A recent article in The Guardian titled “I’m still not tired of it”: The best books to read aloud to kids, according to parents offers a delightful and insightful roundup of children’s books that have stood the test of time when it comes to reading aloud. It’s a warm and engaging piece that highlights favourites shared by parents across the UK, from classics like The Gruffalo to more modern gems.
This article is a highly recommended read for students enrolled on our Illustrating Children’s Books Diploma at the London Art College. It provides a real-world look at what truly resonates with families—information that is invaluable to anyone hoping to break into the world of children’s publishing.
Why This Matters to You as an Illustrator
Understanding which books parents reach for night after night gives you a peek into what makes an illustrated children’s book a true classic. It’s not just about drawing pretty pictures—it’s about enhancing the story, engaging the audience, and creating visual elements that become part of the storytelling ritual.
Books like The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak show how visual pacing and layout can work hand-in-hand with narrative voice, even when illustrations are minimal or absent. Others, like Where the Wild Things Are, demonstrate the power of character expression and setting in transporting young minds to new worlds.
Key Takeaways for Illustrators:
- Interactive Potential: Illustrations that invite curiosity and interaction keep children engaged, even during repeat readings.
- Expressiveness: Characters with strong emotional range make the story more relatable and enjoyable.
- Rhythm and Flow: Visuals should work with the narrative’s pacing—not against it.
- Representation and Diversity: Contemporary readers value books that reflect a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds.
By immersing yourself in books that families adore, you gain essential insight into what makes an illustrated children’s book a joy to read aloud—and re-read a hundred times more.
To find out more about our course, visit our Illustrating Children’s Books Diploma page.
Happy illustrating!
If you would like to receive a roundup of all of our blog posts once a week to keep you inspired in your inbox, why not sign up to our newsletter. You can access our sign up at the top of our page. If you are a London Art College student and you would like your artwork featured here, drop us a line at any time.
Çok tatlı olmuş.
Tebrikler.