yas with pics
lots of love for illustrated ya novels
I love the way a picture can evoke an emotion, an inexplicable feeling. Illustrations are such apt tools for creating a more thorough excursion through a new land. They're not right for every book but when they fit illustrations expand a story and connect the reader even more to the magic of the author's tale.



illustrations can feel like
an extension of the author's story
by vin
In Leviathan, Scott Westerfeld's steampunk world is filled with hybrid machine-animals and protagonist Deryn Sharp loves to think about how they all work. Keith Thompson's detailed pictures are visual explanations that help the reader experience the mechanisms that were so uniquely crafted by Westerfeld.
As the characters go deeper into this fantastical land, Carson Ellis' illustrations let Colin Meloy's Wildwood surround the reader.
even more limited drawing can set the story's mood


I would have loved to see some of these worlds as imagined by the author



The dreamscapes in the alternate realty world of Libba Bray's Gemma Doyle series would have been amazing visuals.
Okay, I totally bought this book based on the cover art. I would have loved to see more and illustrations of the theater sets could have added drama.
I always enjoy some good dragon art.
I'm not sure if the illustrations were part of the author's vision in The School for Good and Evil or if they were a later addition. Either way they did a good job of getting me ready for the upcoming scene, whether sweet or dark.








