A Study of Anthony Browne’s Surrealist Illustrations and Young Children’s Response

• Main Authors: Lin,Yuhan, 林鈺涵
• Other Authors: Jheng, Rueijing
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2013
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/37025149422274157163

碩士 === 國立屏東教育大學 === 幼兒教育學系碩士班 === 101 === The study aims to analyze the illustrations of Anthony Browne’s picture books and discuss young children’s reading responses to his surrealistic style of illustrations in his picture books. It is hoped that the qualities characteristic of surrealist illustrations in Browne’s work can thus be identified through the analysis and discussion. With reference to relevant literature, the study adopts literature review and text analysis with a sampling of five picture books by Anthony Browne in order to make a comprehensive analysis. Subjects of the study are two 5-year-old children, whose various responses to illustration of the books are observed during their reading process. The results of the study is summarized as follows: 1.Surrealistic qualities of Anthony Browne’s illustrations in his picture books are: (1)unexpected juxtapositions and non sequitur, including techniques of blending, color application, space presentation, disfiguring, and exaggeration; (2)allusions and hints, including techniques of color application, space presentation, and placement of patterns; (3)reference to famous paintings, including techniques of color application, space presentation, and placement of patterns. 2.The responses of the two young children to reading the surrealist illustrations in Browne’s picture books are described below: (1)both children are able to identify in the reading process the changes of facial expressions of the characters and changes of color in the illustrations; (2)both children are able to find in the reading process the clues hidden in the illustrations through their own observations; (3)both children directly express in the reading process their own opinions. In conclusion, the author proposes suggestions according to the results of the study for kindergarten teachers, parents of young children and future researchers. Keywords: picture books, surrealist illustrations, Anthony Browne, and young children’s reading responses.