Molly Bellah and her children have found their “happy place,” and it’s the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in downtown Abilene. The children’s picture book museum has captured their hearts. “Long before I was hired, my kids and I loved visiting the NCCIL,” Bellah said of her twins, Greer and Ford, 8. “They love immersing themselves in books and … [Read more...]
NCCIL Celebrates 25 Years of Children’s Literature in Abilene
“If Art had one flaw, it was that he was often mean to his sister Esther. But that was all before the amazing Christmas of 1908. Before the Great Adventure. Before the mysterious box arrived and changed young Art forever.” - Santa Calls, William Joyce It can be said Joyce’s book, Santa Calls, arriving in Abilene in 1993, was the mysterious box that ended up changing Abilene … [Read more...]
Spring Exhibition of R. Gregory Christie
R. Gregory Christie is an award-winning children’s book illustrator and lecturer with a long track record of creating inspiring art. Christie is best known for his beloved Coretta Scott King Award-wining books: No Crystal Stair: A Documentary Novel of the Life and Work of Lewis Michaux, Harlem Bookseller, Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U. S. … [Read more...]
NCCIL’s Most Traveled Exhibit Returns for Little Golden Books 80th Anniversary
The Poky Little Puppy made its debut in 1942 as one of the 12 original Little Golden Books with sweet, brightly colored illustrations by Gustav Tenggren. In the book, author Janette Sebring Lowrey tells the story of five curious little puppies that dig a hole under a fence to explore the wide, wide world. Illustrations from the book were included in a Little Golden Book … [Read more...]
NCCIL Provides Art Activity Bags for Virtual School Tours
The National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature launched the new “Virtual School Tour” to coincide with the fall exhibition opening of “What Might You Do? The Art of Christian Robinson.” Like so many other cultural institutions around the world, the NCCIL knew that few, if any, traditional school field trips are likely this school year because of the ongoing … [Read more...]