A challenge facing practitioners who wish to draw upon the potential of visual literacy as a tool for children's reading development, is that the language used to describe and discuss visual literacy is still being developed and has yet to be applied consistently upon the form. An interdisciplinary approach to assessing and understanding visual texts is useful for unpicking the method of creation and the layers of meaning implicit in visual texts. The disciplines drawn upon to form this lexicon include cultural studies, film studies, fine art, art theory, literature, design and production. The convergence of these areas allows us to communicate and impart an understanding of how visual texts work.

This chapter outlines the key terminology for discussion and appraisal of visual literacy and illustration, which is supported by a full glossary of terms appended to this book.

The building blocks for visual literacy

There are many aspects that come together to form a visual experience that conveys the message of a visual narrative. Each of these aspects may be employed individually, but often they will interrelate, creating a memor - able and distinct impact upon the reader. The section that follows explores some of the core building blocks in the creation of a visual experience.

Illustration

Quantity of illustrations in a book may vary from as little as the cover illustration to the entire book being visual. Alongside titles where a synergy exists between words and pictures, there are also ‘silent stories’ that are comprised solely of images with no words. Illustration style, technique and media may vary substantially.

Describing the role of illustration in an interview for ACHUKA, three times winner of the Kate Greenaway medal and former children's laureate Chris Riddell (2007) states: ‘good illustration is, by definition, illuminating and should add to the reader's enjoyment, stimulating their imagination – I refer you to [John] Tenniel, [Pauline] Baynes and Quentin Blake.’

Design

Design incorporates the typesetting and the layout of images and text on a page. Successful design can play a large role in how artwork is showcased and how the relationship between text and illustration operates; this is called compositional design and relies on a union where text and illustration are brought together in synergy to create unified meaning, this may be through complementary or contrasting elements of pictorial and written words.