Jo Rioux

Images from Jo's illustration workshop

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 lead 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.

Curriculum Links

Identify elements and characteristics of media forms; use the conventions of sequential art to express feelings, ideas and issues; demonstrate an understanding of composition.

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Illustration workshop

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

Participants: Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12	Maximum: 30
Discipline: Literary Arts, Visual Arts
Time and Price: 1 hour session: $195 + HST Half day: one 2 hour session $295 + HST Full day: two 2 hour sessions $395 + HST

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Author/Illustrator visit

Using her own work and personal experience, Jo discusses the ins and outs of comic creation in a way that will engage readers and aspiring creators alike. The visit includes a multimedia reading of one of her comics and an interactive storytelling session that will initiate students to new and fun ways to tell a story.

Participants: Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Grade 7, Grade 8, Grade 9, Grade 10, Grade 11, Grade 12	Maximum: 60
Discipline: Literary Arts, Visual Arts
Time and Price: 1 hour session: $195 + HST Half day: Two 1 hour sessions $295 + HST Full day: Three 1 hour sessions $395 + HST