Henry Holt and Company and 14 picture book artists have teamed up to create a new picture book to benefit The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.
AMHERST - Henry Holt and Company and 14 picture book artists have teamed up to create "What's Your Favorite Animal?," a new picture book to benefit The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. The book, to be released on Jan. 21, features related illustration and answers to the question posed by its title.
Contributors are Nick Bruel, Eric Carle, Lucy Cousins, Susan Jeffers, Steven Kellogg, Jon Klassen, Tom Lichtenheld, Peter McCarty, Chris Raschka, Peter Sis, Lane Smith, Erin Stead, Rosemary Wells, and Mo Willems.
"The idea of getting some of the world's most talented and beloved picture book creators to contribute to a book, that benefits a museum celebrating the art of the picture book, was just too perfect. We could not be more excited to be part of bringing this book to life," said Jonathan Yaged, president of the Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, which includes Henry Holt, in a release.
Stories, in the book, range from the sentimental, like Wells' ode to her pet terrier, to the whimsical, such as Lichtenheld's poem about what to do when meeting a giraffe, to the downright absurd - Nick Bruel's description of an octopus is rudely interrupted by his recurring character Bad Kitty.
"To see how each contributor answers the question in his or her own unique way is delightful and surprising, and will surely inspire young readers to answer the question for themselves," said Laura Godwin, vice president and publisher for Henry Holt Books for Young Readers.
The Carle is planning an exhibition in celebration of the book, featuring the original illustrations. "Eric Carle and Friends: What's Your Favorite Animal?" will run from April 8 through Aug. 31. Families will be encouraged to submit drawings of their favorite animals for digital display in the gallery.
Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday 12 noon to 5 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, $6 for children under 18, and $22.50 for a family of four. For further information and directions, call (413) 658-1100 or visit www.carlemuseum.org