Librarian lends 'magic' to children's book art

You may not be able to put your finger on it, but there's something whimsical about the artistic style of Sibylla Benatova.

Come March, that style will be showcased in the Penn Rare Book and Manuscript Library employee's illustrated children's book, The Magic Raincoat.

Helen Robinson, art director for publisher Front Street, compared the "three-dimensional quality" of Benatova's work to that of Eric Carle - author and illustrator of such children's books as The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

The plot centers around "a little girl that is given a raincoat and discovers it has magical powers," Benatova said. "She starts wishing for things and they come true, but not exactly as she imagined they would."

The Magic Raincoat is scheduled to be released in March 2007.

Benatova said she has been an art lover all her life.

She spends her days at the Library and her nights painting in the Philadelphia home she shares with her husband.

Benatova moved to the United States about seven years ago from Bulgaria, where she worked closely with renowned Bulgarian writers.

Having put on several art shows in the area over the last few years, Benatova is no stranger to the Philadelphia area.

"I really love the environment; I feel comfortable here," she said.

The process of illustrating The Magic Raincoat - written by New York-based author Ryan David - began two and a half years ago when the two met and exchanged ideas for a potential children's book.

But even with the text written and the illustrations drawn, the book might have remained a dream if one of Benatova's co-workers had not taken an interest.

Daniel Traister, curator of Research Services at Penn's Rare Book and Manuscript Library, helped Benatova in her search for a publisher by contacting Stephen Roxburgh - an old acquaintance - for publishing advice.

Roxburgh, president of the Asheville, N.C.-based Front Street - which specializes in children's literature - exceeded Traister's expectations.

After reading the manuscript, Roxburgh was hooked and decided to publish the book.

"All I did was kick the door open for her," Traister said. It was "Sibylla and her book that walked in. . The rest of it was all her."

From then on, Benatova and David worked closely with Robinson, the Front Street art director, to see the book to its completion.

"We would not have taken the book if we didn't think it was good," Robinson said. "I expect the book to be popular and to get good critical reviews as well."

Benatova's admirers extend beyond the world of publishing - even penetrating the intimate Philadelphia art community.

"I find her work whimsical," said Sylvia Hamerman-Brown, chairwoman of the Exhibition Committee at the University City Arts League. It "reminds me of some early 20th century artists, like Paul Klee."

"She really just combines craft and inspiration perfectly," said Hamerman-Brown.

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