Pictures Make Everything Better

I am a sucker for picture books.  I love graphic novels, adult/YA/MG books with the occasional drawings, and I love children's picture books.  As much as I adore the written word and don't need visuals, I have to say almost every book I have read has been enhanced by them.  Here are a couple of my favorite illustrated books.

Stardust

I have read this novel both in it's illustrated and unadorned form, and as fabulous as the story is, Charles Vess really adds an extra touch of awesomeness with his illustrations

The Lord of the Rings trilogy 

Alan Lee created such iconic illustrations for this edition of these beloved books that he was one of the lead concept artist when it came time to make the films!

The Chronicles of Narnia

To this day, even a glimpse of the illustrations of Pauline Baynes takes me straight to the happiest times of my life.  They are the perfect, simple yet expressive type of drawings that fit the story style like a glove.

Leviathan Series

Here is a wonderful author who can create intensely detailed world with just his words, but the addition of Keith Thompson's illustrations put it over the top in terms of a steampunky atmosphere. 

The Guardians Series

One of the great appeals of these books is the amazingly detailed illustrations by William Joyce (who also had a hand in writing the stories).  The pictures are a part of the story, not just mere decorations which makes you feel you may be reading a true story, not just a made up one.

How do you feel about illustrations in your books, distracting or enhancing?  What is your favorite illustrated book? Which book do you wish was illustrated?  Is it a bad idea to add your own illustrations with markers to you Mamma's favorite books?