Illustration, That's the Whole Story

Book illustrations are the first works of art we encouter as children. The contemplation of a fine illustration encompasses all the elements involved in examining an outstanding artwork: pleasure, excitement, deciphering the message, and identifying the setting. Illustration, small in size and of an intimate nature, has not attained the position it merits among the art forms. The Israel Museum attributes much importance to the encouragement of children's book illustrators and it is for this purpose that the Ben-Yitzhak Fund was established.

The Ben-Yitzhak Award is presented in memory of Rivi (Soifer) and Michael Ben-Yitzhak, who were killed in a terrorist attack in Jerusalem's Zion Square on July 4, 1975.

First-prize winner Yirmi Pinkus's illustrations for Mr. Fibber, the Storyteller by Lea Goldberg are displayed alongside the works of honorable-mention recipients Orit Bergman, Natalie Waksman Shenker, Shimrit Elkanati, and Masha Manapov.

Orit Bergman, Diary of a Shark Catcher, Written by Orit Bergman, Asia Publishers, 2013

Masha Manapov, A Pair of Old Shoes, Written by Ronit Chacham, Moadon Tarbut, 2013