Yesterday was a book adventure! I took part in a tour of the Kerlan Collection at the University of Minnesota. If you ever want to explore a hidden Twin Cities treasure, this is the place! 90 feet below the ground floor of the Anderson Library on the UofM lies an archival collection of books, manuscripts, sketches and other collectibles, that spans an area of 2 football fields.
Down, down, down the elevator we go, past the stalactites and into the caverns containing the stacks of priceless collections.
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| First draft of Because Of Winn Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo http://www.katedicamillo.com/books/bowd.html |
After the tour, we were able to view original paintings for GOODNIGHT MOON, by Margaret Wise Brown, illustrated by Clement Hurd.
We also got to look at the sketches, dummies and 3d final art for BALLOONS OVER BROADWAY, by Melissa Sweet, winner of the Robert F. Sibert Medal.
What a treat that was. That was not my first or last trip to the Kerlan. I feel very lucky to have such easy access to a place like that!