Comic creators Posy Simmonds, Jean-luc Fromental and Joëlle Jolivet are appearing together at next month’s 27th South Ken Kids Festival, on a panel entitled Life in Comics with Miss Cat, on Friday 22nd November, at the Institut français du Royaume-Uni.
If you’re interested in the history of comic books and graphic novels, then learn more about this genre blending literature with art, with celebrated comic book authors and illustrators Posy Simmonds, Jean-luc Fromental and Joëlle Jolivet.
Together they will delve into the intriguing past and exciting future of the Ninth Art, and talk about Fromental and Jolivet’s Miss Cat series, much-praised by Simmonds, which have been published in multiple languages worldwide.
Aimed at six to ten year-olds, two English language Miss Cat books were released earlier this year by Thames & Hudson – Miss Cat and the Case of the Curious Canary, and Miss Cat – The Gnome’s Nightmare,
Jolivet and Fromental are also each giving solo workshops over the weekend.
London-based Posy Simmonds is the author of many books for adults and children, including Gemma Bovery, Lulu and the Flying Babies and Fred, the film of which was nominated for an Oscar. She has won international awards for her work, including the 2009 Grand prix de la critique bande dessinée and the 2024 Grand Prix at France’s Angoulême International Comics festival. Her third graphic novel, Cassandra Darke was published in 2018.
Jean-Luc Fromental is a translator, writer and publisher, with extensive involvement in TV, cinema, and comics. Beginning his career at Jean-Claude Lattès, he soon transitioned to writing, co-authoring his first novel, Le Système de l’homme mort. His career then moved into comics, where he held editorial roles at Métal Hurlant magazine. Fromental has authored children’s books like Oops! and 365 Penguins, working with Joëlle Jolivet, and scripted award-winning films, including Loulou, l’incroyable secret, which earned the César award for animation in 2014.
Joëlle Jolivet has always drawn, painted and engraved with her left hand. With her right hand, she writes and peels potatoes. From her graphic design studies at the Arts appliqués, she has retained a taste for drawing from life. At the Beaux-Arts, she completed her training in the lithography workshop, which led her to linoleum engraving, her main means of expression today. She is recognised as one of the leading artists in children’s publishing, and many of her books have been translated into many languages.
Running from 18th until 24th November 2024, the 27th South Ken Kids Festival is an annual celebration of children’s literature in all its glory at the French Institute in London, an event bursting with activities for the whole family, offering a sparkling programme inspired by children’s and young adult’s literature, comic books, graphic novels, films and music. Events include storytelling, live drawing, workshops, talks, screenings, concerts and book signings.
Entirely bilingual, multilingual at times, this year’s edition will be a treat for fans of literature and illustration of all ages with a tremendous line-up of authors and artists from both sides of the Channel and beyond: Axel Scheffler, Posy Simmonds, Joanne Harris, Joseph Coelho, Patrice Lawrence, Timothée de Fombelle, Marie-Aude Murail, Jean-Luc Fromental, Joëlle Jolivet, Bridget Marzo, Amandine Piu, Béatrice Rodriguez, Chloe Savage, Joséphine Seblon, Robert Hae-Seng, Massimo Fenati and many others will join readers, young and old, under the ever-generous patronage of beloved Quentin Blake.
The Institut français is the French Agency of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs in charge of promoting French culture overseas and international cultural exchanges.
• Book your tickets for Life in Comics with Miss Cat here |6.00 – 7.00pm Friday 22nd November, Institut français du Royaume-Uni, 17 Queensbury Place, London SW7 2DT
• South Ken Kids Festival is online at southkenkidsfestival.co.uk
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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