Collage of figurine in paper boat sailing across water made of plastic wrap.
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Keri Smith, Illustration for Wreck This Picture Book (Dial Books for Young Readers). © 2020 Keri Smith. 

Surprise! Playful Picture Books

May 5 - July 24, 2022
Reading Library
Eric Carle described his picture books and their playful design elements as “a book you can play with, a toy you can read.” This exhibition features books by Carle and others with innovative designs that surprise and invite exploration. Whether it is removing book jackets to discover different cover illustrations, or exploring books that tell their story through touch, guests of all ages will enjoy reading—and playing with—these books.

What to Expect 

There are over 40 books that highlight different playful design elements, such as die-cut holes, lift-up flaps, and books that change direction. The exhibition is divided into three thematic sections: Creative Covers, Playful Pages, and Tactile Tales. Books are arranged on shelves along the walls of the Reading Library for visitors to explore, read, and discuss.

Exhibition Booklist
Visit the shop

In the Bookshop

A purple bear wears a white lampshade over its head covering its face. A tiny white bunny pokes it head out from behind the bear.

Where Is Bina Bear?

Two red birds stand back to back and their bodies together form the shape of a heart.

We Love Each Other

A ladder is propped against a smiling moon in a blue night sky filled with yellow stars.

Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me

A woman holds the hand of a boy who holds the leash of a dog that is stopping to inspect an abandoned brown box on a city street.

The Lost Package

A brown skinned woman lies on her stomach with head propped in hand by a body of water. Insects and animals surround her and mountains and grass seem to be growing from her hair.

My Friend Earth

A series of die-cut circles each in varying shades of colors form a rainbow in a larger circle on white background.

You Are Light