Coast Episcopal School’s Third Grade Class traveled to the University of Southern Mississippi on Wednesday, October 26, to experience the de Grummond Children’s Collection, one of the largest collections of historical and contemporary youth literature in North America.
The students, who are first introduced to the concept of book writing in first grade, have been focusing on the process of writing since the beginning of the current school year. Third Grade Teacher Jillianne Larson, who planned the trip, explains its purpose, “I thought it would be wonderful for the students to see just how much work goes into creating the books that they know and love. We’ve been reading many of Ezra Jack Keats’ books, and the de Grummond collection offers the unique opportunity to see Keats’ original illustrations.”
Ms. Larson continued, “The students were particularly excited to see the collages for The Snowy Day.” Written and illustrated by Ezra Jack Keats in 1962, the children’s picture book features Peter, an African American boy, who explores his neighborhood after the season’s first snowfall. The Snowy Day was awarded the 1963 Caldecott Medal “for the most distinguished American picture book for children.”
The de Grummond Children’s Collection is one of the largest collections of historical and contemporary youth literature in North America. They have countless original manuscripts and illustrations, some dating back to the 1700’s, according to Ms. Larson, who added that her own students being able to see physical components of the work required to create a book is a priceless opportunity as it brings to life the lessons of her third grade classroom.
PHOTO: Dr. Ellen Ruffin, Curator of de Grummond Collection at the University of Southern Mississippi “wows” CES Students with the original collages from Ezra Jack Keats’ award-winning The Snowy Day.
