Marvellous and Mischievous: Literature's Young Rebels

An exhibition developed by The British Library, Marvellous and Mischievous: Literature’s Young Rebels is a family-friendly exhibition showcasing the British Library’s vast collection of children’s literature alongside contributions of original artworks by Britain's leading illustrators. Featuring almost 50 books, manuscripts and original artwork, the exhibition includes characters such as Tracy Beaker, Pippi Longstocking, Jane Eyre, Dirty Bertie, Billy from Billy and the Beast and Matilda and spans over 300 years, inviting visitors to rediscover their favourite characters, as well as meet new ones. A celebration of rebels in children’s literature, the exhibition will examine what it means to be a rebel through an array of characters from some of the most memorable children’s books.

Lucy Evans, lead curator of Marvellous and Mischievous: Literature’s Young Rebels, said:

‘Marvellous and Mischievous is a fun, interactive exhibition all about exploring what makes a young ‘rebel’ in children’s stories. Children’s literature over the last 300 years has shown that rebels come in all shapes and sizes from Roald Dahl's wilful, bold Matilda (pictured above), the ambitious Princess Pearl to the resilient Ahmet from The Boy at the Back of the Class. Many of the books displayed in the exhibition share powerful messages highlighting contemporary themes prevalent amongst the younger generation and illustrate how literature can inspire and motivate society today.’