NEWS

Jumpstart hosts children’s author

Deborah Guarino, author of the award winning children’s book “Is Your Mama a Llama?” will speak about her role in early literacy Wednesday, May 11, at 3 p.m. in University Center 200. Admission is free, and a book signing will occur shortly after.  The first 25 guests will receive a free copy of “Is Your Mama a Llama?” 

The event is co-sponsored by Jumpstart at Fresno State, Target Corporation, Sunset Waste Paper and Associated Students.

Guarino studied at the Academy of American Poets and the City Center of Literature in London, England. Her first published works were plays, including several parodies of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas which she produced, directed and performed with the Gilbert & Sullivan Society.

In her varied career, Guarino has worked as a store detective, a portrait photographer at the top of the Empire State Building and a day-care worker. She has also performed improvisational theater with New York City's Chicago City Limits troupe. She has been an editor, public relations consultant and copywriter.

She has contributed numerous short stories to anthologies and textbooks, but is identifiable to children as the author of the bestselling, critically acclaimed “Is Your Mama a Llama?”, a story which came to her during a visit to the zoo with her son, Josh.

For additional information, contact Amy Lukianov at 8-8846.