MENLO PARK ILLUSTRATOR TO BE HONORED WITH A CHRISTOPHER AWARD FOR "ONE GOOD DEED," BY TERRI FIELDS, ON MAY 19 IN NYC

Illustrator Deborah Melmon, whose studio is in Menlo Park, and author Terri Fields from Phoenix have won a Christopher Award for the book One Good Deed (Preschool and up, Kar-Ben Publishing). It is one of 12 books for adults and young people by 21 authors and illustrators to be celebrated, along with the writers, producers and directors of nine winning feature films and TV/Cable programs, on May 19 at the 67th annual Christopher Awards in New York. Kar-Ben publishes children’s titles with Jewish content.

According to Tony Rossi, director of communications for The Christophers, the book describes “a community where neighbors don’t smile, help or talk to each other, a child’s act of kindness sets off a chain of events that transforms strangers into friends.” Jake gives mulberries to Mrs. Thompson who makes two pies and gives one to another neighbor, creating a happy domino effect that transforms Lancaster Street. “I wrote the book to show that doing community service doesn't have to be a highly organized, group activity and that each of us (including children!) can do considerate things every day,” said Fields. “Though we may not realize it, those small kindnesses can have far reaching consequences.”

Deborah Melmon has worked as a free-lance illustrator for over 25 years. After graduating from Academy of Art University in San Francisco, she started her career illustrating covers for the Palo Alto Weekly newspaper. Since then, she has produced artwork for over 30 children's books and has licensed her artwork on gift-wrap, greeting cards and fabric. She shares her studio with an energetic Airedale Terrier named Mack.

Terri Fields is the author of over 20 children’s books. She has won numerous awards for her writing, including selection as states' favorite children's book and recognition from the American Library Association. Also a teacher, Terri has received many honors including being named to the All USA Teacher Team of the nation's top 20 teachers and the Arizona Teacher of the Year. Working with children in the classroom has given her writing realistic insight into kids' hearts, minds, and voices. In addition to writing, she loves doing author visits to schools throughout the US and abroad.

Created in 1949, The Christopher Awards are presented to authors and illustrators as well as writers, producers and directors whose work “affirms the highest values of the human spirit.” Rossi says, “The world around us can seem like a dark place but the stories we honor with Christopher Awards remind us that we can illuminate the darkness by choosing to practice faith, love, compassion, courage, teamwork, and determination.”

The Christophers, a nonprofit organization founded in 1945 by Maryknoll Father James Keller, is rooted in the Judeo-Christian tradition of service to God and humanity. The ancient Chinese proverb—“It’s better to light one candle than to curse the darkness”— guides its publishing, radio, and awards programs. More information about The Christophers is available at www.christophers.org.