Seminar paper from the year 2016 in the subject Literature - General, grade: 2, University of Innsbruck (American Studies), course: American Literature: Bestsellers and Canons - Popular vs. Highbrow Literature, language: English, abstract: Children's literature has always been accompanied by illustrations to clarify or reinforce what certain passages of a text want to express. For a long time, the power of illustrations was underestimated, as pictures were mostly used as a decorative tool. With time passing, advantages were discovered regarding the reading of books that are not just adorned by illustrations but completed by them. This paper will present both the positive and negative impacts of illustrations on children, as well as their effects on adults, as they are usually the ones who make the decision about buying a book. To do so, this paper will examine the changes that illustrations in books have undergone over time. The opinions of opponents of pictures will be opposed to the view of people believing in the beneficial effects of such literature. An empirical study will try to find evidence for these perspectives. Furthermore, the connection between race and illustrations will be presented and suggestions will be made on what to pay attention to in this respect. Finally, the influence that illustrations can exert on sales will be displayed by looking at a study about children's preferences with regard to illustration styles. To conclude, the influence of cover designs will be presented.