Center Elementary Students Meet Children's Author

Kindergarteners from Center Elementary School were doubly wowed Thursday afternoon when they visited the new Mayfield Library.

The first time came as they approached the 30,000-square-foot structure, when students exclaimed, "cool!" and "I've been here before!"

The second was during a program by Toledo-based author Denise Fleming. She provided insight into the creative process behind her children's books, including "In the Small, Small Pond," a book Children's Services Director Deb Todd said loosely inspired the design of the library's children's area.

"Because of our area, we just thought 'In the Small, Small Pond' just made sense for us."

The kids also received a brief tutorial on how Fleming uses pulp painting and paper-making techniques to bring her animal illustrations to life. Click here to learn Fleming's process.

The students seemed intrigued not only by the pictures of the animals, but also the idea that they could create materials about whatever they want, just as Fleming has done for years.

"I make books about things I love, like caterpillars and butterflies," she said. "Every time you draw a picture, you start to tell a story.

"When you draw a picture, you have to decide, 'what story do I want to tell.'