I recently attended an exhibit at the NYPL entitled: “The ABC of It: Why Children’s Books Matter” curated by Leonard Marcus, a well- known children’s book historian, author and critic. The exhibit occupys the central gallery, a space of 4500 sq. ft. , and is packed with an amazing array of memorabilia as well as the original children’s books, from the New England Primer to current twenty-first century creations. The rooms themselves are a real treat: you will find yourself in a scene from Goodnight Moon, enter a hole and emerge into a room packed with Lewis Carroll (aka Charles Dodgson) writings and original illustrations as well as a seven foot rendering of Alice herself reaching for the golden key. Each display is complete with the history as well, and the viewer compiles an exhaustive amount of information to take home and ponder. For instance, the NY Times began a children’s best seller list in 1998 due to the popularity of Harry Potter. Another tidbit pointed out was that early libraries had signs posted that warned “children and pets not allowed.” My favorite part was the umbrella used by P.L. Travers and her original Mary Poppins doll complete with a tiny carpetbag! I really enjoyed reading those books.
Anyway, since the last major children’s literature show was mounted in the 1980’s, and who knows when the next will be, if you have the time, please visit the exhibit – it is well worth it. I believe it runs through the end of March. Here is a short article by Leonard Marcus that explains the exhibit with more detail.