APPLY TO HOST VIVIAN ROSAS IN ONTARIO
APPLY TO HOST VIVIAN ROSAS IN NOVA SCOTIA (VIRTUALLY)
Home Location: Toronto, Ontario
Creator Type: Illustrator
Genres: Picture books, non-fiction
Website: www.vivian-rosas.com
Tour Region: Ontario (in person and virtually) / Nova Scotia (virtually)
Target Audience: Junior Kindergarten – Gr. 9
Cost: $300* (for one 60-minute presentation)
*(The illustrator collects $250 of the fee and $50 of the fee covers The Canadian Children's Book Centre's administration fees for coordinating Book Week).
Taxes charged on presentations: YES
BIOGRAPHY
Vivian Rosas is a queer Mestizx/Latinx artist based in Toronto. Her illustrations and murals often explore themes of feminism, empowerment and diversity. She is the illustrator of Better Connected by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, Queer History A-Z by Robin Stevenson and Momma's Going to March by Jennifer Maruno. Her work has been commissioned by Pride Toronto and appeared in such publications as the Globe and Mail and The Walrus.
PRESENTATION DESCRIPTIONS
Speak Up! Creating Powerful Protest Art
Target audience: Junior Kindergarten – Grade 2
Maximum group size: 30 – 35 students (for IN-PERSON presentations)
Maximum group size: two classes (for VIRTUAL presentations)
Join Vivian for an engaging and hands-on workshop where students will explore the power of protest art as a tool for social change. Vivian will begin by reading from her illustrated book, Momma’s Going to March, through which students will learn about various moments in history when art and protest have come together to make a difference.
Afterward, participants will dive into creating their own protest art. Whether it's a sign, banner, or poster, students will have the opportunity to express what matters most to them—whether it’s social justice, environmental causes, or personal values. With paint, markers, and other materials, they’ll bring their message to life in a creative and impactful way.
By the end of the session, students will walk away not only with their own unique piece of protest art but also with the confidence to use their voice and artistic expression to advocate for the causes they care about. This workshop encourages young changemakers to realize that even small actions can lead to big change.
Required equipment: screen and projector
Required materials:
- Bristol board or thick paper for signs/posters
- Perhaps a drawing paper roll if the kids want to collaborate on a big banner piece
- Paint, brushes, markers, pencils, scissors
Embracing Identity
Target audience: Grades 5 – 9
Maximum group size: 30 – 35 students (for IN-PERSON presentations)
Maximum group size: two classes (for VIRTUAL presentations)
Join Vivian for an uplifting and empowering workshop designed to help students celebrate their unique identities and embrace diversity in themselves and others. Drawing inspiration from her illustrated book Queer History A-Z, Vivian will share stories of queer youth who have courageously embraced their true selves, providing students with real-life examples of how identity can be a source of strength, pride, and openness.
Through an inclusive and supportive environment, students will engage in meaningful discussions about diversity in identity, background, and experience. They will reflect on the importance of self-acceptance and learn how to foster acceptance and understanding within their communities.
Students will then get the chance to create a vibrant self-portrait that highlights the qualities that make them uniquely themselves—whether it's their personality, interests, heritage, or anything they feel defines their identity. Using colorful art supplies, students will bring these self-reflections to life in a creative and meaningful way.
This workshop aims to inspire students to feel empowered, proud, and confident in who they are, while also fostering an atmosphere of openness and acceptance toward others.
Required equipment: screen and projector
Required materials:
- Paper, coloured construction paper, scissors.
- Markers, pencils, paint, brushes, pencil crayons
****paint/brushes are not necessary if you want to simplify
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Kyi, Tanya Lloyd, and Julia Kyi. Better Connected. Orca Book Publishers, 2022.
Stevenson, Robin. Queer History A to Z. Kids Can Press Ltd, 2024.
Maruno, Jennifer. Momma’s Going to March. Groundwood Books Ltd, 2024.