This holiday season, the Dunn Museum in Libertyville is inviting visitors of all ages to rediscover the magic of childhood reading through its newest exhibition, Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Original Illustration. On display through January 19, this rich and nostalgic exhibition highlights the evolution, artistry, and emotional power of children’s book illustration, while also supporting young readers in the community through a special Book Donation Drive from December 26 through January 19.
The heart of Childhood Classics comes from a personal collection of a husband and wife who shared a deep appreciation for children’s book illustrations. At a time when such illustrations weren’t widely regarded as fine art, the couple, Lois Sarkisian and Lee Cohen, set out to change that. They launched the Art Kandy Collection, built friendships with the illustrators and authors they admired, and gathered artwork that stretches across eras and styles.
Visitors will find illustrations familiar to their own childhood with art that resonates across all ages. From young children to seniors, everyone can find a character, scene, or memory that connects them back to the stories that shaped them growing up.
One of the exhibit’s delightful insights comes from the collector’s experience collecting Dr. Seuss originals. The collector learned that Dr. Seuss hadn’t initially intended to go into children’s illustration at all. It was his wife who encouraged him to take that leap, and when he finally did, the result was an extraordinary and lasting contribution to children’s literature.
The exhibition also features an impressive array of celebrated artists, including:
- Garth Williams, the historic illustrator behind Charlotte’s Web, Stuart Little, and the Little House on the Prairie series.
- The original illustrations from Where the Wild Things Are.
- A beautifully preserved image of Toto from The Wizard of Oz.
Together, these works showcase the diverse methods and materials used throughout the past century—from graphite, oil, crayon, and watercolor to today’s digital illustration found in titles like Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! It’s a journey of how illustration has evolved, how a story can start with a picture.
To bridge the nostalgia of adults with the creativity of young visitors, the exhibit includes numerous interactive elements. Children can experiment with drawing beloved characters like those from If You Give a Mouse a Cookie and The Cat in the Hat at an interactive table, and families can enjoy a charming puppet show designed to spark imagination and play.
The Dunn Museum also showcases stories that highlight the impact of children’s literature created right in Lake County. For example, works written by the father-in-law of Bess Bower Dunn, the museum’s namesake, who crafted historical fiction from his experiences in the Civil War. Visitors can also learn about Mary Louise Spoor Brand, a pioneering illustrator from Waukegan who became Chicago’s first woman illustrator in the early 1900s. Her commitment to her work was so great that she postponed her wedding in 1917 to meet publishing deadlines, paving the way for future generations of women in the field.
Extending its mission beyond the gallery walls, the Dunn Museum is accepting new or gently used children’s books through the end of the exhibit’s closing on January 19, and will host a Holiday Book Donation Drive from December 26 through January 19 where visitors can buy a book from the museum’s gift shop donated directly to Bernie’s Book Bank to ensure local children have access to quality books they can call their own.
Bernie’s Book Bank serves as a vital literacy partner in Lake County and beyond, distributing millions of books to young readers and fostering a lifelong love of reading. The Dunn Museum’s support underscores its commitment to not only celebrating the art of storytelling but also helping today’s children write their own stories with books in their hands and imaginations ready to soar.
As this Childhood Classics exhibit marks its 15th museum stop, the Dunn Museum continues to seek meaningful ways to welcome and engage people across Lake County by offering every visitor a connection, whether through art, history, memory, or the simple joy of a well-loved book.
The Lake County Forest Preserves operates the Dunn Museum at 1899 W. Winchester Road in Libertyville. The museum was recently reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums, a distinction earned by fewer than 3% of museums nationwide. That puts it in the same company as institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago and the Adler Planetarium.
As families enjoy the exhibition through January 19 and join in the holiday book drive December 26-January 19, they become part of a larger story: one where illustrations, imagination, and community support come together to inspire the next generation of readers.
