Children’s Author and Illustrator Jo Renfro to Visit Topeka Collegiate

On Friday, September 27, Topeka Collegiate will welcome Jo Renfro, author and illustrator of children’s books, for an exciting day of inspiration and creativity with our students. Renfro, known for her uplifting work that champions the power of positivity, will share her journey as both a writer and an artist during her visit.

Jo Renfro’s creative talents extend beyond children’s literature—she also designs greeting cards and calendars. Most notably, she recently illustrated the 10th-anniversary cover of the popular book Becoming Odyssa. Renfro, a Kansas native, draws much of her work from her personal experiences and love of the outdoors.

Her debut picture book, Peg Gets Crackin’, tells the story of an egg afraid to hatch, only imagining all the scary things outside her shell. Renfro will explore the book’s themes with our younger students, encouraging them to be brave and face their fears. 

First-grade teacher, Mrs. Dudinyak, said about the upcoming visit, “I'm excited for our students to meet Ms. Renfro and hear her read a story about courage and positivity. Reading aloud to young students helps develop their vocabulary and understanding in ways they may not achieve on their own. It’s a wonderful opportunity for them to experience this with such a talented author.”

The day will also include a special lunch with Renfro, where middle students can engage with the author in a more personal setting. After lunch, Renfro will be given a tour of the school led by the middle school students, then will delve into the creative process, discussing how she takes a simple idea and transforms it into a finished product. 

We are eager to welcome Jo Renfro as part of Topeka Collegiate’s numerous Beyond the Book experiences, an integral piece of its programming.  

Jo Renfro Topeka Collegiate Visit Schedule: 

Early Childhood 10:30 AM-10:55 AM

Grades 2-5 11:00 AM-11:30 AM

Middle School 1:00 PM-1:30 PM