The Maine Coast Book Shop in Damariscotta will host a special children's event with three beloved Maine award-winning author/illustrators: Melissa Sweet, Jeannie Brett and Mary Beth Owens from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 9.

Owens is an award-winning author and illustrator of children's picture books, among them “Remember Me: Tomah Joseph's Gift to Franklin Roosevelt,” and a reissued, 25th anniversary edition of her first book, “A Caribou Alphabet,” with a new afterword about caribou in the 21st century. Owens incorporates her passion for the natural world with her enthusiasm for children's books, and is currently working on a picture book about sea turtles. She teaches art at the Center for Teaching and Learning in Edgecomb.

Sweet has illustrated nearly 100 children's books, and written and illustrated three. From board books to picture books and nonfiction titles, her collages and paintings have appeared in the New York Times and Martha Stewart Living, on Madison Park Greetings and Smilebox cards, and on a line of eeBoo toys. She has received many awards, including a Caldecott Honor Medal for “A River of Words” by Jen Bryant.

Brett is a children's book illustrator and author. She is the illustrator of “My Cat, Coon Cat,” author; and illustrator of “Wild About Bears,” “Little Maine,” “L is for Lobster,” “A Maine Alphabet” and many more. Brett, who has lived in Maine for over 30 years, has also illustrated state-themed board books of rhyming riddles.

Maine publisher Islandport Press has just reissued the 1975 classic picture book, “When the Sky is Like Lace,” illustrated by legendary Maine artist Barbara Cooney and written by Elinor Lander Horwitz. Haunting and dreamlike, this classic picture book describes the strange-splendid and plum-purple things that occur when the sky is like lace. In celebration of this exclusive edition, there will be a limited number of just-signed copies by the author. The special guests will read from “When The Sky Is Like Lace,” and share fun painting activities and surprises with the kids, all inspired by this classic story.

Owens, Brett and Sweet's most recent award winning books will also be available for sale and book signing following the event.

For more information, call 207-563-3207 or visit www.mainecoastbookshop.com.

Maine Coast Book Shop is located at 158 Main Street in Damariscotta.