Nova Scotia·NewKate Beaton of Mabou is one of six Canadian graphic novelists featured in the second of a series that shows an author’s main character reading from their book.Kate Beaton among 6 Canadian graphic novelists selected for stampsCBC News · Posted: Dec 13, 2025 5:00 AM EST | Last Updated: 30 minutes agoListen to this articleEstimated 3 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.Kate Beaton is one of six Canadian graphic novelists featured by Canada Post on a new series on stamps. (Morgan Murray, Canada Post)Work by an award-winning author and artist from Cape Breton is on a new stamp from Canada Post.Kate Beaton of Mabou, N.S., is one of six Canadian graphic novelists featured in the second of a series that shows an author’s main character reading from their book.Beaton said it was a pleasant surprise to be chosen for the honour.”It’s a recognition of Canadian cartoonists and comic making and I really do believe that Canada punches above its weight when it comes to comics, graphic novels, things like that,” she told CBC’s Information Morning Cape Breton. “For a smaller country population-wise, we have a lot of talent.”On the stamp, Beaton is shown reading from her graphic novel called Ducks: Two Years in the Oilsands. It’s an autobiographical account of the trauma she experienced and witnessed while living in Fort McMurray, Alta.It was named a book of the year in 2022 by The New York Times and also included in former U.S. President Barack Obama’s list of the year’s best books. It was also the first graphic novel to win the CBC’s Canada Reads competition.Six prominent Canadian cartoonists contributed designs featuring the main characters from one of their most celebrated works reading the novels they appear in. (Canada Post)Beaton said being on a stamp is fitting for someone from Cape Breton Island, because the postal service is vital in smaller communities.She remembers being a child in the early 1990s rallying with community members who were trying to keep the local post office from closing.”It was the first time that [we] got the message that if you really love something, you have to fight for it,” she said.”Canada Post means a lot to us in rural Canada. It is a lifeline to rural communities.”Each graphic novelist worked with Canada Post and a designer to create an original drawing featuring the main character from one of their most celebrated works.In addition to Beaton, the latest series includes:Jimmy Beaulieu, Non-aventures: planches à la première personneGuy Delisle, Chroniques de JérusalemJulie Doucet, Journal (365 Days)Bryan Lee O’Malley, the Scott Pilgrim seriesMichael Nicoll Yahgulanaas, Red: A Haida MangaIn a news release, Canada Post said the latest issue is the second in a series that “celebrates the work of some of Canada’s most talented and influential graphic novelists” who have made cultural contributions to society. “The six graphic novelists recognized in these stamps have all earned global acclaim for their works and continue a long line of Canadian artists and storytellers honoured by Canada Post.”The postal service has printed more than 1.5 million stamps in the latest series, which sell in books of 12.MORE TOP STORIESWith files from Information Morning Cape Breton
Cape Breton artist Kate Beaton’s work featured on new Canada Post stamp
