Where the Wild Lines Are

For everyone who is, has or once was a child, this delightful study on the history of children’s books is sure to spark nostalgia

Children’s books tell more than just stories. They stimulate the imagination, convey feelings and help young readers to explore the world. Many appeal to both children and adults alike through their idiosyncratic narratives, but also through their innovative structures and illustrations. With a playful font and type treatment, Where the Wild Lines Are first explores the development of children’s books in chronological order from 1900 to the present. Then, it takes a more formalist approach to the different elements that characterize a children’s book: color, signs, space and perspective. Sourced from the collections of the Design Museum in Munich, the examples include such universal classics as Peter Rabbit, Babar the Elephant and Where the Wild Things Are, together with treasured storybooks from diverse countries around the world.