Illustrating deep truths to little minds: how is it done?

Think back to a book that you treasured as a child. Chances are that you can instantly bring up some of the key illustrations in your mind’s eye. They probably make you feel a small surge of nostalgia. 

The pictures in children’s books influence us in more ways than we realise. Not only do they help us visualise the story in front of us, but they add texture to the way in which we experience the world around us. 

So the illustrations matter hugely—and there's more to illustrating a children’s storybook than you think. A surprising amount of work and time goes into producing pictures that will thrill and fill a child with hope and wonder for years to come. And as our kid's books are either retellings of Bible stories or lean heavily on Scriptural narratives, the pictures are almost as important as the words they contain.

So how exactly does an illustration get developed? I asked Andre Parker, The Good Book Company’s Head of Design, to show us how the artwork is developed. And you’ll also get a sneak peek inside Jesus and The Lion’s Den, the next release in our Tales That Tell The Truth Series, which comes out in September. 

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This article is part of our Spark Wonder campaign. For many of us, a love of God’s word was sparked in childhood as the Bible and Christian books were read to us. We can ignite the spark of wonder in a child’s heart that will set them up for a lifetime of curiosity into all the things of God and His Word. Find out more at www.thegoodbook.co.uk/spark-wonder