*Image caption: Gustaf Tenggren (1896 – 1970), artist, “But When They Looked Down at the Grassy Place near the Bottom of the Hill, There He Was, Running Round and Round, His Nose to the Ground,” c. 1940, tempera on paper, 12 × 19 1/2 inches, for “The Poky Little Puppy” by Janette Sebring Lowrey, Gustaf Tenggren Papers, Kerlan Collection, Children's Literature Research Collections, University of Minnesota Libraries
Orange, Texas is the birthplace of the author who wrote the best-selling picture book of all time. Yet few people know the name of Janette Sebring Lowrey, who penned "The Poky Little Puppy." That book, one of the original Little Golden Books, is her most well-known publication. Sebring Lowrey also wrote 15 other books for children and youth.
In this talk, Curator Sarah Boehme will explore this author's life and literature, especially noting how Orange influenced her career. The slide talk will include illustrations for Sebring Lowrey's books. Leading illustrators of the time contributed to the quality of her work.
This program will be held in-person in the Walter G. Riedel III Education Center at the Stark Museum of Art in Orange, Texas. Participants are invited to bring a lunch to enjoy in the Education Center during the program presentation. Admission is free.
Childhood Classics: 100 Years of Original Illustration from the Art Kandy Collection
Featured are original artworks from Dr. Seuss, Maurice Sendak’s “Wild Things,” and Garth Williams’ “Stuart Little,” alongside contributions from classic illustrators such as Rosemary Wells, Richard Scarry, Arnold Lobel and Hilary Knight. Beloved characters like Babar, Eloise and The Cat in the Hat come to life in this whimsical exploration of children’s literature history.
The Stark Museum of Art is pleased to have exclusive special additions to the exhibition from “The Poky Little Puppy” and “The Silver Dollar” from The Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literatureat the University of Minnesota.
Off the Shelf: Children's Literature of The W.H. Stark House
In addition to viewing the "Childhood Classics" exhibition in Gallery 5, don’t miss “Off the Shelf: Children’s Literature of The W.H. Stark House” on display in Hallway 3 of the museum from March 7 – December 20, 2025.
Storybook Gardens at Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
While you're in Orange, visit Shangri La Gardens to view Childhood Classic-inspired topiaries.