Many moons ago, NCCIL leadership dreamed up the Storybook Ball to honor those who passionately work for our mission and vision. For our 5th Ball, there could be no better honoree than Dr. Gary McCaleb. In 1994, while mayor of Abilene, Dr. McCaleb was inspired by SANTA CALLS, a book written and illustrated by William Joyce. The main character in the book was Art Atchison Aimesworth who lived in Abilene, Texas!

Dr. McCaleb called and invited the author/illustrator to Abilene to speak at a Cultural Affairs Council fund-raising luncheon. Discussions between Gary McCaleb and William Joyce revolved around their mutual love of books, literature, and children. They talked about the fact that the finest artwork from children’s picture books could be hung with pride in museums, but was seldom given the honor. They began to discuss how great it could be if Abilene became the home of a center to celebrate art from children’s illustrated literature, and how beneficial it would be for children.
The book was the beginning of an adventure for Abilene that led to the commissioning of a statue in Everman Park to honor Art Atchinson Aimesworth, his sister Esther and best friend Spaulding Littlefeets, as well as children everywhere to today, where Abilene is the official Storybook Capital of America.

After borrowing space from the Grace Museum and Abilene Convention Center, the permanent home for the NCCIL was opened in 2000 at the corner of Cedar and North First Street. Since its opening, the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature has attained nationwide recognition for Abilene. Exhibits organized by the NCCIL have toured all over the United States to museums and art centers as diverse as the Orlando Museum of Art and the Los Angeles Public Library.
Because of Dr. McCaleb’s dream and commitment to showcasing art for children of all ages, hundreds of thousands of school children and families have toured our exhibits and enjoyed the unique programming designed by the NCCIL. Dr. McCaleb has been one of the NCCIL’s best advocates, spreading the good news of its mission throughout Texas and the world.

Join us as we celebrate with Dr. McCaleb and William Joyce in what is sure to become one of Abilene’s most treasured black-tie affairs.