By Zach Jensen,
Decorah Public Library’s graphic novels section has become one of the most popular categories of books in its collection, and in February, the DPL is teaming up with ArtHaus to offer a series of classes to help give youth in grades 1-6 the tools to create their own graphic novels.
“Every kid is interested in graphic novels,” said Decorah native and ArtHaus Studio Manager Oran Deen-Lester, who will be teaching the class. “They combine a ton of really, really interesting mediums into one finished product, and with that many mediums going at once, you can really be expressive with what you’re doing. To give kids — students — that level of self-expression, I think, is really beneficial. And, graphic novels are fun to read. They just bring people a lot of joy, and I’ve found a lot of joy in creating and designing characters for them, writing them, and I’d love to share a bit of that with the community, so others can have fun with them too.”
DPL Children and Young Adult Librarian Sophie Nall said the classes, which will be held for one hour each Tuesday from Feb. 4-March 4, have already filled up, which she said shows the popularity of graphic novels among area children.
“It’s one of the most highly-circulated sections out of the whole building, and I’m always pushing graphic novels, because kids just love them,” Nall said. “This is an opportunity for kids to explore their artistic styles. With the graphic novel medium, you have an opportunity to take your character that you like to draw and put them into different situations, put them into different worlds. There is unlimited story potential. It’s so cool.”
Deen-Lester, who is also an amateur graphic novelist and created his own graphic novel at the age of 12, said children enjoy graphic novels for a variety of reasons.
“Children love looking at illustrations,” said Deen-Lester. “It’s colorful, exciting imagery with funky lettering and sound effects that enhance the story. It’s more immersive, and to have an author attach a visual representation to their work is a pretty unique thing and just makes for a more interesting reader experience.”
Full article available in the January 30 Decorah Leader.
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