Toronto Illustrator Archives - Alison Garwood-Jones Alison Garwood-Jones

Yer breakin’ my heart

Originally published in April 2026 in Blog

EXCERPT: “Not having anyone to compare myself to, and with no professional or ancestral lineage to live up to, I felt like America, this start-from-scratch experiment where anything was possible.(1) I wasn’t the only Gen X Canadian obsessed with America. In the 1980s and nineties, it was the place to be. Canada was still struggling […]

Book on Grief is an Exhibit at the TPL

Originally published in April 2026 in Blog

This exhibition shows 20 reproductions from my illustrated novel, I MISS MY MOMMY, an award-winning book that tracks how grieving adults look and act. Just so you know, the Five Stages of Grief doesn’t even begin to cover it.

Aim to Push Boundaries

Originally published in July 2025 in Blog, Books on Grief

Writing a book is an act of courage. So is reading one, especially if it’s a topic that scares the bejesus out of you — like losing your parents, losing your democracy, or watching your country lose its humanity while you still have yours.

Upcoming Burlington Library Talk

Originally published in June 2025 in Blog, Grief, Pen Jar Productions

Join Alison Garwood-Jones for her talk, “Inking Your Grief” at the Burlington Public Library’s Central branch. Saturday, July 12 from 2:00 – 3:30 pm. 2331 New St, Burlington, ON L7R 1J4

Inking Your Grief

Originally published in May 2025 in Blog, Books on Grief, Grief

“Inking Your Grief” is a popular talk on loss Alison Garwood-Jones

Grief and the Truth About Life

Originally published in April 2025 in Blog, Grief

Social media is mostly broken. But there are sporadic green shoots pushing through the muck that show human progress is possible and necessary. One of those shoots is our return to acknowledging grief in public. I’m talking about the hand-in-hand social media meme that announces the passing of a parent, spouse, friend or pet. (I’ve […]

Lively Minds

Originally published in February 2025 in Blog, Toronto Illustrators

Lively minds taking on these times: Anand Giridharadas and Tina Brown. Their sense of history helps. Follow Anand’s newsletter at The.Ink Follow Tina’s newsletter at TinaBrown.Substack.com

A Best Book of 2024

Originally published in December 2024 in Blog, Books, Books on Grief

When it comes to grief, no one can do it for us but we do not have to do it alone. That includes you. I Miss My Mommy earned a star and a spot on Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2024 list (Indies), perhaps in recognition of this community so many of us have joined.

My Book + Employee Assistance Programs …

Originally published in October 2024 in Blog, Books on Grief, Books on Parental Loss, Graphic Novel, Grief, Holiday Gift Ideas

If any of you work with, or are in touch with, EAP service providers (LifeWorks, BetterUp, ComPsych, MantraCare), I would love an introduction and/or a good word.