New York Times bestselling author Jarrett J. Krosoczka will bring his critically-acclaimed 2023 graphic memoir Sunshine to life at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, on Wednesday, April 3, at 7 pm.

Krosoczka (pronounced “Crow-zah-ska”) will be joined by a cast of multigenerational readers including students from Danbury High School for a live, unabridged reading.

The voices, along with projected artwork from the print book, and music and sound effects from the award-winning audiobook, will tell the life-affirming story of Krosoczka’s high school experience as a camp counselor for seriously ill kids and their families. The Newtown performance is a community event for all ages. It is suggested for ages 10 and up.

NPR calls Sunshine a “powerful ... moving memoir” and notes that “Krosoczka has a talent for uncovering the grace that can emerge from harsh realities.”

Show Producer Amanda Riley of Danbury says she could not wait to bring the show to Connecticut.

“Jarrett’s stories of his experience at Camp Sunshine is something I just want to share with people,” Riley also said. “It’s filled with humor, heart, and compassion.

”Krosoczka is an award-winning author and illustrator of more than forty books for young readers. The Massachusetts resident and National Book Award finalist has appeared on NPR, TED Talks, and been profiled in The New York Times.

Krosoczka and Riley met through social media. His popular “Lunch Lady” book series brought him in touch with Riley’s “Lunch Lady” videos. Her fun, encouraging posts as Bethel schools’ lunch administrator went viral during the pandemic.

Krosoczka said he has been “hooked by her infectious and encouraging spirit” ever since Riley’s Amanda (AKA Super Fly Lunch Lady) popped up on his TikTok feed.

“The algorithm helped forge our friendship!” said Krosoczka, who appeared with Riley on Good Morning America, sharing the importance of school lunches for needy kids.

Realizing that his books can inspire young readers beyond the page, Krosoczka founded School Lunch Hero Day, a national campaign celebrating school lunch staff. A consummate advocate for arts education, Krosoczka also established The Joseph and Shirley Krosoczka Memorial Youth Scholarships, which fund art classes for underprivileged children in his hometown of Worcester, Mass.

Tickets for the Newtown event are $5 each, and available at edmondtownhall.org. The event will include a Q & A and book signing after the show. Copies of Sunshine will be available to purchase, provided by Byrd’s Books. For more information call 203-426-2475.