Member of SCBWI and CCBC.
In Person: $300 plus tax per hour. (1 session = 1 hour)
Virtual Visits are $250 plus tax per hour.
*If outside of Manitoba: travel and hotel accommodations are needed.
*Will do a maximum 4 sessions in one area in a single day.
Awards & Lists:
- 2025 IL Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award – Nominees
- 2025 MYRCA Northern Lights Award Nominee
- 2024 Aurora Award Nominee
- 2024 Utah Beehive Book Awards – Nominees: Graphic Novels (Children)
- 2023-24 Tennessee Volunteer State Book Award in the Middle School category.
- 2023-24 Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading Book Award – Reading List
- 2023-24 Pennsylvania Keystone to Reading Secondary Book Award – Reading List: Middle School
- 2023 CBC Books’ Best Canadian Books for Kids & Teens
- 2023 CBC Children’s and Young Adult Favorites Award List
- 2023 CBC Children’s Favorites Award List: Grades 3-5
- 2023 CCBC Choices List: Fiction for Children
- 2023 Bank Street Children’s Book Committee Best Books of the Year – Book List: Ages 9-12
- 2023 Sakura Medal
- 2022 VLA Graphic Novel Diversity Award – Honors: Youth
Joanna Cacao is a Canadian Filipino illustrator and author primarily for middle grade graphic novels. She is most known for her collaboration with Christina Soontornvat for The Tryout and The Squad, as well as her debut author/illustrator graphic novel: The Secret of the Ravens.
Book Topics: Fantasy, Magic, Adventure, Culture, Friends, Family, Asian, Middle School, Poverty, LGBT+
LIFE OF A CARTOONIST
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a cartoonist? What are their lives like? What goes into the world of creating a graphic novel from start to finish?
Joanna delves into her experience from drawing on her notes in school to creating her first webcomic and taking the leap into traditional publishing. Joanna discusses her trials of following her dreams, growing up Filipino, seeing her name on a bookshelf for the first time and experiencing fame and getting to know her fans. Presentation ends with a Q&A.
Ages: 8+
Group Size: No max.
A/V Needs: In Person sessions require the use of a projector, virtual sessions require the ability to share screens.
The above is Joanna’s go-to presentation, but she is happy to delve into other topics or activities to suit your school needs/events/activities! She has also done conversation styled panels, and is absolutely happy to be part of one.
