Wednesday, June 7, 2000
The University Daily Kansan
Section B · Page 3
KU grad writes children's book
Fibblestax is KU graduate Devin Scillian's first children's book. Scillian, Detroit tv anchorman, studied children's literature at the University of Kansas in the early 1980s. The book is published by Sleeping Bear Press.
A passion for language.
By Karen Lucas
writer@kanson.com
Kansas staff writer
That's what Devin Scillian, a Detroit anchorman and KU alumnus, has in common with the main character and namesake of his first children's book, *Fibblestax*, published this spring by Sleeping Bear Press.
The book, with illustrations by Kathryn Darnell,
tells the story of a competition between a boy named
Flibiblestax, who creates less gloomy words for things
than Carr, an old man with a sour disposition. What
Carr, for example, calls "grunks" and "gunnywunks.",
Flibiblestax calls "trees" and "flowers."
The story reaches a climax when Fibblestax stumps Carr by introducing the word "love."
At a recent book reading and signing at a bookstore in Ann Arbor, Mich., Scillian brimmed with enthusiasm as he spoke to an audience of about 30 people of all ages.
"When they decided to publish the book, I was so excited and ecstatic," said Scillian, who was still wearing the makeup from his late afternoon newscast.
Scillian can look forward to doing more promotions, not only for Fibblestax, but also for his next book, A Is For America, which will be available in October.
His interest in children's literature is nothing new. Scillian wrote his first story in high school, and he studied children's literature at the University of Kansas with Alan Lichter, then a professor of English.
"He had a profound impact on me and the way I looked at literature." Seilian said of his former professor.
Besides writing stories, Seillian enjoys writing and singing songs as well as playing the guitar. His talent has not gone unnoticed in the music industry. Seillian recorded 13 folk and country songs last year for his album called *Tulsa* on High Heel Records.
When Seillian isn't creating literature or music, he's on the television news at 5 and 11 p.m. for WDIV, an NBC station in Detroit. Although he works primarily as an anchorman, he also does special reporting from time to time.
John Broholm, associate professor of journalism,
had nothing but praise for Scillian's broadcast skills.
Devin Scillian, KU alumnus and author of Fibblestax.
"He has a very large degree of personal command.
He projects well." Broholm said. "I always had a lot of faith in Devin's ability to cover straight news."
Scillian got an early start on his professional journalism career. He worked one summer as well as on weekends during his senior year for television station WIBW in Topeka. After receiving a bachelor's degree in journalism in 1985 and before joining WDIV in 1995, Scillian held broadcast jobs in Decatur, Ill., Tyler, Texas and Oklahoma City.
He was working in Oklahoma City in April 1995 when the bombing of the federal building occurred. "It was one of the biggest moments of my life," Scillian said.
On a lighter note, he also remembers Oklahoma City as the place where he dreamed up 10 years ago the story of Flibblestax.
Salina to kick off music, arts festival
Annual shindig to feature music arts and crafts
By BriAnne Hess editor@kansan.com Kansan co-editor
Head west this weekend to the 24th Annual Smoky Hill River Festival in Salina.
The festival is a conglomeration of art, music and people from all across the country. There is a fine arts market, a craft market and artists who demonstrate crafts from glassblowing to soapmaking.
Erin Dean, Abilene senior, said she has been going to the festival since she was 5 or 6 years old and planned to go again this year with her family.
"It has a really nice atmosphere there are craft shops and hippie-style shops," she said.
The festival opens with the Festival Jam from 6 to 8 p.m. tomorrow on the Oakdale Stage. Sixteen bands will play with a different band taking the stage every 15 minutes.
Two concerts are featured Friday night. Kelly Thibodeaux and Etouffe will bring swamp rock to the Oakdale Stage at 8:30 p.m., while big band dance will swing into the Bicentennial Center at 7 p.m. with Bobby Lavne and his Orchestra.
Headliners for Saturday are the Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band at 8:30 p.m. at the Oakdale Stage and KANU's Imagination Workshop at 7 p.m. at the Bicentennial Center.
Closing out the festival on Sunday is the Chump Change Band at 4 p.m. at the Oakdale Stage.
Several other groups will be performing during the festival, including the Arrogant Worms, a group that performs lyrical satires, and Boko Maru, a jazz ensemble. There is also a storytelling stage that features tales from Native American, African American and Japanese folklore.
ROAD TRIP OF THE WEEK
ROAD TRIP OF THE WEEK
What: 24th Annual Smoky Hill River
Festival
Where: Oakdale Park in Salina. Two hours west of Lawrence on I-70.
**When:** Tomorrow through Sunday.
Gates open at 4 p.m. tomorrow; 10 a.m.
Friday through Sunday.
Cost: $7 at the gate. Children 11 and younger are free.
More info.: www.riverfestival.com
The festival is a project of the Salina Arts and Humanities Commission.
Kyle Ramsey / KANSAN
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