Jerry Mallett, Ed.D., poses for a photo with an Ohioana representative after accepting the 2007 Ohioana Citation in the field of Education and Children’s literature Oct. 27. Photo credit: Jonathan Achor

Jerry J. Mallett, Ed.D., was awarded the 2007 Ohioana Citation in the field of Education and Children’s Literature Oct. 27, 2007, by the Ohioana Library Association at the annual Ohioana Day Luncheon held in Columbus, Ohio.

Ohioana citations are given annually to Ohioans for unique and outstanding accomplishments in various fields of the arts and humanities. According to Linda Hengst, executive director of the Ohioana Library Association, Mallett was chosen for the honor for his “exceptional achievements as an educator and author, as well as developing a vast public appreciation and understanding of the importance of art reflected in the illustration of children’s literature and the founding of the nationally acclaimed Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books.”

Mallett accepts the citation, speaking to a crowd that included many friends and family members from Findlay.

Mallett has devoted his life’s work to teaching children to read and promoting an appreciation of language arts, children’s literature and children’s book illustrations.

He was an elementary school teacher and principal in Toledo, Ohio, before coming in 1968 to Findlay College, where he served as a professor of education until retiring in 2007.

He also has authored or co-authored 54 books, about half of which are children’s books and the other half professional tools for teachers and librarians. As a consultant for Perma-Bound Inc., he was known as “The Reading Doctor,” giving 50 to 100 presentations a year for 25 years to students in school assemblies and conducting presentations at large conferences.

Capping this notable career, Mallett founded the Mazza Museum of International Art from Picture Books in 1982 and served as its director for 25 years before becoming museum curator this year.