It might be from Dr.Seuss, or Beatrix Potter; Jan Brent or Robert McCloskey, but everyone has a memory of their favorite childhood book. Children’s books are formative memories for many, not least because of their captivating illustrations.

The Decker Library is display some of our favorite children’s book illustrations from our special collections, including fearful images from Brother Grimm collections, vibrant-hued French religious fables, pastel-colored nursery rhyme anthologies, poems, activity books, and more.

On our lower level we’re also showcasing from our extensive circulating collection of children’s books, including Caldecott winners and works from MICA faculty and alumni. Take a look at the modern, tongue-in-cheek work of David Weisner, the classic illustrations of Lynd Ward’s The Biggest Bear, as well as the beautiful images from classic Japanese tale Issun Bôshi.

For children, just learning to navigate the written language, the images in the story may be more important than the words, and even as adults we can find ourselves lost in the magical, beautiful, fantastical, and unexpected art of children’s books.