September 12th, 2008
Author/Illustrator Xavier Garza to be at SM Public Library

The San Marcos Public Library will host a free presentation by Xavier Garza, author and illustrator of Creepy Creatures and Other Cucuys, Lucha Libre: The Man in the Silver Mask – A Bilingual Cuento, and Charro Claus & the Tejas Kid. Garza will speak about his work, exhibit his art, and sign copies of his books. The presentation, which takes place on Sunday, September 21 at 3:00 p.m., will be followed by a free reception and entertainment by the San Marcos Mariachi Academy.Born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley, Xavier Garza is a multi-talented author, artist, and storyteller. His stories have been published in magazines and newspapers such as El Mañana, The Monitor, TABE, The Corpus Christi Caller Times, Mesquite Review and the Milwaukee Spanish Journal. Garza has made appearances throughout Texas, Arizona, and the state of Washington.

Garza’s first book, Creepy Creatures and Other Cucuys, was published by Arte Público Press in May 2004. His next work, Lucha Libre: The Man in the Silver Mask was published by Cinco Púntos Press in the spring of 2005. Lucha Libre was selected as a Best Children’s Book of 2005 by Críticas Magazine. It has become very popular among children and lucha libre enthusiasts.

Garza’s recent work Charro Claus and the Tejas Kid, will be released November 1, 2008. It is the story of Santa Claus’s Mexican cousin and his sidekick, the Tejas Kid, who is modeled on Garza’s own son. This fantastical story features comical images of flying burros sporting lucha libre masks.

Garza lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife Irma and their young son, Vincent. In addition to writing, illustrating, and sharing his popular books, Garza spends his time teaching art in San Antonio schools and working on a biographical database of the many other notable authors from his native Rio Grande Valley.

Garza’s witty storytelling and colorful art work are sure to make for an entertaining presentation for all ages. His books will be available for purchase at the library.

This presentation is one of a series in the Texas Latino Voices programs to be presented by the Texas Center for the Book and the Lubbock, San Marcos, and Tyler Public Libraries during Hispanic Heritage Month 2008. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event. The library is located at 625 E. Hopkins St. in San Marcos.

For more information call 512-393-8200.

From ROBIN D. WOOD
San Marcos Public Library