Meet the Real Life NetTrekkers!

Want to find out more about the NetTrekkers? You've come to the right place! Read on to learn about the real Chris, Patrick and Lily (they really are siblings, and they live in Victoria, B.C.) and about the two talented people who create the NetTrekkers each month: Vivien Bowers and Mike Cope.

Chris

Chris is 10, and Lily and Patrick's big brother. A self-described sports nut, he plays hockey, soccer, and badminton (baseball, basketball, tennis, table tennis...) every chance he gets. He's also a keen student who plays the flute and enjoys drama and math. He thinks shorts and a t-shirt are always in season, although he'll usually agree to wear a jacket if it's snowing. Chris loves playing video games and surfing the Net (of course!). He hates getting his hair cut and scooping Sasha's poops in the backyard. 

Patrick 

Patrick is 8. A math whiz and a keen scientist, Patrick is always trying to figure out how things work and how to keep Lily out of trouble. He loves sports, too, and plays hockey, soccer and badminton (baseball, basketball, tennis, table tennis...) every chance he gets. When he's not shooting baskets (pucks, soccer balls...) he can usually be found playing video or computer games, practicing the violin or reading an Archie comic. Patrick loves the colour green, waffles, and his cat, Lovey.

Lily

Five years old, Lily spends much of her time ordering her brothers around. When they're not home, she likes to look for worms and bugs in the garden, bake, have tea parties, play with her dolls and her bunny, Licorice, and read. She hopes to be a doctor, veterinarian, or ballet teacher one day, but in the meantime, she's making the most of being in Kindergarten. Lily's favourite colour is purple and her favourite foods are sushi and fries (but not for the same meal). 

Vivien Bowers, Author

Vivien Bowers is the author of the WOW! Canada series by Maple Leaf Press. She's an expert on all things Canadian, but she also knows a thing or two about how to write entertaining – and educational – comics! Vivien has two grown boys, and lives in B.C. with her husband where she hikes in the summer, skis in the winter, and writes all the time.

You can read more about Vivien on her website.

Mike Cope, Cartoonist

Mike Cope loves his job, and has been drawing cartoons since he was a kid. He enjoys illustrating the NetTrekkers every month, especially when he gets to come up with a funny expression for Sasha, Lovey, or Licorice. Mike lives in Ontario with his wife and his one-year-old daughter.

You can read more about Mike on his website. Or, watch a short video of Mike inking a panel from the September 2009 issue of the NetTrekkers at www.youtube.com/watch