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.