A great day at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art
Two new picture books just came out, and they are terrific. I had the pleasure of meeting and greeting both of the authors, as they read their books to a captivated audience at the Eric Carle Museum. Both books are multigenerational - a child and and someone much older. They speak to children, pierce the heart, and leave a message of kindness.
The endings are surprising in the best of ways. Cheers to grandfathers, older folks, dogs, children, and also birds.
The artists presentation was followed by book signings. I always learn something new and wonderful, or make a connection. Who knew Heidi Stemple's (author of Wren's Nest) grandfather was from a small town in West Virginia close to my hometown? No one was from West Virginia, only us. And Casey Robinson (author of Small Things Mended) and I recalled discovering the Caldecott Award emblem - a galloping horse - at an earlier Carle Museum exhibit.
Birds! The newest exhibit at the museum features Eric Carle's birds. He created so many bird illustrations for his books throughout his career; it was a feast for the eyes.
"Brown Bear, Brown Bear what do you see? I see a red bird looking at me." Yes, I have read those word to children for decades. At last I was face-to-face with the real red bird. It was quite a moment for me to see this glorious illustration - the real deal. I looked for a long time, as if I had discovered treasure. Well, I had.
Bird after bird, all unique and made with tissue paper and vibrant paints. No one at the exhibit 'strolled along'. The art of the birds was stunning, and patrons were 'locked on' to Carle's art. For those of us who knew the birds from his books, it was quite the moment.
Did you know when Eric Carle arrived in America, he worked as a graphic designer in New York? This is an advertisement from the 1960's for an anti-allergy medication. The technique and art for the birds is much the same as he used in his children's book illustrations.
I highly recommend this art exhibit. If you're an art lover, a bird lover, or a book lover, you will not be disappointed.
Jennie
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