Cartoonist, author Jeffrey Brown to sign books in Crystal Lake

Although the Crystal Lake Barnes & Noble will be closing its doors at the end of August, they will be bringing in New York Times bestselling cartoonist and author Jeffrey Brown from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 29.

Brown is the author of "Darth Vader and Son," as well as the middle grade Jedi Academy series. He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he grew up dreaming he would draw comics for a living.

After spending college focusing on fine art and then receiving his MFA in Painting & Drawing from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Brown began drawing autobiographical graphic novels and realized making comics was what he should have been doing all along.

His books include graphic memoirs for adults, all-ages humorous parodies, Star Wars adventures, and the "Lucy & Andy Neanderthal" series.

In addition to winning the Ignatz and Eisner awards for his work, his art has been exhibited in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and Paris.

He currently lives in Chicago with his wife, two sons, and cat.

Brown will be promoting his newly released book, "My Teacher is a Robot," an imaginative picture book about a kid whose creative outlook has everyone at school seeing the world through new eyes.

Fred does not want to go to school because it's boring. Especially since he thinks his teacher is a robot. If only Fred could imagine a way for his day to be more exciting. An inventively funny picture book that celebrates the boundlessness of a child's imagination and celebrates the teachers, families, and friends who get wrapped up in their fantastic worlds.

Many of Brown's other titles, including the "Jedi Academy" and "Lucy & Andy Neanderthal" series, will also be available for purchase and signings.

Advance registrations can be made by contacting Kerri Connor at (815) 444-0824 or crm2959@bn.com.