How Important is the artwork in my picture book?

Story is king as they say so illustrations take a backseat. In much the same way as sound is more important than visuals with youtube videos. People are more likely to watch a video if the sound quality is great and the the visuals not-so-great, than the other way around. If the sound is garbled or missing completely then they will most likely turn it off. Picture books can have average illustrations and still sell as long as the story is well crafted and draws the reader in. Now if the story is great and the illustrations are greater - now that's a home run!!!:) Rich Olson braintofu.com