Leo & Diane Dillon

             A married couple of artists who have the distinction of being the only artists to win the Caldecott medal two years in a row, with “Why Mosquitoes Buzz in Peoples Ears” and “From Ashanti to Zulu.” There pictures are truly unique works of art, being bold as is required by most to be called great art, but at the same time filled with a detail that energizes the pictures, helping to push their story to climax. “Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People Ears” is filled with interpretive illustrations with a strong cultural feel. These flat pictures don’t so much as draw the viewers into the story as they excite them about it. A masterpiece of art for children as will as adults this series of illustrations will help give your child a stronger world perspective helping them to appreciate more types of great art.

            “Rap a Tap Tap” is another book which not despite of but because of its flat shapes has an energy and excitement that will invigorate the imagery of your displays. Much like one would expect art for a nursery to be these pictures are flat and simple with solid basic colors. Unlike such images however they have a strongly urban feel and show not cute pictures of animals but solid and wonderful pictures of humans having fun. Such pictures are important for children because it is good for them to relate to many different peoples, and to see the possibilities for enjoyment in many different activities.

            Not all their pictures are flat however, “Mother Goose, Numbers on the Loose” is a beautifully done watercolor, as is Ashunti to Zulu, what amazing about the Dillon’s is their ability to create beautiful illustrations that always seem to match the excitement and energy of childhood.