Hi Everyone!

It's almost here! My first full-color graphic novel, SMILE, will be in stores next week. I've got the book, a video trailer, and a release party to tell you about!

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The Book: The official release date is Tuesday, February 2, and you will be able to find it in most major book stores stores including Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books A Million, Chapters, and so forth. Look for it in the "young readers' graphic novels" section, which is usually near the teen graphic novels and manga, or near the children's book section (you may need to check both, depending on the store!). If you're confused, just ask an employee to help you find it!

Online orders will also ship next week! I recently revised my website, which has links to all your online ordering options: http://goraina.com/books_smile.html There, you'll also be able to read a preview of the book and some of the early reviews.

If you'd rather get SMILE from your local comic shop, it should ship on Wednesday, February 3. If for some reason you can't find a copy, ask the store to order one for you! If you'd like to find your nearest local comic shop, you can always call 1-888-COMIC-BOOK, or go to http://comicshoplocator.com

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The Video: To whet your appetite, I've created a SMILE Video Trailer! You can watch it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjAmPnXq9Dc

The video was animated and produced by my friend Alison Wilgus, and the music is by my friends from the band Harry and the Potters. I'd love for people to share this video, so feel free to link to it if you've got a blog, a Twitter account, Facebook profile...and I welcome feedback in the comments under the video itself on YouTube.

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The Party: I'm throwing a book release party on SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 13, FROM 4-6 PM, at one of my favorite local comic shops, ROCKETSHIP! Here's a link to the party flier: http://goraina.com/?p=29 As you can see from that, I'll be doing a live visual reading (with an Embarrassing Valentine's Day theme), there will be braces-friendly food, 90s music, and some surprise goodies for everyone in attendance. I encourage you to bring your kids, or someone else's kids, for a fun afternoon! Here are the vital details:

SMILE Book Release Party
Saturday, February 13
4-6 PM
Rocketship
208 Smith Street
Brooklyn, NY
(718) 797-1348
http://rocketshipstore.blogspot.com

I hope to see you there!

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Thanks, as always, for your continued support, encouragement, and enthusiasm over the years. I had a blast creating SMILE, and can't wait to share my labor of love with you. Keep an eye on my website, http://goraina.com, for up-to-date news and information, including all the stops I'll be making on my 2010 book tour.

Keep Smiling!

~raina

http://www.goRaina.com
http://www.SmileComics.com