This exhibition is organized by National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature (Abilene, TX) and sponsored at Joslyn Art Museum by Rich and Fran Juro.

At the age of five, David Shannon wrote and illustrated his first book. On every page were pictures of David doing things he was not supposed to do and these words: No, David! — the only words he knew how to spell. Many years later, when his mother sent him that childhood book, Shannon was inspired to write and illustrate his now-classic bestseller and Caldecott Honor book No, David!

What's pictured: (right) "David, raise your hand!," from David Goes to School, 1999, acrylic, © David Shannon

Shannon has continued to use incidents and people from his own life as inspiration. His daughter made animal noises before she could talk, so he wrote Duck on a Bike, a story with lots of quacks, moos, oinks, and woofs. His entertaining picture book about a West Highland terrier, Good Boy, Fergus!, features the beloved family dog. And the dramatic but funny Jangles: A Big Fish Story is drawn from Shannon’s experiences as an avid fisherman.

In 1993, Shannon published How Georgie Radbourne Saved Baseball, the first book he wrote himself (as an adult!) and a New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year. Since then, he has written and illustrated numerous award-winning books, including A Bad Case of Stripes, Alice the Fairy, and three more picture books featuring David: David Gets in Trouble, David Goes to School, and It’s Christmas, David!. Artworks from these and other books — including Pirates Don’t Change Diapers, Too Many Toys, Robot Zot!, and Hiawatha and the Peacemaker — are on view in this exhibition.

Exhibition-Related Events & Programs

Saturday, October 8; 10 am–noon
KickstART Saturday