BEA Children’s Book Art Auction to Feature Dr. Seuss
NEW YORK, NY – The Cat in the Hat is coming to BookExpo America! The 20th Annual Children’s Book Art Auction and Reception will feature a special section of original pieces created to honor the beloved children’s book creator, Dr. Seuss, who defied convention with his zany, kid-centered aesthetic. While Dr. Seuss’ books are now considered classics, some have been controversial. The Lorax was challenged in a California school district in 1989 for “criminalizing” the forestry industry. “We are proud to honor an author and illustrator who was not afraid to challenge the status quo,” Chris Finan, president of the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression (ABFFE), said. The BEA auction supports ABFFE’s defense of the free speech rights of kids, including the Kids’ Right to Read Project and Banned Books Week.
The BEA auction honored an artist for the first time last year by soliciting original artwork dedicated to Maurice Sendak. Fourteen illustrators and artists contributed. Artists who would like to contribute to this year’s auction can use this donation form. The deadline for submitting art is May 1. However, pieces dedicated to Dr. Seuss can be submitted until May 15.
The BEA auction, which is co-sponsored by ABFFE and the ABC Children’s Group at the American Booksellers Association, will be held on May 28, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. in the River Pavilion of the Jacob Javits Center. Tickets are $105 and may be ordered here. ABFFE members and bookseller members of the ABC Children’s Group can attend for free.
