de Grummond Children's Literature Collection

In April 1970, Dr. Lena Y. de Grummond traveled to Sussex, England, to personally present The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) Medallion to renowned Winnie-the-Pooh illustrator E. H. Shepard, who was unable to attend the Children’s Book Festival due to his age and health. This month’s item of the month is a photograph capturing this memorable moment in children’s literature history and reflection Dr. de Grummond’s dedication to building the collection.

Also during the 1970 festival, USM head librarian Dr. Warren G. Tracy announced that the new children’s collection would be named for de Grummond, honoring her role in founding the collection, building relationships with authors and illustrators, and helping establish the festival and medallion.

This photograph is part of the de Grummond photograph collection. Read more about this item here: https://lib.usm.edu/spcol/exhibitions/item_of_the_month/iotm_july_2026.html

Earlier this year, Sarah Simpson, a graduate student at The Ohio State University, reached out looking for hands-on museum experience to support her goal of becoming a curator or collections manager specializing in children's literature. Together, we explored ways she could contribute remotely and landed on the perfect project.

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Ezra Jack Keats Award, Sarah curated a new digital exhibit using recently acquired materials from the Ezra Jack Keats Foundation. After selecting items from a list of processed materials, Sarah worked with Ashlynn, de Grummond's assistant curator, who coordinated the digitization effort with Austin Slade, manager of the Digitization Lab. Sarah then transformed the digitized materials into a thoughtful online exhibit.

We're grateful for Sarah's outstanding work and excited to share this new look at the history and legacy of the Ezra Jack Keats Award.

A Child at Play: Revelations, Dreams of Innocence, and the Magical World of Ezra Jack Keats · A Child at Play: Revelations, Dreams of Innocence, and the Magical World of Ezra Jack Keats · Online Exhibits at Southern Miss What stands out about Ezra Jack Keats the most through his interviews, appearances, and work is his strong admiration and respect for the young reader. Perhaps his own emotionally distant childhood inspired his ambition to preserve and document the tranquility and tenderness of loving families. Keat...

We're excited to see Curious George, the beloved character created by Margret and H.A. Rey, come to life on stage at Southern Miss!

Check out the details below and get your tickets for this musical adventure June 19–21.

Theatre & Dance | University of Southern Mississippi

Meet the 2026 Giverny Book Award winner!

The Bison and the Butterfly, written by Alice Hemming and illustrated by Nicola Slater, was honored last week at the Fay B. Kaigler Children’s Book Festival.

Young readers will connect with this story of friendship while learning about Bison’s impact on the woodland ecosystem. Bright illustrations, fun sound words, and extra facts make it both engaging and educational.

Join us in congratulating the author and illustrator on this incredible achievement!

Step into childhood imagination with "Growing Up with Ezra Keats" celebrating the life, art, and lasting impact of children’s author and illustrator Ezra Jack Keats.

Best known for creating beloved stories that center curiosity, creativity, and representation, Keats helped redefine children’s literature for generations of readers. Explore original materials, illustrations, and insights into the experiences that shaped his storytelling legacy.

The exhibit is available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday on the second floor in McCain Library and Archives.

University Libraries wants to hear from you!

Take a few minutes to complete our Spring User Survey and help us continue improving services, spaces, and resources for the campus community. Your feedback plays an important role in shaping a library experience that supports student success, teaching, learning, and research.

The survey will be open through May 2. We appreciate your time and input!

Access the survey here: https://bit.ly/4ebywnE

Voting for the Fabled Four is open!
🏅 Toni Morrison vs. Will Hillenbrand
🏅 Jacqueline Woodson vs. Mark Twain
Who will win Battle of the Books?

In 2022, longtime friend and supporter of de Grummond, Eric Schonblom hand-delivered his complete collection of books and manuscripts by Constance Savery, a British children’s author. Recently processed by Ashlynn Steiner, assistant curator of the de Grummond Collection, the newly available materials offer a deeper look into Savery’s life and literary career.

Spanning nearly a century, the Savery materials begin with a childhood notebook from 1904—when she was just seven—and continue through 1999. Together, the manuscripts, notebooks, and letters reveal the evolution of a writer’s life. The materials include books, short stories, poems, and correspondence that illuminate Savery’s creative life and literary legacy.

To read more about the collection and Steiner's work, click: https://www.degrummond.org/post/the-constance-savery-collection-preserving-a-literary-life

Jump Ball for Literature: Will Hillenbrand Faces R.L. Stine!

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s a classic underdog story—David versus Goliath! Author Will Hillenbrand is stepping onto the big stage, and he needs your support. This isn’t just about a contest—it’s about celebrating great books and the people who create them.

Let’s rally behind Will as he faces off against R. L. Stine in the opening round. Every big run starts with that first win—so let’s help him move forward, one vote at a time.

📚How to Participate in Battle of the Books
Fill out your book bracket with your choices of Ohio authors! There are two ways to fill out a bracket. Submit your bracket by March 18, 11:59 p.m. EST.

Add your picks to the book bracket PDF. https://bit.ly/4rHKFUL
Don't forget to save the file! Or, print, fill out, and scan the book bracket PDF.

📚Vote for Your Favorite Books!
Starting March 19, 2026, the Library will host polls on Cincinnati & Hamilton County Public Library page where you can determine which authors move on from the Storied Sixteen all the way to winning the Championship Chapter.

📚Make sure you comment on the Battle of the Books social media posts! Show support for your favorite authors by voting in every round:
Storied Sixteen: Voting starts March 19-26, 2026
Exposition Eight: Voting starts March 28-31, 2026
Fabled Four: Voting starts April 2-3, 2026
Championship Chapter: Voting is on April 6, 2026

The de Grummond Children’s Literature Collection, home to the papers of Curious George creators H. A. Rey and Margret Rey, welcomed members of the Rey family to Hattiesburg for a special first visit to see the Rey Collection. Their reunion was celebrated with exhibitions, story time, a new musical and countless memories made, bringing together family, scholars, and fans to honor the enduring legacy of the beloved character Curious George.

Hamburg to Hattiesburg: The de Grummond Hosts a Rey-Union Over the course of just a few days in October 2025, the de Grummond Children's Literature Collection at Southern Miss welcomed more than 20 guests from all o...