Comics are known for their ability to engage even the most reticent readers, making them well loved by kids everywhere. Jo Rioux uses her own comics to introduce participants to this unique storytelling medium.  Starting with an imaginative exercise that will set the stage for their story, the participants then focus on weaving together words and pictures into a short comic of their own creation. Older participants will get a more extensive look at comic making techniques.

About the artist

Jo Rioux was born and raised in Ottawa, Canada. As a child, she read comics voraciously; first in her native French and later in English. Attending a high school for the arts was the first step in an artistic path which led to the illustration program at Sheridan College. After graduation, she was drawn to children’s books, illustrating Swordquest for HarperCollins and the graphic novel series A Sam and Friends Mystery for Kids Can Press. Her love for the comic medium spurred her to author her first graphic novel series Cat’s Cradle, which is set to be re-published by First Second Books.