The Willow Glen Resident Photograph by Skye Dunlap Story Lovers: Steve and Carol Schweppe remember the art they've created for Hicklebee's Childrens Books. Husband-wife team crafts characters from kids' books Couple collaborates on art to spark children's love of reading By Mary Spicuzza No matter what time it is at Hicklebee's Childrens Books on Lincoln Avenue, the hands of the shop's clock point to a different beloved character from children's literature. The Cat in the Hat peers from the top the wooden clock, joined by creatures ranging from Bob the Dinosaur to Paddington Bear. Max and friends from Where the Wild Things Are swing from trees nearby, surrounded by a giant Babar and Roald Dahl's famous bookworm, Matilda. While the artwork looks similar to items straight from the authors or publishing companies, it is actually the creation of a longtime Willow Glen couple, Steve and Carol Schweppe. "That was our first project," Steve says, looking up at the gigantic re-creation from Where the Wild Things Are. An impressive first work, the huge plywood creatures overhead appear to have swung in from the pages of Maurice Sendak's famous book. They are just as detailed and vibrant as Sendak's original work, but larger than life--they used to cover the entire width of Hicklebee's original store. It was more than 14 years ago that the Schweppes, who have lived in Willow Glen for 21 years, worked on the project in their back yard after work. "Steve is the artist, I mix the paint," says Carol, who has worked at Hicklebee's for more than a decade and a half. Yet as Carol talks excitedly about her love of children's books, it's clear that their artwork is a team effort. She can recite poems and tell stories, and she seems to have memorized most of the books covering Hicklebee's shelves. Steve says she consistently comes home with new ideas for him. "We hope to spark children's imagination and love of books," Carol says, with an excitement that is downright contagious. Their works include an intricate Charlotte's Web, complete with a small spider and the word 'Terrific' spelled into it, a cabinet filled with figurines inspired by Indian in the Cupboard, and a Viola Swamp from the Miss Nelson series. Steve's keen eye for detail can be seen in The Swamp from the wart on her nose to her green-and-white striped socks. The Schweppes also created the shop's user-friendly directory, the famous wooden Hicklebee's sign and the Authors' Hall of Fame. "They've both just been great. Carol has so much enthusiasm," shop co-owner Monica Holmes says. "She's been our storyteller here for years, and really has an amazing love and knowledge of literature." With Steve's talent and eye for detail, the two complement each other perfectly. The Schweppes' artwork has earned so many fans that they were asked to create pieces for a book exposition in San Francisco sponsored by KQED-TV9. Many of the characters are now gathered in the store. In 1991, owners Holmes and Valerie Lewis covered their expenses to attend the Booksellers' Convention in New York, a treat which inspired them to make the clock as a thank-you gift. "We try to sneak in at night and surprise them with new pieces. Like elves," Steve says. Steve Schweppe, a Safeway department manager, says his hobby developed mainly due to his wife and children's love of books. His talent has now been put to work not only for Hicklebee's but also on set design for various theater troupes in San Jose. Steve's sponge-painting craft ideas have been featured in Sunset Magazine. When asked about their upcoming projects, they look at each other and smile. "It usually happens all of a sudden. An author just inspires us," Carol says. And for the store, that spontaneity works just fine. Holmes says gratefully, "They've both helped create this wonderland that is Hicklebee's." [ Back to Contents Page | Willow Glen Resident Home Page | Archives ] This article appeared in the Willow Glen Resident, November 4, 1998. ©1998 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.