A postmodern example: A semiotic analysis of illustrations in Shaun Tan's "Rules of Summer"

This study aims to analyze the illustrations in Shaun Tan's "Rules of Summer" through a semiotic approach. In children's books, illustrations are not merely decorative elements; they are crucial tools that shape the narrative and construct layers of meaning. In this context, deciphering the symbols and visual elements contained within the illustrations contributes to a deeper understanding of the text's impact on young readers. In the research, ten illustrations were selected through purposive sampling and analyzed using Roland Barthes's semiotic model. Each scene was examined on three levels denotation, connotation, and cultural myth and evaluated with reference to graphic design components such as figure placement, color use, and composition. The findings reveal that Tan's illustrations do not merely support the text but establish a powerful visual narrative in their own right. The symbolic expression within the images enables a multi-layered reading that stimulates the imagination of children and reflects the core features of postmodern storytelling. In this respect, the study offers an exemplary model for analyzing the role of illustrations in narrative at the intersection of visual literacy, graphic design, and children's literature. It also aims to foster a critical perspective toward visual content for educators, parents, and designers alike.