Children's Literature Research Collections

Thacher Hurd’s introduction to Margaret Wise Brown was not especially promising. Brown, the renowned author of “Goodnight Moon,” which his father Clement Hurd had illustrated, had no children of her own.

Andrea Davis Pinkney — who has authored more than 50 books for children and young people, and has donated her drafts, research notes, and finished books to the University of Minnesota's Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature — was honored with the 2022 Kerlan Award.

Renowned for its breadth and depth of works by children’s book authors and illustrators, The Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature mirrors the issues of its times. So when Kerlan curator Lisa Von Drasek was asked, “Does the Kerlan have any banned books?” she responded: “Of course we do!” Von Drasek adds: “The number one category of banned books is LGBTQ and sex education books.”

Fall schedules are filling up fast for families as students head back to school. With busy days and nights ahead, independent reading can often fall by the wayside as families adjust to their new back-to-school routines. Lisa Von Drasek, curator of the Kerlan Collection of Children's Literature at the University of Minnesota, answers questions about the importance of independent reading for children’s literacy development and how to make independent reading a priority this fall.

Advice for would-be illustrators: “When in doubt, choose purple,” says renowned children’s book illustrator Ariane Dewey, who recently received the 2021 Kerlan Award — and long-delayed recognition for work early in her career.

Children’s literature connects with readers, and Lisa Von Drasek has never lost her love for it. The Curator of the Kerlan and Children's Literature collections remembers fondly from her childhood “Little Plum” by Rumer Godden. “I loved that book so much because the children in that book were bad — they behaved badly, they had bad thoughts,” Von Drasek says. “They were not the Bobbsey Twins.”

"The ABC of It: Why Children’s Books Matter" is an exhibit at the University of Minnesota Libraries, which runs through May 31.

Come sit in the chair in a landmark Twin Cities exhibit at the March 2 Open House for the exhibit, "The ABC of It: Why Children's Books Matter." It will transport you back to your childhood with original artwork and manuscripts from over 200 children's classics. Enjoy three floors of photo opportunities including a life-sized Poky Little Puppy and an 18 foot replica of the Goodnight Moon bedroom perfect for reading a bedtime story.

The Libraries' preservation department recently worked with five of Kate Greenaway’s watercolors, removing the mats and glue and ensuring that the artwork will remain in its current state far into the future, rather than further deteriorating. The watercolors are held in the Libraries' Children’s Literature Research Collections. Greenaway was a prominent 19th century English artist, best known for her charming children’s book illustrations featuring regency-era dressed children and floral designs. She was born in 1846 in London and studied art at several schools.

Lisa Von Drasek talks about the 2017 Marion Vannett Ridgway Award winners in this episode of Read This Book! from the University of Minnesota Libraries. "Hannah and Sugar," written and illustrated by Kate Berube was the 2017 winner, with Honor Awards going to Bethan Woollvin for "Little Red" and Dori Kleber for "More-igami."

The Immigration History Research Center Archives (IHRCA) is very pleased to announce a major addition to their collections, the Records of the Polanie Club of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

by Caitlin Marineau, Assistant Curator Children's Literature Research Collections  One of the lesser-known roles of the Children's Literature Research Collections (CLRC) is loaning materials to...

by Caitlin Marineau, Assistant Curator, Children's Literature Research Collections Writer, editor, and publisher Andrea Davis Pinkney presented the 2014 May Hill Arbuthnot Lecture on May...

by Kate Dietrick, Processing staff and Curator of the Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives. When Lisa Von Drasek, curator for the Children's Literature Research Collections,...

by Kate Dietrick, Processing staff and Curator of the Berman Upper Midwest Jewish Archives. This summer the Children's Literature and Research Center was thrilled to receive...

What: The University of Minnesota Libraries will present children's literature author Kate DiCamillo with the 2013 Kerlan Award. When: Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m. Where: Room...