An original piece of cover art by Garth Williams for EB White's book Charlotte's Web was recently sold at an auction in New York for some $155,350 (Dh570,600). Here are five other notable children's book illustrations:
Take Five... The Velveteen Rabbit
Margery Williams' tale about a shabby rabbit who is so loved by his owner that he eventually comes to life, is made all the more poignant by William Nicholson's illustrations - the source of more than a few tears at bedtime.
Take Four... The Tale of Peter Rabbit
The image of the mischievous Peter Rabbit, bedecked in pastel blue jacket and munching carrots pilfered from Mr McGregor's garden, is an enduring one. Beatrix Potter not only illustrated her own books, but was also renowned for her botanical drawings.
Take Three... The Very Hungry Caterpillar
Eric Carle's tale is of a greedy caterpillar who, over the course of the book, eats his way through a whole host of delicacies, finally emerging as a beautiful butterfly. The simple pictures and interactive style helped establish this colourful book as a modern classic.
Take Two... The Wind in the Willows
EH Shepard's drawings of pastoral England really bring Kenneth Grahame's book alive. Who can forget the first sight of Toad Hall or the image of Ratty and Mole meandering down the river in their rowing boat? Shepard also provided the illustrations for AA Milne's Winnie- the-Pooh.
Take One... Quentin Blake and Roald Dahl - various
From the terrifying Miss Trunchbull, to the lovable BFG, not forgetting Mr Twit with his food encrusted beard, Roald Dahl's words and Quentin Blake's distinctive illustrations are second to none in the world of children's fiction and will surely continue to delight for years to come.
