In literature, the authors do not do the readers' thinking and feeling for them. Quality books are usually identifiable by their serious respect for young readers' intelligence and imagination. Readers learn valid information about times, dress, customs, architecture, mores, living styles, and so forth from reading books with well developed settings. Usually much research into time and setting is done by authors and illustrators. Readers can assume cultural, historical, and geographic accuracy in quality books.
Poor books are dangerous in that they misinform the reader.
Because people, and especially students, believe what they read in books, the criterion of accuracy is never compromised. It is, therefore, important to judge the quality of illustrations when selecting books. Illustrations, of course, are included in many books for older students. In quality books, there is an integrity between the text and illustrations. Each enhances, supports, and clarifies the other.