Though it was her childhood dream to be a children's book illustrator, German artist Binette Schroeder began as a graphic designer and portrait photographer, developing skills and styles that were to later influence her work.

When her debut children's book, "Lupinchen," was published in 1969, it won the Biennial of Illustration Bratislava (BIB) Golden Apple Award, which launched her career internationally. Since then, she has published numerous popular children's books.

Schroeder's visual worlds are surreal and fantastical, filled with atmospheric color gradations, patterns and diagrammatic illustrations — influences from her experience as a graphic designer. In this exhibition, drafts and original copies of her classics are on display; July 5-Aug. 31.

Itami City Museum of Art; 2-5-20 Miyamomae, Itami, Hyogo. Itami Stn. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. ¥800. Closed Mon. 072-772-7447; www.artmuseum-itami.jp