Children’s book week, November 15th to 20th 1920 1920

Jessie Willcox Smith made this promotional poster for Children’s Book Week back in 1920. The soft watercolor palette and delicate lines create a feeling of nostalgia, like a cherished memory from childhood. Look at how Smith uses color to guide your eye. The warm tones of the books contrast with the cooler blues and greens, creating depth and visual interest. Then there’s the way the children are rendered; the loose brushstrokes and soft edges make them seem almost ethereal. It’s not about perfection, but about capturing a feeling, a moment in time. I love how the books are stacked haphazardly on the shelves, each one slightly different from the last. Each book hints at a different world, a different story waiting to be discovered. You can almost feel the weight of the books in your hands, the rough texture of the paper, and the musty scent of old pages. The poster reminds me a bit of work by illustrators like Beatrix Potter, who also captured the magic of childhood in her work. Ultimately, it reminds us that art is not about fixed meanings, but about the endless possibilities of interpretation.