In November 1964, Richard Kyle coined the term “graphic novel” in “Richard Kyle's Wonderworld 2,” written for the second issue of the comics fanzine Capa-Alpha. In his essay, Kyle used the term to describe “…the artistically serious ‘comic book strip.’” Since then, scholars, publishers, and the general public have all debated the term’s definition. But while their debates rage on, authors and illustrators have been creating, reimagining, and pushing the limits of the medium, producing a range of publications that promote the sharing of information through a series of sequential artwork. But how exactly do they do it? What tools do they use, and what lessons have they learned along the way? Join the Children’s Literature Research Collection as we discuss the work and the processes of three illustrators:  Team Pom creator, Isabel Roxas, Leon creator Jamar Nicholas, and Gabby Torres creator Angela Dominguez.  An open Q&A will follow.

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About the Presenters:

⬢ Angela Dominguez is the author and illustrator of several books for children including the beloved Stella Díaz series. She is a New York Times Bestseller, Sid Fleischman winner, and a two-time Pura Belpré Illustration Honoree. Her books have garnered acclaim from the New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, Best Picks from Amazon, and several State reading lists. Her latest book is Gabby Torres Gets a Billion Followers. The Gabby Torres series is Angela’s debut into the world of comics and mischief. 

⬢ Jamar Nicholas is an award-winning, Philadelphia-based artist and educator, dedicating his career to helping young people realize the power of visual narrative. Jamar aims to promote anti-bullying, healing, and kindness in his work. Jamar's current project, partnering with Scholastic Graphix, Leon the Extraordinary, is the first book in his series featuring Leon and his friends, Carlos and Clementine.  The next volume, Leon: Worst Friends Forever was released October 2024.

⬢ Isabel Roxas is a storyteller who loves to conjure up tales of adventure, with characters who defy the odds and funny animals. Isabel has illustrated several acclaimed picture books, including Leo’s First Vote by Christina Sontoornvat and Our Skin: A First Conversation About Race by Megan Madison and Jessica Ralli. Her debut graphic novel, The Adventures of Team Pom: Squid Happens won the Golden Kite Award from the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). Isabel’s picture books and graphic novels have been translated into Korean, French-Canadian, Mandarin and Greek. Originally from the Philippines, she is now based in New York City and is an avid collector of pigeon facts.