To continue my study of the Dick & Jane books, I would be remiss if I didn’t speak about the beautiful illustrations in the books. Since the pictures were what enabled young minds to put the words with the [tag]picture[/tag] and make a connection, it was the [tag]illustrations[/tag] that often were what turned the [tag]light bulb[/tag] on for so many [tag]youngsters[/tag].

[tag]Dick & Jane[/tag] illustrator Eleanor Campbell used actual photographs[/tag] of children to develop her beautiful and vivid colorful illustrations. She would change the [tag]clothing[/tag] to fit the time period and often relied on the mail order [tag]Sears & Roebucks[/tag] catalog for inspiration.

During the 1960’s, Richard Childress illustrated for the books. His young daughters were used as models for the Jane and Sally characters. Jane strongly resembles what his daughter looked like at a young age.

There were more than 12 illustrators for the Dick & Jane books.

[photopress:Dick___Jane_page.jpg,full,pp_image]Question: What was Dick and Jane’s dog’s name?

I have always loved to [tag]read[/tag]. While in a [tag]quilt [/tag]store over the weekend I saw a teacher’s [tag]guide book[/tag] for [tag]Dick and Jane[/tag]. I had completely forgotten about those books. The [tag]teacher[/tag] in our reading group would hold up this big 18 inch x 24 inch book and ask each of us to read. I was so excited to be able to read. Do you remember those books? I think it was first or second grade when we would gather our chairs into a semi-circle and learn to read. Groups were formed from better readers to ones who needed a bit more guidance. I feel fortunate that reading came easy for me. As an adult I have heard parents talk about how their child has had so much trouble learning to read. Both of my kids are avid readers. They were able to learn to read with no trouble at all. That was a blessing. I took it for granted.