Once dismissed as the cosy world of teddy bears and fairies, children's book illustration has been transformed by the arrival on the scene of numerous highly original and contemporary graphic artists in recent years. Children now grow up with a more informed and sophisticated visual diet - cartoons, animated movies, comics, TV and computer games - consuming a vast range of stylistic approaches, and illustrated books have moved to match the demands of a more discerning market. Equally, artists who in the past may not have considered the children's picture book as an appropriate vehicle for artistic expression are increasingly drawn to this area. This book showcases some of the most interesting work emerging within the genre from a range of cultural backgrounds. It examines trends in the use of media - both digital and traditional - and discusses the variety of approaches to subject matter.

Martin Salisbury is a lecturer in illustration and a freelance illustrator. He designed and leads the UK's first Masters program in children's book illustration at Anglia Ruskin University. He is the author of Illustrating Children's Books (Quarto/A&C Black), a practical guide to illustration.