James Kochalka: Storytime and Drawing Demonstration!

Jimmy has an elbow! Do you have one, too? Well, what if it could talk?

Join us for storytime with Burlington author and cartoonist James Kochalka to celebrate the release of his latest book, Jimmy's Elbow, a sprawling and silly graphic novel about childhood, toys, and the mysteries inside us. Explore the nature of sensation, the meaning of America, and the fundamental silliness of having a body, in this surreal and spectacular roller coaster ride for kids, families, and very serious adults.

James will read from Jimmy's Elbow and then share some tips and tricks for drawing his amazing characters. Kids who would like to draw along with James are encouraged to bring a pad of paper and something to draw with.

Jimmy is a very good boy. He even wears a tie! But when he bumps his elbow on a table, this very good boy starts feeling very bad. Did his elbow die? Was that just a dream? Or has Jimmy’s magic elbow come to life and unlocked his superpowers? Well, no matter what, it’s time for Jimmy and his elbow to go to school… What else could go wrong?

James Kochalka is, without question, one of the most unique and prolific alternative cartoonists working in America today. His comics have been published internationally by nearly everyone from the smallest alternative publishers to some of the largest publishing houses on Earth; he’s recorded several music albums under the name James Kochalka Superstar (in 2016, his song “Britney’s Silver Can” was named one of the 100 greatest songs of the year by Rolling Stone); and he’s developed animated cartoons for Nickelodeon and Cartoon Hangover. He is the first official Cartoonist Laureate of the state of Vermont, appointed in 2011. Among his best-known works are the Monkey vs Robot series, the beloved children’s series Johnny Boo, Dragon Puncher, Glork Patrol, and Banana Fox, and his magnum opus, the 14-year span of daily diary comics known as American Elf.

DATE: Saturday, October 12th, 11AM

LOCATION: Phoenix Books 89 Church Street, Burlington, VT 05401

ADMISSION: This event is free and open to all. Advance registration is not required, but does help with our planning purposes.

BOOKS: Signed copies of Jimmy's Elbow will be available at the event. A book signing will follow the reading and drawing lesson.

Host or Publisher Phoenix Books