Want to book an author+illustrator visit for your school or library? We’ll create a presentation, talk, workshop, or reading/live drawing session that’s tailored for your group. Contact us for possibilities and pricing.
Deanna and Neil live in Kelowna, B.C., Canada with their 4 boys and giant dog, Hugo. They are passionate about sparking curiosity — and about making fun, funny experiences for kids and families. Together, they’ve worked on some of the largest entertainment brands in the world. Working in games, they’re always trying to think about ways to push immersion and engagement with their audiences.
This is us on a visit to Galiano Island! We love it there and we had so much fun at the Galiano School and Library.
DEANNA KENT
Deanna believes in the powerful combination of strategy and story and is passionate about collaboration across disciplines to engage audiences. With almost a decade of experience as an English teacher and another decade at the Walt Disney Company as a narrative designer, senior copywriter, and brand marketer, Deanna loves connecting to create and shape stories and strategic communications—for TV, books, games, and digital experiences. Spending several years in the marketing realm, including tech health and top-tier global entertainment brands, she is currently back working in games as Director of Story.
NEIL HOOSON
Neil loves bringing ideas to life and forging emotional connections with audiences. Neil has more than 20 years of art experience in games and animation and has worked as an illustrator/animator/team lead and Art Director for the Walt Disney Company (interactive experiences and brand and marketing), on the second series of the Pete the Cat animated series for Amazon Prime, and for the Avatar Generations game. He is co-creator of Snazzy Cat Capers, Glam Prix Racers, and Marshmallow Martians books. He is currently Art Director for a brand new mobile game.
Testimonials
Deanna and Neil led a workshop for newcomer families in our Story As Community program this fall. They quickly won over both children and parents through their welcoming and inviting facilitation style! During our end of program sharing circle, one girl shared how her favourite memory was "the marshmallows!" Deanna read an excerpt from Marshmallow Martians and Neil taught the group how to draw marshmallow martians and create facial expressions. Deanna and Neil facilitate a space where creativity is promoted and participants of all skill levels can engage in meaningful participation!"
— Antonia De Boer, Executive Director, Niteo Africa Society
“It’s been two months since our virtual visit with Deanna & Neil and our kids are STILL talking about it. Their presentation was totally unique; their pre-created packets for our kids to follow along with kept every student engaged AND gave them something to bring home to share with their families! Our teachers have mentioned that their focus on teamwork and that EVERYONE is an important piece of the puzzle, has stuck with so many of our kids. At a time that we need to help our kids see the value in collaborating with one another, finding compromise, and that as a unique kid they each bring something special to the whole - their message is one every classroom and school needs to hear. The best part? It’s told through tons of FUN while learning cool drawing techniques! Thanks for everything, Deanna & Neil!”
— Steph McHugh, Library Media Specialist at Bristol Grade School & Yorkville Grade School District Book Ambassador
“Deanna and Neil are a dynamic duo! We’ve hosted several hands-on workshops at our library for ages 7-12 and they’re always a hit. Combining creative writing and illustration together is the perfect mix to spark creativity in kids. Deanna and Neil’s unconventional career paths serve as a great inspiration for the audience to try something new. I highly recommend and look forward to hosting them again!”
— Ashley Machum, Okanagan Regional Library
“Deanna and Neil were incredible! For students in our rural/remote community, it was thrilling for our young people to connect with this deeply creative Canadian author/illustrator duo. Student, teacher and administrator feedback was enthusiastic. Many teachers said it was the best author visit they’d ever experienced. Their process was inclusive, inviting and inspiring for young readers. They made time to respond to every student question and comment with genuine interest. We were swamped with requests for a return engagement. The draw-along nature of their presentation was a huge kid with the kids, and engaged readers at all levels of literacy. We were thrilled to invite them for a return visit at the insistence of students.
—Lori Seay, Galiano Library Program and Events