Cartoon Art MuseumMedia Release -- Over the past decade, graphic novels have exploded in popularity with children and teenagers. The Cartoon Art Museum's latest exhibition, Storytime! Graphic Novels for Kids of All Ages, features the work of ten influential cartoonists whose work broke new ground in bookstores and libraries. Their graphic novels are promoted as product for the children and young adult marketplace but these innovative graphic novels are captivating to readers of all ages. Co-curators Andrew Farago and Larry Marder have placed a special emphasis on the creative processes used by the individual artists. Visitors are invited to peek over the shoulders of the creators and follow along from the first sketchbook doodles all the way to the printed page.

June 26 – November 14, 2010

Programming to be announced

Highlights of Storytime! include:

*A behind-the-scenes look at the creative process of acclaimed children's book creator Mo Willems as he shares production art from his book Elephants Cannot Dance!

*Classic tales from Little Lulu, drawn by Irving Tripp and written by Virginia Hubbell, including never-before-seen thumbnail sketches and typewritten scripts.

*Larry Marder's Beanworld, a compelling fantasy with profound insights into themes of ecology, culture, and art; a most peculiar comic book experience.

*Stan Sakai's Eisner-winning samurai epic Usagi Yojimbo.

*Smile (A Dental Drama), the new autobiographical graphic novel set in San Francisco, by Raina Telgemeier, artist of the Baby-sitters Club graphic novels.

*Harvey Award-winning cartoonist Lark Pien's children's books Mr. Elephanter and Long Tail Kitty.

*A sneak peek at Dave Roman's upcoming comedic sci-fi graphic novel Astronaut Academy.

*Eisner-winning creator Hope Larson's newest graphic novel, Mercury, an engaging combination of history, romance and magical realism.

*Jeff Smith's epic cartoon/fantasy BONE, which redefined the world of graphic novels. Smith's contribution to Storytime! appears in the latest BONE graphic novel, Tall Tales, published by Scholastic.

Programming featuring Storytime! artists will take place throughout the duration of the exhibition. Details regarding these events will be announced as schedules are confirmed.