Actor Craig Robinson to discuss new children's book

Before Craig Robinson - known to TV viewers as Darryl Philbin from the warehouse of Dunder-Mifflin on "The Office" - was an actor, he was an elementary school music teacher. That background comes handy now that he has launched a new project as a children's author.

Robinson will discuss his new book, "Jake the Fake Keeps it Real," at an Anderson's Bookshop-sponsored event at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 19, at Center Stage Theater, 1665 Quincy Ave., Suite 131, Naperville. Robinson will sign copies for fans following his presentation. Tickets, required for this event, are available from Anderson's Bookshop, 123 W. Jefferson Ave., Naperville, or by calling (630) 355-2665 or visiting andersonsbookshop.com. One book purchase admits a family to Robinson's presentation.

Robinson collaborated on the new series with No. 1 New York Times best-selling author Adam Mansbach and NAACP History Maker recipient and cartoonist Keith Knight.

In the book, Jake can barely play an instrument, not even a kazoo. And his art is more Pictionary than Picasso. Which is a real problem because Jake just faked his way into the Music and Art Academy for the gifted and talented (and Jake is pretty sure he is neither). More jokester than composer, Jake will have to think of something quick before the last laugh is on him.

Featuring more than 160 illustrations, "Jake the Fake Keeps it Real" is sure to bring the laughs with his hilarious high jinx.

Robinson is best known for his work on NBC's "The Office," Hollywood comedy blockbusters "This Is the End," "Hot Tub Time Machine" and "Pineapple Express," and the upcoming drama "Morris from America." Robinson draws on his life's most hilarious moments and his experience attending Chicago's first public magnet school to bring Jake the Fake to life. Robinson continues to act, perform and cheer on the White Sox.

Mansbach is a novelist, screenwriter, cultural critic and humorist. A No. 1 New York Times best-selling author, Mansbach has recently expanded his writing repertoire to include his debut thriller, "The Dead Run," and a middle-grade novel. His novel "Rage Is Back" was a National Public Radio Best Book of the Year. Mansbach's work has also appeared on NPR's "All Things Considered."

Knight is a rapper, social activist, father and educator. He's also one of the most highly regarded cartoonists in America, and the creator of three popular comic strips: the Knight Life, (th)ink, and the K Chronicles. Knight is the recipient of the Eisner Award and the NAACP History Maker award. His art has appeared in various publications worldwide, including The Washington Post, Daily KOS, San Francisco Chronicle, Salon.com, Ebony, ESPN the Magazine, L.A. Weekly, MAD Magazine, and The Funny Times.