Bal Harbour

BAL HARBOUR 97 And this surge in popularity has long-term implications for children's literacy. "We're noticing that when kids fall in love with a series like 'Dog Man,' and when they are encouraged to read what they really like, even if it seems below their level momentarily, it can work as a gateway to them becoming big readers," Russell says. "Dog Man" is a graphic-novel series by Dav Pilkey, who is also known for the illustrated hit series "Captain Underpants," about a crime-fighting superhero who is half-cop (body) and half-police dog (head), stitched together after a villainous plot results in a fortuitous accident. e first "Dog Man" book appeared in 2016, four years after the character was written into the final installment of "Captain Underpants." Last year, Scholastic published the seventh and eighth titles, "For Whom the Ball Rolls" and "Fetch-22." e newest, "Grime and Punishment," is set for September. Raina Telgemeier, another pioneer in the graphic-novels space, appeals to an often ignored market: comic books' female readership. Telgemeier's rise to the ranks of Y.A. royalty began in 2010 with her debut novel, "Smile," about years of dental horrors and the insecurities she faced as a middle-schooler. Last year, she published her third graphic-novel memoir, "Guts," in which she opens up about anxiety and the toll it took on her insides, beginning in fourth grade. In the intimate account, Telgemeier works to destigmatize mental illness and therapy for young readers. A new generation of celebrities are putting their stamp on the thriving illustrated children's book category. ough there's never a lack of offerings by film, music and television stars on the store shelves, like other celebrity ventures—memoirs, podcasts and Netflix specials—the key to a successful celebrity-penned children's book is authenticity, Russell says. In "Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging, and Being Yourself," written and illustrated by Matthew Gray Gubler, a self- conscious green-skinned monster hides below ground, only emerging at night, disguised by a banana-peel hat. e lovingly crafted, hand- lettered picture book is the debut from the actor, better known for his role as Dr. Spencer Reid on the TV series Criminal Minds. It is about learning to cast off fear, embrace the "weird," and find fulfillment through relationships with others and yourself. Following its success, Gubler has announced that a sequel is already in the works. Another celebrity making a mark with a message of self- acceptance is the Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o. Her much praised debut, "Sulwe," illustrated by Vashti Harrison, is a deeply personal account of a little girl who dislikes her dark skin, envying the bright complexions she sees around her, in her family and at school. It's a heartwarming story that deals with difficult subjects like colorism, self-esteem and the insecurity that results from narrow beauty standards. Ultimately, Russell says, mindfulness and kindness have been popular themes for children's books in the past few years. ese works will continue to draw young readers with their ageless messages. "I think people really underestimate the sophistication of what's being published in the children's-book world. It is a very open, diverse place, and especially compared to the adult market," she said. "With a book like 'Sulwe,' what she's saying about race and colorism isn't said in that way to adults, even." "In our increasingly digital world, nothing takes the place of the low-tech, soulful experience of reading to a child or watching them spend hours entranced by the pages of a book." —Mitchell Kaplan, Books & Books Actor-turned-author Matthew Gray Gubler celebrates "Rumple Buttercup" at Barnes & Noble - The Grove in Los Angeles.

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