Every comic fan grinds their teeth to hear the old stereotype "Aren't comics just for kids?" This attitude persists despite plots that regularly inspire R-rated films and costumes that would see a live wearer arrested for public indecency.

Turns out, recent years have seen a lack of mainstream comics targeted to, or even appropriate for, children. Reading with pictures is a nonprofit group that seeks to remedy this situation by working with artists and educators to produce material that is entertaining and educational for use in school settings.

Reading with Pictures' website states that "...we believe that comics have the potential to be more engaging, more efficient and more effective educational tools than traditional classroom materials." This goal will help improve literacy, promote good scholarship, and introduce a whole generation to the rich art in the world of comics. You can find more information on Reading with Pictures on their website, www.readingwithpictures.org.

Now available in-store, the Reading with Pictures Anthology is a collection of educational comics including works by Jim Gownley, Fred Van Lente, Raina Telgemeier, Jeff Brown, Chris Giarrusso, Josh Elder, Ryan Dunlavey, Eric Wight and others.