FOLD Kids Book Fest 2022 - Festival Program

NOVEMBER 8–12, 2022 FESTIVAL PROGRAM

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INSIDE

FOLD STAFF

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

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Jael Richardson Executive Director

PARTICIPANT BIOS

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Amanda Leduc Communications & Development Coordinator

BOOK LIST

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WRITING PORTFOLIO SNAIL BE CALM

Rain Edan-Dominas

EARTH

Rania Husain

OUR STORMY QUEST Lehara Lokuge

ALWAYS WATCHING Riya Sarkar

PEACE

Zara Enayetullah

CHARLIE’S BOOKS Eleanor Fritsch

FLY

Zaina Husain

LELI’S DREAM Moira Dingwall

THE LUCKY DUCK WHO GOT A BUCK Sarah Ahmed

THE DRAGON AND THE BUTTERFLY Aria Samuel

NARI-LEE AND IVAH, TWIN HYDRAS Samara Sood

LILO AND PEK

Ruby “Aaron” McGurrin

REVERSEPUNZEL Alexander Burga

YOUR INNER BUNNY Rosa Whitby

thefoldcanada.org/kids

Ardo Omer Kids Coordinator Kilby Smith-McGregor Graphic Designer Jonisha Lewinson Marketing Intern

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FOLD KIDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Claire Chan Toni Duval Calyssa Erb Genna Goldman Meena Johal Rabia Khokhar Paula Pires Fiona Ross Rahma Shere

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Ishta Mercurio Chair Teri Vlassopoulos Treasurer Ashish Seth Secretary Karen Richardson Mason Director, Children’s Programming David Burga Director, Adult Programming Felicia Quon Director, Sponsorships & Special Prizes Cynthia Innes Director, Human Resources Mark Richardson Director, Board Governance

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@FOLDKidz

@FoldKids

@foldkids

ONCE UPON A FOLD...

ONCE UPON A TIME, THERE WAS A BEAUTIFUL CITY FULL OF PEOPLE FROM ALL DIFFERENT CULTURES AND COMMUNITIES...

They loved books and they had beautiful book buildings but they longed for a place to celebrate stories and writers who reflected the magical flower world they called home.

In this city, there lived a woman. She wrote books and she dreamed of a book party in her magical flower city that would draw readers and writers of every kind from far and wide.

So she started a festival with her favourite friend. There were wonderful book parties, and they were happy.

But when they looked around, they saw that there was not a lot for kids.

So they dreamed and they dreamed, and they realized that they would need a special book party just for kids, and someone extra special to help them make the kids party fantastic. They searched far and wide for the perfect person—and they found her! They started a book party when the summer turned orange and red and the wind blew through the magical city of flowers.

Now, three women work together to bring book parties

Jael Richardson, Amanda Leduc & Ardo Omer

and writing wonders to the magical flower city of Brampton every fall. They draw writers from around the world to spaces both real and virtual so that all children in all places can find themselves in books.

And we all live happily ever after.

FESTIVAL SPONSORS PL ATINUM

An agency of the Government of Ontario Un organisme du gouvernement de l’Ontario

SILV E R

BRONZE

COPPE R

COMMUNIT Y PARTNERS

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TUESDAY, NOV 8 9:00am

1.

L. CARRANZA

Virtual Club.

9:30am

3.

KEAH BROWN

2.

CROCODILE TALES WITH LAWRENCE HILL

Virtual Club.

WEDNESDAY, NOV 9 8.

WRITING POETRY

WITH JILLIAN CHRISTMAS

SATURDAY, NOV 12

THURSDAY, NOV 10 13.

ASL STORYTIME G. PERSAUD V.C.

BRAMPTON CIVIC CENTRE

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PHOENIX GETS GREATER

Virtual Club.

Virtual Clubhouse

Virtual Club.

10:00am

19.

10:30am

Lester B. Pearson Theatre

TOGETHER WE DRUM: A DRUM SONG WITH WILLIE POLL

11:00am

4.

9.

15.

11:30am

WITH SARAH EVERETT AND TRYNNE DELANEY

WITH SK ALI AND NATASHA DEEN

WITH JASON LI

PUNCHY STORIES AND POWERFUL PACE

Virtual Clubhouse

WRITING FRIENDS, FAMILY, FOES AND CRUSHES

Virtual Clubhouse

LEARNING CHINESE THROUGH EMOJIS

Virtual Clubhouse

20.

CREATE YOUR OWN COMIC WITH JASON LI

Brampton Library

21.

1:00pm

BEAKERS AND BOOKS WITH EMILY SEO

1:30pm 2:00pm

5.

10.

16.

WITH JOAN MARIE GALAT

WITH JOHNNIE CHRISTMAS

Virtual Clubhouse

Virtual Clubhouse

Virtual Clubhouse

A RAT, A ROCKET, AND SCIENCE CRAFTING COMICS

THE ILLUSTRATOR BATTLE

Lester B. Pearson Theatre

2:30pm

22.

3:00pm

WITH PAMA

ART FOR ACTION

Brampton Library

23.

RIPPLE FOUNDATION WORKSHOP

Brampton Library

3:30pm 4:00pm

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11.

17.

24.

4:30pm

WITH HETXW’MS GYETXW (BRETT D. HUSON)

WITH LEONARDA CARRANZA

WITH JILLIAN CHRISTMAS

WITH ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM

CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT FOR KIDS

Virtual Clubhouse

APPROACHING ANTI-RACISM WITH KIDS

Virtual Clubhouse

TEACHING POETRY TO YOUNG ADULTS

Virtual Clubhouse

MAKING A CHANGE ON CLIMATE CHANGE

Lester B. Pearson Theatre

5:00pm 18.

6:30pm 7:00pm

7.

7:30pm

WITH KEAH BROWN, LEONARDA CARRANZA, JOHNNIE CHRISTMAS

PANEL: TACKLING SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES IN KIDLIT

Virtual Clubhouse

8:00pm 8:30pm

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12.

COME READ WITH ME: A STORY TIME PAJAMA PARTY

Brampton Library

THE WRITER’S LIFE

WITH MATTHEW DAWKINS AND LORIDEE DE VILLA

Virtual Clubhouse

25.

YOUTH ON THE MIC: OPEN MIC & SPOKEN WORD Lester B. Pearson Theatre

FESTIVAL SCHEDULE VIRTUAL EVENTS 1.

Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 9:00am

CULTIVATING KINDNESS PT. 1 STORYTIME WITH LEONARDA CARRANZA

It’s time for a story! In this session, author Leonarda Carranza reads from her picture book, Abuelita and Me, followed up by a Q&A on kindness.

Age 4+. 30 minutes

2. Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 9:00am

5.

Age 9+. 45 minutes

3.

Age 8+. 45 minutes

6.

Join author Keah Brown as she reads from her picture book, Sam’s Super Seats, followed by a discussion on the creation of the book and the importance of kindness.

Age 4+. 30 minutes

4.

Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 11:00am

PUNCHY STORIES AND POWERFUL PACE WITH SARAH EVERETT AND TRYNNE DELANEY

Looking for a page turner? For genres like mystery and horror, pacing is incredibly important. In this event, authors Sarah Everett and Trynne Delaney discuss their approach to creating a mood and setting the pace for their novels. Join us for this powerful conversation as they explore their experiences as writers and why they decided to write these fast-paced stories with interviewer Liselle Sambury.

Age 12+. 60 minutes

Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 4:00pm

CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT FOR KIDS WITH HETXW’MS GYETXW (BRETT D. HUSON)

In this workshop designed for educators, Hetxw’ms Gyetxw, also known as Brett D. Huson, uses Indigenous knowledge and practices to explore a different way of teaching and understanding climate change. With an emphasis on connection to the land, the workshop will explore innovative approaches to informing young people about the critical issues affecting the land.

Educators. 75 minutes

Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 9:30am

CULTIVATING KINDNESS PT. 2 STORYTIME WITH KEAH BROWN

A RAT, A ROCKET, AND SCIENCE WITH JOAN MARIE GALAT

Discover how scientific facts and imagination mix, and what happens when a journal-keeping lab rat starts thinking about colonizing Mars. We’ll talk about research, misinformation, and correcting mistakes—both in writing and friendships—in this entertaining and informative session based on the STEM-themed middle grade novel: Mortimer: Rat Race to Space.

CROCODILE TALES WITH LAWRENCE HILL FEATURING AINARA ALLEYNE

Join us for a fantastic conversation with award-winning author Lawrence Hill as he discusses his first kids book, Beatrice and Croc Harry, with teen Bookstagrammer Ainara Alleyne. Whether you’re a reader or a budding writer, you won’t want to miss this discussion on imagining new worlds and tackling big issues in writing.

Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 1:30pm

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Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 7:00pm

PANEL: TACKLING SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES IN KIDLIT

How do you tackle big topics while writing engaging stories for young people? Join three incredible kid lit authors—Keah Brown, Leonarda Carranza and Johnnie Christmas—in an important conversation moderated

by Pawan “Pav” Wander on incorporating social justice in kids books.

All ages. 60 minutes

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Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 9:00am

WRITING POETRY WITH JILLIAN CHRISTMAS

Poetry is a fantastic tool for storytelling. In this unique session designed for children, poet and author Jillian Christmas leads kids through the steps of creating a poem of their own.

Age 6+. 45 minutes 5

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Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 11:00am

WRITING FRIENDS, FAMILY, FOES AND CRUSHES WITH S.K. ALI AND NATASHA DEEN

Young adult authors S.K. Ali and Natasha Deen will discuss the art of creating believable and engaging relationships—romantic, platonic and/or familial with interviewer Alyssa Gray-Tyghter. They’ll offer practical tips for writers of all ages, explaining the stories behind the creation of their most popular and problematic characters.

Age 13+. 60 minutes

10. Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 1:30pm CRAFTING COMICS WITH JOHNNIE CHRISTMAS Bestselling comics creator Johnnie Christmas will lead kids through the creation of an incredible comics page!

What’s a panel? What’s the gutter? How should the panels flow? Learn all that and more through Johnnie Christmas’ graphic novel, Swim Team.

Age 10+. 45 minutes

11. Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 4:00pm APPROACHING ANTI-RACISM WITH KIDS WITH LEONARDA CARRANZA In this workshop designed especially for elementary educators, Leonarda Carranza uses her new picture book, Abuelita and Me, to explore how educators can discuss social issues like racism productively in their classroom.

Educators. 75 minutes

12. Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 7:00pm THE WRITER’S LIFE WITH MATTHEW DAWKINS AND LORIDEE DE VILLA Young adult authors Matthew Dawkins and Loridee De Villa join us to discuss writing on Wattpad, their publishing journey and what it’s like to have a book published while in university.

SU PPOR TE D BY

All ages. 60 minutes

13. Thursday, Nov. 10 at 9:00am ASL STORYTIME WITH GAITRIE PERSAUD

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14. Thursday, Nov. 10 at 9:00am

PHOENIX GETS GREATER

In conversation with Joshua Whitehead, Marty Wilson-Trudeau and Phoenix Wilson will talk about writing their picture book, Phoenix Gets Greater. They’ll also touch on what it means to be Two Spirit/Niizh Manidoowag and the importance of sharing their Anishinaabe culture.

SU PPOR TE D BY

Age 9+. 45 minutes

15. Thursday, Nov. 10 at 11:00am LEARNING CHINESE THROUGH EMOJIS WITH JASON LI In this one-of-a-kind event for budding teen artists, author and illustrator Jason Li presents crafty exercises to help students learn some Chinese through emojis. For this event, we recommend students have some basic art supplies on hand.

Age 13+. 60 minutes

16. Thursday, Nov. 10 at 1:30pm THE ILLUSTRATOR BATTLE The Illustrator Battle returns with a new crop of artists who will take up their drawing tools and battle it out from their own drawing tables. This not-tobe-missed interactive event includes hilarious and complex challenges, featuring Canadian illustrators Aliya Ghare, Jason Li and our Illustrator-in-Residence Myriam Chery, with the FOLD’s very own Kids Coordinator, Ardo Omer, returning as its host.

SU PPOR TE D BY

Age 8+. 60 minutes

17. Thursday, Nov. 10 at 4:00pm TEACHING POETRY TO YOUNG ADULTS WITH JILLIAN CHRISTMAS In this workshop, Jillian Christmas will breakdown how educators can teach poetry in their classrooms.

How can you make the craft accessible and engaging to your students?

Educators. 75 minutes

BONUS CONTENT AVAILABLE WHEN THE VIRTUAL PLATFORM OPENS

In this event, Deaf artist and actress Gaitrie Persaud will present the incredible children’s book, Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes by Mahak Jain and Anu Chouhan, in American Sign Language (ASL). Suitable for children and families of all ages, this ASL storytelling event will provide learning and fun for adults and children. Oral translation will be provided by an ASL interpreter.

STORYTIME WITH JAEL RICHARDSON

Age 4+. 30 minutes

Age 4+. 30 minutes

Award-winning author and FOLD Executive Director Jael Richardson reads from her latest children’s book Because You Are, a timely picture book written as a letter to her younger self that teaches young people about selfes teem, inner beauty and making a difference in the world.

IN-PERSON EVENTS

AT BRAMPTON CIVIC CENTRE IN - PE RSON E V E NT SPONSORS

18. Thursday, Nov. 10 at 6:30pm COME READ WITH ME: A STORY TIME PAJAMA PARTY Join us at the Chinguacousy Branch of Brampton Library for an evening of storytelling. Come in your pajamas and bring your favourite stuffie as you listen to some of our favourite picture books in our annual reada-loud. FOLD’s Executive Director and author Jael Richardson will also be reading from her new picture book, Because You Are. SU PPOR TE D BY

Age 4+. 60 minutes

19. Saturday, Nov. 12 at 10:00am TOGETHER WE DRUM: A DRUM SONG WITH WILLIE POLL Join Willie Poll, author of Together We Drum, Our Hearts Beat as One, as she teaches fun drum songs, encouraging both kids and adults to sing along in the Lester B Pearson Theatre at the Brampton Civic Centre.

Age 4+. 45 minutes

20. Saturday, Nov. 12 at 11:00am CREATE YOUR OWN COMIC WITH JASON LI Author and illustrator Jason Li shows kids how they can make their very own mini comic, also known as a zine. Supplies will be offered in this fun storytelling arts and craft event at the Chinguacousy Branch of Brampton Library.

Age 6+. 60 minutes

21. Saturday, Nov. 12 at 1:00pm BEAKERS AND BOOKS WITH EMILY SEO Scientist and author of The Science of Boys, Emily Seo, leads kids through fun scientific experiments while discussing her new novel at Lester B. Pearson Theatre in the Brampton Civic Centre.

Age 8+. 60 minutes

22. Saturday, Nov. 12 at 2:30pm RIPPLE FOUNDATION WORKSHOP: DETAILS! DETAILS! Returning to FOLD Kids Book Fest by popular demand, Ripple Foundation instructors lead a workshop in the Chinguacousy Branch of the Brampton Library designed to show young writers how descriptive details enhance stories and engage readers through elements that stimulate the senses and add interest.

SU PPOR TE D BY

Age 8–14. 60 minutes

23. Saturday, Nov. 12 at 2:30pm ART FOR ACTION WITH PAMA Join the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) in creating a “Be the Change” poster! Inspired by Michelle Kadarusman’s recent books (Room for More and Berani), this workshop will explore the topic of climate change using collage techniques to share how you can use art to take action.

Age 6+. 60 minutes

24. Saturday, Nov. 12 at 4:00pm MAKING A CHANGE ON CLIMATE CHANGE WITH ROYAL ONTARIO MUSEUM Climate change can be a scary topic for kids and adults.

In this event, delivered in partnership with Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), author Michelle Kadarusman (Berani and Room for More) and Dr. Soren Brothers, Allan and Helaine Shiff Curator of Climate Change at ROM, discuss climate change, spotlighting the power we all have in tackling this issue and empowering young people to take an active role in positive change at the Lester B. Pearson Theatre in the Brampton Civic Centre.

Age 10+. 60 minutes

25. Saturday, Nov. 12 at 7:30pm YOUTH ON THE MIC: AN OPEN MIC & SPOKEN WORD EVENT FOR YOUNG ADULTS

It’s Open Mic night! Have a poem you’d like to share? In this Lester B Pearson Theatre event, youth ages 12+ can sign up for a spot on stage and share their poetic verses alongside incredible teen poets.

Age 12+. 60 minutes

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PARTICIPANT BIOS AUTHORS AND PERFORMERS S. K. ALI is the New York Times bestselling and award-winning author of several books.

DR. SOREN BROTHERS is the Allan and Helaine Shiff Curator of Climate Change at the Royal Ontario Museum and an Assistant Professor at the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Toronto. Soren’s research examines the effects of climate change on lakes, and how changes in lakes can influence their greenhouse gas emissions to the atmosphere.

KEAH BROWN Is the author of The Pretty One and Sam’s Super Seats.

LORIDEE DE VILLA is best known for her debut novel, How to Be the Best Third Wheel, which was published in May 2022.

SARAH EVERETT is the author of several books for teens and a forthcoming middlegrade novel, The Probability of Everything.

JOAN MARIE GALAT has written 25+ books including Mortimer: Rat Race to Space, a novel about a lab rat trying to prove his species should be chosen to colonize Mars.

LEONARDA CARRANZA is the author of the picture book, Abuelita & Me, and one of the editors of the anthology, Tongues: On Longing and Belonging Through Language.

ALIYA GHARE is a Toronto-based illustrator.

Her work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators New York, American Illustration, Adobe, the National Magazine Awards, Applied Arts, and 3x3 Magazine.

MYRIAM CHERY is an illustrator from Québec who loves to illustrate colourful landscapes and adorable characters that highlight the happiness of childhood.

HETXW’MS GYETXW (BRETT D. HUSON) Gitxsan author, artist, and knowledge keeper. Also a research associate with the Prairie Climate Centre. Husband and father.

JILLIAN CHRISTMAS is an artist, creative facilitator, curator, consultant, and advocate in the arts community; she has performed and facilitated workshops across North America and beyond.

LAWRENCE HILL is the award-winning, internationally bestselling author of 11 books, including his most recent novel Beatrice and Croc Harry.

JOHNNIE CHRISTMAS is a #1 New York Times Best Selling graphic novelist and the author of the new middle grade graphic novel, Swim Team.

MICHELLE KADARUSMAN is an internationally acclaimed children’s author whose middle-grade novels include Girl of the Southern Sea and Music for Tigers.

MATTHEW DAWKINS is a Jamaican awardwinning author and poet. His work focuses on subjects from his personal experience such as adolescence, love, loss, culture, and mental health.

NATASHA DEEN is the award-winning author of In The Key of Nira Ghani. Her new novel, The Signs and Wonders of Tuna Rashad, is a JLG Gold Standard Selection.

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TRYNNE DELANEY (they/she) is the author of A House Unsettled.

JASON LI (he/him) is an independent designer, artist and educator.

GAITRIE PERSAUD-DHUMOON is one of Canada’s most accomplished ASL music Deaf performers and actresses. Gaitrie can also be seen on Blue’s Clues as Camila, a Deaf librarian, and as an anchor for Sign1news.

WILLIE POLL is a Métis author and educator.

EMILY SEO is a Japanese Canadian chemistturned-children’s book author.

MARTY WILSON-TRUDEAU is the coauthor of the book Phoenix Gets Greater along with his son Phoenix. She is a art/drama secondary teacher in Sudbury, Ontario.

PHOENIX WILSON is 16 years old and the co-writer of Phoenix Gets Greater, a story he is so grateful to be sharing.

MODERATORS AINARA ALLEYNE is a 13-year-old elementary student from Hamilton Ontario.

Ainara curates the Instagram page @ainarasbookshelf, where she highlights books for young people whose authors and main characters are Black, Indigenous, people of colour, differently abled and other underrepresented minorities.

ALYSSA GRAY-TYGHTER is an educator, academic, writer, and speaker.

LISELLE SAMBURY is the TrinidadianCanadian author of the Governor General’s Literary Awards Finalist, Blood Like Magic.

THE WILD WOMAN is an award-winning spoken word artist, published poet, curator and arts educator, harnessing purpose and using poetry to challenge thoughts and ideals in order to instigate waves of change. With a career that spans over a decade, and having won the 2016 Brampton Citizen’s Award for Arts Acclaim, The Wild Woman has solidified herself as a change agent for arts and culture, cultivating a style centring her Blackness, womanity and love of soul-stirring connections.

PUBLISHING PROFESSIONALS BRIDGETTE KAM is a literary associate at Westwood Creative Artists.

YASHASWI KESANAKURTHY is the Associate Editor (Children’s) at HarperCollins Canada.

JIEUN LEE is the assistant editor at Annick Press, where she focuses on promoting underrepresented voices and finding new creators for Annick’s list.

TAMARA SZTAINBOK (she/her) is an editor at Scholastic Canada who has worked in children’s books for over twenty years.

MARIA VICENTE is a Senior Literary Agent and Advisor at P.S. Literary Agency.

PAWAN (PAV) WANDER is a Middle Years Student Success Counselor for the Toronto District School and is entering her 16th year of teaching. Pav co-hosts an educational podcast called, “The Chey and Pav Show” and has co-authored a picture book called The Magnificent Microphone.

JOSHUA WHITEHEAD is an Oji-nêhiyaw, Two-Spirit member of Peguis First Nation (Treaty 1). He is the author of full-metal indigiqueer, Jonny Appleseed, and Making Love with the Land as well as the editor of Love after the End: an Anthology of Two-Spirit and Indigiqueer Speculative Fiction.

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PROGRAM CONTRIBUTORS SARAH AHMED (age 11) enjoys reading fiction and composing short stories for her 5-year-old sister. Her favorite book series is Harry Potter.

ALEXANDER BURGA (age 12) is 13 years old and in Grade 8. He loves to collect Pokémon cards and spend time with friends and family.

MOIRA DINGWALL (age 8) is nine years old and loves to read in English & in French. She also enjoys history podcasts, camping, and playing piano (sometimes).

RAIN EDAN-DOMINAS (age 6) is excited by books and movies. She likes collecting sticks on nature walks, taking care of the earth by picking up litter, and visiting little libraries in her neighbourhood.

ZARA ENAYETULLAH (age 12) was inspired to write Peace when she learned about the tragic death of Alan Kurdi in 2015. Zara lives in Alberta. In her spare time, she likes to read and skateboard.

ELEANOR FRITSCH (age 9) is an imaginative 5th grader living in downtown Ottawa.

RANIA HUSAIN (age 10) loves dancing, cats and wants to help plants and animals when she grows up.

She is in Grade Six and lives in Toronto.

ZAINA HUSAIN (age 9) loves squishmallows, koalas and wants to be a vet when she grows up. She is in Grade Four and lives in Toronto.

LEHARA LOKUGE (age 9) “I’ve loved to read books since I was a little girl. My mom and dad used to read a lot of books to me when I was young. My favorite author is J.K. Rowling, I have read the whole Harry Potter series so many times. I love to read and everyday I read a lot English as well as French books.”

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RUBY “AARON” MCGURRIN (age 10) Ruby lives in Toronto, Ontario and is currently in the 6th grade.

They love writing stories and songs, drawing weird and exciting creatures, and voicing cartoons. Ruby has voiced characters for Cyberchase (PBS), Elinor Wonders Why (PBS), and Sago Mini Friends (Apple TV+).

Ruby’s goal is to become an author and feels they’re off to a great start!

ARIA HOPE SAMUEL (age 7) loves animals and when she grows up she wants to be a veterinarian. She wrote this book to share animals can go through pain and help each other up.

RIYA SARKAR (age 10) “I go to Bruce Trail Public School. My grandmother did pass away on Jan 10th 2022. I love her so much and will never forget her. I know she’s watching me from heaven. I wanted to dedicate this book to her because I feel like I never appreciated her when she was here with us.”

SAMARA SOOD (age 9) ROSA WHITBY (age 10) loves poetry and rabbits.

She loves playing One Night Ultimate Werewolf, and Dungeons and Dragons

© King’s printer for Ontario

BOOKMARK ONTARIO FOR DIVERSE READS Ontario Creates proudly supports the FOLD Kids Book Fest and Ontario’s book publishing industry.

ontariocreates.ca

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SNAIL BE CALM Rain Edan-Dominas, age 6

Go slow snail

WRITING PORTFOLIO

Be climby Be peaceful

EARTH Rania Husain, age 10

“Hello, I am earth. You may know me considering you walk on me 24/7!”

“Ahem, sorry about that.”

“I have a confession. I am sad.”

“Why, earth? Why are you sad?”

“I’m glad you asked. I am sad because I’m small compared to my cousins, except Mercury and Venus.

I’m bigger than them. At least I’m not my little cousin, Pluto. Poor him. He’s not even considered a planet anymore. My mom, the sun makes us spin around her and look at her asteroids.

After talking to you I guess I realize that life isn’t so bad, I just have to do some growing up.”

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OUR STORMY QUEST Lehara Lokuge, age 9

Hi! My name is Lily and I have something very import-

“I sent the tornado.” she said. “By the way, I al-

ant to tell you, an evil wizard is causing very disastrous

ready know who you are. The winds told me. I wish

hurricanes and other weather disasters.

you luck on your quest. Also, I might send you a little

“Mom, look another twister!” I yelled.

help if I can. Since the wizard came it’s been getting

“Get in the basement!” Dad yelled, but I remem-

harder to take control of the winds. Goodbye!”

bered Rosy, my cousin was coming. I had to go get her!

I dashed out the door and ran until I saw her. After

After a while we set up the tent and decided to wait until the next morning to

a while the hurricane passed and we ran back to my

move on. In the morning after we packed up,

house. My parents looked distraught when we got

quite a strong gust of wind carried us far away from

back, my sister, Mia, was crying in the corner with our

the iceland to the plain grassland where the wizard

hissing cat, Layla, on her lap.

lived. We tried the door and it was open. We heard

That night me, Rosy and Mia decided to go stop

laughter so we followed the sound and it led us to the

the wizard. So, that night we packed up, left a note to

throne room where the wizard was sitting. We saw an

our parents and set off. We made a line on our map of

unbreakable golden chain. Rosy created a distraction

where the hurricanes led.

while me and Mia threw the net over him. Finally, we

First we had to cross a murky marsh. Everywhere

got to go home.

we stepped vines emerged and tried to bind our feet, so we had to jump instead of walking. We reached a plain grassland and rested for a while. Next morning, we left and after a while had a snack break. Then in about an hour of walking we reached a desert. I heard a whooshing sound behind us and there were hundreds of scorpions chasing us!

“Run!” I yelled.

We ran and ran until we lost the scorpions behind some humongous sand dunes. But then the scorpions came back from the side.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!” yelled Mia. We ran all the way out of the desert and strangely the scorpions didn’t follow. We were now in a dense-looking forest. We drank some water and we were heading into the forest when a tiger with red eyes started to chase us.

“Oh not again!” I sighed. We ran all the way out of the forest into a grassland but a tornado swept us up into a cold iceland.

“It’s freezing here!” said Rosy. Right then a beautiful girl popped out from literally nowhere. She was wearing a dress as silver as the moon and high heels as gold as the sun.

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ALWAYS WATCHING CONTENTS Riya Sarkar, age 10

One sunny peaceful day Riya woke up to the birds

pop-up shop, she loves paintings so she sells them to

chirping outside her window. She got out of bed and

make extra money. Her aunt said hi and said Shreya

walked outside of her room, she could smell the choc-

texted me saying you miss Nani, Riya said yes and

olate chip pancakes from down stairs. She ran down

sighed looking unhappy.

the stairs excitedly so she could eat all the pancakes before her sister could.

Riya’s mom greeted her as she sat down on the

reef because it was almost Christmas and at the time

bar stool in front of the island counter. Her mom

everything was so expensive especially things that

quickly gave her two pancakes as she ran to answer

have to do with the holidays. Your Nani saw us and

a phone call. Riya was looking around and saw a new

tried to help us, it was the best one in the neighbor-

thing hanging from the wall, it was a picture of her

hood, that’s why everyone says she was very creative.”

Nani with her name and year of birth. She took the

“Thanks, I should go now, it’s probably going to

last bite of the piece of pancake and ran up leaving

get busy,” said Riya.

the other one on the plate. Her mom came back in the

“Oh before you go, I keep on forgetting to give you

kitchen and saw that Riya didn’t eat the second pan-

this, it’s a painting of Blaze, Logan, Karma, Paso, and

cake, she left it there just in case Riya wanted it back.

you,” said her aunt.

Meanwhile upstairs Riya was on her bed sobbing

“It’s so cute. Did you take a picture of all of the

thinking, ‘’I never got to say goodbye. Why didn’t I ap-

dogs and then paint them next to me?” Her aunt said

preciate her when she was here?”

yes. They both said bye.

After a little bit she decided to get out of the

Riya knew that her Nani´s best friend owned an

house and visit some of her family members. She

Indian clothing shop, she sells suits, sarees, lenghas,

walked down to the kitchen and grabbed a water bot-

and bangles. Riya´s Nani loved making traditional

tle, she found her mom and told her that she was go-

clothing with her best friend. She walked up to her

ing for a walk. She left her house and went downtown

Nani´s best friend and said hi, they talked for a bit.

because some of her family members work at the pop-up shops. First she saw her older cousin Shreya,

14

“I’m trying to think, oh I remember when me, your mom and your other two aunts were trying to make a

“Your aunt texted me saying you’re missing your Nani,” said her Nani’s friend.

who owns a flower shop, they said hi to each other

“Yeah,” Riya said.

and talked for a bit. Riya’s cousin noticed that her eyes

“Oh perfect, I remember one time it was peak

were watered up so she asked what was wrong, Riya

wedding time and our shop was really busy. This one

told her that she was crying because she misses Nani.

customer was really picky, first she wanted a pink

Shreya asked if she wanted her to tell her a story of

lengha, then a blue one with gold lining. Once your

Nani, Riya nodded yes.

Nani made the lengha that she finally decided, we

“Well I know one time Nani was at a fabric store

gave it to her. Then she complained about how the

to make a suit for a wedding and she kept on trying

color was too dark and how expensive it was. I didn’t

to bargain to lower the price because she thought it

have enough courage to speak back, but your Nani

was too expensive.” They both laughed. “Here, do you

did. Anyways the customer ended up leaving and a

want a flower?” Shreya asked.

different customer bought it,” said Riya’s Nani’s friend.

“Sure! Riya said, she walked off to find some of

“Wow I didn’t know Nani ever spoke back, like I

her other family members. Next she saw her aunt, she

knew that she would speak up to people in our family

walked up to her and said hi. Her aunt owns a painting

but not a total stranger!” Riya said, surprised. “Well I

better go now because I think my mom is waiting,” Riya said.

“Okay say hi to your mom for me,” her Nani’s friend yelled as Riya walked away.

The sun was slowly going down and it was close to dinner time. Riya got home and it was time for dinner.

She walked it to the kitchen smelling roti and paneer.

Her mom heard the footsteps and turned around, “Hi sweetheart, where have you been?”.

“Oh um… I was downtown,” Riya murmured. As

the corner. “What’s in that bag?” she asked.

“Oh yeah I saw Shreya and auntie, Shreya gave me a rose and auntie gave me a painting of Blaze, Logen, Karma, Paso and me,” Riya said as her mom poured the paneer on her plate,fighting the urge to not lie to her mom.

After a bit Riya got in bed, in her mind she was thinking about the stories told about her Nani. She realized that her Nani is always watching over her and will always love her no matter what.

her mom was stirring the paneer she noticed a bag in

If yo u c o u ld de sig n a s a spe cia aree fo l occas r io n , what the p at wo u ld te rn be li ke?

15

PEACE Zara Enayetullah, age 12

Her hand slips She falls in My father rescues me I see my mother, Slowly sinking Her hair is like a halo around her head

I sit on the floor of a boat

In my heart,

A very ramshackle boat, held together with tape and a prayer

I know I’ll never see her again

The rock of the boat lulls me to sleep

She looks at peace

But sleep is a lucky thing

My father looks down with tears in his eyes

The people on this boat mainly pray,

He paddles us to safety

Cry and rock

He tells us:

And perhaps throw up over the edge of the boat

We’re going to build a new life

My mother, holds me in her arms

A safe life

She kisses me

Though she is gone

My father has an arm around my brother

She’ll never be fully gone

The boat rocks and tumbles

Because we’ll always keep her in our hearts

We have run from my homeland Syria Mama whispers to me stories of Syria Before it was wartorn and corrupt It sounds beautiful It sounds like a home A place where Mama and Daddy could have raised their family And then war broke out So Mama and Daddy chose to relocate their little family I remember the long days as we trekked towards Turkey I remember I was always carried I never had to walk I remember my mother always kissed me People are screaming The waves are huge My mom grips me tightly My dad holds my mom, me and my brother so tightly I feel safe Though the waves are high, higher than the boat I feel my family’s love radiate through me The waves are higher than the boat We get tossed off There is so much darkness right now An endless cycle of darkness and screaming My dad holds my mom’s hand I slip and fall into the water My mama grabs at the water She grabs me 16

I try to grab her hand

CHARLIE’S BOOKS Eleanor Fritsch, age 9

“Everybody is alike, but at the same time everybody is different,” read Charlie as she finished what seemed like her four hundredth book. Charlie was a ten-year

Then, the third book hadn’t interrupted. “Listen

old who liked to play soccer. But most of all, Charlie

Flutter Dust,” the witch said. “Charlie isn’t going to in-

liked to read and could spend hours in the library.

vite her enemy over for a party. Charlie should just

It was an ordinary weekend in Ottawa when

turn him into a frog!”

Charlie decided to go to the library to read her fa-

Charlie rolled her eyes and was beginning to feel

vourite books. Charlie was walking down the street

tired with these books when the cowboy yelled “AHH!

when she noticed the trucker convoy everybody was

MY HORSE!”

talking about. At first there were only a few trucks but as she got closer to the library there were more and more trucks.

She was only a block away from the library when

The fairy snapped back, “Stop yelling about your horse, you’re so annoying!”

“Stop telling people how annoying they are,” the witch hollered. “That’s really annoying!”

she tripped on somebody’s foot and found herself

Then, Bree spoke. “You should tell that man you’re

looking up at a man wearing Canadian flags all over his

mad him for making you feel small but you won’t let

body. “Hi girly, what’s up? Did you trip on daddy’s foot?”

jerks like him push you around!”

He reached down towards Charlie and said, “You can take your mask off girly, it’s okay, you have some

“Good idea Bree!” Charlie closed all the books and hurried out of the library.

big strong men around.” Charlie was so humiliated

Charlie went and told the man exactly what Bree

she ran the rest of the way to the library as the man’s

had said. When she was done, the man tried to say

laughter trailed behind her.

something back but it didn’t matter because Charlie

When Charlie got inside, she headed for the books

was already walking away with her head high.

that usually cheered her up. The first was about a cowboy that had a horse he couldn’t control, the second about a fairy that hated magic, the third about a witch that liked to turn people into frogs, and the fourth was about an assertive twelve-year-old girl named Bree.

Charlie opened the four books and, as she expected, the characters instantly came to life.

“Howdy, what’s up my little book worm?” asked the cowboy.

Charlie told the cowboy all about the man. When she was done, the cowboy said, “You should go tie him up!”

“Mister Cowboy!” Charlie said exclaimed. “You can’t solve anything that way.”

“She’s quite right!” said a small voice from the second book.

The cowboy shot back, “What’s that, Miss Flutter Dust?”

“I said she’s quite right. As a matter of fact, I think Charlie should go to the man and invite him for dinner.”

17

FLY Zaina Husain, age 9

This is a poem about how at school sometimes I’m shy And I don’t want to try But today is a new day and I will try And hope to fly up to the sky Because school is cool And I don’t want to be a fool

LELI’S DREAM Moira Dingwall, age 8

Once upon a time there was a panda named Leli.

She dreamed of going to school. There was no school nearby. Leli lived in a bamboo forest.

One day while Leli was looking for food she saw a village. And in the village there was a school. Even better, it was a village of Pandas!

That night while Leli was eating dinner Leli told her parents about the village.

After Leli told her parents about the village, Leli asked if she could go to the school.

They said, “Yes!” Leli was so excited.

On one condition. Leli would have to pay the entry fee with her own money.

“But it’s $300!” cried Leli.

18

The next morning while Lei was staring at the village and eating one of her mother’s delicious cupcakes she stopped and looked at the cupcake in her hand. She had an idea.

When Leli came home she made the cupcakes and tried one, they were delicious.

The next day Leli went down to the village and sold her cupcakes.

She met some pandas who went to the school and they were really excited for her to come to school.

The next day Leli went to pay the entry fee. Leli started the day after she paid.

Leli loved school. Most of all she loved her classmates and new friends.

THE LUCKY DUCK WHO GOT A BUCK Sarah Ahmed, age 11

Loopy duck was her name,

A buck;

Every animal called her insane,

Loopy duck had a buck;

They trapped her out in the rain;

Oh what luck!

Then they stole away her father’s cane.

She thought as she pried it out the muck.

Soon Loopy had had enough;

She waddled along the street,

She made her announcement cough, cough, cough,

With flapping wings;

“I’ll find something to prove my worth;

And dancing feet,

So that you won’t think of me as dirt!”.

Her expectations would finally meet.

Animals laughed, hooted, cackled and roared;

She walked into the farm;

But Loopy didn’t let them stop her;

Holding up her forearm,

She was part of her own horde,

Animals looked up in alarm;

This she thought as she passed the road.

Fearing harm.

She searched for countless hours,

Instead they saw;

But in the end when night fell;

When their eyes shone;

Nothing had helped,

The shining buck,

Nothing to show nor, tell.

With new found respect for Loopy duck.

As she sourly made her way; Something bright and green, No one else had seen; Flapped out of the grime.

19

THE DRAGON AND THE BUTTERFLY CONTENTS Aria Samuel, age 7

One night a dragon named Flip was going for a fly.

River. Flip wondered how they will get there. River ex-

When all of a sudden he bumped in a Willow tree. A

plained to Flip that his project is to get to the nectar

big swarm of butterflies came out of the Willow tree.

while learning to fly.

All of a sudden, Flip heard a quiet voice saying, “Are you okay?”

Flip turned to look and he was wondering who that was. He saw a tiny butterfly behind him. And replied, “Yes.”

tested Flip.

“So you don’t want to go home?” questioned River.

Flip tried to explain the best way he could that he wanted to go home, but he was just a bit scared about

The butterfly led Flip inside the Willow Tree.

flying again. River tried to encourage Flip to try to fly

Flip asked the butterfly for its name.

again since it has been only one day since his accident.

She said, “My name is River.”

River asked for the dragon’s name, he responded, “My name is Flip.”

“Ow!” cried Flip when he tried to take off a leaf off of his back that he got from the Willow Tree.

“I’ll call the doctor!” shouted River.

Once the doctor examined Flip, he cried, “That’s one broken wing to me!”

“Aw man, how am I supposed to get home?” said Flip in a sobbing voice.

“I don’t know how you can get home,” gulped River. They thought, and thought, and thought.

All of a sudden, Flip thought, River has wings!

What if she can teach him how to fly again? When Flip explained his idea to River, she felt so excited for Flip to get back in the sky again.

“We can start first thing in the morning!” beamed River. They were so tired from making Flip a bed, they slept through the night.

When the bright sun rose, River blew a very loud whistle and said, “Wake up, Flip! Let’s get breakfast and start your practice.”

“5 more minutes,” groaned Flip.

“We have to practice to at least get you home in one week,” shouted River.

“Oh right, well then what’s for breakfast?” requested Flip.

20

“Oh, man but River I’m super-duper hungry,” pro-

Flip agreed and questioned River, “But do you have safety gears just in case I fall? Just to be safe. Do you have a helmet?” wondered Flip.

“No, but we have some old nut shells that can replace a helmet.” assured River.

“Okay, do you have some straps?” alerted Flip.

“No,” replied River, “but we have some thin leaves to use for straps.”

“Do you have some glue?” asked Flip.

“No” acknowledged River, “but we have some mud to stick things together because it’s very sticky.”

“Okay, so can you help me stick all of them together?” asked Flip.

“Yes!!” cheered River.

Cling, ting, pong, clattered the nut shells, leaves, and mud as Flip and River made the safety gears.

“There, now can we continue your flying lesson?” questioned River. Flip agreed.

“You know how you asked where we go to get nectar? We go to the meadow.” River explained.

“The meadow river! That is such a long distance and my wing is broken. Plus like I said I’m super-duper hungry,” groaned Flip.

“I know and that’s why we are going to walk for the most part,” replied River.

“Okay, let’s go!” said Flip excitedly.

After three long flying lessons. Flip explained to

“Nectar,” replied River.

River that his wings felt really strong and he thought

“What is nectar?” asked Flip.

he was ready to fly again! They did a little test and it

“It’s just like honey but totally better,” smirked

seemed to River that Flip was definitely ready to get

back out there.

Meanwhile at Flip’s home…

Flip’s mom, Diana, was sick and worried about

Diana tried to calm down and have positive thoughts.

Back at the Willow Tree…

Flip. His dad, Freddy, on the other hand knew that Flip

Flip and River said their goodbyes and hoped to

loves flying at night. He suggested to Diana that Flip

see each other soon. Flip’s flight back home was nice

might have gone for a fly.

and smooth, no crashing into trees thanks to River and her training.

After 30 minutes, Flip returned safely home.

Thinking his mom and dad didn’t notice that he snuck out, Flip quickly went under the covers and pretended to sleep for the rest of the night.

That was not the end, that was just the beginning of Flip and River’s friendship.

di ng Re a p le peo

t Wha to a

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

n ow y. . . to k t e njo ye to g e y h t wa hat at tw g re u o a b is e nd rn a omm le a re c and u o ld y wo u s k boo nd? frie new

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

21

NARI-LEE AND IVAH,

TWIN HYDRAS Samara Sood, age 9

Once upon a time two hydras named Nari-Lee and Ivah were playing a game outside. Nari-Lee saw a

that she could push the window and so she pushed

shadow moving somewhere behind an oak tree.

through the window. Ivah hopped down into the

“Ive, did you see that?” he said.

dome and quietly peeked around a huge desk. There

Ivah looked over to where Nari-Lee was staring,

were no humans in sight, so she stepped over to the

and she made out a tiny two-legged beast. Ivah recog-

desk where one human hid the key and fumbled with

nized this creature as a human. The human shot a net

the drawer until it opened.

out of this metal barrel and trapped her kin.

“Nari!” she yelled, but the human had already left

Ivah spun around to see her brother and smiled. “I

in a big machine. Ivah assumed that her mother had

am getting you out of here!” she exclaimed. Ivah took

gone to bed, so she silently gathered a couple items

the key and unlocked the cage. Nari-Lee motioned to

and then set out at the crack of dawn. Ivah walked to

make a fast getaway before the humans came back.

the forbidden human city and found a huge dome just

The twins hopped up on the ledge to get to the win-

on the edge of town.

dow. When they got up to the window, they pushed it

“This is it,” she thought happily as she descended a slope carefully. “Time to rescue Nari”!

Ivah knew that humans could grab her if she were to enter in plain sight, so she decided to go in stealthily. There was a window at the top of the building and that was a perfect spot to see where Nari-Lee was.

open. The hydras carefully slid down the dome and raced back to their home in the woodlands. They found their mother pacing outside their home. When she saw them she ran towards them crying with joy.

“Oh, Nari-Lee, Ivah, I’ve been worried sick!” she exclaimed as she sobbed.

Ivah climbed up the slippery white dome and perched

“We’re okay, mom” Nari-Lee said.

up on the windowsill. Ivah glanced in and saw Na-

“Oh, my dears, tell me what happened during that

ri-Lee in a steel cage. Her twin had a look of bravery

22

Just then she heard a joyful cry. “Ivah!”

dreadful time?” their mother said.

on his face. There were many humans surrounding

So, Nari-Lee and Ivah retold their story again and

the cage. One human put the key to the cage in a mini

again and soon the whole village knew what hap-

drawer in the table. The humans left the room and

pened. These young hydras became a living legend in

Ivah knew that now was her chance. Ivah found out

the town and lived happily ever after.

LILO AND PEK Ruby (Aaron) McGurrin, age 10

It was a stormy Saturday evening in Tallahassee, Flor-

A few days passed, and all Lilo did was play with

ida. The rain was pouring out of the gutter like it was

Pek, but he seemed to be feeling blue. He barely chit-

running from a bear, and Lilo heard scratching and

tered, not to mention skittered, he wouldn’t play, and

thumping at the front door.

slept all day. Lilo decided, “Oh! I’ll write Pek a card!

“Could it be the mailman?” Lilo thought. She went

That will cheer him up!” and that’s exactly what she

to the door, and when she opened it she saw a little

did. When Pek got the letter, he was over the moon!

armadillo, drenched from the heavy rain. Lilo let the

But the next day, he was sad again, and Lilo realized

poor thing in, and ran to get some towels to dry it off.

that she would have to make a decision.

The cold armadillo curled into a ball whenever Lilo came close. After a while the creature let Lilo get near enough to dry him off. Once he was all dry, Lilo decided to name him Pek.

“Do I want myself to be happy, but Pek to be sad?”

Lilo thought. “He should be with his family.”

But Lilo wasn’t ready for what happened; Pek went back to his home. Lilo was devastated, and re-

Pek went wandering around the small home with

fused to go out for days. One day, the mail arrived,

a full heart, and an empty stomach. Lilo found some

and there it was! A letter from Pek! He said he was so

worms that came up because of the rain, fed Pek, and

happy, and would visit Lilo soon. At that moment, Lilo

before she knew it, it was bedtime.

knew reuniting him with his family had been the right

“Lilo! It’s nearly nine--aaaahhh!!!” Lilo’s mother shouted. “What IS that thing!?”

Pek’s armadillo version of a smile faded after hearing her words.

thing to do.

Well, Pek kept his promise!

Family reunions looked a little strange in Lilo’s house from

Lilo responded with a calm, “This is Pek! He’s an

then on, but even Mom was

armadillo.” Lilo held up Pek, who immediately tried

happy to have an armadillo in

to get back on the ground. “Ta-Da!” Lilo said proud-

the family photos.

ly, then put him down. “I found him scratching at the door. Isn’t he cute? And so nice too!”

“He sleeps outside,” her mother said, irritated.

Lilo and Pek would go to a bowling alley every Christmas.

And of course, Pek was the ball.

23

REVERSEPUNZEL Alexander Burga, age 12

My name is Evelyn and I work for Rapunzel the Second. To think that I would be in Rapunzel’s situation is pretty sad. I’m stuck in this tower forced to make

soon as I entered, I approached the dragon asking if it

hair ties for Rapunzel. But you want the whole story,

had a name. It didn’t speak. After thinking for a little I

don’t you? Well ell I’ve been here for two and a half

came up with the name Drake.

years, and that’s nothing compared to what Rapunzel has planned for me. Since Rapunzel is so gorgeous and beautiful no one questions why there’s someone stuck

I then asked if the dragon would help me escape

up in this tower. They’re too distracted with the pret-

but then the dragon’s ears drooped down and began

ty lady in front of them. They wouldn’t bother to even

looking gloomy.

think of saving me because I’m not beautiful like Rapunzel. It’s not like I could leave either, because there’s a giant dragon guarding the tower that’s in the basement. It’ll be released if Rapunzel notices I’m gone.

I was wondering what was wrong, but Drake pointed at the wall.

There was a message written on the wall. ‘I stole your fire, you big ugly dragon! – Rapunzel’.

It makes me sad that no one has come to rescue

After a long time of thinking I finally came up with

me, because I’ve done nothing wrong. My mom had

a plan. Firstly, I picked up a torch that was in the room

some problems with Rapunzel the first and told her

and used it to burn down the basement door.

not to punish her; but punish me. I’m so angry that my

Secondly, I crept over to Rapunzel’s room and

own mother would do that to me! It makes me want to

looked around. I tried to be quiet as Rapunzel was

kick down this door!

sleeping, but I felt a warm presence coming from her

But then I heard Rapunzel walking down the hall.

drawer. As I opened the door I saw an orange orb inside

The door unlocked and I kicked it as she opened it. She

a glass bottle. I was instantly excited but my excitement

got hit on the head and

24

The dragon seemed excited about that name, because his ears perked up like a dog.

was short-lived as my celebration woke Rapunzel.

I was quick to apologize.

I quickly fled with the bottle and Rapunzel was giv-

Rapunzel yelled at me to

ing chase as we raced down the hall. I made it to the

go to the basement where

basement and smashed the bottle on the ground. The

the dragon was.

orb floated inside the dragon, followed by a mighty

My heart was pound-

roar. I hopped onto the dragon, and Drake crashed

ing as I walked closer to

out of the basement and we soared away into the

the basement door. As

night sky.

! o o se the l n o i m als n e r he r a ie s a t n o n y u B nd an o u fi ge?

Can y is p a o n th g n i hid

YOUR INNER BUNNY Rosa Whitby, age 10

Find your inner bunny hiding out of sight, Just find your inner bunny when you lie awake at night.

Sometimes on your pillow, or sitting on your bed, Sometimes on the bookshelf, or just on your head.

Find your inner bunny on the bookshelf or the bed, And know that it will always be alive inside your head.

25

Celebrates the beauty of self-love, the power of rest, and the necessity of accessible seating in public spaces.

ISBN 9780593323892 PICTURE BOOK FOR AGES 4-8

This full-colour illustrated handbook introduces and explains Han characters and idioms through the language of emoji.

ISBN 9781536219135 NONFICTION FOR AGES 14+

26

BOOKLIST ELEMENTARY SAM’S SUPER SEATS Keah Brown

MIDDLE GRADE

TEENS

TOGETHER WE DRUM, OUR HEARTS BEAT AS ONE Willie Poll

LOVE FROM MECCA TO MEDINA S.K. Ali

978-1551528892 Arsenal Pulp Press

978-1665934152 Simon and Schuster Canada

ABUELITA AND ME Leonarda Carranza

BECAUSE YOU ARE Jael Richardson

UNTIL WE BREAK Matthew Dawkins

978-1773216102 Annick Press

978-1443464802 HarperCollins Canada

978-1990259692 Wattpad

WHERE DO YOUR FEELINGS LIVE? Catherine Hernandez illustrated by Myriam Chery

PHOENIX GETS GREATER Marty Wilson-Trudeau & Phoenix Wilson

THE SIGNS AND WONDERS OF TUNA RASHAD Natasha Deen

978-1772602531 Second Story Press

978-0762478705 Hachette Book Group Canada

THE MAGIC SHELL Jillian Christmas

SWIM TEAM Johnnie Christmas

A HOUSE UNSETTLED Trynne Delaney

978-1999156244 Flamingo Rampant

978-0063056770 HarperCollins Canada

978-1773216959 Annick Press

JOURNEY OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN Aliya Ghare

MORTIMER: Rat Race to Space Joan Marie Galat

HOW TO BE THE BEST THIRD WHEEL Loridee De Villa

978-1459827608 Orca Book Publishers

978-1770866539 DCB/Cormorant

978-1777290085 Wattpad

THE RAVEN MOTHER Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson)

BEATRICE AND CROC HARRY Lawrence Hill

HOW TO LIVE WITHOUT YOU Sarah Everett

978-1774920039 Portage and Main/ HighWater Press

978-1443463362 HarperCollins Canada

978-0358256229 HarperCollins Canada

BHARATANATYAM IN BALLET SHOES Mahak Jain illustrated by Anu Chouhan

BERANI Michelle Kadarusman

THE HANMOJI HANDBOOK: Your Guide to the Chinese Language Through Emoji Jason Li

978-0593323892 Penguin Random House Canada

978-1443464291 HarperCollins Canada

978-1773216157 Annick Press

978-1772782608 Pajama Press

ROOM FOR MORE Michelle Kadarusman

THE SCIENCE OF BOYS Emily Seo

978-1772782523 Pajama Press

978-1926890371 Tradewind Books

978-1536219135 Penguin Random House Canada

27

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