Things will be getting graphic at the Collingwood Public Library next month.

Bob Kain, a Barrie cartoonist, will be holding a cartoon and graphic novel workshop at the library from Aug. 11-15 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The sessions are for local youngsters, between the ages of 10 and 17.

Kain has more than 40 years of experience as a cartoonist and his work has appeared in a host of publications across the country including the Toronto Sun, Toronto Star and Chirp Magazine - where he developed the signature character for the publication, as well as a weekly comic strip.

"I started drawing when I was five," he said. "I always wanted to be a cartoonist. I sold my first cartoon when I was 18."

Kain worked in an animation studio in New York City after attending art school there, but was forced out by the United States government.

"I'd have had to serve two years in the armed forces," he said.

Kain then operated his own animation studio in Toronto for several years before retiring. He said he still continues to teach at schools and libraries in York Region and Simcoe County.

During the session in Collingwood, Kain will be teaching the youngsters on how to develop their own graphic novels, which he says are gaining in popularity.

"It's usually based on one story or one theme," he said. "I want them to think about a storyline."