AMONG PIRATES AND MARISQUEIRAS. TOWARDS A TYPOLOGY OF THE ISLAND MOTIF IN CONTEMPORARY SPANISH PICTURE BOOKS

Abstract

This article examines how the insular space has been represented in the recent production of album books in Spain, as well as its relationship with the classic treatment of the island in children’s and young adult literature. More specifically, it identifies and describes some of the main typologies of islands found in these works, analyzing how they enable the articulation of certain identity issues and native cultural traditions. In addition, this work highlights the importance of illustration in constructing this insular imaginary in early readers. The selection of album books that constitute our corpus approaches the insular motif from different textual and iconic approaches, thus offering a representative sample of the narrative and expressive possibilities of this extraordinarily rich and varied theme. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list, but rather to provide an overview that illustrates the diversity of approaches and representations emerging in contemporary children’s and young adult literature in Spain.