A love of books and reading is a lifelong treasure passed from adult to child, from generation to generation. The 24th annual Family Trees: A Celebration of Children’s Literature at the Concord Museum gives Concord’s renowned literary tradition a creative twist. From November 27, 2019 through January 5, 2020, the Museum’s newly renovated galleries are filled with 39 fanciful trees and wreaths, decorated with original ornaments inspired by acclaimed children’s storybooks and contemporary picture book favorites.
The exhibition’s focus on children’s literature makes Family Trees unique among the many holiday events in Concord. The books are chosen by the Concord Museum’s Guild of Volunteers Co-Chairs, Pam Nelson and Lyn Carroll, along with Karen Ahearn and Fayth Chamberland, children’s room librarians at the Concord Free Public Library, and the staff of the Concord Museum. Each tree serves as a canvas for the artistic creations of a dedicated team of volunteer decorators—artists and artisans, school children and teachers, librarians and garden club members, and sometimes even the authors and illustrators themselves. Inspired by the storyline, the illustrations, the characters, or setting of a particular book, the decorators let their imaginations take flight, much to the delight of visitors of all ages.
This year, award-winning children’s book author and illustrator Pamela Zagarenski will serve as Honorary Chair. “Concord has been an integral part of my life ever since I was a very little girl. Family Trees weaves together my love of family, of Concord, and my love of the picture book in a very personal way. I hold dear what Family Trees says to our community, especially to children. Words matter. Light matters. Art and creativity matter. Imagination matters. Dreams can come true!”
The event is organized by the Concord Museum’s Guild of Volunteers as a benefit for the Museum’s educational initiatives. Family Trees is supported by Barefoot Books and Boston Parents. For more information and a list of this year’s books, please go to www.concordmuseum.org or call 978-369-9763 x216.
In addition to seeing these creative and inspiring trees, don’t miss these special events presented in conjunction with Family Trees:
Voices From Around The World
December 14
Bindy Fleischman, Books for Young People Ambassador, and Nancy Traversy, Co-founder of Barefoot Books, share books that open children’s hearts and minds to voices from around the world.
Make What You Love
December 15
Join author Linda Booth Sweeney and illustrator Shawn Fields for a family program about the life and art of Concord sculptor Daniel Chester French from their new children’s book, Monument Maker.
An Afternoon With Authors & Illustrators
December 15
Meet some of the award-winning authors and illustrators whose books are featured in Family Trees.