FREEPORT – Thursday, July 5, L.L. Bean will host a treasure hunt based on the picture book “Carmine: A Little More Red,” by Maine author/illustrator Melissa Sweet, as part of its 95th anniversary celebration.
Families are welcome between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to follow the path of the book’s main character, Carmine, through the store and up the stairs for a treat. The event is appropriate for children ages 2 and up.
In a playful nod to the “Little Red Riding Hood” story, the picture book’s heroine is reminded by her mother, “Don’t dilly-dally, go directly to Granny’s.” Carmine, of course, does not heed her mother’s words.
Families who follow the alphabet (for example, B is for backpack and M is for moose) will eventually end up at Granny’s house, where children will be given a small prize based on the book. Families winding their way through the store will find a bright poster with a riddle, rhyme or a fun activity for kids for each letter of the alphabet.
Sweet will be on hand at the end of the treasure hunt to sign copies of “Carmine:A Little More Red,” named Best Illustrated Children’s Book by the New York Times Book Review. Sweet has also illustrated other children’s books, including “Girls Think of Everything,” 2000; “The sky’s The Limit,” 2002; and “The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon,” 2004.
“Carmine: A Little More Red” is the first book Sweet has written as well as illustrated.
Sweet lives in Rockport with her family and their dog, Rufus.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
