Once dismissed as the cosy world of teddy bears and fairies, childrens 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 - with cartons, anitmated 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 childrens picture book as an appropriate vehicle for artistic expression are increasingly drawn to this area.

This book shocases 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.