These mini-documentaries explore different aspects of the Baldwin Library, a historical collection of children’s literature housed at the University of Florida. The videos serve as a small sampling of the independent projects of the students, faculty, authors, and artists who have collaborated with Recess! Media and the University of Florida’s Center for Children’s Literature and Culture. From exhibits, to performance art, to architecture, to graphic novels, their projects are exemplary of the creative and scholarly work that continues to enrich the field of Children’s Literature and Culture.
Click below to view the mini-documentaries, and stay tuned for upcoming projects from Recess! Media.
Treasures of the Baldwin Library
In this video, Rita Smith, Curator Emeritus of the Baldwin Library, talks about some on the most intriguing books in the Baldwin Library. Produced by Emily Murphy, Marilisa Jimenez, and Casey Wilson.
Hansel and Gretel
In this intriguing mini-documentary, former MFA student Christina Nichol compares the different versions of Hansel and Gretel and uncovers some surprising findings.
Bluebeard
Charles Perrault’s Bluebeard is a tale of obedience and fortitude. The preceding narration looks at Bluebeard through the ages. The transition and transformation through illustrations that retain some of the original aesthetic beauty that was once familiar to the original fable. Kendra Holmes is a former Master’s student at the University of Florida, specializing in Children’s Literature.
Jolly Time
Natoya Faughnder reads Always Jolly!, a moveable book created by Lothar Meggendorfer.
Tibor Gergely
Compiled by Sabrina Jaszi, this short biographical minidoc explores the life and inspiration of Little Golden Book illustrator Tibor Gergely. The minidoc incorporates many of Gergely’s illustrations and an interview with a member of Gergely’s family (the filmmaker’s father).
Here, There Be Dragons
Sean Printz explores the many representations of dragons lurking within the Baldwin’s collection of historical children’s literature.
Uncle Remus
Filmed by Rebecca Bauman, this short documentary offers an overview of Uncle Remus and his creator, Joel Chandler Harris–a man whose work is both admired and compared to the pained follies of a minstrel show.
The Forgotten Boy
Produced by MFA student Anastasia Kozak, this short video rediscovers Selma Lagerlöf’s most famous work, the Nobel prize winning children’s book The Wonderful Adventures of Nils.