My crazy spring is officially underway, and this weekend hails the return of the MoCCA Art Festival, one of my favorite small press conventions of the year. Here's where you can find me and what I'll be up to this weekend. ----

I'll be set up with the Comics Bakery at Table E3, which is to the left of the convention's entrance. We're sitting near our friends Hope Larson, Soda Pop Comics, and Ryan Sias, so we're in for a good time! I will have both hardcover and softcover editions of Smile, as well as all four volumes of the Baby-sitters Club graphic novels, X-Men: Misfits, Outreach, and Take-Out. I'll have some original art, some fun promotional items, and TOOTHBRUSHES with me, too! Dave, John, and Marion will also be selling a wide selection of their wares, including the newest issue of Life Meter. Please come by and say hello!

I'll be in a few places during the con. On Saturday, April 10, from 4:00 - 4:30, you can find me at the MoCCA table, doing sketches! The idea is, you make a donation to the museum, and I make you a drawing, either a headshot or a full-body pose. Please be sure to bring reference if you'd like me to draw a specific character.

Then on Sunday, April 11, I will be on a really awesome panel at 4:30 PM: YA? Why not! Young Adult graphic novels are swiftly gaining popularity among librarians, teachers, and most importantly, young readers! Join Hope Larson (Chiggers, Mercury), Jillian Tamaki (Skim), Raina Telgemeier (Smile, Baby-sitters Club), and Tracy White (How I Made it to Eighteen) for a discussion about their work, their influences, and their audience.
Moderated by The Beat’s Heidi MacDonald. (All panels are located downstairs in the main panel room.)

----

The con itself isn't all that's going on, of course. On Friday evening, April 9, all women who are involved with comics in any capacity are invited to join me at:

Drink & Draw Like a Lady EAST April 9 7:30 - 10:30 PM Location: 192 Books 192 Tenth Avenue (& 21st St.) New York, NY

This is a ladies-only evening of comics, camaraderie, conversation, and networking! I helped put together the inaugural DDLL last year, and it was a great time, although a bit too loud and in too small of a location. The new location, 192 Books, is a cozy, independent book store with loads of charm. All ages are welcome!

I'm really looking forward to this weekend, and I hope to see you then!

(Here's where to find me all weekend!)

Tomorrow, Saturday, April 3, why not join me at the Graphic Novelists' Literary Cafe at the New York Public Library? Women in Comics: Female Graphic Novelists Writing with Kids and Teens in Mind

Join a distinguished panel of three of the finest women writing comics for kids today as they discuss the field, their new books, and how they came to the format in the first place. Featuring Colleen AF Venable (Hamster and Cheese), Raina Telegemeier (Smile), and Tracy White (How I Made it to Eighteen).

New York Public Library Stephen A. Schwarzman Building The Berger Forum (2nd Floor) 5th Avenue & 42nd Street New York, NY 10018 2:00 PM FREE!

My new friends at Arkham Comics, a lovely comic book store in Paris, France, have a series of videos they created to talk about books they recommend & what they're reading. I was thrilled to learn they made a video talking about Smile! Here it is:
Arkham Comics présente le comic de la semaine #27

...Of course, it's in French. And I don't speak French! So a very kind reader, Annie Rodrigue, offered to translate for me! Her transcription is below (and I would put it behind a cut, but I don't know how to do that in Wordpress). Thank you so much, Annie!

00:45- 1:30: Of course they start presenting the book with title and author! And also mention that it’s a very good book! He says that is chief editor picked the book for him (the critique) They start by saying that it was insane (they say the word “mortelle” which could be translate to mortal, but in France, when they say that, it REALLY means that it was extremely good! Ahahah)

1:30-2:30 : They give a resume of the book. They explain that this is also an auto-biography. When they flip the pages they actually explain what starts the whole story (the accident). They also explain that it’s a story about a girl that goes through high-school while dealing with the whole issue of self-image. How it explains about the evolution of the character through the story.

2:30-2:52: They explain, that it’s not cynical or violent in content. That it’s well presented and that the storytelling is fabulous. They mention that you’ve worked in the animation industry and that it really shows in your work. [Actually, I've never worked in animation, although a lot of people make this assumption, because in the book I mention wanting to become and animator. Nope, it's been all comics for me! --RT] They specifically talk about how your lines flow in the pages and how rich the colors are in the book. Very enjoyable!

2:52-3:40 : From here they are showing scenes that they really liked. They first show the nice dentist. Then skip to the scene about the Little Mermaid movie. There they take the time to show the page, because they are pretty much saying it’s one of the very favourite panels in the book. And then explain that this is when the character decides about their future career! =)

3:40-4:06 : Here they start explaining how since the accident, friends start showing their true faces to the main character. And how those friends start calling her a nerd. From there they quickly flip through to show that the character grows up and goes to high school later on.

4:06-5:00 : They mention how the graphics are very fluid. And so is the story. Divided in chapters, and also a webcomic. They also mention that it’s from Scholastic, which usually doesn’t publish comics, but is starting to slowing add graphic novels to their list of books. And then they say Spoiler Alert, and go to the last page, and say: we don’t want to give away anything but look at the bio pic: her teeth are fabulous!

5:00-6:15 : From here, they talk about you a little more, mention that you were part of the Flight Anthologies and the X-Men comic story that you worked on with your husband in manga style. They also mention about the illustration work that you do for children’s books and also events and classes that you give for young adults to introduce them to comics and such.

6:15-End : When they show the book they say: a great book that might not change your life, but that will be a nice change from superhero comics. And that it will make you smile. He then says that he loves to read about this period (the 80s) and to see how some lived through it in America. And say thank you to everyone and thanks to you also, the author! And hello from Paris!

Merci beaucoup to Pierre and Pierre at Arkham, for introducing a bunch of new people to my work. :)

April is going to be a month chock-full of coast-to-coast travel, comics, books, and friends! Here's where you'll be able to find me in the next month. Click the event links for full details, locations, and directions! Saturday, April 3, 2:00 PM NYPL Literary Cafe: Graphic Novelists New York Public Library 42nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenues New York, NY

Join me, Tracy White, and Colleen A.F. Venable, for a discussion about graphic novels for kids, tweens and teens. (As part of the NYPL's Literary Cafe series, this is an adults-only forum.)

-----

April 10-11 MoCCA Art Fest New York, NY Exhibiting w/ the Comics Bakery: I'll have hardcover and paperback versions of Smile, original art, BSC books, and minicomics.

I'll be on a panel, Sunday April 11 at 4:30 PM: YA? Why Not! Join me, Hope Larson, Tracy White, and Jillian Tamaki as we discuss the YA and kids comics market, libraries, schools, and our work. Moderated by The Beat's Heidi MacDonald. Downstairs in the main panel room.

-----

April 16-18 C2E2 (Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo) Chicago, IL Find me in the Artist Alley! I'll have copies of Smile, original artwork, BSC books, t-shirts and minicomics!

Panel and presentation information coming soon!

-----

Tuesday, April 20 Challengers Comics + Conversation Store signing and reading (with Dave Roman) Chicago, IL 7 - 9 PM

Join Dave and I for a fun evening of live comics readings, music, books, and snacks!

-----

Thursday, April 22 Multnomah County Library Event Kenton Branch 8226 N. Denver Ave. Portland, OR 97217 (503) 988-5370

Time and details coming soon!

-----

April 24-25 Stumptown Comics Fest Portland, OR I'll be set up with copies of Smile, BSC books, minicomics, and original art!

Panel information coming soon!

-----

(And just for good measure...) Saturday, May 1 Books of Wonder Smile Signing and Reading! 18 West 18th St. New York, NY Noon - 2 PM

Come by BoW for a book reading with myself and a couple of other authors! May 1 is also Free Comic Book Day, so be sure to stop by your favorite local comic shop too!

Check out this amaaaaazing store window display! (Click to view larger.) This is from the Broadway location of Kidsbooks, an awesome store in Vancouver, BC. I wish I could see this in person! Thanks, Kidsbooks!

Plenty going on for me this week and next, but it's all events that aren't open to the public. My next public appearance will be on Saturday, April 3: I'm participating in a New York Public Library Literary Cafe event with two graphic novelists who also happen to be friends of mine: Colleen A.F. Venable, and Tracy White. Join us at 2 PM for a discussion on graphic novels for kids, tweens, and teens!

Saturday, April 3, 2:00 PM New York Public Library 42nd Street between 5th & 6th Avenues New York, NY (This is an adults-only event)

The following weekend, I'll be exhibiting at the MoCCA Art Fest April 10-11 here in New York. Look for me at the Comics Bakery table. Then, I'm hitting the road for Chicago, followed by Portland, OR! It's going to be a busy spring!

Tomorrow, Wednesday, March 10, please join me for a presentation at the Flushing Branch of the Queens Library. Here are the vitals: 41-17 Main Street Flushing, NY 11355 (718) 661-1200 3:30 - 4:30 PM

I'll be showing slides, talking about making comics, and doing some drawings. I'll have books for sale, too!

Tomorrow, March 3, I will be on a panel at the New York Public Library! Please join myself and Barry Lyga for the Professional Panel--part of a week-long series devoted to teen readers, fandom, and everything manga/music/games/books. Our panel is at 4 PM, in the Community Room of the Grand Central branch (46th Street between Lexington and 3rd). It's located next to Teen Central on the 2nd floor. Admission is free and all are welcome!

Don't forget--there's a SMILE GIVEAWAY CONTEST going on right now! The deadline (Sunday, February 28) is quickly approaching, so get your entries in soon. The contest is simple: Tell us your most embarrassing dental story! It can be true or false, and you can submit in just about any format you wish: an essay, a comic, a drawing, a video...check out the link for complete rules. I'm judging this contest along with blogger Little Willow, and I look forward to commiserating with your tales. The winner will receive a free copy of Smile!

A huge 'thank you' to everyone who attended my book release party Saturday--it was an unprecedented success, and I had an absolute blast. Special thanks to Alex and Elsbeth at Rocketship; Marion, Michele, and Alex for the photos; Steve and Matt for providing soundtrack help; Gina for bringing cookies; and Dave for helping me run everything smoothly (and doing all the other voices during my reading!).

Braces-friendly food: applesauce, blue Jell-O, ice cream, smile-shaped cookies, and Smile French Fries!

The live reading and presentation, in front of a packed house.

The past couple of weeks have been amazing: thanks to everyone who has emailed me, blogged, Tweeted, Facebooked, linked to my site, sent text messages and photos, written reviews on Amazon and Goodreads; bought the last copy at their local store; asked store owners to order the book; lent their book to a friend; or simply told me they enjoyed it. I'm blown away by the response so far, and can't wait to share Smile with more new readers. Thank you.

Really...I can't say it enough!

Just a reminder: THIS SATURDAY AFTERNOON, my book release party goes down in Brooklyn, NY!

Smile Book Release Party! Saturday, February 13, 2010 4-6 PM

Rocketship 208 Smith Street Brooklyn, NY

Visit Rocketship's website for more information.

*Live visual reading, with an embarrassing Valentine’s theme! *Braces-friendly food! *90s tunes!

All ages are most welcome. I've come up with some fun surprises for all the party guests, so please come by, get your book signed, see my presentation, and have a good time!

To celebrate the release of SMILE, I drew an exclusive comic strip for Scholastic's Ink Splot Blog, about novocaine! Click here to read. Novocaine is something almost everyone is familiar with, but for some reason, I never drew a page of the actual book talking about how weird it feels.

Another fun thing I did this week was participating in my very first Hourly Comic Day, where you draw a short comic for every hour of the day you're awake. It was a challenge! HCD fell on the day right before SMILE's release, so I was excited and busy and nervous about it. Enjoy.

SMILE is in book stores today!! I've heard from sources 'round the US and Canada that it's definitely stocked in Borders, Barnes & Noble, Chapters, and Indigo. Check the kids' graphic novels and manga sections. If you can't find it, ask someone to help you! Online orders are now listed as "In Stock," so if you ordered a copy online, it should ship right away. One of the best things you can do, as a reader, is leave some feedback on sites like Amazon, B&N, Goodreads, of even your own blog! Word of mouth is the very best way for a book like SMILE to succeed. I appreciate every word, and every bit of feedback.

So exciting. I'm going to hit a couple of stores in New York today, and see if I can get photos...

Presenting: A video trailer we made to promote Smile! It was compiled and animated by my good friend Alison Wilgus, with music by Harry and the Potters--enjoy!

One week till the book is in stores...

Today, I'm pleased to announce the first SMILE GIVEAWAY CONTEST! Little Willow, over at Slayground.net, wants to hear your most embarrassing dental story! You can submit the story as an essay, a comic, an illustration, a photo, a web video...anything you like! Best of all, the stories can be true or false, so anyone can enter (even those of you lucky enough to have never had any dental drama in your lives)!

The contest will run until February 28, so you've got a bit of time to come up with your entry. Have fun with this! I'm helping to judge at the end, so I'll get to see all of the entries, too. I can't wait.

In addition to the contest, LW is also collecting quotes from some of her readers, answering the question, "What makes you smile?" I gave the first answer, and this link will continue to update with more answers throughout the month. Have a look! :)

I'm excited to to announce that you can now read an 8-page preview of Smile, in full-color, at Graphic Novel Reporter! And while you're there, you can also read an interview with me, as well as read their review of the book. Whew! Thanks, GNR!

Last night I recorded an episode of the Ink Panthers Show with my pals, hosts Mike Dawson and Alex Robinson, and the podcast is up now for listening!

We talk about teeth, middle school, and how I'm secretly a hobo. I think you will enjoy it. Thanks for having me on, guys!

Save the date:

Smile Book Release Party! Saturday, February 13, 2010 4-6 PM

Rocketship 208 Smith Street Brooklyn, NY http://rocketshipstore.blogspot.com

*Live visual reading! Perhaps with an embarrassing Valentine's theme! *Braces-friendly food! *90s tunes!

All ages are most welcome. I'll pop in with a reminder a little closer to the fact, but wanted to invite everyone to this event with some advance notice--mark your calendars!

Hi, and welcome to the newly-renovated GoRaina.com! I've been putting a few coats of paint on the walls, changing the furniture around...and now I'm ready for company! Come on in. There are new illustrations in the gallery, a few new comics to read, and information about all my books, including the forthcoming SMILE! That will be in stores on February 2, but in the meantime, you can read a preview, check out some of the wonderful reviews the book has been getting, and pre-order from your favorite retailer!

I've also added some information about Author Visits, as well as updated my events schedule for the year--it's there on the right. That schedule will be updated VERY regularly, as I confirm more events and appearances over the course of 2010. Stay tuned to my site for ongoing news and info!

In the next few weeks, I'll have a couple of contests you can enter, a few more announcements, and I'll be debuting the animated BOOK TRAILER for Smile, which I'm really excited about.

I'd like to thank my friend Stephanie Yue for putting together this site for me. She did a great job, and if Steph's name sounds familiar to you, that's probably because she was also the colorist for Smile. Thanks, Steph!

Thanks for dropping by, and I hope you enjoy your stay!

My advance copies of SMILE have arrived, as a sort of early Christmas present! I couldn't be more delighted with the way they turned out. Check out that shiny foil on the braces!

You can order it now through your local comic shop, using Diamond Preview Order Code DEC09 0873. Or, buy it at your favorite book store! It'll be out on February 2, 2010.

You can see a few more photos here, including shots of the softcover, the colorful interiors, and the amazing quote on the back cover!

SMILE is in the current issue of Diamond's Previews Catalogue, which means you can now reserve a copy of the book through your local comic shop! It will ship on February 3, 2010. SMILE’s Diamond Preview Order Code: DEC09 0873

Softcover: $10.99 Hardcover: $21.99

Not only that, but the book is also a Staff Pick! Here's the wonderful review:

From the moment that she trips and loses her two front incisors in the sixth grade to the day the braces finally come off in high school, young Raina Telgemeier endures casts, false teeth, headgear, bloody deep cleanings and extractions.  It’d be easy to write off Smile as a graphic novel about braces, but there’s more to this ordeal than orthodontics.

If anything, Raina’s braces serve as a framework for the larger coming-of-age narrative.  Covering everything from earthquakes to school dances (and how many of us could even tell the difference at 16?), Telgemeier recounts some very formative experiences with an in-the-moment frankness guided by intelligent reflection.

This story is smart enough to recognize that life-changing events can be unforeseen and abrupt, like Raina’s fall, or slow but inevitable, like an eventual split with her friends...  And as much as Raina’s literal smile is an object in this book, the ever-present suggestion to “smile!” is the real star and driving subject.  How do any of us—awkward, confused and insecure—come through the teen years smiling?  Telgemeier’s answer is in this excellent graphic novel.

Recommended by Kate Henning

---

I'd also like to remind everyone that I have stacks and stacks of Baby-sitters Club ORIGINAL PAGES for sale, and that they make wonderful holiday presents! Please check out my STORE page for details and shopping cart, but I have two options for buying BSC pages:

--You can buy the page of your choice, which normally run between $50 and $100 (a bit more for the most detailed pages). I give discounts for multiple-page purchases, and am happy to personalize!

--You also have the option to buy a page from the book of your choice, where I get to choose the page itself, for $30 each plus shipping! I am also happy to personalize these pages.

For every page of art that I sell through my website, I will make a $5 donation to First Book, a fantastic non-profit organization that provides new books to children in need.

---

Keep your eyes on my site over the next few weeks, as I'll be making more announcements and sharing more info about the upcoming release of SMILE. It's going to be a great holiday season!