It finally struck me – while art museums hold beautiful collections of art, there is a big difference when it comes to the art and exhibits at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art – they tell a story.
This is big. Taking in magnificent art is one thing, connecting it to a prized or beloved picture book is another, and learning along the way is yet another. This is what makes the Carle stand out. Oh, did I ever learn!
The three major exhibits were Horse Tales, Claire A. Nivola, and Eric Carle Loves Japan.
Horse Tales had art that would rival the MFA in Boston. The diversity and breadth of art styles was nearly overwhelming. I had to go through the exhibit twice; the first like a child, and the second like a curious learner.
The first painting was from a book I have read aloud to children for many years. For those of you who fondly remember your childhood books, how would you feel to see an original illustration of your favorite book? Yes, words are not needed. I know…
This is from Mare on the Hill.
My copy is well worn.
I didn’t cry, but I had a big lump in my throat.
A Storm of Horses
This oil painting is gigantic and detailed.
Often I recognized the artist, or the book, yet hadn’t made a connection until this exhibit. The many artists included Ruth Sanderson, the late Jerry Pinkney, Astrid Sheckels, SD Nelson, Jane Dyer, Micha Archer, Ed Young, Sophie Blackall, Simms Taback, and Wesley Dennis.
Here is a sampling of their art:
Did you read Misty of Chincoteague when you were a child? Did you remember there were illustrations in the book? I did not. Seeing these two original illustrations was a treat.
Did you read Black Beauty? The number of original books on display was staggering.
In the center of the exhibit was a magnificent painting by Kadir Nelson. He was the illustrator for the book I have often blogged about, Blue Sky, White Stars. Seeing his huge painting of a horse pulled me in. He had won a Caldecott Award…
And there, beside his painting, was an actual Caldecott Award. It has a galloping horse on the emblem. The sculptor, Rene Paul, designed the medal in 1937, based on the imagery in Randolph Caldecott’s book. And there was the book, beside the Caldecott emblem. It has a galloping horse illustration. Of course!
In all my years of teaching, devoted to children’s books and Caldecott winners, I had never noticed the galloping horse on the emblem, nor had I realized Randolph Caldecott’s picture book had the galloping horse.
It was a lightbulb moment. I love learning.
Claire A. Nivola was always an artist. She found her calling as a creator of children’s books.
Claire illustrated the book about Emma Lazarus, who wrote the poem for the Statue of Liberty. The original art is magnificent, and better yet, I was able to sit and read the book as I gazed at the Statue of Liberty.
Emma Lazarus grew up in a wealthy Jewish family in NYC, not wanting anything. It was a shock to her to one day see poor people on the street. The plight of those in need never left her. Emma was a an accomplished and successful writer. When she was asked to write a poem for the new Statue of Liberty, she wanted to celebrate the statue, but acknowledge the poor- particularly those who gave up their homeland to come to America. This particular illustration struck me – as all the people on the ship are looking for the Statue of Liberty in the distance. Do you see it?
I highly recommend the book.
Eric Carle Loves Japan. I knew Eric Carle loved Japan, but I had no idea how deep his roots grew until I saw the exhibit.
Throughout the exhibit, there were wonderful signs – from Thank You, to Please, to Hello, to Let’s Play, and much more – that helped visitors learn from Japanese to English.
Japan has over thirty museums of children’s picture book art. Yes, 30+. When Eric Carle and his wife toured Japan many times, they were struck by the hospitality, the love of children’s literature, and of course the many museums. Eric developed a long association and deep admiration for Japan. That inspired Eric Carle to establish his museum. I never knew that!
Another lightbulb moment, and more learning.
There is always something wonderful at the Eric Carle Museum.
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Lovely post Jennie, that’s a museum I’d love to visit!
Thanks, FR! I hope you get there one day.
Wonderful idea.
Thank you.
Isn’t it wonderful to discover something new about things that have been part of our lives for a long time. Looks like you had the best time, Jennie. I know some of these discoveries will work their way into your classroom.
Yes, it really is wonderful. Honestly, I never expected to learn so much while taking in the art. Oh, yes, this will be in my classroom. Can you see me showing and explaining the Caldecott emblem to children while I read them the book? Best to you, Dan.
I can, Jennie. I really can.
😀
We are always learning, Jennie! 🎉
Yes, we are! 😍
wow, how fabulous! this museum is on my must do list
Thanks, Beth! Certainly a favorite museum, and it never disappoints. And, their book shop!!! I hope you get there. You know I’ll meet you there. 🙂
that would be so great –
Yes!
Terrific thanks for sharing this! My wife and I just saw the Van Gogh exhibit in New York that has all of his “Cypress” paintings and drawings…with a discussion of his mental state at the time as well!
I’m glad you enjoyed this, John. Thank you!
That exhibit must have been wonderful to see! I think I remember reading that van Gogh only sold one painting in his lifetime. Here is my favorite blog post on van Gogh, and this is why I teach. https://jenniefitzkee.com/2017/01/15/starry-night-2/
All those editions of Black Beauty! I was afraid the one I owned wouldn’t be there. But there it was, the second last one! What great displays. I would have spent a long time there too. The picture of all the immigrants on the boat seeing the Statue of Liberty was moving as my great-grandparents would have been among them. And I love you with your face in the caterpillar. A super great post. Thanks.
I couldn’t believe all the editions of Black Beauty. And yours was there! Yes, the displays are really wonderful. I almost feel like I need to see them again. I wish you could have seen that illustration of the immigrants seeing the Statue of Liberty. I was moved, too, yet you had a far more important reason. I read at the museum regarding this particular illustration that the artist was a meticulous researcher for accurate historical details. That makes the picture all the better! Thank you, Darlene. You can tell by my face in the caterpillar that I had a wonderful time. 😀
Another joyous day at the museum for you, Jennie. The only one of those books I have read is ‘Black Beauty’, but thank you for sharing all the other wonderful artworks with us.
Best wishes, Pete.
It was a joyous day, Pete. Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the artworks and Black Beauty. Best to you.
🤍🖤
Art comes in many forms and can be used in ways other than displaying on a wall. After all, art carries a message. Of course “age-appropriate” plays a role, but beautiful art for kids doesn’t have to be childish. Well done, Jennie!
Well said, Frank. I champion your comments. Thank you.
iconic of childhood. Thank you.
Yes, very much so. Thanks, Jacqui.
Lovely tour, Jennie.
Thank you, John. I’m glad you came along. 🙂
😊
Oh wonderful! I never knew they existed. This made me think of the cave paintings from thousands of years ago. They told a story. They still do.
I do remember the illustrations in Misty since my sister was a horse fanatic. I was delighted many years ago to see the horses in person and was happy to know the illustrations were spot on. Glad to know the exhibits are there. Just about time to munch some different apples from Atkins!(And maybe a caramel one–don’t tell my dentist)
I’m so glad you remember the illustration! How special that you saw the horses. Yes, Atkins! I always pick up dinner, their spinach lasagne is fantastic.
Ooh. Will look for that. Get so enmeshed in the bakery I never even looked at entrees.
It’s THE best!
Will definitely look at more of the market!
I love meseumn like this, Jennie. How wonderful Japan has 30+ museums of children’s picture books.
I know! Come on, America… 😀
What a great museum! I had a Black Beauty book with many fine illustrations that I fondly recall.
Nice visit, Jennie. Thanks for taking us along.
It really is a great museum, Don. I’m glad you came along for the visit. Thanks so much!
The artwork is wonderful! Thanks for sharing via the arm-chair tour! 😍
Thanks for being part of the arm chair tour, Deborah! Yes, gorgeous artwork!
I would love to visit the museum/, I wonder if they have something like this in Los Angeles.
I don’t know if there is another museum dedicated to the art of picture books. I hope so!
What an amazing exhibit Jennie and I would have loved to visit.. fabulous illustrations but the Kadir Nelson was stunning…thanks for sharing ♥
Thank you, Sally. I’m glad you enjoyed the art. Yes, the Kadir Nelson… wow!
What a lovely visit, Jennie. A children’s book museum is amazing.
Thank you, Robbie. Are there any in South Africa? Imagine over 30 in Japan!
I’m in love with this museum thanks to you. Illustrations are sublime and let’s be honest, “make” a children’s book. You brought me back to my dinners at the DuPont Hotel with my dad (who lived in Wilmington DE when I lived in CA). They had a Wyeth room where you could dine and be seated next to original Wyeth paintings. I sat next to a painting used for the book Treasure Island. I was in ecstasy!
What a wonderful story, Pam! Dining with a Wyeth… Wow! Yes, you understand why I love this museum. Thank you for your lovely comment. I can’t stop smiling.
Black Beauty was my favourite book as a horse mad child. My favourite picture of those you have shown us though is the one of the new arrivals on the ship.
Superb and awesome post Jennie. I too love museums and such beautiful stories each picture had.
Thank you so much, Kamal!
Always welcome Jennie 😊
Absolutely love Randolph Caldecott’s galloping horse…we have always kept horses until we moved here they are my favourite animals…
As soon as I got back home I couldn’t wait to find the emblem with the galloping horse on my Caldecott winning books. I love it, too!
Ahhhh… Its funny what we see and don’t see sometimes… Enjoy!
Exactly!!
Ah, each horse drawing is amazing.
I remember the caterpillar since my children were babies. 🙂 Thank you for that!
Visiting from Sally’s blog.
Best wishes,
Pat
It’s a classic, Pat. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much. Sally is the best, isn’t she?
A wonderful exhibition! Thanks for sharing your impressions, Jennie! I think sometime in the future there should be time enough for me also visiting this museum. My only fear is, i would not love to return to Germany! Lol Best wishes, Michael
Hi Michael! I have tried to log onto your blog, but it is ‘under construction’ (or something like that.) I’m so glad you liked this post. I know how much you enjoy and understand art. If you were to come here and visit the museum, that would be a dream for me- because I’d be there, too. ❤️