Peter Sís delivered the 2012 May Hill Arbuthnot Honor Lecture on April 4, 2012 at Miami University. Born in Brno, Czechoslovakia in 1949, Peter Sís attended the Academy of Applied Arts in Prague and the Royal College of Art in London. He has lived in the United States since 1982. Mr. Sís was awarded the 2008 Robert F. Sibert Medal and has illustrated three Caldecott Honor books. Peter’s work is admired throughout the world and in 2003 he was named MacArthur Fellow, an honor bestowed by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

“Peter Sís is internationally recognized for his contributions to the field of children’s literature and we are thrilled to recognize him and his body of work,” stated 2012 Arbuthnot Committee Chair Shawn S. Brommer. Dr. Brenda Dales, professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Miami University, submitted a unique application that connects the departments of Teacher Education, Theater Studies, public libraries and the local school district. Miami University has an established and on-going connection with teachers and students in schools in the Czech Republic and meaningful exchanges will be facilitated between children in classrooms in the Czech Republic and Talawanda (Ohio) Public Schools.

We are exceptionally overjoyed to host Peter Sís,” said Dales. “Peter Sís' presence and words at Miami University will inspire and enliven passion for children's literature, and assist in invigorating international partnerships and understandings.