First Drafts on Display

Exhibit showed original work by children's book authors and illustrators

The Center for Children's Literature hosted an exhibit of original manuscripts and artwork by children's book authors and illustrators in July. "Wisconsin Creators of Books for Children," in Hedberg Library, showed the fascinating journey an idea takes on its way to becoming a published children's book — from a writer's first draft to the submitted manuscript, from an illustrator's first sketches to the final product.

"We're trying to show the process," explained John Warren Stewig, director of the Center for Children's Literature. "These books don't just go directly from the mind to the printer and the binder. The intent was not simply to show finished work, but to show rough drafts so people can see how things change."

Visitors to the exhibit were able to:

• Read e-mails sent between writer Lisa Moser and her editor as they revised Moser's book "Squirrel's World."


• Peer into illustrator Susan Estelle Kwas' creative process for the book "Wild Birds."


• See original dummies created by celebrated author and illustrator Lois Ehlert for her books "Oodles of Animals," "Leaf Man" and "Color Zoo."


• Compare Rick Chrustowski's original illustrations to the finished, published product for his books "Higgledy-Piggledy Chicks" and "Big Brown Bat."

Original book dummies created by celebrated children's author and illustrator Lois Ehlert are on display at Hedberg Library through July 20.

Visitors also learned interesting facts about authors and illustrators from Wisconsin. For example, writer Barbara Joosse writes three to five completely different versions for her stories, putting each version away before starting a new one. She then reads them all at once to choose a favorite. Visitors to the exhibit were able to read different versions of her book "Roawr!"

Authors and illustrators who participated in the exhibit were: Sharon Hart Addy, Lois Ehlert, Rick Chrustowski, Barbara Joosse, Susan Estelle Kwas, Lisa Moser, and Peter and Connie Roop.

Please call the Center for Children's Literature, (262) 552-5480, for news of upcoming events, additional information and hours.