Picture book legend and wordplay virtuoso Jon Agee is coming to The Rabbit hOle for two events this April!
On Friday, April 11 join us for a special evening of hilarity and interactive wordplay with Jon. He will discuss his insanely funny and maniacal magnum opus, Otto — the world’s first and only palindromic graphic novel — then, take us on a journey in real time to create and illustrate impromptu palindromes, anagrams and oxymorons! Doors open at 5 p.m. for a reception and activities in our Tons of Fun Room. Jon will sign books after the 6 p.m. presentation. It’s an evening of fun for ages 21+ and includes one drink ticket, snacks and access to the museum floor. Purchase tickets here.
On Saturday, April 12 join us for family workshops to create ALIEN ART! Maybe you’ll even get the chance to meet… Neil, a li’l alien. Geared towards children aged 6 and up, each workshop will include a read aloud, alien art making, and a book signing with Agee. Offered at two time slots: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Purchase tickets here.
Though his illustrations and minimal text may appear to be simple, Jon is among today's most sophisticated and satirical children's book creators. In addition to more than thirty wordplay and children's books, his work has appeared in a variety of publications including The New Yorker and The Wall Street Journal. The first drawing he ever published was for The New York Times Op Ed page when he was still in high school. It depicted a pack of rats running along a highway (The Rat Race).
Rabbit hOle co-director Deb Pettid first met Jon in the 1980s. While working at the Storyland bookstore in New York City she wrote him a letter inviting for an event and book-signing for Ellsworth and Ludlow Laughs.
“Jon had created about three children’s books at this point, and I saw how parents and children alike appreciated their quality and humor,” said Pettid.
Over the years Jon made many visits to The Reading Reptile, and The Rabbit hOle created an immersive experience based on The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau in 2016. Before The Rabbit hOle even had a building, this temporary exhibit located in the Crossroads gave the public and school groups a taste of the thoughtful environments to come.
“Jon is one of the most underappreciated creators, in terms of recognition,” Rabbit hOle co-director Pete Cowdin said. “Looking at his work it’s clear he’s been influenced by some of the greatest picture book creators, and has now become a source of inspiration to others.”
Jon is featured in the documentary, The Palindromists, which "delves into the world of palindromes–those peculiar words and phrases that read the same backwards and forwards." The full film is available on a variety of streaming sites, and you can watch the trailer below.
