2008 Woodie Awards
Children's author speaks to students
Natalie McKerjee
Issue date: 11/9/07 Section: Community
The Lane Libraries sponsored an event that invited both students and the public to a question and answer session with the award-winning children's book author and illustrator
Melissa Sweet.
The question and answer event was held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Miami University's McGuffey Hall.
According to the event's press release, Sweet's book, Carmine, a Little More Red, has acquired national recognition. Sweet, who has been illustrating children's books since 1986, has clients that consist of Martha Stewart Living, New York Times and Houghton Mifflin.
Gratia Banta, coordinator of youth services for the Lane Libraries, was responsible for facilitating the question and answer session.
Banta, who knows Sweet personally, made arrangements for this event with the Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books, who also sponsored Sweet's visit to Ohio from her home in Maine.
"The purpose of this event is to promote the (Lane) Libraries, who carry 62 Melissa Sweet illustrated books," Banta said. "(The event) is in connection with Dr. Brenda Dales children's literature class ... they have already provided the base audience for the event."
Banta said that she received the foundation of the questions she asked Sweet at the event from Dales' class, many of which focused on the book making and illustrating process.
Banta explained that the Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books originally accommodated Sweet's visit to Ohio, and that the Lane Libraries formed a partnership with Mazza that enabled Sweet to visit Miami.
"My work is a new twist on an old theme … I definitely think that picture books are for all ages," Sweet said and outlined all the steps required in making books and finding inspiration.
According to the attendance list at the event, upwards of 40 Miami students attended the event.
Miami first-year Anna Romano was in attendance at the event and said she enjoyed the discussion.
"It was exciting to hear all the aspects of children's literature that is not apparent while reading them," Romano said. "(Sweet) provided amazing insight and was really fun hearing her speak. I heard about the event from a friend and decided to come with her because it sounded interesting."
Miami first-year Lauren DeYoung attended the event as well.
"I was very impressed by her artwork and her ability to provide such in-depth responses to every question," DeYoung said. "I was not familiar with her work prior to this event so I'm so glad I came."
Before the event took place, Banta provided a brief introduction of Sweet.
"We are delighted that Melissa took the time from her studio to visit us in Ohio," Banta said in her opening speech.
During this introduction Banta also said Sweet will continue her visit to Ohio by appearing at a Barnes & Noble booking signing, as well as a number of local elementary schools.
Melissa Sweet.
The question and answer event was held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Miami University's McGuffey Hall.
According to the event's press release, Sweet's book, Carmine, a Little More Red, has acquired national recognition. Sweet, who has been illustrating children's books since 1986, has clients that consist of Martha Stewart Living, New York Times and Houghton Mifflin.
Gratia Banta, coordinator of youth services for the Lane Libraries, was responsible for facilitating the question and answer session.
Banta, who knows Sweet personally, made arrangements for this event with the Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books, who also sponsored Sweet's visit to Ohio from her home in Maine.
"The purpose of this event is to promote the (Lane) Libraries, who carry 62 Melissa Sweet illustrated books," Banta said. "(The event) is in connection with Dr. Brenda Dales children's literature class ... they have already provided the base audience for the event."
Banta said that she received the foundation of the questions she asked Sweet at the event from Dales' class, many of which focused on the book making and illustrating process.
Banta explained that the Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books originally accommodated Sweet's visit to Ohio, and that the Lane Libraries formed a partnership with Mazza that enabled Sweet to visit Miami.
"My work is a new twist on an old theme … I definitely think that picture books are for all ages," Sweet said and outlined all the steps required in making books and finding inspiration.
According to the attendance list at the event, upwards of 40 Miami students attended the event.
Miami first-year Anna Romano was in attendance at the event and said she enjoyed the discussion.
"It was exciting to hear all the aspects of children's literature that is not apparent while reading them," Romano said. "(Sweet) provided amazing insight and was really fun hearing her speak. I heard about the event from a friend and decided to come with her because it sounded interesting."
Miami first-year Lauren DeYoung attended the event as well.
"I was very impressed by her artwork and her ability to provide such in-depth responses to every question," DeYoung said. "I was not familiar with her work prior to this event so I'm so glad I came."
Before the event took place, Banta provided a brief introduction of Sweet.
"We are delighted that Melissa took the time from her studio to visit us in Ohio," Banta said in her opening speech.
During this introduction Banta also said Sweet will continue her visit to Ohio by appearing at a Barnes & Noble booking signing, as well as a number of local elementary schools.
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