The Mullica Hill library will host its Once Upon a Toon event on Wednesday, June 28, to showcase for the first time the work of Emmy-winning artist Joe Wos.
Wos will read the story Don on the Farm as he illustrates it live for children of all ages.
“I would describe this event as a family-friendly illustrated storytelling performance,” said the head of library youth services Stephanie Smith. “Participants can expect a pun-filled story filled with amazing illustrations. There will be a guessing game, two tales and a quick how to draw lesson.”
Wos has been a professional cartoonist since he was 14, according to his website, MazeToons. He has won two Emmy awards for his work on the PBS production Cartoon Academy, where he shows kids step by step how to draw cartoon characters, while also sharing facts about his subjects.
On top of his Emmys, Wos is also a performer who founded and ran his own cartoon art museum in Pittsburgh, where he partnered with the city’s symphony orchestra to make live performance illustrations. He also exhibits his artwork in other venues, according to his website.
Once Upon a Toon is a part of the library’s summer reading program.
“The story is called Don on the Farm, which is about animals who work together,” Smith explained. “Our summer reading theme this year is All Together Now, so this program fits in nicely with the theme.”
The library event begins at 2 p.m. and is free, but registration is required in advance online at the Gloucester County Library System (GCLS) website, www.gcls.org/calendar. Each attendee must file a separate form that includes name, email and phone number.
“Since this is a summer reading event, we expect to have many people attend and it will fill up fast,” said Smith, who welcomes the idea of having Wos back in the future.
“We love having our ‘fan favorites’ and always have room for new performers,” she noted. “It’s also great to show children how they can turn their talent/hobbies into a career.”
