The word-picture interaction in children picture books: complementary or contradictory?

Abstract EN

The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between words and pictures in children picture books, that is to say, whether pictures add details to the text and complete it or they just contradict with it based on the theory of Nikolajeva and Scott (2000).

This study is going to take into account the book 'It's One Flower' (2004) by Hoda Al-Shaer.

After analysis, the findings indicate that in the beginning of the story, the words and pictures worked in conformity to make a meaning wherein the pictures surpassed the text by providing some scenes that were not mentioned in the text without disturbing the harmony of the book.

Whereas, in the next pages, the pictures seemed to contradict completely with the words as the text says something that is wholly different from what the image shows and this leads to confusion.

Consequently, the role of a children picture book illustrator is pivotal and must be seriously taken into consideration.