The Time Has Come. . .
In 1987 a small band of visionaries began an organization that became known as Children’s Literature New England, Inc. This was the beginning of the odyssey of 20 years of week-long institutes, held in both North America and in Great Britain, followed by 3 colloquies held at the Inn at Essex in Vermont. Through the graciousness and support of Barbara Harrison and Gregory Maguire, founders of CLNE, the Board was reconfigured and we held 2 symposiums at the Vermont College of Fine Arts.
The time has come for us to bow out – for the younger generation to plot the future for those who, like all of us, so deeply value children’s literature and its place in the lives of children. To that end, CLNE is closing as a non-profit. Our funds will be divided between the Examined Life program and scholarships for students at the Children’s Literature program at Simmons College.
We thank each and every one of you for your constant support of CLNE.
Children’s Literature New England, Inc., is dedicated to promoting awareness of the significance of literature in children’s lives. Since 1987 it has organized an excellent symposium planned around expansive themes. These symposia attract teachers, college professors, librarians, editors, authors, and illustrators, from around the world both as speakers and conferees.
CLNE was founded because of the passionate conviction that children’s literature has integrity as art and as literature. Its mission is to examine topics in literature and to give those who teach and create books for young readers the opportunity to reaffirm the value of their work.
Passages of Hope – 2016
At our last symposium in 2016, we explored the importance of hope in children’s literature. Visit our 2016 symposium page for presenter and theme information.
Mythic Journey 2019
Study Tour of Greece
April 12-21, 2019
Join CLNE and The Examined Life for an exhilarating journey that includes an online graduate course and a study tour to Greece. The online course runs from January – May 2019 and the Study Tour to Greece is scheduled for April 12 to April 21, 2019. A noted children’s author or illustrator will accompany the Study Tour as writer-in-residence in addition to Gregory Maguire, noted author of Wicked, Egg and Spoon, and Hiddensee.
From the crowning glory of the architecturally perfect Parthenon atop Athens Acropolis to the shining Aegean Sea, along the way we plan to visit Olympia, the Oracle at Delphi, Mycenae, the ancient theater at Epidauros, the Harvard Center for Hellenic Studies at Nafplion, and the Minoan excavations on the island of Santorini — a breathtaking pilgrimage that includes seminars, writing or art workshops, poetry readings and much much more.
An extension will also be offered the week following the Study Tour 5 — destination to be determined. In past years, we have visited Mykonos and Delos, a culinary experience on the island of Evia,the island of Rhodes, and last year we toured Corfu, the setting for the Durrell family adventures.
Visit the Examined life page for more information and to read a letter from a CLNE fellow.
A limited number of $1,000 stipends remain to be awarded on a first come, first served basis to teachers K-12, new to The Examined Life program. Please check the requirements.