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Imagine ... the Wonder of Picture Books
Imagine ... the Wonder of Picture Books
‘The best stories never end … They keep going on inside you.’ Ursula Dubosarsky, March of the Ants
Stories and characters from much-loved Australian picture books come to life in this celebration of children’s literature.
‘The best stories never end … They keep going on inside you.’ Ursula Dubosarsky, March of the Ants
Stories and characters from much-loved Australian picture books come to life in this celebration of children’s literature.
Come and see some of the most beautiful picture books and artworks in the State Library’s collection and beyond. You’ll find original illustrations and preliminary sketches from your favourite books and discover new favourites in newcomers like Christina Huynh (Grandma’s Treasured Shoes).
Today’s Australian authors and illustrators capture our diverse cultures. They use picture books to connect young readers with important issues in a gentle and accessible ways.
Hear Ursula Dubosarsky (March of the Ants), Maxine Beneba Clarke (When We Say Black Lives Matter), Phil Lesnie (A Boy and a Ball), Pamela Allen (Grandpa and Thomas), Jeannie Baker (Circle) and more, talking about their work, inspiration and creative process.
Younger visitors can enjoy our dedicated activity space, brimming with fun things to do. Learn how to draw popular book characters and make a zine, read books from the exhibition (including 10 with braille), and play with the giant textured tree and magnetic wall.
Original illustration for Grandpa and Thomas by Pamela Allen published by Penguin Books Australia, 2003 - Courtesy Pamela Allen and Penguin Books Australia
Original watercolour illustration the unpublished story, 'Hoppity's House' by Ida Rentoul Outhwaite, ca. 1930 - Courtesy of Vanessa Martin and Stella Palmer
Original illustration for Amelia Ellicott's Garden by Stephen Michael King published by Scholastic - Courtesy Stephen Michael King and Scholastic Press
Sarah Morley is a curator at the State Library. She has worked extensively with the Library’s archival and printed collections. Focussing on manuscripts, rare books and children’s literature, Sarah's work encompasses collection acquisition, access, promotion and interpretation. She has curated numerous exhibitions and displays for the Library, most recently Imagine …the Wonder of Picture Books.
May Gibbs, author, illustrator and cartoonist, has captured the hearts and imaginations of generations of Australians with her lovable bush characters and fairytale landscapes.
by Dr Anne Jamison, Narelle Ontivero and Deirdre Wildy
From tales of colonial adventure to moralising educational tracts, children’s literature in nineteenth-century Australia played a significant role in educating children as the nation’s future citizens.