Colleen AF
Award Winning Author
Children’s, Middle Grade and Young Adult Graphic Novelist
Travels from: North Adams, MA

“Venable’s twisty plot swoops gleefully around Manhattan, touching on everything from animal activism to evolving relationships to a secret rescue mission, and combining to tell the story of one of the least boring summers ever.” — BookPage

Colleen AF Venable is the author of indie bestseller Katie the Catsitter graphic novel series with Stephanie Yue (nominated for 14 state awards), as well as the National Book Award Longlisted Kiss Number 8, a graphic novel co-created with Ellen T. Crenshaw. Her other books include The Oboe Goes Boom Boom Boom with Lian Cho, The Swayze Year with Meghan Daly, Kitten Ninja with Marcie Colleen, Time Buddies with Matthew Cody, Mervin the Sloth is About to Do the Best Thing in The World with Ruth Chan, and the Guinea Pig, Pet Shop Private Eye series, also with Stephanie Yue. Colleen splits her time between Brooklyn, New York, and an old house in North Adams, Massachusetts that she’s rebuilding with friends. When she’s not writing books, she can be found working at animal rescues, rollerskating, building things, and getting very excited when she spots a frog.

Colleen AF's Featured Titles

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We Love Comics!

Colleen talks about where she grew up, how she broke into comics, and how kids can make their own books, too! The talk includes a reading, complete with many silly voices and sound-effects, plus an interactive non-fiction section focused on history, science, and animal facts connected to the book series. (For instance, with the Katie the Catsitter series, Colleen talks about the history of cats in the world, incredible cat feats, and the science of why cats are so amazing. With her Guinea Pig Pet Shop Detective series, she talks about how crimes have been solved in the past, what animals would make the best detectives, and the history of guinea pigs) The talk can be adjusted to be 30 min, 45 min, or an hour and includes audience participation to keep the kids engaged and a Q&A at the end.

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We Love Music!

With the help of her informational picture book, The Oboe Goes Boom Boom Boom, Colleen talks about the science and history of music and brings actual instruments into the classroom—including drums, clarinet, trombone, ukulele, tap shoes, and more. The presentation includes a reading of the book with fun voices and audience participation and live music class. The talk can be adjusted to be 30 min, 45 min, or an hour and includes audience participation to keep the kids engaged and a Q&A at the end.

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Hands On Mini-Comics or Zine Workshop!

Did you know that almost EVERY big kids graphic novelist got their start making photocopied handmade mini-comics? This hands-on workshop will guide kids though character creation, world building, story structure, and will also include a lesson in paper-engineering as kids learn to fold their own mini books with a simple sheet of printer paper. This workshop works better with a smaller group so there is more 1:1 time with Colleen with each child and gives time at the end for kids to present their characters and stories to the rest of the group. There are two versions of this workshop: a 45 min to an hour one, or a full three hour class. The three hour class will include teaching kids how to carve rubber stamps to make their own book covers.

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Virtual Book Club Visit

Colleen loves to chat with book clubs virtually to discuss any of her books and answer any kid questions. The book club visits last between 15 minutes (just answering questions) to a full hour presentation. This can be for any age from the youngest kids to teens.

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We Read Banned Books

Aimed at teens, but can be modified for adults: A history of banned books in America and why it’s so important to fight against censorship. Includes a dramatic reading of Colleen’s often banned book, Kiss Number 8, as well as an overview of LGBTQ+ history. Perfect for LGBTQ+ groups and anyone looking to expand the viewpoint of their students. The talk can be adjusted to be 30 min, 45 min, or an hour and includes audience participation and a Q&A at the end.

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Colleen’s Design Link

Info on National Pancake Day!

Katie the Catsitter: Activities and Event Guide

Katie the Catsitter Multi-Level Classroom Activities

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Katie the Catsitter Series
(3 published with 3 more planned)
Awards
Nominated for 16 State Book Awards
#7 on the PW Bestseller list for June 2023
Numerous weeks on the Indie Bestseller List
PW Best Book
SLJ Best Book

The Oboe Goes Boom Boom Boom illustrated by Lian Cho
AWARDS:
SLJ Best Book
Bank Street Best Book
Wisconsin state reading award nominee
Indie Next List
Junior Library Guild Selection

Kiss Number 8 illustrated by Ellen Crenshaw
Awards:
National Book Award for Young People’s Literature Longlist (only the 5th comic to ever be nominated)
Eisner Nomination
2020 Mosaic Award
Great Graphic Novels for Teens Top 10
Quick Picks for Young Adult Readers Top 10
Prism Award Finalist
NYPL Best Books
Tayshas Reading List
Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

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