Raina's Thing

This coming weekend I’m heading up to Toronto for one of my very favorite comic events, the Toronto Comics Art Festival! (Or TCAF, for short.) TCAF is FREE to attend, and draws one of the best crowds (of both cartoonists and attendees) in all of North America.

I’ll be at TABLE 265 with Dave Roman and John Green, who are debuting their graphic novel TEEN BOAT! at TCAF! Table 265 is on the second floor of the library, in the OwlKids Exhibitor Area–we’ll be near Jenni and Matt Holm (Babymouse), Andy Runton (Owly), Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet), and Kean Soo (Jellaby), which is awesome. We’re right by the upstairs bathroom, and on the way into the OwlKids panel space. We’re at the end of the row, but you should be able to find us! Look for the TEEN BOAT! banner! I’ll have some copies of Smile, as well as Smile T-shirts and some art for sale! And, I’ll have Drama bookmarks!!

If you’re looking for me, I will be at the table signing and sketching for most of the show, with the exception of the following fine programs!

Saturday, May 5

1:00pm-1:45pm: Kids Comics Quickfire!
Location: Toronto Reference Library, 2nd Floor:
Appel Salon, Novella Room
Part drawing jam, part fast-paced game show! Volunteers from the audience are paired off with (or against) professional cartoonists in a series of fun-filled drawing challenges! Featuring Dave Roman (Astronaut Academy),Raina Telgemeier (SMILE), John Green (Teen Boat) and Bob Flynn (Heeby Jeeby Comix).

1:45 – 3:00 – Comics Childhoods
Location: The Pilot Tavern, 22 Cumberland Street
What was your childhood like? Four cartoonists discuss their depictions of their own childhoods in comics. Why does childhood have strong pull on cartoonists’ stories? And what’s involved with visually recreating youth? With Alison Bechdel, Jenni Holm, Michel Rabagliati, and Raina Telgemeier. Moderator: Robin Brenner

Sunday, May 6
12:45 – 1:30 – Turn Your Life Into A Comic!
Location: Toronto Reference Library, 2nd Floor:
Appel Salon, Novella Room
The inspiration for Raina Telgemeier’s book, Smile, comes from her own life as an eleven-year old girl who injures her two front teeth. Are you ready to tell your life story in comics? Get tips on how to pick ideas from your own life to create your own autobiographical comics.

2:45pm-3:30pm: Spotlight: Explorer The Mystery Boxes
Location: Toronto Reference Library, 2nd Floor:
Appel Salon, Novella Room
Join the creators of Explorer: The Mystery Boxes: Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet), Jason Caffoe (Flight), Stuart Livingston, Raina Telgemeier (Smile), and Dave Roman (Astronaut Academy), as they read their stories live on stage, with a little help from the audience!