Written by Susan Groenke, assistant department head and professor of English education
The Center for Children’s and Young Adult Literature (CCYAL) commissioned children’s picture book author and illustrator Ashley Wolff to paint a custom mural in their new space in Claxton 224. Ashley Wolff has written and/or illustrated over 40 picture books for children. Two of her books—I Love My Mama Because… and I Love My Daddy Because… are part of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library collection for 2020. The Center strives to be an open, public space for community members who want to spark the love of reading in young people to gather. Ashley’s mural—with its inviting and warm depiction of local icons and landmarks in an open book just waiting to be read—helps us promote this mission. We hope you will come visit and see Ashley’s work in person! And stay connected with us to learn more about upcoming events through our website https://ccyal.utk.edu/ and our Facebook page!