AUTHOR AND CARTOONIST RAINA TELGEMEIER

New York Times bestselling author and cartoonist Raina Telgemeier will visit Maine for a series of school and library visits. She will be appearing at Portland Public Library on Thursday, October 25 at 4 PM, at the Curtis Library in Brunswick on Friday, October 26 at 4 PM and at Casablanca Comics in Portland on Saturday, October 27th at 11 AM.

Her critically acclaimed graphic novel memoir based on her childhood, Smile was last year's winner of the Maine Student Book Award and the 2010 winner of the Eisner Award for Best Publication for Teens. Smile was also an ALA Notable Book, a Kirkus Best Book of 2010, and a Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards Honor title. Raina Telgemeier grew up in San Francisco, but made her way to New York City when she was 22 to attend the School of Visual Arts as an Illustration and Cartooning student. She received her BFA in 2002, and has worked as a freelance artist ever since. Telgemeier adapted and illustrated The Baby-sitters Club graphic novels, which were selected for YALSA's Great Graphic Novels for Teens list and Booklist's Top 10 Graphic Novels for Youth list.

Already a New York Times bestseller, her latest book Drama tells the story of Callie who loves theater. Callie would totally try out for her middle school's production of "Moon over Mississippi," except that she's a terrible singer. Instead she's the set designer for the stage crew, and this year she's determined to create a set worthy of Broadway on a middle-school budget. But how can she, when she doesn't know much about carpentry, ticket sales are down, and the crew members are having trouble working together? Not to mention the onstage and offstage drama that occurs once the actors are chosen, and when two cute brothers enter the picture, things get even crazier!

Raina will be discussing the inspirations of her work and the process involved in creating comics. She will be signing copies of her books after the event. Raina Telgemeier's appearances are presented by Casablanca Comics of Portland, who have sponsored her Maine visits as part of her national book tour.

For more information on Raina Telgemeier click here: RAINA TELGEMEIER

For more information on the Portland Public Libary click here: PORTLAND PUBLIC LIBRARY

For more information on Casablanca Comics click here: CASABLANCA COMICS