Juana Martinez Neal: Threads of Origin
On view through January 10, 2026
National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature
Abilene, Texas
https://www.nccil.org/
Explore more than 70 original art pieces and cultural artifacts by best-selling children’s author-illustrator Juana Martinez Neal. Juana weaves threads of her origin story into the books she creates. Her debut written work, “Alma and How She Got Her Name,” earned a 2019 Caldecott Honor and was inspired by her own family stories. Many of her illustrations, including those featured in “La Princesa and the Pea” (2018 Pura Belpré Medal), feature beautifully patterned Peruvian textiles.
Juana draws from her experience as a mother-allowing it to shape not only the characters she creates and illustrates, but the artistic techniques she practices. This exhibition pays special attention to the mothers Juana has met through her books-figures like Amma in “Tomatoes for Neela,” Lena in “A Perfect Fit,” and the wise, knowing mama in “Zonia’s Rain Forest.”
This exhibit features hands-on activities and books for children and families dispersed throughout the gallery and museum designed to encourage active engagement with the art on display for guests of all ages.
[Image: Illustration from “Fry Bread” (2020 Sibert Medal).]
