Arab Educational Information Network

This paper sought to investigate the importance of illustrations in children's books and children's responses to them. The project raises some key issues related to children's books and illustrations, such as the importance of pictures for children, the impact of illustrations on children, and factors to analyze pictures. Based on responses of a group focus discussion and individual discussions with six 9-year-old students (3 males and 3 females), this paper explores the role of illustrations in children's world. It also investigates their analyses and responses to pictures. In addition, it examines the situations of children's books and illustrations in Oman. The results show that illustrations play a vital role in children's books. Most children prefer colorful pictures to black and white. The study finds that pictures help children comprehend the text better. Specialists believe that there is limited number of Omani children's books, but the awareness of the importance of illustrations has increased among Omanis. This study suggests having a center of collections of illustrated Omani folktales and fairytales. This center will help to save Omani culture and heritage in a way that most children like. (Published abstract)