Thanks for scanning these, Pete. I like comparisons of illustrations!
I grew up with the uncredited Dean & Son illustrations from 1972 (I have wondered if they might be by Dorothy Hall, but I have no way of knowing). I'm very fond of those illustrations, partly because my sister and I often wore clothes similar to Jill and Mary's when we were children. The style appeals to me as well - the children's faces are friendly and open, the pictures are fairly detailed and the artist depicts some tense and exciting scenes.
However, my favourite of the line drawings above is the one by E. H. Davie, as it's so beautifully drawn. I can almost feel the texture of the planks and the jersey.
The 1972 Dean one comes second as it's skilfully composed and pleasing to the eye, with a lot to it.
I like the Dorothy Brook picture too, as it's bold and eye-catching, so I'd place that third.
The Clyde Pearson illustration comes last for me. I don't like the plank in the middle (the one being carried by one of the boys) as it cuts the picture in half. Also, there are too many black lines everywhere - and neither of the boys looks old enough to be Andy.
I wouldn't say that any of those pictures are bad though. In my opinion, they all do a good job of evoking the spirit of the book.
"Heyho for a starry night and a heathery bed!" - Jack, The Secret Island.
"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.
