Ron Broda and TD Canadian Children's Book Week

Celebrate the Magic of Books during TD Canadian Children's Book Week from November 17-24
with Ron Broda one of Canada’s most renowned children's book illustrators and paper sculptors.

November 18, 2007
James Bay Community Centre Library
1-2 pm (for primary grades)
2:30-3:30pm (for intermediate grades)
*parents or guardians must attend with their children. (Free, but please reserve by phoning 598-5645 or emailing sheryl@sherylmcfarlane.ca)

November 19, 2007
7:30 pm
Spectrum Community School Library, 957 Burnside West
Entrance Free
Come early and browse the bookseller's table, and bring a friend!

illustrator
	biography... Ron Broda is a children's book illustrator and paper sculptor from Sarnia, Ontario. Born and raised in New Hamburg, Ontario, Ron was one of 11 children. He struggled as a student with ADD and learning disabilities, long before they had a name, or a method of accommodation. He shares these experiences, and how he overcame them, in several of his workshops and seminars. These very things that held Ron back as a student, have brought him great success as an illustrator and public speaker. Ron believes that children with learning differences should be encouraged to explore their unique talents and abilities. Ron has over 20 years of experience in advertising, art direction and commercial illustration. The medium of paper sculpture combines paper and water colour to create vivid illustrations with great detail and realism. They are labour intensive, and when photographed, have the ability to transform a 3-dimensional image onto the page of a book. Ron has used these skills for many ad campaigns and art pieces for such clients as Coca-Cola, Chrysler, and Xerox among others, and had the honour of being named "One of Canada's Top 5 Illustrators". Of the 12 books Ron has illustrated to date, his favorite book is The Little Crooked Christmas Tree. This book has since been made into a classic television production narrated by Christopher Plummer. Ron and his family enjoy watching it every Christmas on TV!
Ron enjoys visiting schools and libraries when he is not at work in his studio, and he is a strong supporter of delivering the curriculum through the arts. Many of his workshops can be specially designed by the teachers to make effective use out of the artistic talents of himself and those of the students. Ron is married with 3 children, one of whom shares his gifts of artistic talent AND unique learning style.
bibliography... In My Backyard (Tundra Books, 2007) Why Animals Show Off (Scholastic Canada, 2004) Take a Closer Look (Harcourt, 2004) Butterflies (Grosset & Dunlap, 2000) Dinosaur (Digging Up A Giant) (Scholastic Canada, 1999) 3D Paper Craft (Scholastic Canada, 1997) Have You Seen Bugs? (Scholastic Canada, 1996) Spider Lunch (Grosset & Dunlap, 1995) Waters (Scholastic Canada, 1993) Blue Jay Babies (National Geographic, 1991) Caterpillar Magic (National Geographic, 1990) The Little Crooked Christmas Tree (Scholastic Canada, 1990)
awards... Dinosaur (Digging Up A Giant) Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice 2000 starred selection Bronze, 3Dimensional Art Directors and Illustrators Awards Show, Children's Book Category, 1999 Have You Seen Bugs? Ontario Library Association Canadian Materials Committee Best Bet, Non-Fiction Category, 1996 Bronze, 3Dimensional Art Directors and Illustrators Awards Show, Children's Book Inside Page Category, 1995 Bronze, 3Dimensional Art Directors and Illustrators Awards Show, Children's Book Complete Book Category, 1996 Shortlisted for the 1997 Canadian Library Association’s Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award Why Animals Show Off Recommended by the Canadian Toy Testing Council, 2004
praise for Ron Broda... Dear Ron, I am a grade 5 teacher at Jack Chambers P.S. who had the opportunity to listen to your presentation at our school today. I cannot tell you how timely your honest recounting of the difficulties and mis perceptions you faced as a child dealing with ADD were for so many children in my class, one in particular. I have a young man who for years has suffered from low self-esteem and this year was diagnosed with ADD. The diagnosis has done little to make him feel better about himself, but has certainly alerted family and teachers to his special needs. Although over the years everyone has told him that he is not "stupid" as he refers to himself, he has never believed it. I have a feeling that your words today finally hit home. Like you, he loves to draw and feels it is the only thing he is good at — and some days won't even give himself that credit. While he has difficulty with core subjects, particularly math and writing, he is incredibly talented at acting, drawing and communicating with people of all ages. I watched his face as you spoke today and could see the intensity with which he was listening. He came back to class after the lunch break and asked if instead of doing silent reading would he be able to.....draw. I hope you realize that your words are as moving and inspirational as your art. I commend you for spending time in schools, for sharing your experiences and for letting kids see that being a little different doesn't mean being a failure. Please continue to spread the word in the gentle and sincere way that you do. It means so much to so many.

For information about Book Week check out www.bookweek.ca.