Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden

Storybook Capital of Texas

On the southeast lawn of the Abilene Convention Center, you'll find a place where childhood stories come alive. The Adamson-Spalding Storybook Garden, which opened on June 8, 2017, represents Abilene's identity as the Storybook Capital of Texas and America.

Beloved Character Sculptures

Walk through the garden and you'll discover yourself face-to-face with characters straight from your favorite childhood books. Five sets of sculptures bring to life the illustrations of Garth Williams, featuring friends from Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little, and the Little Golden Book Three Bedtime Stories.

You'll find sculptures of The Three Little Pigs, The Three Little Kittens, and The Three Bears throughout the garden. You'll also spot Winnie the Pooh and the newer addition of a whimsical Kitty Corn/Unicorn character.

Unlike many sculpture displays, this one comes with an open invitation to climb and interact. Kids can actually clamber onto these bronze friends, making it a hands-on experience that brings stories into the physical world. It's a fantastic spot for family photos that capture genuine joy rather than stiff poses.

Thoughtful Design Elements

Landscape architect Mitch Wright created more than a sculpture garden here. The space blends environmental mindfulness with artistic vision, featuring limestone benches etched with passages from timeless stories.

As you wander, you'll discover quotes from classics like Anne of Green Gables, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Chronicles of Narnia. These literary snippets add depth to the experience, connecting the physical sculptures to the wider world of storytelling.

When the sun sets, the garden transforms. Twinkle lights illuminate the space, casting a gentle glow that gives the sculptures a magical quality. The nighttime atmosphere feels entirely different - more intimate and enchanted.

Visitor Experience

Thankfully, most of the garden sits under shade trees, making it a welcome retreat even during Texas heat waves. It's not overwhelmingly large - you can comfortably explore everything in about 15-30 minutes, perfect if you're traveling with fidgety little ones or just need a pleasant break from the road.

You can pick up informational brochures at the entrance to learn about each sculpture's story. For an even deeper dive, consider stopping by the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature just blocks away, where you can find the actual books featuring these characters.

Expanding Sculpture Project

The garden isn't a finished masterpiece - it's a growing collection. Each year during the Children's Art & Literacy Festival, new bronze figures join the Storybook Sculpture Project, inspired by artists featured at the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature downtown.

The magic doesn't stop at the garden's edge either. Another 31 storybook sculptures are scattered throughout downtown Abilene, creating a literary scavenger hunt for those with time to explore.

Community Impact

The garden offers a nice opportunity for parents to share characters from their own childhoods with young readers in a tangible, engaging setting.

Whether you're a local or just passing through, seeing these bronze versions of characters from beloved stories brings a certain nostalgia and charm to your visit.