A new exhibit opened on Friday, June 21, at the main branch of the New York Public Library. “The ABC of It: Why Children’s Books Matter” offers the viewer an overview of children’s books from 1727 through the twentieth century. The exhibit includes a 1727 copy of “The New England Primer,” which is the oldest known edition of the most influential American children’s book. Other books that are displayed are Edward Stratemeyer’s influential Hardy Boys, Tom Switft and Nancy Drew series, as well as, early issues of Superman and Mad magazines.
In addition, to displays featuring history-making children’s books, there are displays that present different historical views of the purpose of children’s books. The progressive idea fostered the concept that children’s play, including reading, should have a purpose–including creating good citizens. The Romantic vision, on the other hand, “celebrated the purposelessness of play. Fantasy allows the child to master the mundane.”
The exhibit runs through Marach 23, 2014. I have posted the NYT’s article on the bulletin board near the children’s room.