Meet Ivy Patterson Owens. Ivy is the full time cataloger for the Langsdale Library.
Ivy absolutely belongs in a library. Reading is her passion. She enjoys old fashioned mysteries, historical novels, fairy tales and anything Jane Austen.
As part of our “Getting to know U” summer display series, Ivy has shared her collection of children’s books illustrated by the acclaimed artist, Trina Schart Hyman. Many of you might remember enjoying these exquisitely illustrated fairy tales from your youth.
We asked Ivy a few questions about her collection, here are her responses:
What do you collect?
“Trina Schart Hyman’s illustrated books.”
Why did you start collecting?
“I love her illustrations. She won the Caldecott Medal!”
How long have your collected?
“I have been collecting her books for about 25 years.”
Which one is your favorite?
“I’m torn between St. George and the Dragon, especially the dragon picture, and Little Red Riding Hood, with all the cats on every page.” (Little Red Riding Hood, illustrated and retold by Trina Schart Hyman, based on the Brothers Grimm version of the tale.)
In 1989 the Empire and Culver City, California school districts banned this Caldecott Honor award winning version of the fairy tale because the cover shows a bottle of what might be wine in Red’s basket for her grandmother. Authorities said the story “condones the use of alcohol.” My daughter (and I) love Hyman’s versions of classic fairly tales and she received this one, and several others, as gifts as a child.”
We asked Ivy to recommend some materials from our collection;
“I made a list of all the fairy tale materials we have here in Langsdale, and that is what I would display. The movies that I like best are not available on DVD: ‘The 39 Steps’ (1976 with Big Ben & sword sticks) and ‘The Winged Avenger’ episode of the 1967 Avengers (John Steed & Emma Peel)”
Here is a link to a list of books that Ivy encourages anyone with a fondness for fairytales to enjoy.