Steven Kellogg, center, receives a doctoral hood. Dr. Charles Younger, left, and Dr. Daniel May, right, assist in the presentation.

On Saturday, Nov. 12, Steven Kellogg was presented with an honorary doctor of humane letters by The University of Findlay in recognition of Kellogg’s exceptional career as an award-winning author and illustrator of children’s books.  
Kellogg has illustrated 120 children’s books, about a third of which he also wrote. He began illustrating books for other children’s book authors in 1966, and published the first book he also wrote in 1970. Among his most popular works are “Island of the Skog,” “Johnny Appleseed,” “A Rose for Pinkerton,” “How Much is a Million?” and “The Day Jimmy’s Boa Ate the Wash.”  

Delighting readers of all ages, Kellogg has received many awards in recognition of his exceptional talent, including the Parents’ Choice Award, Booklist Editors’ Choice and the School Library Journal Best Books of the Year. He was presented the prestigious Regina Medal by the Catholic Library Association for his lifetime contributions to children’s literature.  

In July, the Mazza Museum at the University announced the acquisition of 2,700 pieces of original art work by Kellogg. The acquisition represented a 50-percent expansion of the Mazza’s collection, which now numbers more than 7,500 pieces of original artwork.  

The conferring of the honorary degree took place during a special ceremony in Winebrenner Theological Seminary.  

Daniel May, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Charles Younger, Board of Trustees representative, presented Kellogg with a doctoral hood, following comments by both Katherine Fell, Ph.D., president, and Ben Sapp, Mazza Museum director.  

Anthony Edwards, an actor best known for his role in “ER” and a friend of Kellogg’s, also was recognized at the event, and he offered comments, as well.  

Anthony Edwards and Steven Kellogg pose for a photo prior to the presentation.

The acquisition of Kellogg’s art in July was made possible, in part, by a $350,000 gift from Edwards, who, as a teenager, was invited to the Kellogg home for Thanksgiving. The two became friends and have remained in contact. Edwards has been involved with the Reading is Fundamental program and is a proponent of children’s literacy.  

Following the presentation of the honorary degree, Kellogg told a portion of the story of “The Island of the Skog,” illustrating it as he spoke.  

Steven Kellogg tells the story of “The Island of the Skog” as he illustrates in front of a live audience.

Follow this link to download several short video clips from the event: one of Anthony Edwards speaking and three of Steven Kellogg.

Follow this link for more information about the Mazza Museum.