The illustration is defined as a pictorial interpretation or explanation of a text or thesis. The history of children's illustrations begins in the late sixteenth century, while contemporary illustrations appear in the fifties of the twentieth century. They can be found in various sources, such as newspapers, comics, picture books and children's books. Illustrators use different styles, techniques and resources. In contemporary time, digital illustration is more popular, which allows precision and control over work, and switching animations to illustrations. Some of the contemporary illustrators are Eric Carle, Chris Van Allsburg, Judith Kerr, Lorraine Dey, Pika Vončina, Vjekoslav Radoičić, Jelena Brezovec and Gordana Ivković. In this paper are presented their biographies and analyzes of their works. There are also many awards and prizes awarded to children's illustrators in Croatia and abroad, such as IBBY, Hans Christiana Andersen, Grigor Vitez, etc. Educators, who know what kind of influence they have on children, have a great role in choosing quality illustrations. Children should be allowed to fantasize, move to the imaginary world and to develop their personality, knowledge and artistic sensibility.