My roommate Colleen and I just got back from an amazing lecture and exhibit opening at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, celebrating the art of the Jewish picture book. The exhibit, entitled "Monsters and Miracles: A Journey through Jewish Picture Books," was curated in conjuction with The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art of Amherst, Massachusetts, and showcases the history of classics and modern favorites from Jewish picture book authors from all over the world.
Hosted by Amherst College professor Ilan Stevens, the lecture we attended, "A Celebration of Jewish Picture Books," featured French artist Serge Block, Caldecott winner Mordicai Gerstein, and Laurel Snyder, author of Max: The Pig who Wanted to be Kosher. The lecture examined some very interest points about children's books, specifically relating to those featuring Jewish themes.
Although all three authors were clearly chosen for their Jewish heritage, they all had very different stories as well as unique perspectives on children's literature.
Gerstein first began drawing when he was inspired by the pictures his mother cut out and scrapbooked from LIFE magazine, and although he spent time working on animated films, he always knew he wanted to tell the stories of the Old Testament. When Stevens asked him what drove him to tell stories with a biblical narrative, he responded with one of his favorite sayings: "Nothing is new but you," meaning that there are no new stories, it's all in the way you tell them.
4 comments:
I just wnated to throw my support to your blog. A supporter of daddy Laird means support for ms.emily as well. Good luck. It appears your inspirational in your way.:D
I've been curious of this...before the sale I thought that you'd get a shot with the TMNT in the mid 20teens. Maybe it was crazy thought,but there is still a chance for something like that.
The event sounds wonderful!
And of course I love the underlying theme you pointed out, re bonding over books. I love the stories of children repeating key phrases from a big page, and how this sometimes kind of magically transforms into reading. There can be a blurry line between listening, memorizing and reading. And magic.
thats cool of you for doing this for kids.
haha,the publishing gene probably helps.
Hi Emily...so glad you enjoyed the event (loved what you had to report). We can't wait to have it here at The Carle in the fall...
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