March is National Reading Month and the perfect time to encourage readers of all ages to get lost in the pages of a great book. For our youngest readers, picture books tell rich and powerful stories with very few words. The images we see, the subtle expressions on faces, the body language of characters, and even the colors all convey meaning, emotion, and purpose
Collage is considered an important medium for artistic expression. It may be used alone or combined with other media as artists create and visually communicate their ideas. Collage work can be done using different papers, surfaces, fabrics, hand-painted or hand-drawn elements, and even 3D objects.
Many artists use collage as a technique for illustrating children’s books. Eric Carle, Leo Lionni, Lois Ehlert, Ezra Jack Keats, and Bryan Collier are just a few well-known authors and illustrators who do.
Take a close look at your favorite picture books. Can you identify any collage-style images? Let’s create a book-inspired collage to get a feel for the process of layering images and materials to tell a story.
Our friends, Declan (9), Brittyn (8), Cullen (6), and Graedon (2½), gathered supplies and books from their collection at home to spark a crafting session powered by imagination. The four siblings chose three books: Whistle for Willie, An Extraordinary Egg, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Watch as they share their unique interpretations of the artwork and then create your own!
Use any supplies you have on hand! Some simple ideas include:
Explore the materials, embrace creative expression, and experiment with ideas. This is an open-ended project led by curiosity and wonder.
As Brittyn said, “Thanks for crafting with us today!” Be sure to share your collage projects with our online audience to inspire other kids to get creative. Tag your school so we can see your inspired masterpieces!
The following list of suggested books includes impressive collage-style illustrations: