Isabel Roxas: How Squid Happened

Brooklyn Public Library is pleased to present the exuberant artwork of Isabel Roxas, the 2024 Katowitz-Radin Artist-in-Residence. How Squid Happened shares behind-the-scenes looks at the making of the award-winning graphic novel series The Adventures of Team POM (Pigeons, Ocean stuff, Miscellaneous). The exhibition and its programs bring to life animal and human characters from this beloved series, a story of oddball friends and a cast of animal characters, including a giant squid they must save.

This summer, join the Team Pom trio as they roam the streets of New York City looking for fun, adventure and of course, delicious snacks! And, join the artist for exhibition programs inviting youth and families to partake in hands-on making experiences while school’s out. 

About the Artist

Isabel Roxas is an author and illustrator. She loves to draw and write stories about curious misfits, young characters who defy the odds and funny animals. She has illustrated numerous books for young readers, including Our Skin: A First Conversation about Race by Megan Madison and BPL Librarian Jessica Ralli (ALA Notable Book 2021, SLJ BEST BOOK 2021), and Day at the Market with May Tobias-Papa (2010 Philippine National Book Award). Her debut graphic novel, The Adventures of Team Pom: Squid Happens was selected for the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show and winner of SCBWI's Golden Kite Award.

Isabel was born in Manila, Philippines, was raised on luscious mangoes, old wives’ tales, and monsoon moons. She now resides in New York City and in her spare time, publishes artist books and zines for children under the imprint Little Big Time Press. She is a member of The Society of Illustrators, SCBWI and Ang INK (The Philippine Illustrators Guild) and represented by Pippin Properties.

About the Katowitz-Radin Artist-in-Residence

Instituted in 2014, the annual residency supports emerging and established artists to meaningfully engage with BPL’s collections, programs, and services to expand their artmaking practice. The program began with renowned jazz vocalist Cilla Owens. Since then, children’s illustrator Pat Cummings, painter Steve Keene, visual artist Molly Crabapple, artist and educator Kameelah Janan Rasheed, artist and environmental activist Mary Mattingly, conceptual artist Chloë Bass, and artist and educator Marisa Morán Jahn have each been awarded the residency.