Hear Jeff Garrett’s August 19 talk on international children’s illustrators and writers

Jeff Garrett, Assistant University Librarian for Collection Management, will repeat his lecture, “Of Date Palms, the Kalahari, and Love and Death in Quebec: Great Children’s Books You’ve Never Seen” on Thursday, August 19, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Forum Room. Call 7-5918 to reserve your place.

Here is a taste of what you will see and hear:

In his talk, Garrett provides an insightful, in-depth look at eight children's book writers and illustrators and what makes them stand out from their peers. He presents information on works from Egypt, Japan, China, Brazil, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, and Argentina. Most of these authors and illustrators are unknown in the United States, though their books are available at Northwestern University Library. Garrett focuses on a variety of topics: the influences of history, culture, and education on these works; the artists' creative adaptations of popular children's themes; and the impact of less-sophisticated print technology (in some countries) on an artist's work. In addition, Garrett explores the motivation behind the work of different artists and illustrators, from the desire to comment on social and life issues to the wish to create purely for fun and enjoyment.

The lecture is being presented in conjunction with the exhibit of international children's literature and Hans Christian Andersen Award winners now on display in the Main Library. The exhibit and lecture were planned by curator Leslie Bjorncrantz, bibliographer for education, management, psychology, and linguistics.

Mary Bradley
Department Assistant
Administration Department

Illustrations above (from left): Amanuma, Haruki, Amerfurashi, illustrated by Iku Dekune (Tokyo: Parorusha, 2001); Feel Abraha (Abraha's Elephant: A Story from the Quaran), illustrated by Helmi Abdel-Hamid El-Touni (Cairo: Dar El Shorouk Publishers, 2001).