The de Grummond Collection highlights the following Collections in the new exhibit: H. A. and Margret Rey, Ezra Jack Keats, Syd Hoff, Madeleine L'Engle, Hardie Gramatky, Barbara Cooney, Vicki Cobb, and Trina Schart Hyman. Included in the exhibit are original works of early illustrator Kate Greenaway as well as an historic case of early books for children.

Currently exhibited are some of the personal notes and correspondence from the H. A. and Margret Rey papers. Known for being the creators of "Curious George," the Reys had many friends around the world. H. A. would create personal greetings for their friends and family members, full of witticisms and clever illustrations.

The Reys were rarely apart, but when Margret attended pottery classes in Maine for several weeks each summer from 1969 to 1972, H. A. remained in Waterville Valley (their home), and he sent heavily illustrated letters to Margret almost every day, keeping her in touch with his activities. Featured here is one letter that is exceptionally clever in that he refers to the slow postal service, which he refers to as "snail mail." The top picture is of his sweeping up spilled dog food. In explaining to Margret, he tells her that he diverted Scoopy's attention by scattering a small amount of food on one side, while H. A. swept up the mass.

The exhibit will be showing until November 1, 2008. The exhibit room is on the second floor of Cook Library, and the hours are from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and 12:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. on Sundays.

Image: Letter sent from H.A. Rey to Margret Rey, July 1971. de Grummond Children's Literature Collection, McCain Library and Archives, The University of Southern Mississippi.