A. S. Ostashev devoted a lot of effort to the book industry, having established himself as a master of illustration, a well-known designer, and editor of various publications with different purposes and characteristics. He repeatedly and successfully illustrated the works of Kyrgyz writers. His work in this field was combined with serious study of the history and spiritual culture of the Kyrgyz people, their way of life, and the characters of individuals. Without knowledge of the life material and the heritage of the people, he cannot conceive of penetrating into the specifics of their artistic thinking, which is expressed in the works of contemporary Kyrgyz literature.
The first experience of Ostashev mastering the material of Kyrgyz prose was the linocuts for M. Abdukarymov's book "I Want to Live" (1962). This was followed by a more extensive and confident cycle of engravings for Ch. Aitmatov's book "The First Teacher" (1963), which was recognized among the best fifty books of the year at the All-Union Book Competition in Moscow (1963) for its illustrations by Ostashev. The detailed narrative sheets depict the events unfolded in the story and portray the characters' traits. The artist, with his characteristic sensitivity to social issues and inclination towards psychology, emphasizes the individuality of the characters, their involvement in the struggle and fate of the people, and especially the passionate nature, sense of duty, and faith in the future of the rural teacher Duyshen. The illustrations are also executed in linocut, which became Ostashev's primary medium for book illustration.
As a mature master who easily manages the entire structure of the book block, Ostashev shines in one of his best works — the illustrations for K. Bektenov's book "The Laughter of Kuiruchuk" (1964). In the linocuts of this cycle, he creates a convincing image of a real person — the famous wit and life-lover Kudaybergen Omurzakov (nicknamed Kuiruchuk), who ridiculed the injustice, stupidity, and greed of the bai and manap before the October Revolution. During the Soviet era, he appeared as a master of satire at the Frunze Philharmonic. Ostashev depicted him as a fighter against social evil, as a vivid representative of the masses. The image of Kuiruchuk, the hero of various funny stories, runs throughout the book in close-up. He is accompanied by expressive details that emphasize the effectiveness and cheerfulness of his nature, and the sharpness of his perception of reality. Kuiruchuk is accurately depicted on the frontispiece — with a sly expression on his face, he points with his hand at something worthy of ridicule. One of the best engravings of the cycle adorns the dust jacket: cheerful, independent, unburdened by any possessions, Kuiruchuk strides widely across the steppe, and bright rays of sunlight break through the clouds into his hands. Ostashev managed to create the image of Kuiruchuk with concise means, which corresponds to the brevity of the narrative about him by K. Bektenov. The merits of the illustrations were noted in articles and books: "Ostashev has done an excellent job. His illustrations are full of sharp character, bursting with cheerful, mischievous humor."
