Travis Dandro is the award-winning creator of the graphic novels King of King Court, Hummingbird Heart, and a reimagining of Winnie-the-Pooh, published by Drawn & Quarterly. His work explores themes of childhood, dysfunctional family dynamics, friendship, and loss—brought to life with a sketchy, loose, and evocative style that resonates with emotional depth and humor.

Travis discovered his passion for comics at an early age, publishing his first comic strip, Twerp, in his local newspaper when he was just 12 years old. This early achievement laid the foundation for a career defined by deeply personal storytelling and critical acclaim. His debut graphic memoir, King of King Court, earned the prestigious Lynd Ward Prize and praise for its raw, empathetic exploration of family relationships. This success paved the way for his follow-up, Hummingbird Heart, which continued to build on his reputation as a master of narrative and emotional resonance.

In 2024, Travis brought his lifelong admiration for A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh to a new generation of readers with a faithful graphic novel adaptation. Praised as a “splendid homage to Milne and Ernest Shepard,” his work has been celebrated for introducing the classic to young readers without the Disneyfication of other versions. He is currently at work on its sequel, The House at Pooh Corner, from his small cabin in Maine.

Drawing from personal experiences, Travis creates graphic novels that are as universal as they are intimate, connecting readers through stories of family, identity, and resilience.

This program is sponsored by the library and free thanks to the generosity of the Anahata Foundation. If you have any questions contact Teen Services Librarian Kendall at kendall.chapman@bhpl.net or 374-5515. 

The Robert K. & Linda B. Slaven Lecture Series seeks to bring distinguished speakers with expertise in a wide array of subjects to Blue Hill to share their knowledge on topics of importance to the community and the world. It is supported by a generous gift from the Anahata Foundation.