Illustration for Hitty 

Dorothy Lathrop created this illustration for Hitty using watercolor. The composition balances a serene natural backdrop with the intimate interaction between Hitty, the doll, and the large frog. The use of color and form invites viewers into a dreamlike space, characteristic of children's literature. The image presents a dialogue between scale and perspective. The frog, rendered with meticulous detail, appears disproportionately large, challenging our sense of reality. Lathrop employs a vibrant palette, with earthy greens and browns contrasted by the doll's patterned dress. The careful composition invites a semiotic interpretation, where each element becomes a signifier. The natural setting signifies innocence and the imaginative world of childhood, while the unexpected scale destabilizes fixed meanings. Ultimately, the formal qualities underscore a deeper exploration of childhood perception, inviting ongoing interpretation.