Virtual Author Visit: “Drawing Comics with Jarrett J. Krosoczka,” May 6

Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m.

Presented by the Rock Island and Moline Public Libraries

The bestselling, award-winning author and illustrator behind more than 40 books for young readers will offer a live drawing workshop sure to inspire everyone's inner artist in the virtual author visit Drawing Comics with Jarrett J. Krosoczka, a May 6 event offered by Illinois Libraries Present and co-hosted by the Rock Island and Moline Public Libraries.

A 45-year-old graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, Krosoczka received his first book contract six months after graduation, and his first book, Good Night, Monkey Boy, was published by Random House in June of 2001. More than three dozen additional works have followed, including his wildly popular Lunch Lady graphic novels, select volumes of the Star Wars: Jedi Academy series, and Hey, Kiddo, which was a National Book Award Finalist in 2018 and won the 2019 Harvey Award for Book of the Year. Krosoczka creates books with humor, heart, and deep respect for his young readers -- qualities that have made his titles perennial favorites on the bookshelves of homes, libraries, and bookstores over the past 20-plus years.

In addition to his work in print, Krosoczka produced, directed, and performed in the full-cast audiobook adaptations of his graphic novels. The Hey, Kiddo audiobook garnered both Audie and Odyssey Awards for excellence in audiobook production, while the Lunch Lady audiobook cast is led by Kate Flannery (The Office) and rounded out by famed audiobook narrators and young actors. Krosoczka has been a guest on NPR's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, has been profiled in the New York Times, was featured on Good Morning America, and has delivered three TED Talks t5hat have accrued millions of views online. Krosoczka has garnered millions of additional virtual views via the tutorials he has produced for YouTube and TikTok. Beyond currently working on his books' film and television adaptions, Krosoczka has written for Apple TV+'s The Snoopy Show and served as a consultant for Prime Video's Creative Galaxy, appearing in live segments for the show, as well. A consummate advocate for arts education, the author and illustrator has also established the Joseph and Shirley Krosoczka Memorial Youth Scholarships, which fund art classes for underprivileged children in his hometown of Worcester, Massachusetts.

The virtual author event Drawing Comics with Jarrett J. Krosoczka will be viewable on May 6, participation in the 10 a.m. program is free, and more information is available by calling (309)732-7323 and visiting RockIslandLibrary.org, and calling (309)524-2470 and visiting MolineLibrary.com.