An Artist’s Insights: Celebrating the 50th Annual Kerlan Awards

By Cathy Miranker

This October, the University of Minnesota Libraries celebrated the 50th annual Kerlan Award which celebrates unique contributions to children’s literature. It was such a joy to be in the room as UMN Libraries honored this year’s winner, Jim McMullan.

Unique in honoring the process of creating great children’s literature, the award is presented annually by the Kerlan’s Collection of Children’s Literature, one of many special collections at UMN Libraries. Donations from award winners—story drafts, sketches, artwork, page dummies, correspondence, and more—are among the treasures of the Kerlan Collection, which is open to all, and always free, at the UMN Libraries.

I can’t think of a worthier recipient than Jim McMullan. He has created images for magazine stories, books for adults and children, record covers, United States postage stamps, murals, and animated films. A highlight of his career is illustrating the popular series of vehicle books, (including I Stink!, a monologue by a garbage truck), written by his wife, the author, Kate McMullan, which Amazon has transformed into the animated series, The Stinky and Dirty Show.

Jim shared details of his process, “I’m building up the character of the truck as I’m sketching,” he told the audience. “Kate found this wonderful story in her head, so in this book I got to enjoy my love of landscape and watercolor.” What a pleasure it was to hear I Stink and Papa’s Song read—or should I say performed—by the artist!

“The Kerlan is unique not only because it archives books and final art but also the sketches. That gives us so much insight into the journey … And those journeys are important for understanding creativity,” he shared with the audience. “I am so honored to have this award.”

The Kerlan Collection of Children’s Literature stands at the forefront of children’s literature archives worldwide. It is an internationally recognized children’s literature library and archive which holds more than 100,000 children’s books, original manuscripts, correspondence, art work, and other materials. It is open to the public and is a rich resource for researchers, educators, families, and all who love children’s literature.

You can see more of Jim McMullan’s sketches, color experiments and page dummies in a display next to the Kerlan’s offices in Elmer L. Andersen Library, through December. Please visit!

This guest post was written by Kerlan donor Cathy Miranker.