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Clarke Historical Library is displaying
selected international children's books
collected from six continents and more
than 70 countries. The exhibit will continue
through August.
Virtually all of the books have been
nominated for or have won the Hans
Christian Andersen Award, which is
bestowed by the International Board on
Books for Young People. This award is the
highest international recognition given
to an author and an illustrator of
children's books.
"Collectively the books in the exhibit show
how various cultures teach children about
the world," Frank Boles, Clarke Library
director, said. "Through these books, you
can see how the values different cultures
teach children have changed or stayed the
same throughout time."
Cultural preferences can be seen in
something as simple as the way an
illustrator depicts the characters and
images. The American version of "Puss in
Boots" portrays the main character, Puss, in
bright yellow and red colors, whereas the
European version shows Puss in black and
white.
Not only are the illustrations different, but
also the way a book ends often reflects
the culture of the country in which it was
published. Some cultures usually have
happy endings, which may affirm to the
children who read or are read to that life
C l a r k e e x h i b i t d i s p l a y s d i v e r s e c h i l d r e n 's l i t e r a t u r e
B y K a l y n n e D e fe v e r
