Haven't read it before. But you're right.

I guess kids these days are lucky. Publishers will rebrand stories and hire illustrators to make the story come alive with vivid and colourful illustrations

But

one could argue that we were luckier because we could harness our imagination to visualise the events. But well, I thought that the illustrations added to the story rather than deprived readers of a chance to use their imagination.

Well, this one is what I think it's the way to promote creativity in the children.