Illustrations with Grouped Images

Another popular style of illustration in a Children’s Book is an image that includes multiple images on one page. This is often done to show movement or the passage of time.

We would describe this the same way we describe Grouped Images.

If you have a group of images, they will be combined into a single image file. This means the Alt-text needs to set up the fact that it is a group of images.

Structure the description as follows:

Begin with Two images side-by-side or Two images on top of each other whatever you choose make sure to establish how many images there are and what order they are in.
Start with the first image in reading order (i.e. on the left, or on the top)
Describe each image as its own description, but begin with the location of the image: On the left or On the top or even In the first image, …

You may need to sacrifice some details in order to prevent the image description from being too long and to avoid cognitive overload. If the context of the image calls for more detail, then you can use the long description. Remember this always depends on context. If in doubt, post a question on the Q&A

Go to Writing Tip: Using Point Form Technique for a breakdown on how you can start the writing process

Examples

In both the following examples the characters have already been fully described. In the second example, the bell jar has been fully describing in a previous image.

[Alt-Text] Two images side by side. In the first, Peanut stands with one arm up in the air and the other extended straight to the side. They point one foot forward and smile with their eyes closed. Curved motion lines arch over their head. In the second image, Peanut is upside down with their legs together above their head. They balance on one arm, with the other extended out to the side. They open their eyes with a wide smile. Curved motion lines arch over their feet.

[Alt-text] Four images. In the first image, Barnabus kicks his bell jar. In the second image, Barnabus runs head-first towards his bell jar. In the third image, Barnabus stares at the glass of his jar, and his shoulders slump. Finally, Barnabus sits against the glass of his bell jar, and black letters form from his trunk that read: "Honk".

In the next example, the way the characters look have already been established.

[Alt-Text] Three images side-by-side. In the first image, Shailey’s dad talks on the phone and she stands just behind him. She wears a green t-shirt and clutches a yellow book to her chest. He looks back at her and shrugs with one hand raised up in the air and a small smile. He wears the same clothes as before. In the second image, Shailey’s dad sits at his desk and leans over a large book and Shailey stands beside him and holds out a small pink book. He rests his chin in his hand and looks at her with his eyebrows raised in the middle. Shailey glares back at him. She wears a long-sleeved yellow shirt and turquoise shorts. In the third image, Shailey and her dad stand and face each other. Shailey points up at him and places a hand on her hip. She opens her mouth wide to speak. She wears a pink long-sleeved shirt and yellow pants. Her dad looks down at her with a worried expression. He has a pale green book tucked under his arm.

If you have any questions, post your question on the Alt-Text Q&A

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