Edmonton-based Fred Curatolo is considered one of Alberta's foremost cartoonists. Fred is available for in-person sessions within 100km of Edmonton and for virtual sessions outside of that radius.
Storyteller, librarian and former teacher, Gail de Vos has been an active promoter of the oral tradition of literature in Alberta for over three decades. Gail is a non-touring member of YABS.
Gerry Rasmussen is an internationally syndicated cartoonist who has been drawing the comic strip Betty since 1991. He is also the illustrator of a series of picture books about sports. Gerry is offering both in-person and online sessions for Fall 2024 and he is open to travel.
Calgary-based Ginger Mullen has been telling stories in schools, libraries, early childhood centres, and community organizations since 1992. Ginger is currently a non-touring member of YABS and not available for Taleblazers due to prior commitments.
With over fifty picture books and children's novels to her credit, Canmore-based Hazel Hutchins is an experienced presenter who takes delight in sharing her stories and creative writing tips with elementary students across Canada and beyond. Hazel is an active member of YABS but is no longer touring.
Joan is an internationally acclaimed author with more than 20 titles, and translations in five languages. She enjoys partnering facts and storytelling to engage young readers in science, engineering, and other STEM topics. She will be available for both in-person and virtual bookings in 2024-25 and is open to travel.
Edmonton-based author Joe Simons is retired from a satisfying career in special ed programs with ECSD. He is currently working on the the sequel to Under A Living Sky which he looks forward to sharing someday! Joseph is offering both in-person and online sessions for 2023-24 and he is open to travel.
For more than thirty years, Karen Gummo has performed far and wide as a creative storyteller, probing her Scandinavian heritage, seeking to learn and decipher world wisdom, and undertaking many school residencies. Karen is available for in-person Taleblazers bookings during the first week of October 2023.
A former elementary and junior-high teacher, Karen is the author of eight middle-grade and young adult novels. Her books feature relatable kids and teens working through contemporary problems and are often set in Edmonton, where Karen has lived for many years. Karen has limited availability in fall 2024 and is considering all requests on a case-by-case basis.
Kate A. Boorman is an Edmonton-based author who was born in Nepal and raised in Rimbey, Alberta. Kate has participated as a guest and presenter at a variety of festivals and conferences in Western Canada, has been artist-in-residence within EPSB, and has been a member of YABS since 2015. She will not be available bookings in fall 2023 due to prior commitments.
