Imagine a place where everyone in the room adores books the way you do. A place where illustrations from children’s books, classic to modern, line the walls, and the chatter around you buzzes with words like “artist,” “create,” and “literature.” Are you dreaming? Probably not. You’re likely in Findlay, Ohio. Now you probably think I’m dreaming.
But I’m not. Tucked between the cornfields of Northwest Ohio is The Mazza Museum, the world’s largest collection of art from children’s literature. And, right smack dab in the middle of every July, they host the best week of any book-lover’s year: the Mazza Summer Institute.
It starts tomorrow. And I’m going to be there. Come with me! I’m going to blog each evening, so you can share in the fun. This year’s lineup is stellar (as always). David Diaz, Bruce Degen, Dan Yaccarino, and the hilarious author/illustrator sister duo Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel – just to name a few – will share their stories and a little of their lives with us.
I’m especially thrilled for the return of two of my favorite Mazza guests, Wendell Minor, and his lovely wife, Florence. I became of fan of Minor’s work years ago with this picture book:
So stay tuned to A Country Mile and travel a bit North with me to the Mazza Museum this week. I can’t wait to see what’s waiting for us in Findlay, Ohio!