The illustrations that capture imaginations and help bring books to life are being celebrated through an exhibition in the lead up to next week’s Castlemaine Children’s Literature Festival.
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Story Island: An Adventure in Pictures is on show in the foyer of the Castlemaine Library and has come to town after appearing in libraries in Melbourne.
The location has special significance for curators Kirsten McKay and Kate Stones, who both live in the area.
To prepare the exhibition the pair combed through the State Library of Victoria’s Scholastic Dromkeen Children’s Literature Collection.
“We went through about 7000 book illustrations. We didn’t quite see them all but we did see a great many in the collection,” Ms McKay said.
She said illustrations spanned from pen and ink drawings created 100 years ago right through to modern day works.
Original pieces created by Castlemaine author and illustrator Rachel Tonkin were also on display.
The interactive exhibition featured custom-made pods evoking stories of the bush, the city, bath and bed time.
Children would find space for reading, imaginative sharing, learning and exploring stories and pictures together with their parents or carers.
“This is a beautiful exhibition and reading experience for young children. It’s designed to promote early literacy skills and the joy of children and parents reading together.” Ms Stones said.
Ms McKay said illustrated books were special parts of childhood and learning.
“Together, the image and story are vital to expanding the vocabulary,” she said.
“To encourage children to connect with words helps them to express themselves as unique human beings, promotes imagination and is central in effective communication with others.”
The exhibition would form the inspiration for an event at the children’s literature festival. Story Island Comes to Life would see the Castlemaine Youth Theatre guide children aged five to eight through their very own adventure and then put on a performance for parents.
The event would take place on September 12 and cost $15 per child.
The free exhibition Story Island: An Adventure in Pictures could be found in the foyer of the Castlemaine Library until the 14th of October.
Program and tickets for the Castlemaine Children’s Literature Festival are available through literaturefestival.com.au.
