Welcome to Book Bits, the Buckeye Book Fair’s newsletter celebrating the transformative power of literature. Each issue delves into how one book can change your life forever. Join us as we spotlight local authors, promote literacy, and share stories that inspire and ignite the imagination. Don’t miss out on the magic!
Dear Book Lovers,
Welcome to the February issue of Book Bits, where we delve into the profound impact of literature. This month, we shine a spotlight on three remarkable authors: Patricia Sargeant, Katie Mazeika, and Merrill Rainey. Join us as we explore how their work exemplifies the transformative power of storytelling. Additionally, we invite you to support our mission by celebrating the “Extra Day of Love” on leap day by helping us ensure that the magic of books continues to change lives.
Warmly,
Kimberly Jarvis, Executive Director
Buckeye Book Fair
Patricia Sargeant Unveils the Essence of “Coconut Drop Dead”
In a candid discussion with Patricia Sargeant, aka Olivia Matthews, the acclaimed author offers a peek behind the scenes of her latest work, “Coconut Drop Dead: A Spice Isle Bakery Mystery, Book 3.” Inspired by the vibrant tapestry of Brooklyn’s Labor Day Parade, Sargeant infuses her narrative with the essence of the Caribbean American Heritage Festival, weaving a tale that celebrates heritage while navigating the complexities of fitting into a new home.
Sargeant’s commitment to connecting with readers shines through as she shows the central theme of family in her mysteries. Whether born into familial ties or embraced through found connections, multi-generational relationships resonate deeply with readers from diverse backgrounds. It’s this universal theme that forms the heart of her storytelling, fostering a sense of belonging and connection amidst the mysteries that unfold.
Reflecting on her experiences at the Buckeye Book Fair, Sargeant describes it as a remarkable gathering of kindred spirits—a “Book Lovers Family Reunion” where authors and readers come together to celebrate their shared passion for literature. Engaging in spirited conversations about books, preferences, and the joys of reading, Sargeant finds inspiration in the connections forged at this annual literary event.
As we, at Buckeye Book Fair, explore the theme of “Books Save Lives,” Sargeant shares a personal anecdote that underscores the transformative power of literature. Reflecting on Suzanne Brockman’s “Letters to Kelly,” she recounts how a single book moved her to become an Amnesty International donor, highlighting the profound impact stories can have in breaking barriers and building bridges between communities.
In closing, Sargeant expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to share her journey with the Buckeye Book Fair community and eagerly anticipates the 2024 event—a testament to the enduring magic of storytelling and the connections forged through the written word.
Spill the Beans: Merrill Rainey
The dinosaurs! Merrill Rainey’s charming prehistoric pals have been welcoming you to the Buckeye Book Fair for three whole years. Last month, Merrill took the spotlight on the My Creative Life Podcast. Dive into the world of creativity, motivation, and the secrets of balancing life as an illustrator with Nancy Miller. Listen to Merrill spill the artistic beans on My Creative Life Podcast, and don’t miss his daily illustrator escapades on Instagram.
Merrill Rainey, an accomplished author and illustrator, draws inspiration from a wide array of sources, infusing his latest book, “GIANTS ARE VERY BRAVE PEOPLE,” with a unique blend of creativity and imagination. Rainey’s journey into the world of giants was sparked by a fond exploration of classic fairy tales lining his bookshelf. Inspired by the works of renowned illustrators like Lane Smith and Golden Book Illustrators such as Mary Blair, J.P. Miller, and Mel Crawford, Rainey delved deep into their techniques, studying character designs, color usage, and page compositions to craft a visual language that would stand the test of time.
In “GIANTS ARE VERY BRAVE PEOPLE,” Rainey aims to connect with readers from diverse backgrounds by inviting them to embark on a journey of courage alongside the protagonist, Bigelow. Through immersive artwork and relatable characters, Rainey explores themes of fear and resilience, encouraging readers to find strength in the face of adversity. By creating an interactive environment that mirrors Bigelow’s emotional journey, Rainey invites readers to not only witness but actively participate in the narrative, fostering a deeper connection between the story and its audience.
Rainey’s commitment to inspiring young creators is evident in his approach to art and storytelling. By simplifying his artistic style and emphasizing basic shapes and colors, Rainey seeks to empower budding artists to explore their creativity without hesitation. Through school visits and events like the Buckeye Book Fair, Rainey shares his passion for storytelling with students of all ages, igniting their imaginations and instilling in them the confidence to express themselves through art.
Reflecting on his experiences at the Buckeye Book Fair, Rainey fondly recalls his interactions with students during a series of storytelling workshops. Through the art of stop motion animation, Rainey introduced students to a world of creative possibilities, inspiring them to harness their imagination and tell their own stories. Witnessing the spark of creativity in their eyes left a lasting impression on Rainey, reinforcing his belief in the transformative power of storytelling.
While Rainey can’t pinpoint a single book that ignited a drastic change in his life, he credits three individuals—his kindergarten teacher Mrs. Urig, his 4th-grade teacher Miss Hist, and his Aunt Sis—for nurturing his love of reading and shaping his journey as a storyteller. Their guidance and support inspired Rainey to overcome obstacles and embrace the power of books and education, shaping his life both then and now. As Rainey continues to share his love of storytelling with others, he honors the legacy of those who have inspired him along the way.
The Storytelling Magic of Katie Mazieka and “BEULAH HAS A HUNCH!”
In the enchanting realm of children’s literature, Katie Mazieka emerges as a luminary, crafting captivating tales that celebrate resilience, diversity, and the indomitable human spirit. With her latest picture book biography, “BEULAH HAS A HUNCH!,” Mazieka delves into the remarkable life of Beulah Louise Henry, a girl with a knack for problem-solving who grew up to be a world-famous inventor. Fans of “Just Like Rube Goldberg” and “The Girl Who Thought in Pictures” are sure to be enthralled by this captivating exploration of Beulah’s extraordinary journey.
The genesis of “BEULAH HAS A HUNCH!” was sparked by Mazieka’s discovery of Beulah’s remarkable achievements, a revelation that left her awe-struck. Beulah’s trailblazing path, marked by numerous patents and entrepreneurial ventures in the early 1900s, catalyzed Mazieka’s narrative exploration. Searching Beulah’s past, Mazieka unearthed insights, from the limitations of her education to her visionary approach to problem-solving, rooted in synaesthesia and neurodiversity.
In her quest to connect with readers from diverse backgrounds, Mazieka infuses her stories with a universal message of empowerment and self-discovery. Through the lens of Beulah’s remarkable journey, Mazieka celebrates the triumph of individuality and the refusal to be defined by others’ expectations.
As a featured author at the Buckeye Book Fair, Mazieka finds joy in sharing Beulah’s story with eager readers, forging connections that transcend the pages of her books. Memorable encounters with readers, such as witnessing the delight of a family finding representation in her illustrations, serve as poignant reminders of the impact of inclusive storytelling.
Reflecting on the theme of how books save lives, Mazieka cites Barbara Kingsolver’s “THE POISONWOOD BIBLE” as a transformative work that ignited a paradigm shift in her own life. Through its exploration of unintended consequences and the complexities of human nature, the novel left an indelible imprint on Mazieka, challenging her to reconsider her perspectives and beliefs.
In Mazieka’s enchanting world of storytelling, “BEULAH HAS A HUNCH!” stands as a testament to the power of imagination, empathy, and the written word. Through Beulah’s tale of courage, resilience, and ingenuity, Mazieka inspires readers of all ages to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate the boundless possibilities of the human experience.
The Extra Day of Love
As February 29th, the rare extra day of love, approaches, we invite you to join us in spreading the joy of literacy and storytelling by making a generous gift to the Buckeye Book Fair. Your support on this special day will not only help sustain our mission of promoting literacy and supporting local authors but also contribute to fostering a love for reading among people of all ages. With your donation, you’ll be empowering us to continue hosting engaging literary events, connecting authors with readers, and inspiring countless individuals to embark on enriching journeys through the pages of books. Let’s make this leap year count by sharing the gift of reading and imagination with others. Donate to Buckeye Book Fair on February 29th and make a lasting impact in our community.
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“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.”
George R.R. Martin (American novelist and short-story writer, screenwriter, and television producer. He is the author of the series of epic fantasy novels A Song of Ice and Fire, which was adapted into the Emmy Award-winning HBO series Game of Thrones)
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