Around the Year in 52 Books discussion

What are you reading this week?
I just finished reading Page by Paige

Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
It's a graphic novel

Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I think it depends on the story. I don't go out of my way to find books with illustrations, but I'm fine if books have them.

Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work)
I don't know very many, but I do really like Michael Martchenko, who usually works with Robert Munsch.

- What are you reading this week? Something New: Tales from a Makeshift Bride
- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose? I believe this is a graphic novel
- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them? I don't read a lot of books with illustrations but think it is kind of fun.

- What are you reading this week?
- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose? Graphic novel
- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them? Being a children's librarian it is impossible for me to avoid stories with illustrations. I love illustrations and I think they add so much to a story.
Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work) So difficult to choose just one, but I love Mo Willems Mo Willems

What are you reading this week? March: Book One

Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose? Graphic novel

Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them? I do not avoid them, but the books I read few of them had illustrations.

- What are you reading this week? Illustrated by Chris Riddell. Stunning illustrations.
- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
Picture book to read with my son. Plus I love Neil Gaiman's work.
- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I love a good illustrated book. One of the joys of having children is being able to add a whole trove of illustrated books to the household. It also helps kids learn to love to read, and I don't believe it hampers imagination.
Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work)
The illustrators Neil Gaiman works with in his graphic novels and kids books are awesome (Sandman springs to mind). I also like the work of Carson Ellis.
http://www.carsonellis.com/
http://www.chrisriddell.co.uk/

What are you reading this week
Feminist Fight Club: An Office Survival Manual for a Sexist Workplace by Jessica Bennett


Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
It's a nonfiction book with doodle drawings.

Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I don't avoid them, but I don't seek them out generally either.

- What are you reading this week?
Lonely Planet the World's Great Wonders

- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
Nonfiction

- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I don't look for books with illustrations and books are fine with or without them

What are you reading this week?
The Gigantic Beard That Was Evil by Stephen Collins

Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
Graphic novel

Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I've gotten really into graphic novels, and I think they're a fun story-telling medium. I guess the only other time I really encounter illustrations is in some nonfiction (usually science or history related). I always like when the subjecSarah Gliddent of the book did illustraSarah Gliddentions and those are always neat to see.

Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work)
I think Alan Lee and John Howe's Tolkien illustrations are especially stunning. I was also blown away by the watercolor painting style of Rolling Blackouts: Dispatches from Turkey, Syria and Iraq by Sarah Glidden.

What are you reading this week?
Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen
Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
I chose a comics collection
Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I do really love graphic novels and the sort. I chose this comics collection because it's a brand new and I loved the first comics collection that was released by this artist.
Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator?
My favorite is another person who has an online comic. Her name is Kate Beaton and you can find her comics at Hark! A Vagrant

Progress Post:
- What are you reading this week?
A Guinea Pig Pride & Prejudice by Alex Goodwin

- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
I would call this a picture book, but it's labeled as a novel.

- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I read a book a while ago about a road trip that had neat maps and pictures in it. I feel that it can add to a story.

Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work).
A dude named Julian who does digital art, love his instagram
http://toonimated.com/STORE
https://gumroad.com/toonimated#

What are you reading this week? Snakes of the Eastern United States by Whit GibbonsARC copy)

- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose? Nonfiction that has photos of snakes

- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them? Some time they can and other times they can take way from the story

Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work) don't have a favorite illustrator

What are you reading this week?
Little Fur #4: Riddle of Green by Isobelle Carmody

Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
A middlegrade chapter book with illustrations scattered throughout.

Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I love reading books with illustrations. I think that it can really add to a story and I love having that visual element.

Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work)
I don't know if he is my favourite illustrator but I love the way Brian Selznick uses illustrations in his stories.

- What are you reading this week?
Rick and Morty, Vol. 1

- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
Graphic Novel/Comic

- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work)
I enjoy them a lot, and I think they are simply a different way to express story, not better or worse.
My favorite illustrator is probably be Yuu Watase

What are you reading this week?
Maus II: A Survivor's Tale: And Here My Troubles Began
Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose? Graphic novel
Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them? In this case, Spiegelman's illustrations are brilliant and so they definitely enhance the story. In general, I read unillustrated novels but just because that's what is mostly available not because I am avoiding illustrations.
Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work) Can't say I really have one. Except as noted above, Spiegelman's work is brilliant.

- What are you reading this week?
Grandfather's Journey
- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
Children's picture book
- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
They certainly added to this book. The illustrations were beautiful.
Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work)
Allen Say is my favorite. Never saw a picture book like this before. However he does not seem to have a web site.

What are you reading this week?
A Passage to Shambhala


Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
An illustrated adventure book. It is a mix of graphic novel and regular storytelling.

Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?

Schematics in Science books, pictures of people in biographies, maps in Fantasy books all add something to the story. Otherwise I tend to avoid graphic novels. I am excited to read this book though. It is supposed to be a mixture of Tintin and adventure stories like those written by Kipling and Robertson.

What are you reading this week?
Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple

Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
It's just an illustrated novel, I believe. (There is an excerpt of illustrations and writings that tie-in to the novel's story line.)

Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I like them, but obviously not the best choice for audiobooks (which is how I originally decided to go about reading this).

Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work)
I honestly don't know! I do have some picture book illustrators whose work I admire. Lane Smith, Dan Santat being a few...

What are you reading this week?
The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq
Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
Illustrated novel
Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I usually avoid them unless they are children's books
Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work)
Don't have one.

- What are you reading this week? Gris Grimly's Frankenstein


- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
It's a mix between a graphic novel and an illustrated retelling (there are chapters, some full pages of text and also typical comic format).

- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I'm not too much picky with illustrators so I usually think pictures enhance my pleasure while reading. Sometimes I pick a new edition just because it has new illustrations I like (I've 3 Oz editions and too much Peter Pan books).

Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work)
Simon Stålenhag is definitely a favorite of mine:
https://simonstalenhag.tumblr.com

-What are you reading this week? Lucinda's Secret by Holly Black
- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose? Kindle edition
- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them? I loved pictures in books when I was a child/teen. As an adult it is rare for me to read a book with illustrations unless it is a cookbook or art book.
Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work) Unfortunately, I don't have one.

- What are you reading this week? by Rita Mae Brown
- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose? I chose a plain old novel with a few pen and ink drawings. I didn't read picture books as a child, I'm not going to start now. :)
- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them? Generally avoid them and if they are in my book, I rarely do more than glance at them. Even maps or family trees don't interest me.
Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work) Couldn't name an illustrator if my life depended on it.

- What are you reading this week? A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose? illustrated novel
- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them? I don't usually read books with illustrations.

What are you reading this week?
The Shepherd's Crown written by Terry Pratchett and illustrated by Paul Kidby.

Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
It's a regular hardback book, but there is an illustration at the start of each chapter.

Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I'd never deliberately choose something for illustrations, and I'd probably not have paid much attention to these if I hadn't read the book for this prompt.

Bonus question: who's your favourite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work)
Not sure if he 100% counts as an illustrator as he's now more of an artist, but I first came across him when he was doing cartoons in a fanzine and his work is in a few books so I'm choosing Pete McKee - https://www.petemckee.com/.

Progress Post:
- What are you reading this week?

March by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell

- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?

Graphic Novel

- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?

It really depends on the book - I really appreciate some comics and graphic novels, but not all books need/would benefit from illustrations

Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work)

I don't know, although I have a huge soft spot for Quentin Blake (Roald Dahl's illustrator) https://www.quentinblake.com/

What are you reading this week?


- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
illustrated novel

- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I think it adds excitement to the story. Makes it more interesting to read

Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work) I really like these graphic novels but they are not for the weak at heart because it can get really gross. It's about a detective that eats things and can see where they have been in the past.

What are you reading this week? The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams Bianco

Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose? Children's fiction

Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them? I think they are really important for children's books. They can give the child something to look at and interest them before the story is even started and add to the as to the story as it unfolds. For adult books I'm not bothered about them unless they are a map or a plan of something

What are you reading this week?
Rad Women Worldwide: Artists and Athletes, Pirates and Punks, and Other Revolutionaries Who Shaped History by Kate Schatz (and illustrated by Miriam Klein Stahl)

Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
Nonfiction; there are illustrations of each of the women the book discusses.

Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I think illustrations can add a lot to stories. I really enjoy graphic novels for example, because I feel like they use images extremely well to illustrate a narrative. And some illustrated books do a good job of combining the text and the images together to make a narrative, so it really depends on how well said story is crafted with the illustrations in my opinion.

Q: What are you reading this week?
A: Lino

Q: Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
A: Children's Novel!

Q: Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
A: I like it when is Children's book, but I don't like it in YA.

Q:Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work)
A: I don't have any favorite illustrator.

- What are you reading this week?
The House at Pooh Corner by A.A. Milne

- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
Fiction. Children's chapter book.

- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I do not avoid illustrations. I quite like graphic novels (a love I found and now share with my daughter) and although I rarely read novels with pictures I enjoyed this.

Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work) I wouldn't say I have a favorite illustrator but I quite enjoy the pictures in the Bats at the ... series by Brian Lies

- What are you reading this week?
The Paper Garden: Mrs. Delany Begins Her Life's Work at 72 byMolly Peacock

- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
Nonfiction / biography/ autobiography

- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?

Sometimes they add to the story, while at others they are at odds with my interpretation. As a child, I thought reading a book without pictures would be so boring, but like most of us, I discovered this to not be the case as I grew older. Now, this book I deliberately bought because the illustrations are done by Mrs. Delaney about whom the book was written. The title refers to her works of art.

Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work)

Since I have a grandson and read his children's books, I enjoy the fun and humor in Sandra Boynton's illustrations. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/...

- What are you reading this week?
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling

- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
Ilustrated novel.

- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I LOVE illustrations and wished all books have them :)

Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work)
Jim Kay
Hayao Miyazaki

-What are you reading this week? The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket

-What format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose? A children's novel

-Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them? I don't necessarily avoid them but it was interesting reading this book and noticing all the foreshadowing that the illustrations give to the next book.

What are you reading this week?
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon

Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
It's a semi-illustrated novel. I think it counts? I'm counting it anyway!

Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I actually read this book for another category, but there were illustrations throughout the book, so I figured I'd count it for this category since I really don't read much illustrated books! I think the illustrations really worked in this novel... some of the chapters were replaced with sketches (that the protagonist drew) and it did a better job of telling the story than words could have done.

- What are you reading this week?

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs.

- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
This is an illustrated novel. More novel than illustrated.

- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
In this case, the pictures definitely add to the descriptions and also add a creepier tone than the book would have without them.

What are you reading this week?
A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle (adapted and illustrated by Hope Larson)


Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
Graphic novel

Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I don't avoid them, but I don't deliberately chase them out as I like to use my imagination to visualize the descriptions when reading a book.

What are you reading this week?
Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant

Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
It's a graphic novel

Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
If I want something quicker or to get me out of a slump, I might go for a graphic novel or comic book, but usually I don't read them.

- What are you reading this week?A Monster Calls
- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose? An illustrated novel
- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them? I think it adds to the story. It's not something that I usually consider when I pick up a book. It was definitely nice for a change and has opened me up to thinking about it now.
Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work) I don't have one but am interested in noticing more now.

What are you reading this week?
I'm reading Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu


Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose?
It's an illustrated novel. There are only a small few illustrations throughout the book, it's not completely filled with them.

Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them?
I don't go searching for illustrated books, but I definitely don't avoid them. I think they can definitely add to the story! I know that I absolutely LOVE the illustrated editions of Harry Potter, but I don't know if I would have loved them the first read-through, as using my imagination for the world of Harry Potter was part of the magic of reading those books. I wouldn't want to have it all illustrated for me right from the get-go, but now that it's a beloved series of mine, seeing it illustrated is magical again :)

Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator?
Ummmm, I have no idea! I don't know any illustrators by name I don't think. As I mentioned above, I love the new Harry Potter illustrated editions, so whoever did those is amazing!

- What are you reading this week?Jungle: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen, although if I can squeeze it in I want to change it to Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose? Its a non fiction picture book (although the writing is actually pretty intensive, it talks about conservation and the ecosystem), and the pictures are holographic. It is very very cool.
- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them? I quite like illustrations. Unless its adult fiction of course. That might be weird.
Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work) I kind of love Eric Carle

What are you reading this week? The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose? Fiction, with illustrations at the end. I also love the cover of this book.

Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them? I don't avoid them. I think they enhance the story, whether photos, illustrations, sketches or maps.

Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work) I love the illustrations of Yuko Shimizu, Yuko Shimizu A Wild Swan: And Other Tales, Mo Willems Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! and Ernest Howard Shepard Winnie-the-Pooh.

- What are you reading this week? The Nightmare before Christmas

- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose? Picture Book

- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them? I love graphic novels!!! Mangas and original stories in graphic format: Love them! American superhero: Like them, but not a fan.

However, I don't like to read graphic novels based on books (Babysitter's club by Telgemeier an exception)

- What are you reading this week? I managed to finish my original book chosen for this category, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

- Which format (nonfiction, picture book, graphic novel, illustrated novel, etc) did you choose? YA fantasy with vintage photographs

- Do you think illustrations add something to stories or do you usually avoid them? I think especially in this case they added a lot of interest to the story. I loved it. I don't typically seek them out, usually I only see illustrations if I''m reading picture books, juvenile fiction or non-fiction ( and that rarely happens- non-fiction is something I used to avoid). But in every case I enjoy them :-)

Bonus question: who's your favorite illustrator? (share a link to his/her work) In my original post I mentioned Eric Carle. Some others for children books are Eloise Wilkins, Jan Brett, and Graeme Base (amazing!!)