John Picacio
@johnpicacio.bsky.social
Co-author & illustrator of THE INVISIBLE PARADE, with Leigh Bardugo (released August 26, 2025). 3x Hugo Award Winner. 5x Locus Award Winner. Inkpot Award Winner. Cover Artist. International Man of Lotería. He/him. #DayOfTheDead
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John Picacio
@johnpicacio.bsky.social
· Feb 7
THREAD! MY FIRST BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT! 👀🧵✊🏽➡️
There aren't many things better than reading a new Leigh Bardugo book -- but I've discovered something that is. Getting to CO-WRITE one with her. 1/
Reposted by John Picacio
Congratulations to the books included in Booklist Editors' Choice List 2025!
Books for Youth:
Young Fiction
✨ THE INVISIBLE PARADE by Leigh Bardugo and @johnpicacio.bsky.social
✨ RAVEN'S RIBBONS by Tasha Spillett
Young Nonfiction
✨ HOW SWEET THE SOUND by Kwame Alexander and Charly Palmer
Books for Youth:
Young Fiction
✨ THE INVISIBLE PARADE by Leigh Bardugo and @johnpicacio.bsky.social
✨ RAVEN'S RIBBONS by Tasha Spillett
Young Nonfiction
✨ HOW SWEET THE SOUND by Kwame Alexander and Charly Palmer
November 19, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Congratulations to the books included in Booklist Editors' Choice List 2025!
Books for Youth:
Young Fiction
✨ THE INVISIBLE PARADE by Leigh Bardugo and @johnpicacio.bsky.social
✨ RAVEN'S RIBBONS by Tasha Spillett
Young Nonfiction
✨ HOW SWEET THE SOUND by Kwame Alexander and Charly Palmer
Books for Youth:
Young Fiction
✨ THE INVISIBLE PARADE by Leigh Bardugo and @johnpicacio.bsky.social
✨ RAVEN'S RIBBONS by Tasha Spillett
Young Nonfiction
✨ HOW SWEET THE SOUND by Kwame Alexander and Charly Palmer
Reposted by John Picacio
No. 25 in my #FavePicturebooks25 is “The Invisible Parade” by #LeighBardugo & @johnpicacio.bsky.social — a stunning tale of grief & memory set on Día de los Muertos. Poignant, funny, and visually breathtaking. The dead are never truly gone. A true wow of a book #PicturebookPage
November 19, 2025 at 6:16 PM
No. 25 in my #FavePicturebooks25 is “The Invisible Parade” by #LeighBardugo & @johnpicacio.bsky.social — a stunning tale of grief & memory set on Día de los Muertos. Poignant, funny, and visually breathtaking. The dead are never truly gone. A true wow of a book #PicturebookPage
Proud to see THE INVISIBLE PARADE amongst the American Library Association’s 2025 Booklist Editors’ Choice selections for Youth! #BestOf2025
November 18, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Proud to see THE INVISIBLE PARADE amongst the American Library Association’s 2025 Booklist Editors’ Choice selections for Youth! #BestOf2025
How good was @comicarts-sa.bsky.social yesterday? So good that I only had time to take one photo. I was sad when it ended. There are not many cons that focus upon comic books and comic book creators and storytelling — and that’s what makes C.A.S.A. special.
Best comic con in this region right now.
Best comic con in this region right now.
November 16, 2025 at 4:54 PM
How good was @comicarts-sa.bsky.social yesterday? So good that I only had time to take one photo. I was sad when it ended. There are not many cons that focus upon comic books and comic book creators and storytelling — and that’s what makes C.A.S.A. special.
Best comic con in this region right now.
Best comic con in this region right now.
Signing Lotería Posters for tomorrow’s @comicarts-sa.bsky.social show. FREE comic book w/ purchase of 20 dollars or more @ the table while supplies last! These comics are the ones that spawned my book cover career. Ancient days. 😂 Get ‘em before they’re gone. Doors open 10am. www.comicarts-sa.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Signing Lotería Posters for tomorrow’s @comicarts-sa.bsky.social show. FREE comic book w/ purchase of 20 dollars or more @ the table while supplies last! These comics are the ones that spawned my book cover career. Ancient days. 😂 Get ‘em before they’re gone. Doors open 10am. www.comicarts-sa.com
Reposted by John Picacio
I’m really terrible at these things- my brain doesn’t work ins way that allows me to narrow down things I love to favorites, and I have a terrible memory, but since it’s Picacio asking I’ll try my best to pick some (probably not nine) that mean a lot.
1) I didn’t read “comics” as a kid, but I
1) I didn’t read “comics” as a kid, but I
November 14, 2025 at 6:13 PM
I’m really terrible at these things- my brain doesn’t work ins way that allows me to narrow down things I love to favorites, and I have a terrible memory, but since it’s Picacio asking I’ll try my best to pick some (probably not nine) that mean a lot.
1) I didn’t read “comics” as a kid, but I
1) I didn’t read “comics” as a kid, but I
Reposted by John Picacio
9 that shaped me
November 14, 2025 at 5:18 PM
9 that shaped me
Reposted by John Picacio
NINE COMIC BOOKS THAT SHAPED ME. Even as I post this I know I’m missing stuff. Ah well. And yes, I’m cheating including The Studio, sue me, it was pretty fundamental. 2000ad covers so much important stuff, Halo Jones, McMahons Slaine and Sooner or Later by Milligan & McCarthy. Genius, all
November 14, 2025 at 5:03 PM
NINE COMIC BOOKS THAT SHAPED ME. Even as I post this I know I’m missing stuff. Ah well. And yes, I’m cheating including The Studio, sue me, it was pretty fundamental. 2000ad covers so much important stuff, Halo Jones, McMahons Slaine and Sooner or Later by Milligan & McCarthy. Genius, all
Reposted by John Picacio
The way Alex Toth creates tension and ramps up the anxiety through his page design in ENSNARED (from CREEPY) is a masterclass in story driven design
November 14, 2025 at 6:50 AM
The way Alex Toth creates tension and ramps up the anxiety through his page design in ENSNARED (from CREEPY) is a masterclass in story driven design
Reposted by John Picacio
Felt inspired to share my own version of this. NINE COMIC BOOKS THAT SHAPED ME.
In some ways a lot of these feel very disparate, but in other ways they feel like they fit together nicely. I guess that just shows how much they did in fact shape me.
In some ways a lot of these feel very disparate, but in other ways they feel like they fit together nicely. I guess that just shows how much they did in fact shape me.
November 14, 2025 at 2:50 AM
Felt inspired to share my own version of this. NINE COMIC BOOKS THAT SHAPED ME.
In some ways a lot of these feel very disparate, but in other ways they feel like they fit together nicely. I guess that just shows how much they did in fact shape me.
In some ways a lot of these feel very disparate, but in other ways they feel like they fit together nicely. I guess that just shows how much they did in fact shape me.
NINE COMIC BOOKS THAT SHAPED ME. And yeah, that middle one gave me a book cover career. So even though it’s mine — pretty influential upon how my life unfolded. I’ll be signing it + Lotería Cards & Posters + THE INVISIBLE PARADE at www.comicarts-sa.com this Saturday. cc: @comicarts-sa.bsky.social
November 12, 2025 at 8:29 PM
NINE COMIC BOOKS THAT SHAPED ME. And yeah, that middle one gave me a book cover career. So even though it’s mine — pretty influential upon how my life unfolded. I’ll be signing it + Lotería Cards & Posters + THE INVISIBLE PARADE at www.comicarts-sa.com this Saturday. cc: @comicarts-sa.bsky.social
My drawing hand is now in the permanent collection of The Mazza Museum, the world’s largest collection of picture book art — joining 130+ illustrators in the museum’s hand bust collection. 👀 #TheInvisibleParade #ShowOfHands
November 11, 2025 at 8:14 PM
My drawing hand is now in the permanent collection of The Mazza Museum, the world’s largest collection of picture book art — joining 130+ illustrators in the museum’s hand bust collection. 👀 #TheInvisibleParade #ShowOfHands
Reposted by John Picacio
November 8, 2025 at 4:21 PM
I’m presenting at The Mazza Museum this weekend but I just heard the news from @texasbookfest.bsky.social. Thrilled to see THE INVISIBLE PARADE on the 2026-27 Bluebonnet Award list. Thank you, Texas librarians! 🙏🏽
We are thrilled to share that the Texas Bluebonnet Award has chosen WILL'S RACE FOR HOME by @jewellparkerrhodes.bsky.social and THE INVISIBLE PARADE by Leigh Bardugo and @johnpicacio.bsky.social for their 2026-2027 list!
November 8, 2025 at 8:18 PM
I’m presenting at The Mazza Museum this weekend but I just heard the news from @texasbookfest.bsky.social. Thrilled to see THE INVISIBLE PARADE on the 2026-27 Bluebonnet Award list. Thank you, Texas librarians! 🙏🏽
I’m staring three inches away at original art from SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK by Stephen Gammell. It’s a good day. #MazzaMuseum #ArtSky
November 7, 2025 at 8:51 PM
I’m staring three inches away at original art from SCARY STORIES TO TELL IN THE DARK by Stephen Gammell. It’s a good day. #MazzaMuseum #ArtSky
Reposted by John Picacio
Dear lovely folks, this is a quick reminder that Fantasy Book Cafe has very kindly published a guest post of mine, called "Writing as Witchcraft," and it's also sponsoring a book giveaway for my collection Letters from an Imaginary Country. Here is the link: www.fantasybookcafe.com/2025/11/theo...
Theodora Goss Guest Post and Book Giveaway | Fantasy Cafe
Guest post on writing as witchcraft by speculative fiction author Thedora Goss with a book giveaway of her collection LETTERS FROM AN IMAGINARY COUNTRY.
www.fantasybookcafe.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Dear lovely folks, this is a quick reminder that Fantasy Book Cafe has very kindly published a guest post of mine, called "Writing as Witchcraft," and it's also sponsoring a book giveaway for my collection Letters from an Imaginary Country. Here is the link: www.fantasybookcafe.com/2025/11/theo...
I’ve heard a lot about the fabled Mazza Museum — the world’s largest collection of original picture book art. Looking forward to sharing THE INVISIBLE PARADE as part of the stacked lineup for their November gala this weekend. #kidlit #picturebooks #ArtSky
November 7, 2025 at 1:27 PM
I’ve heard a lot about the fabled Mazza Museum — the world’s largest collection of original picture book art. Looking forward to sharing THE INVISIBLE PARADE as part of the stacked lineup for their November gala this weekend. #kidlit #picturebooks #ArtSky
WOW. This review for #TheInvisibleParade. 👀 Thank you, @maistorybooklibrary (IG). 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 #kidlit #picturebooks #booksky
November 4, 2025 at 11:41 PM
WOW. This review for #TheInvisibleParade. 👀 Thank you, @maistorybooklibrary (IG). 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 #kidlit #picturebooks #booksky
Reposted by John Picacio
Was beyond special to spend some time with you my friend!
New Interview with me at TALKING STORY — possibly the most in-depth of my career. This podcast episode was a long time coming. If you’re a fan of A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, THE INVISIBLE PARADE, or blackmail material — have at it. ✊🏽 cc: @jajminton.bsky.social
youtu.be/lgZhaWPqJF8?...
youtu.be/lgZhaWPqJF8?...
✨ Interview With John Picacio: Celebrated Fantasy Artist
YouTube video by Talking Story
youtu.be
October 31, 2025 at 12:45 PM
Was beyond special to spend some time with you my friend!
Last week was busy. The latest issue of @sacurrent.bsky.social features my art on the cover. Check out 100-word horror stories by @comptonwrites.bsky.social @celsohurtado.bsky.social @hackett.bsky.social @sanfordallen.bsky.social @lphernandez.bsky.social @lorimichelle.bsky.social and more! ✊🏽
November 4, 2025 at 11:22 PM
Last week was busy. The latest issue of @sacurrent.bsky.social features my art on the cover. Check out 100-word horror stories by @comptonwrites.bsky.social @celsohurtado.bsky.social @hackett.bsky.social @sanfordallen.bsky.social @lphernandez.bsky.social @lorimichelle.bsky.social and more! ✊🏽
Reposted by John Picacio
Those of you still social distancing or waiting to take BLACK PHONE 2 out for a spin in your home theater rejoice! The film is now available for "In Theater" home rental & purchase! $19.99 to rent - or for five bucks more you can own it (what a bargain!)
But we're still in theaters the world over!
But we're still in theaters the world over!
a poster for black phone 2 shows a dark background
ALT: a poster for black phone 2 shows a dark background
media.tenor.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Those of you still social distancing or waiting to take BLACK PHONE 2 out for a spin in your home theater rejoice! The film is now available for "In Theater" home rental & purchase! $19.99 to rent - or for five bucks more you can own it (what a bargain!)
But we're still in theaters the world over!
But we're still in theaters the world over!
THANK YOU to everyone who scored THE INVISIBLE PARADE yesterday @ The Twig Book Shop signing. Started the day w/ several tall stacks & almost all sold out. 10 books featured here. As of now, only 8 remain. 👀 All are signed! Get yours TODAY from The Twig. Yes, they ship!
thetwig.com/book/9780316...
thetwig.com/book/9780316...
November 2, 2025 at 9:35 PM
THANK YOU to everyone who scored THE INVISIBLE PARADE yesterday @ The Twig Book Shop signing. Started the day w/ several tall stacks & almost all sold out. 10 books featured here. As of now, only 8 remain. 👀 All are signed! Get yours TODAY from The Twig. Yes, they ship!
thetwig.com/book/9780316...
thetwig.com/book/9780316...
Massive respect for Toronto. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
November 2, 2025 at 4:27 AM
Massive respect for Toronto. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
There’s a party tonight. See you at the cemetery gates, everyone. #LeighBardugo and I will meet you there. 🕯️💀 #TheInvisibleParade #DayOfTheDead #DiaDeLosMuertos #DiaDeMuertos
November 1, 2025 at 11:23 PM
There’s a party tonight. See you at the cemetery gates, everyone. #LeighBardugo and I will meet you there. 🕯️💀 #TheInvisibleParade #DayOfTheDead #DiaDeLosMuertos #DiaDeMuertos