Analyzing Visual Images and Design in Picturebooks...

Begin by considering the format of the images and their placement in the picturebook.

Where is the text located? Within the image? Separated by borders or white space, Why?

In all the frames the text is located parallel to the picture in a white space similar to a margin.  Neither the picture nor text is bordered.  I think it represents a linear view giving each their own importance on the page but the lack of border represents blending of the medium so you connect the two.  

Are the illustrations double page spreads, single page images, collages, overlapping images, or portraits? Consider the series of images in the picturebook. Do the images change over the course of the book? Do they get bigger, smaller, change?

The pages are single page spreads and single page images.  The images do not overlap nor are they collages. They are basically portraits with motions embedded.  The picture sizes do change, not substantially.  However, the changes are representative of landscape and portrait settings where the author is wanting the viewer to have a more narrow view or a broader view into the scene.  These variations in picture size evokes an emotional response such as fear when you are peering into the narrow expanse of the forest or down the narrow path where you can barely see Charles who is temporarily lost from Mum's sight.  Then the opposite is true when Mum's forbidding stature fills a larger screen. 

What is fore-grounded and in the background?
Two of the main characters are in the fore-ground and a wooded section of the park is in the background.

Consider the path your eyes follow as you approach the image. What catches your eye first? Why is that element salient?

What catches your eye is the separation between the man and woman characters in the fore-front.  The separator is a light post (I believe).  This path stands out in order to illustrate that Mum is uncomfortable and putting distance between her and the dad on the bench. 

 

What colors dominate the image? What effect does this have on you as reader?

There is a vivid contrast between the colorful and expensive clothes that Mum is wearing and the dark inconspicuous clothes that Smudge's dad is wearing. It lends credence to the trepidation that Mum is feeling.

Consider the use of white (negative) space. Are the illustrations framed or full bleed? How does this position you as a viewer?
The illustration is not framed. The illustration is full bleed which pulls the viewer into the scene.
 
What is the reality value or level of abstraction? Are the images life-like or stick figures?
The images are very life-like, and a very low level of abstraction.  

Are there any recurring patterns in the images?

There are shadows in this picture and similar ominous recurrences throughout the picturebook and in particular with Mum's narration.

 
Are there any anomalous elements? Things that stick out, or seem out of place? Are these important to consider?
In this picture, I mentioned earlier that the light post created a visual path and appeared to be positioned quite out of place or not normal in the scene.  It certainly appears to separate the two characters which resembles putting up a barrier. 

What is the artist trying to get you to look at through leading lines, colors, contrast, gestures, lighting?

I think the artist is trying to get the viewer to understand that Mum is very uncomfortable here in the park.  The character sitting beside her is someone she should keep a distance from.  There are shadows in the trees behind her, and she can't see Charles.  She is quite nervous.  Even the trees look like they have faces that are saying "ooh".  

Are there any recurring symbols or motifs in the images?

Probably the most prominent is the appearance of things being hidden or in the shadows.  Besides the stigma of the dark forest, the dad looks like he's hiding under his hat and dark glasses and behind his paper.  

Consider the style or artistic choices? Are they appropriate, and how do they add to the meanings of the picturebook?

The style is postmodern and yields realistic photography.  In this day and age of dangers lurking around each corner and in the park, there is cause for safety concern.

How are the images framed? Are there thick borders or faded edges?

This image and the others in the picturebook are not framed and are full bleeds which usually draws the viewer into the scene.

Consider the setting of the story. How is this realized in the images? Realistically? Metaphorically?

Well, it's pretty realistic if you don't take into consideration that the characters are not people.  In that case, it's a metaphor.

Consider size and scale. What is large? Why are certain elements larger than others? Does this add to meanings of power, control?

Mum is standing up and appears to be larger than the dad that is sitting down who seems to be cowering slightly and hiding behind his paper.  Certainly, Mum is wanting to appear in control of this situation.

Consider the viewers point of view. Do characters directly gaze or address the viewer? Are the characters close up or distanced? How does point of view add to relationships with the characters?

As viewers, we are looking at the characters who are pretty close in the fore-front, but they are not looking at the viewers. We feel like we are privy to the scene and can almost feel the tension in the air.