Jef Czekaj is a cartoonist, musician, and poster artist who lives and works in Somerville, Massachusetts.
His adventure comic strip, Grandpa and Julie: Shark Hunters, is read by over a million children monthly in Spanish and English in Nickelodeon Magazine. A Zeric-award-winning collection of the first 3 years of this strip has been collected in a book of the same name (Top Shelf). His self-published comic Hypertruck has been called "the funniest indie-obsessed subcultural screed ever photocopied" by the Seattle Stranger. In 1999, he and Alex Pirie formed The Somerville Comics Collaborative. The organization uses the medium of comics as a means of bringing different community groups, businesses, arts, and people of all ages and backgrounds together around the common ground of storytelling using words and pictures. They have published several short collaborative comics and one 96-page graphic novel drawn by Somerville youth, Fire on the Nunnery Grounds, and organized a city-wide celebration of comics.
In 2003, Boston Magazine included Jef on their list of "hot" visual artists. He's not sure what that means, but appreciates the compliment.
X is exasperated. Every other letter in the alphabet has so much to do and plays such important roles in making words. X expects more. He calls for a vote on a new alphabet.
"A clever use of a familiar but not stale premise to clue new readers in to some of our written language's little foibles."
--Kirkus Reviews
"The upbeat text and brightly colored, cartoon-like illustrations propel the story, while the personified letters' grievances will draw a sympathetic response from children struggling with the order of letters as they learn to read."
--Booklist
By author: Mary K. CorcoranIllustrated by: Jef Czekaj ISBN: 978-1-58089-208-7
Ages: 8 - 11
Availability:In stock Price:$17.95
Readers follow a red blood cell on its journey through the body, and in the process learn how the body combats disease, performs gas exchanges, and fights plaque.
"An irresistible invitation to go with the flow."
--Booklist
By author: Mary K. CorcoranIllustrated by: Jef Czekaj ISBN: 978-1-57091-664-9
Ages: 8 - 11
Availability:In stock Price:$16.95
Why do we burp, vomit, and pass gas?
What does food do for us? Readers will discover the answers to these and other pressing questions in this humorous, yet scientific, exploration of the human digestive system.
Follow an apple's journey as it wends its way past the mouth, down the esophagus, into the stomach, and through the small and large intestines.
"This is a well-illustrated book that both kids and adults will enjoy. The Quest to Digest is an easy, fun, interesting, accessible, entertaining account of the digestive process." -- Science Books & Films
After the American Revolution, our country was anything but unified. Using the conceit of a school play, Unite or Die traces the challenges, conflicts, and compromises that shaped the United States Constitution and brought unity to the states.
This accessible introduction to the drafting of the Constitution features exuberant illustrations and an engaging style suitable for reader's theater.
"A lively way to kick off discussions of how the Constitution works and why it's still a living document."
--Kirkus Reviews
