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
Dear Santa,
A Teacher's Reflections 