Animals Are Us: Anthropomorphism in Children’s Literature; Celebrating the Peter J. Solomon Collection
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Animals Are Us: Anthropomorphism in Children’s Literature; Celebrating the Peter J. Solomon Collection

Why do we tell stories to children through and about animals? Are there reasons why we shouldn’t? Animals Are Us invites explores these questions and more through influential historic examples of anthropomorphism in dialogue with contemporary books drawn from the collection of Peter J. Solomon (Harvard College Class of 1960, MBA 1963) and the holdings of Houghton Library.  The exhibition invites you to engage critically with animal anthropomorphism, and delight in the artfulness of this enduring literary genre. Catalog of an exhibition on view at Houghton Library, Harvard University, September 1, 2021 - January 7, 2022. Why do we tell stories to children through and about animals? Are there reasons why we shouldn’t? Animals Are Us invites explores these questions and more through influential historic examples of anthropomorphism in dialogue with contemporary books drawn from the collection of Peter J. Solomon (Harvard College Class of 1960, MBA 1963) and the holdings of Houghton Library.  The exhibition invites you to engage critically with animal anthropomorphism, and delight in the artfulness of this enduring literary genre.

Catalog of an exhibition on view at Houghton Library, Harvard University, September 1, 2021 - January 7, 2022.

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48 Garth Williams (American, 1912–1996) Preliminary cover for Charlotte’s Web, ca. 1951 Watercolor, 41 x 37 cm Loan from Peter J. Solomon Garth Williams’s delicate and engaging illustrations for Charlotte’s Web contributed significantly to the success of the book. This alternate version of the cover, possibly a preparatory study, reveals subtle differences. While it is more colorful than the published version, the most striking difference lies in the gaze of the animals. 86

ADAPTATION Books adapted to the screen have appeared ever since the early days of film. Films featuring animals comprise a significant element of this genre, and the books in question enjoyed commercial success in both arenas. From a white rabbit, a downtrodden yet dignified horse, and a cowardly lion to a bear of little brain, a pacifist bull, and mutant insects, these characters are beguiling celebrities with animal identities. By suspending disbelief, the viewer magically connects to the personalities of these anthropomorphized creatures. Each conveys traits with which we share, emulate, and identify. 87

ADAPTATION<br />

Books adapted to <strong>the</strong> screen have appeared ever s<strong>in</strong>ce<br />

<strong>the</strong> early days of film. Films featur<strong>in</strong>g animals comprise<br />

a significant element of this genre, and <strong>the</strong> books <strong>in</strong><br />

question enjoyed commercial success <strong>in</strong> both arenas.<br />

From a white rabbit, a downtrodden yet dignified horse,<br />

and a cowardly lion to a bear of little bra<strong>in</strong>, a pacifist<br />

bull, and mutant <strong>in</strong>sects, <strong>the</strong>se characters are beguil<strong>in</strong>g<br />

celebrities with animal identities. By suspend<strong>in</strong>g disbelief,<br />

<strong>the</strong> viewer magically connects to <strong>the</strong> personalities of <strong>the</strong>se<br />

anthropomorphized creatures. Each conveys traits with<br />

which we share, emulate, and identify.<br />

87

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