Where the Wild Things Are: Children's Graphic Novels

I have been teaching and championing the study of the art of graphic novels since 2002 from Coast to Coast, at the Comic-Con and through the National Association of Comic Art Educators. What a ride we have experienced as we have seen comics gain more cultural, commercial, and academic acceptance. Yet, one of my rare regrets during all those years came from the lack of children’s graphic novels. The irony! In many minds, comics are for children. In reality, these days, only few graphic novels come out catering to readers, ages 2 to 12. Françoise Mouly and Art Spiegelman’s Little Lit was a wonderful exception. Well, times are changing, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators knows it! I have been granted the honor of championing graphic novels for children at their 8th Annual SCBWI Winter Conference in New York (Feb. 9-11, 2007) through a series of presentations. The world of children’s graphic novels is going to be a great adventure! That’s where tomorrow’s “wild things are”! Be part of it in New York with us!