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Introductions

In the first installment of Tablet Magazine’s new graphic advice column, we meet Mitzi, the author’s heroine, foil, and muse

by
Liana Finck
January 10, 2011

Welcome to “Tell Mitzi,” Tablet Magazine’s newest feature. It’s part graphic novel, part advice column; or, if you prefer, an illustrated question-and-answer blog. However you describe it, it’s the brainchild of Tablet artist-in-residence Liana Finck.

The column is inspired by one of Finck’s favorites children’s books: Tell Me a Mitzi. Written by Lore Segal and illustrated by Harriet Pincus, it’s a 1970 classic about a girl whose parents tell her stories about another girl named Mitzi, who has real adventures. And so, each week, our imaginary questioner, Mitzi—serving as Finck’s muse and foil—will post a question either overtly or tangentially about Jewish life in our blog, The Scroll. Mitzi will choose her favorites, which will then be rendered in illustrated form the following week. As with Segal’s heroine, Mitzi’s adventures are essentially quests for knowledge. Help her.

Liana Finck is a poet and graphic novelist.