A couple of weeks ago at the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) I stumbled across something special in the Prints and Drawings collection. If you're in the Toronto area and a fan of children's books think about catching the Walter Trier: The Animals’ Conference exhibit before it closes on April 25th. The classic children's book by Erich Kästner was published in 1947 and “tells a story of a group of animals who hold a peace conference at the same time as government leaders meet to discuss war. As the story progresses, the animals are forced to take drastic measures to ensure a future without conflict.”
The exhibit features over 30 original pen-ink-and-watercolour illustrations by Walter Trier. They're hung in chronological order with the text of the story below so that you can follow the book around the room. The illustrations and story exude an ageless warmth and whimsy that will delight readers of all ages. I hope that one day this lovely book comes back into print; I'd love a copy for my personal collection. In the meantime, it's wonderful that the AGO is exposing readers to this gem and while you're at the gallery be sure to check out their impressive Maharaja exhibition. Ticket prices for the Maharaja: The Splendour of India's Royal Courts are only about $3 more than regular admission.
