David Melton was one of the most versatile and prolific talents on the literary and art scenes. When listing his credits, one is apt to feel that he is describing the creative efforts of several people.

Mr. Melton's literary works span the gamut of factual prose, analytical essays, news reporting, magazine articles, features, short stories, and poetry and novels in both the adult and juvenile fields. Many of his published books have been best sellers in this country and in Great Britain, Germany, and Italy as well.

He had also developed a reputation as an illustrator and graphics designer. Mr. Melton illustrated many of his own books and three by other authors. Many of his paintings and drawings have been reproduced in numerous countries as posters, puzzles, calendars, book jackets, record covers, and in books.

While most artists and authors develop a creative format which utilizes one particular style and approach, Mr. Melton adventurously searched for subjects that demanded he adapt and create a unique and different style for each work. He insisted that each of his books should have a distinct personality of its own.

The results of Mr. Melton's creative efforts are fascinating. Due to the versality of his books, individually and collectively, they reach many extremely broad and diversified audiences of different ages and ranges of interest. The quality of his work has received enthusiastic acceptance and critical acclaim throughout the world.

David Melton was a resident of Prairie Village, Kansas, for more than 40 years. For the past 17 years, he was President and Creative Coordinator of Landmark Editions, a Kansas City, Missouri corporation which specializes in the publication of notable children's books and manuals for educators. Through his Melton Method of teaching students to write and illustrate books of their own, he enhanced the creative lives of many thousands of young people nationwide.