Author-Illustrator Harmony: How to Guide Your Children’s Book Illustrator

Starting with some helpful tips

If you’re not an illustrator, it’s best not to illustrate your books- leave it to the professionals to ensure the highest quality!

Do not hire an illustrator who lacks experience in children’s books. This could result in illustrations that don’t effectively support the text, potentially detracting from the overall appeal and impact of the book.

Avoid illustrations that simply duplicate the text; instead, use them to visually narrate your story. However, this doesn’t mean that you should add too many illustrations. They should complement rather than overshadow it. Otherwise, it can lead to confusion and a cluttered narrative.

Ensure that the illustrations align with the text or story. 

Avoid using the same viewpoint repeatedly in the illustrations; instead, vary angles and perspectives to provide a dynamic visual experience that complements the story’s progression.

Simplify your illustrations especially for younger children by avoiding overly abstract designs. Clear, straightforward visuals make it easier for them to understand and engage with the story, while highly symbolic or ambiguous imagery will make it a challenge for them to interpret the meaning.

How many illustrations should a children’s book have?

The number of illustrations in a children’s book varies based on the book’s length, target age group, and story requirements. Your illustrator should be aware of this key point. For board books aimed at ages 0-3, there are typically illustrations on every page, with a standard book containing 12-20 pages and an equal number of illustrations. Picture books for ages 3-7 often feature illustrations on every page or every other page, usually amounting to around 12-16 illustrations in a 24-32 page book. Early readers for ages 5-8 balance text and illustrations, with an illustration every few pages, leading to approximately 10-20 illustrations in a 32-64 page book. Chapter books for ages 7-10 have fewer illustrations, often one per chapter or a few scattered throughout, resulting in 5-15 illustrations in books ranging from 80-150 pages. The key is to ensure that the number of illustrations enhances the storytelling and aligns with the target age group’s attention span and comprehension level.

Types of illustrations 

It’s important to provide your illustrator with specific instructions regarding the type of illustrations required for each page.

Spot illustrations

Simple images without backgrounds, highlighting a character or object. 

Vignette illustrations

Provide more context and background details than spot illustrations, fading at the edges, and can depict a series of events or the passage of time without occupying a full page. 

Single / full page illustrations

Large, detailed images that occupy an entire page. They can be accompanied by text on one page and stand alone on the opposite page. 

Double-page illustrations

Extend to the edges of the pages.

Where you want your text to be placed

It’s essential to inform the illustrator in advance about where you want the text to be placed on the pages, especially if you want the text to be placed over the illustrations, as this allows them to reserve space in the artwork for clear visibility of the text, including specifying the font and size. Alternatively, if you prefer illustrations on one page with text on a separate blank page, the illustrator can fully utilize the illustration space accordingly.

Different illustration styles

Discuss with your illustrator which style you would like your illustrations to be. Here’s a look at common illustration styles:

Cartoonish

Characterized by exaggerated features, bold outlines, and vibrant colors, often used in humorous or narrative-driven storytelling. Ideal for whimsical adventures, these illustrations vividly depict playful stories of friendship, exploration, and exciting journeys, resonating with the imaginative spirit of childhood.