YSU Employee pens children's book on Pete, Penny

YOUNGSTOWN -- Sharon Mika dreams about writing the next great American novel or a screenplay that may strike the big time in Hollywood.
Writing a children's book was the furthest thing from her mind. But that's exactly what she's done.
A coordinator in the Office of Admissions at Youngstown State University, Mika collaborated with local artist Kay Wilson to publish a children's book that focuses on the lives of Pete and Penny, the penguin mascots at YSU.
"Being involved in the recruitment efforts at YSU, I get to see firsthand the impression that these two oversized, lovable characters make on prospective students and their families," said Mika, 50, of Boardman. "Everyone loves Pete and Penny, but especially children."
How to get the book
The 19-page book that includes a dozen colorful illustrations was released in December and is available for $8.95 at the YSU bookstore, Borders Books in Niles, Creative Corners in Cornersburg, the Butler Institute of America Art and on Wilson's Web site at www.kaywilsonstudio.com. Mika created Button Flower Press and published the book herself. CCA Graphics Inc. in Youngstown printed 1,000 copies.
Mika, who has two bachelor's degrees and a master's degree from YSU, said she came up with the idea of the book about a year ago while writing a free-lance story about Pete and Penny for the Town Crier newspaper.
The story revolves around Penny's introduction to the YSU campus at a home football game and explores her apprehensions, fears and eventual elation of being accepted by the YSU community.
Wilson drew all of the illustrations using computer digital art. A Canfield resident and YSU graduate, Wilson received the Clyde Singer Life Achievement Award in the Visual Arts Medal in 2002 and her paintings have won more than 85 awards.
"I've received nothing but good words from everyone," Mika said. "From the images to the story, it has been tremendous."