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This February: Celebrating the Evolution of the “American Line” in Children’s Book Illustration

Updated: 6 hours ago



If we asked you to draw a dog you might start by drawing a head with floppy ears, a big nose, and maybe even a tongue. Those lines, without any shading or color, are what’s referred to as linework. Though you might not always think about it, an artist’s linework has a major impact on the overall style and feel of their illustrations.

Dog illustrations from left to right by Ludwig Bemelmans, Paul Galdone, Robert McCloskey, and Jerry Pinkney
Dog illustrations from left to right by Ludwig Bemelmans, Paul Galdone, Robert McCloskey, and Jerry Pinkney

All this month we’re celebrating children’s book creators whose linework is not only unique, but also demonstrates the evolution of illustrative linework in the United States throughout the 20th century. We hope you’ll join us for Story Hours, Family Night, and adult programming celebrating Ludwig Bemelmans, Paul Galdone, Robert McCloskey, and Jerry Pinkney.


Ludwig Bemelmans 1898-1962

Paul Galdone 1907-1986

Robert McCloskey 1914-2003

Jerry Pinkney 1939 - 2021


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