Becky McDonald
What is The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (NCCIL)? Is it a museum, a school? And how did a center for children's book illustration end up in Abilene, Texas?
The NCCIL is a museum that exhibits the finest originals from picture book art. In 1993, the mayor of Abilene, Gary McCaleb, was invited to read a book to children at a local elementary school library. The librarian handed McCaleb the book Santa Calls by William Joyce. McCaleb read the first page and discovered that Art, Esther, and Spaulding, the adventurous children in the book, lived in Abilene, Texas. Once he discovered that the book was "real," the mayor read the book with intense enthusiasm. He dashed to his office and telephoned William Joyce, who initially had a hard time believing that McCaleb really was the mayor of Abilene. The result of the conversation was an invitation for Joyce to visit Abilene and be the guest of honor at a community luncheon in March, 1994. During the visit, McCaleb and Joyce discussed the idea of creating a place where the best of children's picture book art would be displayed and honored. In 1997, the fantastic idea of creating the NCCIL became a reality. Yes, right here in Abilene, Texas!
How did you become involved with the NCCIL?
I helped in a small way at the luncheon for William Joyce, subsequently served on a committee to study the feasibility of the museum, and eventually sat on the NCCIL's first board of directors. Later, I volunteered as the coordinator of exhibitions for the NCCIL. I had the privilege of working with the artists and the children who visited the NCCIL.
What are the goals of the NCCIL?
One important goal of the NCCIL is to instill a love of and appreciation for art and literature among children; another is to recognize the best of children's picture book artists.
What illustrators' work have you exhibited and how do you choose whose work to exhibit amongst the hundreds of illustrators?
The following artists have had NCCIL exhibitions: Deborah Nourse Lattimore, David Diaz, Paul O. Zelinsky, Janet Stevens, William Joyce, Diane Stanley, David Wiesner, Kevin Henkes, Mike Wimmer, Jerry Pinkney, Brian Pinkney, Ezra Jack Keats, David Small, Ed Young, Mary Azarian, Ted and Betsy Lewin, Donald Crews, Ann Jonas, Nina Crews, Robert Sabuda, Eric Carle, Peter Sis, Stan and Jan Berenstain, and soon, David Macaulay. The artists are selected by a committee composed of NCCIL volunteers and staff.
How is the work exhibited? Do you show the original illustrations? Is the process of designing and illustrating books addressed in any of the NCCIL's exhibits?
Generally, the NCCIL borrows original art from the artist. There are exceptions–The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Massachusetts generously loaned the Eric Carle exhibit to the NCCIL by special permission of the artist. And, the Berenstain exhibition was organized by The Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts as a touring exhibit.
The art is framed and installed most often as a solo exhibition in the NCCIL's gallery, then the exhibit tours nationally. Typically, process pieces such as sketches and dummy, or preliminary, books are included among the originals, so that children can compare the first efforts of the artist with the final book designs. Preliminary pieces allow an insider's viewpoint of the book for NCCIL visitors, adding to the intrigue. Discussing the creative process of the artist is an important part of each guided tour. In the near future, a special area will be furnished to allow young artists to design and publish a book using a computer. Some artists allow the NCCIL to display their own childhood art; children adore seeing the first efforts of accomplished artists.
Can you describe or define what you believe makes a great picture book for kids?
A great picture book is composed of outstanding Illustrations and engaging text, if any, combined to perfection into a book that lives in the reader's memory forever.
Are book illustrations fine art?
In the strictest sense, no. But, illustration at its best is an art form that should be considered on an equal level with fine art.
Do you have favorite book illustrators? Favorite books?
All of the artists who have had NCCIL exhibits are favorites of mine. It is impossible to list all of the other artists whose work I admire, so I think I won't. I have at least 100 favorite children's books and 100 favorite adult books.
Becky, what drew you to the world of children's book illustration? Were you a great reader as a child? Did illustrations entice you into reading a book? What are some of your childhood favorites?
Confession: I mainly played dolls or imaginative games as a child and was not a voracious reader until my teens. I always loved books, though, and my early favorites were Golden Books such as Tiny Nonsense Stories by Dorothy Kunhardt, illustrated by Garth Williams, a set I still own. Also, Catch the Dogs by Dorothy N. King; Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, in spite of Charlotte's sad demise; and Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle by Betty MacDonald, illustrated by Hilary Knight. Comic books were dear to me, also. I usually chose a book by its cover art. I still do.
Are illustrations in books only important to younger children who cannot read yet? Don't kids and adults think that illustrated books are for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers? Do older children need illustrations in a book? Do illustrations ever motivate kids to read books?
Most children and adults love illustrations, though some purists will say that any depictions in books hamper imagination. Children reach an age when they think picture books are for babies, but most children harbor a secret desire to read them. Older children will usually appreciate picture books if someone unveils their intricacies and if adults treat such books with respect. The popularity of slick coffee table books filled with photographs or illustrations attests to the value of a type of picture books for adults. A reluctant young reader is often drawn to a book with at least a few illustrations.
Book illustrations are very often children's first experiences with formal art. When parents read a picture book to their children should they comment about the art? Should they ask their children questions about the art in the book? If so, can you suggest things they may want to comment on and questions they might like to ask their kids?
Talk about the art in a book when the mood is right. Encourage children to form and share opinions about the art in books. If a child can verbalize why he or she likes a particular illustration, you can be pleased that you are encouraging high-level thinking skills. Be careful not to ruin the fun or rhythm of a book in order to teach.
Depending on the age of the child talk about the colors, the palette, that the artist chose for the book. Trace the lines on the page. Are they thick, thin, zigzag, wavy? Notice the composition, how the parts of the picture are arranged–is one shape larger than the rest, is The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature it placed in the front, the foreground, of the picture? Has the artist drawn attention to something by using a bright color or unusual texture? Did the artist use watercolors, pen and ink, or perhaps collage, a technique in which the artist cuts or tears paper or other material then glues the material to the background? Sometimes you can find information about the medium the artist used on the copyright page or elsewhere in the book.
Are there any new books out that you would especially recommend?
Delightful new books I have read recently include Kitten's First Full Moo, by Kevin Henkes; Duck for President by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Betsy Lewin; The Friend by Sarah Stewart, illustrated by David Small; and The Gospel Cinderell, by Joyce Carol Thomas, illustrated by David Diaz.
If parents and teachers would like to know more about the art of children's books, for their own appreciation, or to share information with the children in their lives, what can they do to become better informed?
The library offers many sources; check with your reference or children's librarian. Some artists have written excellent books about their work, for example Eric Carle's The Art of Eric Carle. One good teaching book is Picture This: How Pictures Work, by author and illustrator Molly Bang. My favorite books written for adults about children's literature are by Leonard S. Marcus, such as Awakened by the Moon, Dear Genius, and Ways of Telling. Marcus has written A Caldecott Celebration, and Side by Side, among others, for children. Many picture book artists have websites with information about how they create books.
Does the NCCIL have educational outreach programs for kids, parents, and teachers?
It is always free to enter the NCCIL. Free docent-led school tours are conducted for thousands of area children each year; each touring class is given a book illustrated by the exhibiting artist, as well as supplies to complete a related art activity. Additionally, free Saturday afternoon art activities are offered each week, and periodically, reading and art experiences especially designed for toddlers are presented. NCCIL art educators have conducted art lessons for low-income children. Children are invited to meet NCCIL artists and often have an opportunity to see demonstrations by the artists. Educators' workshops are regularly scheduled at the NCCIL, sometimes guided by the exhibiting artist. A fee is charged to children who attend day camps, but a limited number of scholarships are available.
If people across the country cannot get to Texas, is there any way they can benefit from the NCCIL's work? Does the NCCIL have a website?
NCCIL exhibits go on the road all over the country! Check the NCCIL website, www.nccil.org to locate our touring exhibits.
If someone would like to volunteer at the NCCIL or send a donation, who should they contact?
Please call 325.673.4586 to volunteer or to donate, or write:
The National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (NCCIL)
101 Cedar Street
Abilene, Texas 79601.
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