Title: The Sweet and Sour Animal Book: Langston Hughes and Elmer W. Brown's Forgotten Children's Book Langston Hughes is a name synonymous with poetry and activism. His work was phenomenal, and his influence on American literature cannot be overstated. However, not many people know about Hughes' children's book, "The Sweet and Sour Animal Book," illustrated by Elmer W. Brown and originally planned for publication in 1936. The book tells the story of a group of animals living in an urban environment, navigating the challenges and complexities of life. It's a delightful book that appeals to young and old alike, but unfortunately, at the time, no publisher was keen to take it on. It's not easy to understand why this book never made it to the shelves, given the immense talents of Hughes and Brown. Perhaps it was too advanced for its time. Perhaps the subject matter was too complex and disagreed with the mainstream narrative. Whatever the reason, the book was shelved, and the world forgot about it. Fortunately, the Cleveland exhibition, which features art by Browns and Hughes and bears the same title as the book, "The Sweet and Sour Animal Book," has brought the book back to the public eye. It's a chance for today's young readers to experience the compelling narrative and the beautiful illustrations by Brown. "The Sweet and Sour Animal Book" is a treasure, one that should be celebrated and enjoyed by everyone. Langston Hughes and Elmer W. Brown's willingness to create across genres and push boundaries was revolutionary. And even though their book didn't see the light of day in its time, it's a timeless piece of art that deserves a spot on the shelves of every book lover. In conclusion, "The Sweet and Sour Animal Book" is Hughes and Brown's forgotten children's book, but through the Cleveland exhibition, it's finding its way back to the hearts of readers. And more than eight decades later, its themes of urban life, diversity, and individualism still resonate with us today. The famous poet and his artist friend wanted to publish "The Sweet and Sour Animal Book" in 1936. But there were no takers. A Cleveland exhibition makes up for the lost time.
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