Free graphic novel workshop for educators and librarians

Gutiérrez will provide an overview of the ways graphic novels, comics and manga foster and enhance a love of reading. His tips and techniques work across all age levels and translate perfectly into librarian-led book circles and read-alouds. He will share kid-centered ways to leverage the unique strengths of the medium to read with expression, expand vocabulary, practice visual literacy, identify story elements and master comprehension strategies.

His hour-long workshop will lead into a half-hour session with award-winning Maine educator and technology integrationist Laura Richter. She will present her new curriculum for "The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli" graphic novel series. The curriculum is available for free at www.captneli.com and complimentary copies of the graphic novel will be provided to workshop attendees. "The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli" is written and illustrated by Jay Piscopo of Portland.

Presented by Casablanca Comics, the first-year Maine Comics Arts Festival was created to celebrate the wonderful world of comic books, comic strips, graphic novels and web comics. The festival will be held Sunday, May 17 from 10 am-5 pm in the Ocean Gateway Terminal on the waterfront in Portland and will feature writers, artists and publishers from the field of comics. Admission is $5 and kids 12 and under are free. For more go to www.mainecomicsfestival.com.