Why Children’s Book Illustrators Are Just as Important as the Writers
When I tell people I work as a children’s book illustrator, they often smile and say, “Oh, you make the drawings for kids’ stories.” That’s true, but it’s also much more than that. Writers create the words, and illustrators bring those words to life. One cannot truly shine without the other. After illustrating books for more than 15 years, I can confidently say that illustrations are not just decoration—they are half the story.
Children Notice Pictures First
Think about how a child picks up a book. Do they read the title? No. Do they scan the first line? Not really. Their eyes go straight to the cover illustration. Bright colors, fun shapes, friendly faces—that’s what pulls them in.
This is why children’s book illustration is so powerful. A child doesn’t need to know how to read to enjoy a book. They can simply follow the story through pictures. That’s why illustrators are not secondary to writers. For many children, the pictures are the story.
Illustrations Add What Words Cannot
Let’s imagine a sentence: “A little girl walked into the forest.” Simple enough. But what kind of forest is it? Magical with glowing lights? Dark and a little scary? Full of animals? The writer gives the idea, but the illustrator sets the mood.
That’s the beauty of having illustrators for a children’s book—we don’t just draw what’s written, we add layers. A butterfly in the corner, a tiny detail in the background, a hidden clue—these are things children notice and remember. It makes the story bigger than the words on the page.
Characters That Stay With Us
Close your eyes and think of your favorite childhood book. Chances are, you remember the characters’ faces, clothes, or even their little quirks. That’s the work of an illustrator.
As a high quality children’s book artist, I always spend time shaping characters. The way they smile, the way they hold a toy, even the color of their shoes—these details matter. Children fall in love with characters through illustrations. Sometimes they copy the drawings, sometimes they pretend to be those characters. That connection lasts a lifetime.
Emotions Come Alive Through Pictures
Stories are meant to teach, but illustrations make children feel. A book about kindness can say, “She shared her toy,” but when the picture shows two kids smiling together, the message becomes real.
When I’m working on children’s book illustration, I focus on the emotions of every scene. A happy moment may be bright and colorful, while a sad one may feel quiet with soft tones. Children don’t just read—they feel. And illustrations are what carry those feelings.
Writers and Illustrators Need Each Other
One common mistake is to think of illustrators as assistants. In truth, writers and illustrators are partners. The writer lays the foundation, and the illustrator builds the world around it. Without one, the other feels incomplete.
Over the years, I’ve worked with many writers who were amazed when they saw their stories illustrated. Some said, “I never imagined it would look like this, but it’s perfect.” That moment shows why both roles are equal. Together, they create magic.
Why Self-Publishing Authors Need Illustrators
These days, many new authors are self-publishing. It’s a wonderful opportunity, but it also comes with challenges. One of the biggest is finding the right illustrator. A great story alone is not enough—without strong visuals, the book may not attract readers.
This is why many writers search for children’s book illustrators for hire early in the process. They know that good artwork is not just nice to have—it’s essential. A professional illustrator can take a manuscript and turn it into something children want to pick up again and again.
Quality Illustration Builds Trust
Parents and teachers are usually the ones buying books for kids. And what do they look at first? The illustrations. A well-designed cover gives them confidence that the book is worth buying. A poorly illustrated book, no matter how good the writing, often gets left behind.
As a high quality children’s book artist, I’ve seen this firsthand. Parents want books that feel special, books that their children will treasure. That’s why investing in good illustration is never wasted—it’s the face of the book.
A Child’s First Art Lesson
Another way to think about children’s books is this: they’re often a child’s first art gallery. The shapes, colors, and styles in books introduce them to art before they ever visit a museum.
As children’s book illustrators, we carry a big responsibility. We’re not only telling stories, we’re shaping how children see art. Sometimes, a single picture inspires a child to start drawing their own stories. For me, that’s one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
Closing Thoughts
So, are illustrators as important as writers? Without a doubt—yes. Writers bring the words, and illustrators give those words a heartbeat. Both are necessary, both are equal.
If you’re an author looking at illustrators for a children’s book, choose someone who understands children, storytelling, and emotion. The right illustrator will not just draw pictures—they will bring your story alive.
After more than 15 years in this field, I can tell you that illustrations are never just decoration. They are the doorway for children, the thing that sparks imagination, the memory that lasts long after the book is closed. And that is why children’s book illustrators are just as important as the writers.
To know more: www.anantamohanta.com
Pinterest: https://in.pinterest.com/illustratorananta/
X: https://x.com/AnantaMohanta6
Behance: https://www.behance.net/ananta-mohanta
Follow me on Instagram: www.instagram.com/ananta_mohanta_