Inspired by Jarrett's Graphic Novel Crash Course workshop that I took in the summer, I invited him to come on my podcast to extend that learning and experience with you.
In this episode we talked about the value and importance of exposing children to a range of books to enhance their learning and enjoyment of literacy. I shared a very honest reflection of what I used to believe about graphic novels and where I've reached and why.
“I want to convince kids who maybe aren't fully convinced yet, that reading can be a blast. And that it can also be something very positive and worthwhile to have in your life. For entertainment, and also for edification, for information for guidance, for comfort.”
Author-illustrator Jarrett Lerner is the award-winning creator of the EngiNerds series of Middle Grade novels, the Geeger the Robot series of early chapter books, the activity books Give This Book a Title and Give This Book a Cover, and The Hunger Heroes series of graphic novel chapter books.
Jarrett is also the creator of the forthcoming illustrated novel in verse A Work in Progress, the forthcoming set of Nat the Cat early readers, and more. All of Jarrett’s books are published by Simon & Schuster.
In addition to writing, drawing, and visiting schools and libraries across the country, Jarrett co-founded and co-organizes the #KidsNeedBooks and #KidsNeedMentors projects. He is also the founder and operator of Jarrett Lerner’s Creator Club.
He can be found at jarrettlerner.com and on Twitter and Instagram at @Jarrett_Lerner. He lives with his wife and daughters in Massachusetts.
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The music for this podcast is written and produced by Jazlyn B with the guidance of Sabine Ndalamba
Note: This podcast is created for educational purposes only. Any references links, resources or content are not intended as a substitute for medical or professional mental health advice.