Original art from 80 years of Golden Books on display at Gadsden Arts

Remember your first Golden Book? With their trademark gold spines and heartwarming illustrations, Little Golden Books are beloved by generations of American readers, young and old.

First published in 1942, Little Golden Books were sold for 25 cents each and flew off shelves by the millions. Books like "The Poky Little Puppy" still bring laughter and joy to countless families today.

"Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books," which opened May 19, will be on display at the Gadsden Arts Center & Museum through July 15. Visitors can see the original art and explore the fascinating history behind these popular children’s books. Organized by the National Center for Illustrated Children’s Literature in Abilene, Texas, this exhibition chronicles the creation of Little Golden Books, and how they became a sensation worldwide.

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Gadsden Arts will have special Golden Legacy programs for all ages!

Families, drop-in any Saturday to enjoy free Golden Books-themed reading and art activities in the ArtZone and NHBW-Gadsden Reading Corner. On Saturday, June 24, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., visit for the Golden Books Family Day, where kids and adults can create, listen to stories, and leave with a free book and Art @ Home Kit! Family Day is offered in partnership with the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend and National Hookup of Black Women–Gadsden.

Adult art lovers, bring friends on Thursday, June 22, to visit and hear an entertaining talk about the internationally accomplished artists who illustrated Golden Books. Reservations for this Dine & Discover Luncheon are available at gadsdenarts.org.

Interested in bringing your children’s or adult group to see Golden Legacy? Contact Sarah Black-Sadler ([email protected] or 850-627-5023) to schedule a Field Trip! Each tour is led by an experienced guide and includes a fun art-making activity. Tours of Golden Legacy will also feature a reading of one of the iconic Golden Book stories! For more information on these events, visit gadsdenarts.org/events.

Gadsden Arts Center & Museum is located in Quincy, 20 miles from Tallahassee and open to the public Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. ArtZone and Museum Shop admission is always free. The ArtZone is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Exhibition admission is free for children ages 17 and under, and museum members. During Golden Legacy, admission is $10 for nonmember adults. For information, visit gadsdenarts.org.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Golden Legacy features art from children's books at Gadsden Arts