The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts is a favorite for any lover of children’s books – because it exhibits the original art illustrations of the books. One of my first visits was to see the original art of “Madeline”, a book I have read hundreds of times to children. You can imagine the thrill of seeing the pictures, the real pictures, up close. Yes, I cried.
Every exhibit is exciting. Typically they highlight one author or illustrator. I visited this past weekend. The exhibit was “Let’s Talk! Animals From the Collection.” It wasn’t one artist; it was every animal you know from most of your favorite books, which means your favorite artists as well. Yes!
This was the wall at the opening to the exhibit.
Do you recognize the animals?
James Marshall and Garth Williams.
“Goldilocks and The Three Bears”
“Winnie the Pooh”
This illustration was delicate.
“Babar”
Of course the original text is in French.
“The Story of Little Babaji”
(aka, Little Black Sambo)
My favorite picture book to read to children.
“Little Fur Family” by Margaret Wise Brown,
illustrated by Garth Williams. First edition.
We know this inspired the popular “Pat the Bunny.”
I wanted to touch that fur!
“Paddington Bear.”
This was small, bright, and made me
look and smile for a long, long time.
Do you love “Frog and Toad”, too?
If this wasn’t enough – seeing the classic, great illustrations –
there were newer book illustrations. They’re already in my library.
I’m picky and know good books.
Seeing the art in these magnificent illustrations was breathtaking.
“If You Plant a Seed” by Kadir Nelson
“Hector Fox and the Giant Quest”
by Astrid Sheckles
Mo Willems humor, “Hamilton Pigeon.”
Like every artist and writer, Eric Carle struggled to find just the right words in his books. In “The Grouchy Ladybug”, you can see Carle’s original ideas on the book – “The Ill Tempered Ladybug” and “The Mean Old Ladybug.”
Children’s Book Week has been a mainstay since 1919. Here are posters from the 70’s. The illustrators speak volumes for the importance of this annual celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading.
Yes, That’s me as “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” fan.
Driving home was a perfect ending to a perfect day,
a beautiful full moon (Beaver Moon) low in the sky.
Thank you to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
A fascinating exhibition! I love these older caricatures. They really still have a kind of soul. Thank you for sharing your experiences, Jennie! I am sure you had a wonderful day. The museum sign – as easy made it looks – is artwork by itself. Enjoy your week! MIchael
Yes, it was fascinating, and they really do have a soul. Thank you, Michael. I love the sign, too. Illustrators make it look easy. Good writers do, too.
Thats true, Jennie! Without good writers it would only be half of the fun, and the children’s goal has to be learning to read. 😉
You hit the nail on the head, Michael. 🙂
:-))
On my list!
If you go, you’d better invite me to tag along. 😍
Absolutely!
❤️
You certainly get to some great places Jennie.
Thanks, Opher! You do, too. 🙂
Looks like a wonderful exhibit. Thanks to your video, I feel like I saw some of it, too. Happy you had a fun day!
It was wonderful, Marcia! This exhibit focuses on the art of animals, from their collection. To see so many different artists featured was a treat. I loved James Marshall and William Steig. I loved the original Winnie the Pooh drawings. You would enjoy seeing so many different illustrators. Thank you, Marcia.
Beautiful illustrations can bring a book to life and spark a long lasting love for books. It did for me.
Yes!! That’s why they’re so important for children’s books.
Hi Jennie, This place looks wonderful, and it is on my list of museums to visit! Thank you!
It is, Charles. If you get there, I want to tag along with you!
What a wonderful place. Lucky you to have it near to you. Goldilocks and the Three Bears was the first story I remember being read to me. Love all the illustrations of all the books.
It is a wonderful place, and Inam very lucky it is
Ooops, and I am very lucky it is close by. Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a favorite. The real illustrations are amazing to see. Thanks, Darlene.
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is a wonderful blogpost from Jennie, the excellent teacher, about an excellent museum!
Thank you, Charles!
What a treat to start my day with these illustrations! Seeing them in person must have been thrilling.
I’m glad, Liz. Yes, it was thrilling!
so much fun, and seeing the original art work for children’s books is a great art exhibit in itself
Yes, it is!!
So wonderful, Jennie!
Thank you, Ritu! 🙂
It’s like they built that museum just for you, Jennie. Better than ‘perfect’.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thank you, Pete! 🙂
Lots of good books, and I was happy to see Arnold Lobel there. I LOVE Frog and Toad.
Yes, it is a classic. There were so many good ones at the museum, I only shared a few. Best to you, Anneli. 😀
Always enjoy your posts, Jennie.
Thanks, Anneli. The feeling is mutual. 🙂
Tnx, Jennie.
😍
Thank you for taking us along, Jennie.
Glad you were there, John.
😊
Perfect! 🐛🦋💞
It certainly felt that way! 🥰
I had no idea they were open. I look forward to visiting again. I especially like combining a visit with a trip to Atkins for produce(certainly not candy or baked goods!)
I hope you get there, Elizabeth. You have to go to their website and reserve a time slot to visit. They give people two-hour blocks. It was not crowded at all, which is a sad sign of the times. Of course we immediately went to Atkins afterwards! They have the best produce, and I always get their spinach lasagne and cider donuts. Yum!
Right now we are not allowed to go to Massachusetts without 14 days of quarantine and paperwork.
Let’s hope that changes soon. When I was there, they were only allowing people from Massachusetts and Hawaii.
I didn’t realize it was forbidden at each end.
Forbidden to anyone from another state, except Hawaii. Sheesh!
And how would that person even get to Massachusetts from Hawaii?
Exactly!
Love kid’s book illustrations.
The bring the words of the book to life!
If I ever get to Mass. this museum is definitely on my list. Amazing!
You won’t be disappointed!
Great books and a wonderful tour of the illustrations.
Thank you, Deborah!
What a fascinating and fun place! Loved your wings😉 Neat caterpillar mask!! Keep safe. xo
Thank you, Rose. It is the best!
I sadly have to admit that I didn’t know of the Eric Carle Museum until now. What an awesome experience it must have been for you, Jennie.
Every visit to the museum seems better than the one before. For book lovers, this is IT. I wonder if there is another museum that focuses on the art of illustrations. BTW, this was the first time I have seen a Garth Williams. Had it been one from “Charlotte’s Web” I probably would have cried. Thank you, Pete!
How gorgeous, Jennie. Yes, I would have cried too, with overwhelm. What an amazing museum.
It really is, Norah. For those far away (like Australia), I’m glad to give a peek at what is inside.
I appreciate it. It’s wonderful.
🙂
I really need to visit this museum. It’s easy day-trip for me, and you really cranked up my interest. Thanks Jennie, for sharing your visit.
If you visit, I’d love to tag along.
I’d love to have an experienced guide.
Yahoo! 😀
What a fun exhibition, Jennie. Thanks for sharing all the photos and you look wonderful as a butterfly! ❤
Thank you, Diana. It was a wonderful exhibition, and being the butterfly was perfect. 🙂
I had no idea that was there. what a wonderful resource for kids. You’re darling in front of the caterpillar!
Thank you, Jacqui! It’s definitely a book-lover’s museum. Being in front of the caterpillar was fun!