SURREY INTERNATIONAL WRITERS’ CONFERENCE | Presentations and panels
Surrey, British Columbia | October 24 – 26, 2025

Unfortunately, this year’s SIWC was cancelled due to unfortunate circumstances. Please support the festival at their GoFundMe page.

ATOMIC CARTOONS | Lunch and Learn
Vancouver, British Columbia | May 15, 2024

Holman gave a virtual talk on “finding your niche” to the staff of Atomic Cartoons at their offices in Vancouver, Los Angeles, and Ottawa.

ERASMUS MUNDUS INTERNATIONAL MASTERS | CLMC PROGRAM
Vancouver, British Columbia | June 26, 2024

Holman gave a presentation and workshop for the Erasmus Mundus International Masters program in Children’s Literature, Media & Culture.

SD73 YOUNG AUTHORS’ CONFERENCE
Kamloops, British Columbia | May 3, 2024

For a second time, Holman was invited to teach Grades 6 – 7 workshops at the Young Authors’ Conference for School District No. 73.

VANCOUVER WRITER’S FEST
Vancouver, British Columbia | October 19, 2023

Holman moderated his first on-stage event at VWF this year, discussing Fantastical Fantasy with Jes Battis, Clara Kumagai, and Sarah Suk. Watch here!

BC AND YUKON BOOK PRIZES
Vancouver, British Columbia | September 24, 2023

Holman served on the jury for the Christine Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize with fellow kidlit creators Shane Goth and Norma Charles.

WORD VANCOUVER
Vancouver, British Columbia | September 25, 2022

Holman was thrilled to give a needle-felting workshop at Vancouver’s premiere free literary festival!

SHAD CANADA
Vancouver, British Columbia | July 15, 2022

Holman returned to Shad Valley to give a wet felting workshop to all the UBC Shads!

TEMPLE SHALOM
Vancouver, British Columbia | March 22, 2022

Holman spoke at Temple Shalom’s regular Lunch, Laugh & Learn event.

EMILY CARR UNIVERSITY OF ART + DESIGN
British Columbia | January 12, 2022

Holman was invited by Jeremy Tankard (one of Vancouver’s preeminent kidlit creators) to give a guest presentation for Jeremy’s class.

PANEL OF BC AUTHORS AND ILLUSTRATORS
British Columbia | January 12, 2022

Lee Edward Fodi leads four BC creators to discuss their careers and experiences in the kidlit scene on the West Coast, featuring me, Zoe Si, Nafiza Azad, and Stacey Matson.

PORTLAND BOOK FESTIVAL
Portland, Oregon | November 9, 2019

Holman was invited to the Portland Book Festival! It was an absolutely fabulous event! Holman gave a storytime presentation and joined picture book makers Toni Yuly and Catherine Lazar Odell for a panel talk.

KIDS’ LIT QUIZ
Vancouver, British Columbia | November 27, 2019

Holman was the QUIZMASTER for the third time at the BC Kids’ Lit Quiz event! Teams of kids answered 100 questions about children’s literature, with winners going on to the nationals.

VANCOUVER WRITERS FESTIVAL
Vancouver, British Columbia | October 23 & 26, 2019

Holman was invited to the Vancouver Writer’s Fest! He did a group presentation with Cale Atkinson and Aron Nels Steinke on October 23, then gave a solo presentation on Free Saturday on October 26.

PLUM CREEK CHILDREN’S LITERACY FESTIVAL
SEWARD, Nebraska | September 19 — 21, 2019

Holman was (once) pleased to participate in this fest in a small way — contributing of art for the online auction. However, in 2021, it was discovered that the PCLF has anti-LGBT policies, and many kidlit authors rightfully pulled out of the festival.

SEATTLE CHILDREN’S BOOK FESTIVAL
Seattle, Washington | September 28, 2019

Holman had a great time joining an illustrious lineup of kidlit authors and
illustrators for the first ever Seattle Children’s Book Festival!

MAKER FAIRE VANCOUVER
Vancouver, British Columbia | September 14, 2019

Holman displayed his felt figures for one day only at Maker Faire Vancouver, held at Telus World of Science.

BUY OLYMPIA 20th ANNIVERSARY GROUP SHOW
Portland, Oregon | June 29, 2019 – September 2, 2019

Holman joined hundreds of other artists in a group exhibition featuring illustrated postcards to celebrate the 20 Anniversary of Buy Olympia. The opening took place on June 29 at the Land Gallery.

SHAD CANADA
Vancouver, British Columbia | July 17 & 20, 2019

Thirty years after attending Shad Valley at Acadia University, Holman was thrilled to be a workshop leader and panelist for Shad Canada at UBC. Holman talked about his book-making journey and led felting workshops.

PITTI IMMAGINE BIMBO
Florence, Italy | June 20 — 22, 2019

Wow! Holman was one of 25 select artists from the Bologna Children’s Book Fair Illustrators Exhibition to participate in an exhibition during the Pitti Bimbo fashion show on the collision of fashion and children’s art!

BOLOGNA CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR — ILLUSTRATORS EXHIBITION
Bologna, Italy | April 1 — 4, 2019

Holman was exhibited at the BCBF Illustrators Exhibition for a second time for work from Great Job, Dad! His art will also be exhibted in Japan throughout the summer of 2019.

KIDSBOOKS – BOOK LAUNCH!
Vancouver, British Columbia | April 2, 2019

Kidsbooks hosted the launch party for Holman’s new picture books, Great Job, Mom! and Great Job, Dad! And you know what? It was Holman’s birthday to boot. It was a great celebration!

RICHMOND CHILDREN’S ARTS FESTIVAL
Richmond, British Columbia | February 18 – 22, 2019

Holman gave a presentation and various workshops during the week-long festival to school-aged children from all over the Lower Mainland.

ALA MIDWINTER CONFERENCE
Seattle, Washington | January 25 – 27, 2019

Holman signed books and rubbed shoulders with librarians from around the US during the ALA Midwinter Conference to promote his new companion picture books, Great Job, Mom! and Great Job, Dad!

UBC – MY CAREER STORY
Vancouver, British Columbia | January 16, 2019

UBC students heard Holman and others on a moderated panel and learned how the panelists have navigated the peaks and valleys of their non-linear career journeys.

KIDS’ LIT QUIZ
Vancouver, British Columbia | November 28, 2018

Holman was thrilled to be the Quizmaster again for the BC Kids’ Lit Quiz event! Teams of kids answered 100 questions about children’s literature, with winners going on to the nationals. Internationals in 2018 were in Singapore!

VANCOUVER WRITERS FESTIVAL
Vancouver, British Columbia | October 15 – 21, 2018

Holman has joined the board of the Vancouver Writers Fest! Holman attended various events and engaged with exceptional books, ideas, and conversations!

VCLR ILLUSTRATORS BREAKFAST — “HOW DO THEY DO THAT?”
Vancouver, British Columbia | October 13, 2018

Holman, Lee Edward Fodi, and Sara Gillingham gave talks and workshops at the VCLR Illustrators Breakfast and shared the secrets of their unique illustration processes!

MAKER CAMP
Vancouver, British Columbia | July 4, 2018

For the third straight year, Holman joined the faculty for this girls only Maker Camp, hosted by the University of British Columbia and the Vancouver Maker Foundation at UBC’s Michael Smith Laboratories.

SHARJAH CHILREN’S READING FESTIVAL
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates | April 20 – 25, 2018

Holman attended the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival as a guest author! Holman gave a workshop on Sunday, April 22 at the Festival, and visited the Sharjah Indian School on Monday, April 23.

SCBWI EXHIBITION
North Vancouver, British Columbia | February 7 to April 9, 2018

Cozy Classics artwork was on display at the Lynn Valley Library along with the work of other SCBWI members, both published and pre-published.

KIDS LIT QUIZ
Vancouver, British Columbia | November 16, 2017

Holman was thrilled to be the Quizmaster for the BC Kids Lit Quiz event! Teams of kids from various local public and private schools answered 100 questions about children’s literature, with winners going on to the nationals!

FRASER VALLEY REGIONAL LIBRARY TOUR
Various Fraser Valley locations, British Columbia | Fall 2017

Holman toured the wonderful schools and libraries of the Fraser Valley (Mission, Ladner, Sardis, Langley, Murrayville, Agassiz, Hope and Maple Ridge).

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
Vancouver, British Columbia | February, 7, 14 & 17, 2017

Holman returned to Crofton House School to teach both needle felting and wet felting.

VPL / CWILL PANEL PRESENTATION
Vancouver, British Columbia | March 8, 2017

Holman presented on a panel on breaking into the world of children’s literature. He was joined on the panel by Suzanne de Montigny, Claire Eamer, Tanya Lloyd Kyi, Ellen Schwartz and Janet White.

CAPILANO UNIVERSITY
North Vancouver, British Columbia | March 15, 2017

Holman talked about bookmaking and career change at Capilano University.

EXHIBITION
Hampstead, New York | November 21, 2016 to February 14, 2017

We were honoured to have our work on display in an exhibition entitled “Deeply Felt: The Art of Cozy Classics” at the Alex Rosenberg Gallery at Hofstra University.

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE
Vancouver, British Columbia | November 7, 8 & 22, 2016, January 11 –
13, 2017

Holman returned to Queen Mary Elementary to continue his Artist’s Residency, this time with a focus on writing and community building.

LIFELONG LEARNING ALUMNI EVENT
Vancouver, British Columbia | November 2, 2016

Holman joined a panel to discuss the “chaos theory of careers” — the idea that careers often take non-linear paths and can change in unpredictable ways.

GLOBAL CIVIC’S PUBLIC SALON
Vancouver, British Columbia | October 13, 2016

Holman was honoured to be added to the list of speakers who have participated in this Vancouver institution, spearheaded by former Vancouver mayor Sam Sullivan and his partner Lynn Zanatta.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION
Tacoma, Washington | October 1, 2016

Holman signed copies of Cozy Classics: The Nutcracker at PNBA’s Sweet & Greet dessert reception as part of PNBA’s annual fall tradeshow at the Hotel Murano.

SCIENCE WORLD
Vancouver, British Columbia | September 17, 2016

Holman gave a needle felting workshop for Project DIY at Science World, a program designed to give young girls the skills and do-it-yourself know-how to jump start an exciting journey into the maker world.

BOOK CAMP – VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY
Vancouver, British Columbia | August 8 – 12, 2016

Holman was thrilled to be a workshop leader for VPL Book Camp, a unique day camp that lets youth with a passion for reading and writing connect with well-known authors and illustrators.

BOOKTOPIA CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL
West Vancouver, British Columbia | May 11, 2016

Holman gave presentations on his books to two groups of 400+ grade 2 students at Booktopia! Thanks to the West Vancouver Memorial Library for the invitation.

UNTOLD STORIES OF… COLLISIONS BETWEEN ART & SCIENCE
Vancouver, British Columbia | May 4, 2016

Curiosity Collider promotes interdisciplinary collaborations at the intersection of technology, art, culture, and humanity. Holman joined the roster of presenters for this Star Wars Day event at Cafe Deux Soleils on Commercial Drive.

COZY CLASSICS DINNER TOUR
NYC, Boston, Minneapolis, Chicago, Seattle | February 2 – 5, 2016

Jack and Holman had both coasts covered as they headed out to meet booksellers to spread the word about the Cozy Classics re-launch with Chronicle Books! Jack covered the East Coast, while Holman covered the Midwest and West!

EPIC YARNS EXHIBIT AT THE STRONG, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PLAY
Rochester, New York | September 2015 to January 2016

Star Wars Epic Yarns got its own exhibition! Felt figures from our book series, as well as oversized backlit prints, were on display at The Strong, “one of the most unique and impressive children’s museums on earth” (Forbes magazine).

NORTHWEST COLLEGE OF ART & DESIGN
Poulsbo, Washington | January 20, 2016

Holman gave a presentation on his work as well as conducted a needlefelting workshop for NCAD students. Thanks to Professor Susan Ogilvie for the invitation!

SCBWI WESTERN WASHINGTON
Seattle, Washington | January 20, 2016

Holman gave a presentation entitled The Making of “Star Wars Epic Yarns” to members of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Western Washington at Pacific University.

SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS ORIGINAL ART EXHIBIT
New York City, New York | October 28 to December 23, 2015

Artwork from Star Wars Epic Yarns: A New Hope was part of The Original Art exhibition of 2015’s best illustrations for children. Others in the show included Sophie Blackall, Eric Carle, Tony DiTerlizzi, Oliver Jeffers, Jon Klassen, Nikki McClure, Julie Morstad, Hervé Tullet and Mo Willems.

NV DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARY
North Vancouver, British Columbia | December 5, 2015

Holman gave a talk entitled “Get Creative: The Force Behind Epic Yarns and Cozy Classics” on the process behind making his book series, and how he broke into the world of publishing.

SURREY LIBRARIES
Surrey, British Columbia | December 3, 2015

Holman spoke to teens and pre-teens about the process of creating his books, taught a little needle felting, and ate pizza! Mmmmmm.

LITERACY HAIDA GWAII
Queen Charlotte and Masset, British Columbia | November 20 – 22,
2015

Holman gave artist talks and felting workshops in majestic Haida Gwaii. Thank you Literacy Haida Gwaii for the invitation!

LULULEMON ATHLETICA
Vancouver, British Columbia | November 18, 2015

Holman spoke to the staff at Vancouver’s own lululemon athletica, one of the world’s premiere athletic apparel companies. Holman spoke about career change, creativity and the role of athletics in his life.

UBC LAW / BUSINESS EVENT
Vancouver, British Columbia | November 18, 2015

Holman gave a PechaKucha-style presentation at this alumni event at the VanCity Theatre.

INTERESTING VANCOUVER
Vancouver, British Columbia | November 6, 2015

Holman presented at this fascinating gathering of the curious and unexpected.

LiterASIAN
Vancouver, British Columbia | October 9, 2015

Holman gave a workshop entitled “A publishing career: breaking in and staying in” at LiterAsian, a festival of Pacific Rim Canadian Writing.

COMIC-CON
San Diego, California | July 9 – 12, 2015

Holman had a blast at SDCC, including signing books with Star Wars author Jeffrey Brown (of Darth Vader and Son fame)!

VANCOUVER MINI MAKER FAIRE
Vancouver, British Columbia | June 6 & 7, 2015

Holman gave a presentation and exhibited his Star Wars Epic Yarns figures in the Textile Village.

UBC DIALOGUES
Vancouver, British Columbia | May 25, 2015

Holman participated in a panel discussion entitled In search of happiness: Is there a secret to feeling content? The event was hosted by Alumni UBC.

MAKER FAIRE
San Mateo, California | May 16, 2015

Holman gave a behind-the-scenes look at how Star Wars Epic Yarns was made at Maker Faire, from needle felting to set-making to in-studio and on-location photography, at the Make: Live Stage.

LUCASFILM LTD.
San Francisco, California | May 15, 2015

Holman had the privilege of giving a private talk to Lucasfilm staff about the process of creating Star Wars Epic Yarns. Holman brought Star Wars felt figures to show off, and gave a needle-felting demonstration.

GOOGLE TECH CORNERS
Sunnyvale, California | May 14, 2015

Holman was invited to give a Google Talk at Google Tech Corners entitled “From bar wars to Star Wars: How a lawyer came to create kids books in a galaxy far, far away.”

BOCA DEL STAR WARS
Vancouver, British Columbia | May 2, 2015

Holman joined forces with Boca del Lupo, one of Vancouver’s most innovative theatre companies, to throw a launch party for Star Wars Epic Yarns!

STAR WARS CELEBRATION
Anaheim, California | April 17, 2015

At Star Wars Celebration, Holman spoke on a panel with Jeffrey Brown on “Star Wars: Bridging the Generations” at Star Wars University, and signed books at the Mysterious Galaxy booth.

SXSW INTERACTIVE FESTIVAL
Austin, Texas | March 17, 2015

At SXSW, Holman and Nathan Gebhard, co-founder of Roadtrip Nation, lead a Core Conversation entitled “Build a Life, Not a Resume” at the JW Marriott.

AMERICAN BOOKSELLERS ASSOCIATION – WINTER INSTITUTE 2015
Asheville, North Carolina | February 10, 2015

Holman signed advance copies of Star Wars Epic Yarns: A New Hope at the ABA Author Reception & ABFFE Silent Auction at WI10 in the Grand Ballroom at the Omni Grove Park Inn.

BOLOGNA CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR — ILLUSTRATORS EXHIBITION
Bologna, Italy | March 25 — 28, 2013

Holman and Jack were so honoured to be included in the Illustrators Exhibtion for the 50th Anniversary version of BCBF. Artwork from Cozy Classics: Pride and Prejudice was selected for the exhibition in Italy, and then toured various museums in Japan.