Few museums give patrons an up-close, personal experience. The Eric Carle Museum in Massachusetts is a master at doing just that. Their three rotating exhibits are grounded in the best art of illustrators, and patrons can be inches away from their favorite books. I have seen brush strokes, pencil outlines, thick paint, and even linoleum from the art of my favorite children's books.
There's more. Artists visit and give readings and presentations. This week Astrid Sheckels, author of the popular Hector Fox books, was at the museum with her latest book. I was there!
Hector Fox and his friends (all animals native to New England- including a marten) have adventures. The illustrations are glorious, detailed, and draw the reader in. The text is exciting, with challenging words that keep the reader hooked. For example, Hector's first book is the Giant Quest. Yes, 'quest', just the word I want my preschoolers to learn.
Astrid Sheckels had a wonderful presentation and reading of her new book, and she drew Hector Fox with the audience.
One of her illustrations is a new museum acquisition. It is magnificent! There's nothing like the 'real deal'.
Of course I had to see the other exhibits. One was an illustrator, Christian Robinson. I recognized his art right away. And then...there it was. Gaston!
YES! It's the story of puppies in two very different families. There's a mix up, an exchange, and dog families who learn that being different is okay. My preschoolers love this book. I do, too.
Okay, I was out of control, yelling at my fellow teacher to look at the brush strokes. "Naomi, this is IT, the real art, and we can see every brush stroke!"
For art lovers, seeing a beloved masterpiece is thrilling. For book lovers who have seen that art hundreds of times reading the book to children, the experience of seeing the original art is tenfold.
Thank you to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art for bringing the art of illustrators for all of us to see.
Jennie
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