Vancouver has a vibrant literary scene, and one of our favorite events is starting this weekend on Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th at The Roundhouse Community Centre. The Vancouver Comic Arts Festival is a great place to meet some of your favorite children’s literature authors in person.
Last year, the highlight for us was meeting Dan Santat and talking D&D with him. My kids have been big fans since the days of ‘The Adventures of Beekle’ and ‘Crankenstein,’ so it was some real-life magic. We also got our copy of ‘A First Time For Everything’ signed.
Elaine Chen and Anu Chouhan (Aru Shah series) from VanCaf 2023
My first VanCaf purchase was one of Dawn Lo’s Friendship Zines, and I make sure to see her every year. Unsurprisingly, she is now a children’s book illustrator with her latest book ‘Sally’s New Look’ launched earlier this year.
Dawn also contributes amazing artwork to the local community, from the VPL to murals supporting the revitalization of life of ChinaTown. She’s a must see and also an incredible human.
https://linktr.ee/dawndawnillo
You can find her at booth J4-B
Next Dawn you can find April Dela Noche Milne, Filipino-Canadian illustrator and writer. April’s illustrated books include ‘The Blue Road: A fable of migration’, and ‘The Imperfect Garden’. Her debut book ‘Nora At Night’ publishes in 2026!
https://www.aprilmilne.com
Booth J4_A
If you enjoyed ‘No Horses in the House! The Audacious Life of Artist Rosa Bonheur’, come say hi to Anna Bron. Her beautiful illustrations will mesmerize, she’s also the illustrator of the Salma series. ‘Salma Writes A Book’, was banned, so if you are a rebel heart, come out and support her work.
https://annabron.com
Booth J9-A
‘Teeny Houdini’ fans will love to know the brilliant and talented Zoe Si will be at VanCaf. Zoe also illustrated the ‘Wolfie and Fly’ series and if you aren’t following her yet, she has a great newsletter.
http://www.zoe-si.com/books
Booth K5-B
Our school library’s copy of ‘Ride On’ shows how enthusiastically it has been loved. A little reader sat in front of me at a volleyball game, she read the entire time, and I couldn’t help but look over at Faith Erin Hicks beautiful illustrations. If you have a graphic novel fan, come and say hello here:
https://www.faitherinhicks.com/books
Booth D-12
On the special guest list: Cathon!
I’m personally a big fan of the Poppy and Sam series with my favorite being ‘Poppy and Sam Search For Sleep’. It’s very exciting to have Cathon as a special guest with Pow Pow Press where you can get her latest book ‘Salade De Fruits’ signed.
https://cathon.net
Booth B1
Jeremy Tankard is the author of the ‘Yorick and Bones’ series, Grumpy Bird and Me Hungry.
https://jeremytankard.com/
You can find him next to middle grade illustrator and author, Claire Lordon. Claire also illustrates pictures books like ‘The Seasonal Taking A Walk’ series.
https://www.clairelordon.com
Booth E4-B
Special Shout out!
Local Rascal is an amazing artist and art teacher. You’re sure to see her joining the KidLit community soon.
https://www.localrascal.art
Booth H4-A
I shared these Bookshop and Library Love stickers a week or so ago. You can find them here:
https://www.bek-design.com
Booth H5-A
Who are you looking forward to seeing at the Vancouver Comic Arts Festival? Did I miss a local favorite? Check my stories over the weekend to see who else I find.