Celebrate the Life and Art of Steve Jenkins at Boulder Public Library Exhibition

The Boulder Public Library invites the community to join us for an autumn exhibition honoring the life of local children’s book author and illustrator, Steve Jenkins. “What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? Celebrating the Life and Art of Steve Jenkins” will be on display in the Main Library’s Canyon Gallery (1001 Arapahoe Ave.) from Oct. 13 – Dec. 3. A special opening reception will be held on Oct. 20 from 5 – 7 p.m.

The exhibition is a vibrant retrospective of the wondrous work of Boulder Caldecott Honor recipient Steve Jenkins (1952–2021), featuring illustrations from his many children’s books that describe the marvels and magic of animals and the natural world. Many of his works were created in collaboration with his wife, Robin Page.

“Boulder Public Library is honored to open this exhibition in remembrance of the creative contributions Jenkins made to our community and beyond,” said Library Program and Events Manager, Jaime Kopke. “His unique illustrations spark wonder in children and adults alike. We are deeply grateful to Robin Page for helping us curate this tribute to his life and work.”

Jenkins illustrated and wrote over 50 books – many with his wife, Page ­ – and together they sold over four million copies in 19 different languages. He created his artwork by tearing and re-assembling colorful paper into creatures such as giraffes, manatees and dinosaurs. His books were often inspired by the curiosities of children about the natural world. What do you do if you work at the zoo? How many ways can you catch a fly? How do birds make a nest?

"Children don’t need anyone to give them a sense of wonder; they already have that. But they do need a way to incorporate the various bits and pieces of knowledge they acquire into some logical picture of the world. For me, science provides the most elegant and satisfying way to construct this picture." - Top of the World: Steve Jenkins's 1999 BGHB Nonfiction Award Speech