Sat Sep 21 11:43:21 UTC 2024: ## 95-Year-Old Cartoonist Jules Feiffer Releases New Graphic Novel for Middle Grade Readers

**New York, NY** – Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist and author Jules Feiffer has released a new graphic novel for middle-grade readers titled “Amazing Grapes.” At 95 years old, Feiffer continues to create, finding inspiration in the simple joy of play and the lessons learned from a lifetime of experiences.

“Amazing Grapes” tells the story of a family thrown into adventure after the father abandons his wife and three children. Guided by a two-headed swan, the children embark on a journey that takes them to another dimension and, ultimately, to a deeper understanding of their family and themselves.

Feiffer, known for his iconic work on “The Phantom Tollbooth,” describes his creative process as a journey of discovery. “I sit down at a table, and I make notes and scrawl things down. And suddenly, as a result of scrawling, a notion hits me,” he says. “I follow the orders of the book. The book tells me where it wants to go.”

While the story is aimed at younger audiences, Feiffer emphasizes the importance of play and its relevance to all ages. “As I got older, my sense of play has gotten more relevant,” he shares, noting that it’s what allows him to embrace life’s challenges and find joy in the present.

The title “Amazing Grapes” is a playful twist on the iconic hymn “Amazing Grace,” inspired by a poignant moment during a funeral service for President Obama. Feiffer explains that the song’s beauty and universality resonated with him, prompting him to adapt it into a children’s story.

Despite his advanced age and health challenges, Feiffer remains prolific, already working on his next project – a memoir told through drawings and text. “I have to find a way to make myself worthy of this, you know, to pay this off, the privilege of this being my day-to-day experience,” he says of his current life and work.

“Amazing Grapes” is a testament to Feiffer’s continued passion for storytelling and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages through his captivating illustrations and thought-provoking narratives. It’s a reminder that the joy of play and the pursuit of creative expression know no age limit.

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