturebook. Do the images change over the course of the book? Do they get bigger, smaller, change?

The images change according to the narrator. Most of the pages are interactive and have sound effects. The images are the main focus of the pages.

•  Select an image from Voices In The Park to consider. Use the following questions to guide your analysis.  Take a Screen Shot of the Image and embed the image in your blog.

• What is fore-grounded and in the background?

The focus is on Charles as he is looking back. The mom is holding him protectively and the dog is walking slightly ahead of them. There is house a in the background.

• Consider the path your eyes follow as you approach the image. What catches your eye first? Why is that element salient?

Charles' face caught my eye first and then the shadows that portray evening time. The lights are on in the house suggests are home for the evening. His sadness depicts how he felt about leaving the park. 

• What colors dominate the image? What effect does this have on you as reader?

Purple and yellow are the dominating colors in this image. I am not a fan of purple so it is a gloomy color in my mind. I think the house leaving the park looks eerie with the black steps leading to the door. Green is a happier color for me and Charles has a green coat on and the park yard is nice and manicured.

• Consider the use of white (negative) space. Are the illustrations framed or full bleed? How does this position you as a viewer?

The image does not have surrounding it. There is a lot of white between the image and the text. The voice is of Smudge and one can feel her sadness for Charles.

• What is the reality value or level of abstraction? Are the images life-like or stick figures?

They are life-like for the story. One can only see Charles' face or you would not realize that they are apes.They are dressed in normal clothes walking out of the park. The house in the background looks like a normal house with lights on

• Are there any recurring patterns in the images?

There are square windows on the house, square columns leading out of the park, and yellow is a color on the ground and in the house. 

• Are there any anomalous elements? Things that stick out, or seem out of place? Are these important to consider?

The steps leading up to the house look creepy.The black door does not seem like it belongs on such a colorful home.

• What is the artist trying to get you to look at through leading lines, colors, contrast, gestures, lighting?

I think the artist is trying to convey the sadness through Charles' sullen eyes. Even though there are bright colors, the shadows are conveying that it is dark outside. 

• Are there any recurring symbols or motifs in the images?

The park is in almost all of the images as is each families dog. 

• Consider the style or artistic choices? Are they appropriate, and how do they add to the meanings of the picturebook?

The pictures are anthropomorphic chimps which is common for Anthony Browne. The animals are all dressed like people and have real-life problems that one can relate with. 

• How are the images framed? Are there thick borders or faded edges?

This image does not have a frame.

• Consider the setting of the story. How is this realized in the images? Realistically? Metaphorically?

This image does not really depict a park. The mother and son could be walking down the road or in their driveway. The image realistically depicts the character's emotion but not the setting.

• Consider size and scale. What is large? Why are certain elements larger than others? Does this add to meanings of power, control?

The mom in the image is the largest element compared to the other objects. The focus is still the child's face yet the mom is in complete control over the situation.

• Consider the viewers point of view. Do characters directly gaze or address the viewer? Are the characters close up or distanced? How does point of view add to relationships with the characters?

The characters do not address the viewer nor look directly ahead. Even the dad's first introduction, he is looking at something else. The characters are sometimes in the distance but you can tell that they are engaged with each other. When they are sitting on the bench, the mom nor the dad are looking at each other. The children in the story seem to interact the most (as do the dogs)