(Posted March 20, 2006)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Christopher Raschka, a native of Huntingdon, Pa. and an award-winning children's author and illustrator, will participate in a book-signing at Juniata College's Beeghly Library from 2 to 4 p.m., Monday, March 27.

The library will have Raschka's two Caldecott Award-winning books available for purchase, "Yo! Yes" and ""The Hello, Goodbye Window." Raschka will be on hand to sign books and answer questions about children's literature.

Christopher Raschka is the son of the late Donald Durnbaugh, former Juniata College archivist, and Hedda Durnbaugh, college archivist. Raschka currently lives in New York City. He has twice received the Caldecott Medal, the highest literary award for children's books. He received the award for his book "Yo! Yes?" in 1994 and for his illustrations in "The Hello, Goodbye Window" in 2006.

His illustrative style is inspired by the spontaneous drawings of children. His own books are often inspired by diversity issues, such as "Yo! Yes?" and "Happy to be Nappy," written by bell hooks. Raschka also is inspired by music and has published books on jazz musicians such as "Charlie Parker Played Be-bop" and "Mysterious Thelonious."

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.