Visual design, values and text relations in Behiç Ak's books in terms of the basic principles of children's literature

This study examines the form and content features and illustration techniques of the illustrated children's books of Behiç Ak, who has an important place in children's literature; ıt is a research that analyzes the relationship between picture and text, and values in the stories and pictures. Fourteen books of Behiç Ak, with the highest picture density among the boks which were selected with purposeful sampling, were analyzed using descriptive scanning method. Behiç Ak's works named "Bilyeler, Büyükanne ve Miyop Ejderha, Doğum Günü Hediyesi, Gökdelene Giren Bulut, Karadeniz'deki Yunus, Kedi Adası, Rüzgârın Üzerindeki Şehir, Uyurgezer Fil, Yüksek Tansiyonlu Çınar Ağacı" and his Picture boks of children named "Benim Bir Karışım, Bizim Tombiş Taştan Hiç Anlamıyor, Bizim Tombiş Fiyonk Makarnayı Çok Seviyor, Ben Ne Zaman Doğdum, Tombiş Maskeli Baloya Katılmak İstemiyor"in the Tombiş Books Series are among the works of study. These story books were carefully read; the pictures were examined, the values and messages in the books were determined. In the research, document analysis, one of the qualitative research methods, was used as a data collection tool, stories were carefully read, values were determined; the contribution of pictures to text and values education has been interpreted. The findings obtained from the studied books are presented with examples and supported with tables. Finally, the results and suggestions obtained from the research are included. As a result of the research, it is stated that the books written by Behiç Ak are suitable for children; ıt has been determined that preschool and basic education children could read easily. Although the books have some formal flaws, it has been concluded that they will contribute to the development of the children in terms of their values and illustrating techniques. When the visuals in the artist's works are examined, it is seen that graphic design principles are taken into consideration. The drawing techniques of the visuals in the books are suitable for children and children's literature. It has been observed that the values determined in the books such as "friendship, love, gren consciousness, animal love, sharing, solidarity, justice, patience, responsibility, benevolence and courtesy rules" are made to the child with pictures, and the text and values are supported by pictures. Common values in all books are animal love, environmental awareness, friendship and solidarity. It could be said that Behiç Ak aspires to raise awareness in children especially about nature and animals.