The Intersection of Books and Art
The intersection of books and art was the focus of a unique online presentation on May 3, where Dan Santat, the New York Times bestselling author and illustrator, joined forces with Minh Lê, a fellow author and collaborator, to explore the intricate connection between the two mediums.
- Presented by the Rock Island and Silvis Public Libraries, the Virtual Illinois Libraries Present offering Art & Adventures with Author/Illustrator Dan Santat was a virtual program that treated viewers to the intelligence, creativity, and humor of Santat, joined in this special conversation about books and art with friend and collaborator Minh Lê.
Santat is the author and illustrator of more than 100 books for young people, many of which are New York Times bestsellers, among them The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend, Are We There Yet?, and After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again). His latest works include the best-selling graphic novels The Aquanaut and A First Time for Everything, and Santat is also the creator of the Disney Channel’s animated hit The Replacements.
| Awards and Honors | Year |
|---|---|
| Caldecott Medal | 2015 |
| National Book Award for Young People’s Literature | 2023 |
| Golden Kite Award for Middle Grade Fiction | 2024 |
In addition to his work in writing books, Santat also serves on the board of We Need Diverse Books, and has been a contributor to a variety of national publications, including NPR, HuffPost, and the New York Times.
A Conversation with Minh Lê
Minh Lê, the award-winning author of picture books including Drawn Together (winner of the 2019 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature), joined Santat for a conversation about books and art. Lê is also the co-author of The Blur with Santat and has written other notable books such as Real to Me, Lift, and graphic novels like Green Lantern: Legacy and Enlighten Me.
“We are at a time where there is so much diversity in the world, and it’s crucial to show that in the books and stories we tell,” Lê said during the virtual event. “I’m not just talking about the diversity of characters, but also the diversity of experiences and perspectives that people can relate to.”
Highlights of the Virtual Event
The virtual event was made possible by Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide collaboration among public libraries offering premier events. ILP is funded in part by a grant awarded by the Illinois State Library, a department of the Office of Secretary of State, using funds provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA).
- The Virtual Illinois Libraries Present offering Art & Adventures with Author/Illustrator Dan Santat is a testament to the importance of collaboration between authors, illustrators, and libraries in promoting literacy and a love of reading.
Conclusion
The intersection of books and art was showcased in a unique and engaging virtual event, where Dan Santat and Minh Lê shared their insights and experiences on the importance of diversity and representation in books and stories. This event highlights the significance of libraries and libraries’ collaborations in promoting literacy and a love of reading.
