Date: Fri 18-Dec-1998

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Quick Words:

Steven-Kellogg-Booth-Library

Full Text:

A Special Holiday Program For Steven Kellogg Fans Of All Ages

(with photos)

BY SHANNON HICKS

In The Island of The Skog , one of Steven Kellogg's many books for children, a

group of mice learn some important lessons on being good friends.

After a journey from their home where they are terrified by a mean cat that

belongs to a butcher, the mice find themselves on an island with a population

of one. One Skog, and none of the mice know what a Skog is, so they are

immediately terrified and go on the offensive. At the end of Mr Kellogg's

story, the mice learn not only how to be a friend to someone, but also that it

is not fair to try to intimidate other people.

Mr Kellogg, a resident of Newtown for over three decades, has more than 30

books to his own credit and over 60 books he has illustrated. A perennial

favorite whether visiting Newtown's school children in their classes or when

he offers public programs, Mr Kellogg's audience is far-reaching and

multi-generational.

Such an observation was proven once again last weekend when Mr Kellogg visited

C.H. Booth Library in Newtown for his annual Christmas program. Mr Kellogg was

welcomed by a large group of children and their parents, and even a few adults

who joined in simply for the thrill of a Steven Kellogg presentation.

His December program, Mr Kellogg told those gathered, was special this year

because it was the first holiday program he was doing in the "new" Booth

Library, which underwent 17 months of major renovations during the end of 1996

and all of 1997. The December 12 program was held in the new community room at

25 Main Street.

"It's so nice to be back in the Booth Library now that it's all finished," Mr

Kellogg said.

The author-illustrator proceeded to jump right into the telling of The Island

of The Skog , the 1973 book he wrote about an adventurous group of mice who

went seeking a new home. With his dramatic and well-rehearsed voice, Mr

Kellogg absolutely charmed the three dozen or so people who were at the

library on Saturday afternoon.

Children giggled during the 40-minute program. They held their breath and

their eyes widened when the mice in Mr Kellogg's story were being chased by

the butcher's cat. They laughed when the kindly mouse Louise got so flustered

the petals on her hat began falling off. And they cheered at the end of the

story when the mice and their new friend the Skog began to live happily ever

after.

In the front of the meeting room, two easels had been set up, each holding a

large pad of drawing paper. With grand, sweeping gestures, Mr Kellogg quickly

filled the pages with the same wonderful illustrations his books have become

so famous for. It was an enchanting thing to watch: the quick, purposeful

lines were splashed onto the paper almost without second thought, and nearly

immediately turned into delightful line drawings.

Mr Kellogg moved with the confident speed and ease of someone who has been

doing such programs for years, stopping to turn and face his audience

continuously, whether an image was completed or in the works. His body

language added to the words he was sharing, and his storytelling was as fun to

watch as his books are to read.

At the conclusion of The Island of The Skog , Mr Kellogg signed each of the

drawings he had just done and the images were raffled off. After taking a few

questions from the audience, the author-illustrator then sat down at a table

and met with readers of all ages. He patiently signed numerous autographs,

while thanking people for their comments and being thanked for once again

sharing his time with fans of all ages.