...a vertical format...
...or a squarish format.
(As always, there are exceptions---for example shape books, which have
die-cut, non-rectangular silhouettes.)
Those working with picture books usually talk about their trim size, which is the size of the page. The physical book is a bit larger, as the hard cover extends slightly beyond the page on all four sides. The minimum trim size in today's publishing world would be a 9 x 9 inch
square, or an 8 x 10 rectangle. A publisher probably would not produce a
picture book smaller than this, for fear that it would get lost amidst the
competition---literally covered up by larger books in the bookstore display, for example.
But in spite of today's philosophy of "Bigger is Better", there is an upper limit to the size of picture books. We need to be
able to physically hold them and read them, aloud or to ourselves, with ease
and comfort. The books need to fit
onto the shelves of libraries and households. And over-sized books are more costly for the publisher to
produce. So the maximum trim size generally would be an 11 x 11 inch square, or a rectangle with a maximum 11 inches
on the longest side, such as 9 x 11 or 10 x 11. (When I was researching all this recently at my local
independent bookstore CHANGING HANDS (http://www.changinghands.com/) I saw one exception to this upper limit: a book
with a 10 1/2 x 12 horizontal format---and a celebrity name on its cover.)
Within these parameters, an illustrator would seemingly have
unlimited choices---for example, she/he could ask for a trim size of 9 1/4 x 10
7/8. But the final decision will actually
be made by the publisher, though hopefully in consultation with the illustrator. Since
the book will be printed on very large sheets of paper (with one complete printed picture book fitted onto one sheet), and since various papers come
in various sheet sizes, the sheet size of the paper will therefore determine
the trim size of the book. And the choice of the paper itself will most likely be made by
the publisher, based on the paper's characteristics, and its cost.
very handsome examples, very informative post. the over-sized books really do present a challenge to bookstores and libraries, though at times i can understand the decision to go extra large. but some of the tiny books are such a delight to hold and carry. alas, you're right, they are also easier to lose.
ReplyDeleteI SO miss those smaller-format books...they seem so perfect for small hands, and are so comfortable even for grown-up hands. But a publisher today won't touch them, alas, as I know from personal experience.
ReplyDeleteThe exception to this would be board books, which do come in small formats. But they are not true hardcover books---more like hybrid book-toys.
ReplyDeleteI am really enjoying your posts about creating a picturebook dummy. It's wonderful to see your process and to think about adapting mine. And I just ordered a pad of the Borden and Riley paper! I've been looking for something just like that. THANK YOU for these terrific and inspiring posts!
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