Martha Newbigging was the inaugural Illustrator in Residence, at the Toronto Public Library in October 2013.

Martha was the inaugural Joanne Fitzgerald Illustrator in Residence. The program offers published children’s book illustrators the opportunity to participate in an extended residency in a public library to interact with the community through workshops and presentations, meetings with artists and art students, and projects with children, parents, and teachers. The program is hosted by a public library, administered by IBBY Canada, and funded by Joanne’s family, with additional support from publisher Groundwood Books.

IBBY Canada’s Joanne Fitzgerald Illustrator in Residence Program honours Joanne Fitzgerald (1956–2011), who illustrated many influential Canadian children’s books, including Plain Noodles, Emily’s House, The Blue Hippopotamus, and Governor General’s Literary Award winner Doctor Kiss Says Yes. In memory of Joanne Fitzgerald’s commitment to children’s books and illustration, her family collaborated with IBBY Canada to establish the Joanne Fitzgerald Illustrator in Residence Program.

IBBY, the International Board on Books for Young People (www.ibby.org), founded in 1953, represents an international network of people committed to bringing books and children together. IBBY Canada is one of over 70 national sections worldwide. IBBY Canada is a volunteer organization promoting quality French and English Canadian children's literature nationally and internationally. For more information, please visit www.ibby-canada.org.