Book Illustrator Visits Emerson
Youthful artist shares her talent and enthusiasm

March 13, 2009

Ann Arbor - Victor, Calvin, Omar, and Furrio are four cats who have sprung to life from the talented sketch pencil of Sneha Reddy.  Sneha is the youthful illustrator of four - soon to be five! - books by Florida author, Gaile Harpan. Each book is a humorous tale of a cat who is rescued and finds a new life. Today, Sneha visited Emerson and shared her humor, inspiration and talent with an appreciative audience.

Sneha, who is finishing up her senior year at Farmington High School, gave art lessons to Emerson's 3rd - 5th graders using a participatory technique that inspired her own interest in art. The books she has illustrated were available for enjoyment and purchase.

Thanks to the Emerson Library for hosting the event and to Nicola's Book Store for providing copies of Sneha's books.

Books written by Gaile Harpen,
illustrated by Sneha Reddy

The Ballad of Victor the Cat--Victor is a cat who thought he had it made when he befriended a man named Paul. Then Paul got a notice that he could not keep a cat in his apartment.

The Ballad of Calvin the Cat--This is the story of a feral cat that Sneha tended herself until finding it a home in Florida

The Ballad of Omar the Cat--This book includes words and music for a ballad of Omar, a Maine Coon cat whose footloose life in Florida changed when a condo was built where he and his friends liked to prowl.

The Ballad of Furrio the Cat--This story includes a mythical bird that carries Furrio far from home to offer love to a little girl who has just gotten out of a long hospital stay. Words and music for "Furrio's Song" are included at the end of the book.