January 2013

Page 1

TORONTO

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2 | TORONTO KIDS & FAMILIES - January 2013

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We Know educators with the right attitude can profoundly impact a student’s entire life. If your child isn’t being encouraged and challenged at his or her current school, make an appointment to speak with us.


TORONTO KIDS & FAMILIES - January 2013 | 3

wildforwinter winter

January is Family Literacy Month Family Literacy Day is a national awareness initiative created by ABC Life Literacy Canada in 1999 and held annually on January 27 to raise awareness of the importance of reading and engaging in other literacy-related activities as a family. Developing early childhood reading and writing skills helps develop the learning skills necessary for good communication later in life, and can ultimately contribute to a child’s chances for success. Also, reading ability is like a muscle - if you don’t exercise it often you may not be able to maintain the same level of reading ability as you age. Each year, thousands of events coordinated by literacy providers, schools, libraries and community organizations take place across the country. These activities range from fundraisers, book drives and children’s reading circles, to literacy-themed contests and family games nights. More than 1.5 million Canadians have already participated in the initiative since itsdebut. In 2013, Family Literacy Day will celebrate its 15th year, and families will be encouraged to take “15 minutes of Fun” to learn together. Learning can happen anywhere, an time. Taking time every day to read or do a learning activity with children is crucial to a child’s development. Even just 15 minutes a day can improve a child’s literacy skills dramatically, and can help a parent improve their skills as well.

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You can visit the HSBC Learning Activity Centre for more fun literacy activities do as a family!

15 MINUTES IS ALL IT TAKES TO IMPROVE LITERACY SKILLS After a long day at school, the last thing most kids want to do is learn at home. But the benefits of learning as a family outside the classroom are huge – not only are children exposed to a culture of lifelong learning, but the bond between parent and child can grow with each teachable moment. Finding time to set aside to learn as a family can be difficult, but all you need is 15 minutes a day to reap the benefits. ABC Life Literacy Canada is offering five learning activities parents can do with their children in less than 15 minutes. These ideas are so fun, it will hardly even feel like learning! 1. Read a book aloud together! Children’s books are usually short, and are a breeze to get through in 15 minutes. 2. Heading out on a long road trip to Grandma’s house? Count how many red cars you see along the way or find the whole alphabet using license plates and billboards. 3. Sing a song. Singing en-

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courages learning patterns of words, rhymes and rhythms, and is strongly connected to language skills. 4. Bake some cookies! Most recipes are less than 15 minutes and measuring ingredients helps children understand math and numbers. 5. Go for a walk as a family and read the street signs. You can even think of a city or

country that begins with the same first letter as the sign. While we may not think of it, most of the time spent together at home can be learning opportunities between you and your child. Even time spent doing the dishes, eating dinner or having a bath can all easily have a focus on learning in a fun way. To find out how your family can have 15 Minutes of Fun for Family Literacy Day, visit www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca.


4 | TORONTO KIDS & FAMILIES - January 2013

wildforwinter winter

Winter snow activities Are your kids bored and bickering? Don’t despair! Get them outside and active. Cure cabin fever with these great outdoor games and activities. T Snow Mosaic: Decorate the white canvas in your backyard with juice! Create a snowy portrait that doubles as a tasty treat for animals that might stop by to admire and sample your work. Instant outdoor art! T Rosy-Cheeked Snowman: Yes snowmen can get cold - but winter’s chill is rarely shown on his face! Kids can give a rosy glow to their frosty friends by mixing red food coloring with water, then using a spray bottle to spritz the cheeks with a fine mist. T Ice Bubbles: Did you know that you can freeze bubbles? When the temperature drops below 32 degrees, blow bubbles and watch them freeze on the wand. T Snow Date: Invite young friends to gather

around a table made of snow! T Ice Sculptures: Make fun ice sculptures by using icicles and frozen blocks of colored ice. T Put the Smile on the Snowman: Pass out chocolate cookies, then blindfold each child and let him try to get the mouth, eyes, and buttons in place. Just like pin the tail on the donkey! T Candy Coated Snowman: Give your friendly snowman a candy-coated makeover with licorice, lollipops, and gummies. T Snowball Toss: Have a snowball-throwing contest! Make a target by creating a bright circle in the snow with colored water in a squirt bottle. Keep score as the kids try to hit the target with snowballs. T Tic-Tac-Snow: It’s the classic game, with a twist! Use crisscrossed sticks and pinecones as game pieces. – Toronto4kids.com

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Toronto’s top tobogganing

Toronto’s natural landscape pro vides an abundance of toboggan-ready hills in nearly every neighbourhood across town. Here are some of our favourites! Christie Pits & Bickford Park: Straddling Bloor Street at Christie Street, thes e adjoining parks offers two great sledding terr ains - with three different elevations in Christie Pits offering challenging rides for older kids , and safer ones for the little guys. Riverdale Park: Located on Broadview just south of the Danforth, Riverdal e Park is lnestled in one of the city’s most fam ily-friendly neighbourhoods. The park’s uniqque georgraphy also provides visitors with one of the most interesting views of Toronto. The hill is steep, and can be a bit daunting for toddlers, but olde r kids will love the thrills.

be a trewat to discover. Make a whole day of it and explore the entire park with your bundled up babes. Lithuania Park: Just north of Hig h Park, and taking advantage of the same hilly territory, Lithuania Park is a favourite of Hig h Park and junction area parents who are all-t oo familiar with the crowds at the Grenadier. This hill is steep - and can get icy in the winter - but is one of the more exciting rides on this list. A smaller hill is located across the street, and is far safer for younger sledders. A perfect destination for families with kids of all ages. Trinity Bellwoods Park: Centrall y located between Dundas and Queen Streets just west of Bathurst, the former site of Trintiy Women’s College offers a basin-like con cavity that serves as a giant tobogganing bowl every winter. With plenty of brunch spots nearby, this is a great choice for a Sunday afternoon.

High Park: Easily the Disneyland of Toronto winter fun, the city’s largest park not-surprisingly Make sure your toboggan or sled is in offers the largest number of tob good oggan hills. condition. Broken parts, sha The most popular is the large rp edges, cracks slope just south and split wood may cause injuries. Be of the Grenadier Cafe, and off sure to ers a gentle grade properly bundle up the kids and ensure easy for beginners to navigate there’s - with the added no expose d skin that could be prone to bonus of nearby hot chocola frostte - but it does bite (avoid scarves, loose clothing and tie have a tendency to get very up crowded early in long hair that can get caught.) Go ove the day. The rest of the park r basic offers a treasure safety rule s and know the terrain before trove of tucked-away hills and headvalleys that can ing out.


TORONTO KIDS & FAMILIES - January 2013 | 5 Staff photo/JUSTIN SKINNER

wildforwinter winter

Strap on your skates! The ice skating season is upon us. Looking for some great places to ice skate this Winter? Toronto and the GTA offer some of the coolest places to enjoy this family fun activity! Here are some of our top picks: COLONEL SAM SMITH SKATING TRAIL www.toronto.ca/parks This is Toronto’s first ice trail and a one-of-a-kind outdoor rink that expands into a figure-eight shape and covers 250 metres of pure winter fun. It is linked to the park’s greater trail network providing visitors with an immediate walkway connection to enjoy the trails. The facility features a rink change area which includes a large change room with benches, and washrooms. DUFFERIN GROVE PARK RINK www.dufferinpark.ca Dufferin Grove park rink is a wonderful and family friendly facility. Skate rentals are available. There are 2 rink pads so pleasure skating is always possible from 9am to 9pm all week (check website for sched-

ule). There is also a little indoor clubhouse with a wood stove to warm up with hot chocolate after skating. MEL LASTMAN SQUARE Mel Lastman Square Rink is an outdoor rink that is open seasonally. Also offers adult and youth pickup ice hockey though the main attraction is public skating sessions. NATHAN PHILLIPS SQUARE Rink Hotline: 416-338-7465 (RINK) Skate under the lights at Nathan Phillips Square’s famous outdoor ice rink. Skating is weather permitting and the rink is usually open daily from 10 am to 10pm. Skate rentals and indoor change rooms are available to visitors. Skating is free. Skate rentals available. NATREL RINK, HARBOURFRONT www.harbourfrontcentre.com Toronto’s favourite outdoor rink is lacing up for another great season. The Natrel Rink is open weather permitting). Beautifully situated on Toronto’s harbour, it is open 7 days a week. Admission is free. There is

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music while you skate and indoor change room are available. EVERGREEN BRICK WORKS ebw.evergreen.ca Bring your skates and join us for free public skating! The Skating Trail is the perfect place to enjoy fresh air, exercise and winter fun—in nature—in the city. The ice rink is open weather permitting. Skate rentals are available. BARBARA ANN SCOTT / COLLEGE PARK RINK The Barbara Ann Scott / College Park Outdoor Rink takes its name from Canada’s favourite figure skating champion and 1948 Olympic

Champion in Ladies Singles Freeskate and two-time World Champion. The rink is used for both hockey and pleasure skating. SHERBOURNE COMMON SKATE PAD Sherbourne Common is a fairly new waterfront park that has transformed an industrial area into some much needed public green space just off the lakefront. During the winter, the park includes a 920 square metre skating rink featuring stunning views of Lake Ontario and Toronto’s downtown skyline. A seating wall surrounds the eastern and western edge of the rink and rubber mats have been installed to make it easier to lace up. – Toronto4kids.com


6 | TORONTO KIDS & FAMILIES - January 2013

januaryevents events Disney’s Phineas and Ferb: The Best LIVE Tour Ever!

Phineas, Ferb, and the whole Tri-State Area gang embark on a bold escape jumping out from behind your TV and onto the stage in a live action adventure in Disney Live’s fourth season at the Rogers Centre. Jan 11 - 13 Rogers Centre One Blue Jays Way 1-855-985-5000 www.ticketmaster.ca

Shen Yun

Shen Yun Performing Arts will return to Toronto with a brand new 2012 production, offering an exhilarating world-class production with grand scale performances that celebrate the pure excellence of classical Chinese dance and music inspired by the myths, legends, and divine beauty of 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture. Jan 17 - 29 Sony Centre for the Performing Arts 1-855-872-7669 www.shenyunperformingarts.org

Toronto International Boat Show

The Toronto International Boat Show is the premiere show in Canada and one of the world’s leading boat shows. The Best Place to See Boats and The Best Place to Buy Them! Fun for the Whole Family! Take boat ride on the largest indoor lake! Jan 12 - 20 Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place 416-263-3000 www.torontoboatshow.com

Robin Hood: The Legendary Musical Comedy

This Canadian-made musical features clever, biting and amusing twists on the familiar legends of Robin Hood and his Merry Men. For families. Jan 11 - 26 Hart House Theatre 416-978-8849 www.harthouse.ca/robin-hood-the-legendarymusical-comedy/

The Pied Piper at Solar Stage

This musical version of the traditional story, adapted from Grimm, takes you to a village that has rats and where people aren’t allowed to enjoy music and entertainment. Jan 12 - Feb 3 Solar Stage 416-368-8031 www.solarstage.on.ca

Rouge Park’s 10th Annual Winter Bird Count

An experienced birder will lead groups of volunteers through beautiful areas of Rouge Park, counting all birds seen and heard along the way. Whether you’re a birding expert or just learning about our feathered friends, we hope you can join us for this fun day in the park. Jan 13 Rouge Park 905-713-6007 www.rougepark.com

Dance Ontario: Dance Weekend

Dance Ontario presents the twentieth annual Dance Weekend, a festival showcasing many different genres of dance, including Ballet, B-Boys, Jazz, Contemporary, Flamenco, Middle Eastern, Bharanatyam and more. This year’s anniversary fest, which happens at the Harbourfront Centre’s Fleck Dance Theatre, also features new commissioned works by Gadfly & Benjamin Landsberg. Jan 18 - 19 Harbourfront Centre 416-973-4000 www.danceontario.ca

Monster Jam Maple Leaf Tour

Attracting more than 4 million fans annually at the most prestigious arenas and stadiums throughout the world, Monster Jam events showcase jaw-dropping freestyle and racing competition featuring the largest and most advanced automotive machines in the world Jan 19 - 20 Rogers Centre 416-870-8000 www.ticketmaster.ca

Tipi Tapestry Project

Join community artists Pamela Schuller and Marie Gaudet, along with local aboriginal youth for a discussion on tipi teachings learning. Then try your hand in creating some original canvas artwork to add to the Tipi Tapestry installation at Evergreen Brick Works! Jan 19 - Mar 22 Evergreen Brick Works 416-596-1495 ebw.evergreen.ca

DJ Skate Saturday Nights

Winter Fun Day at Colborne Lodge

Fun wintery activities including taffy pulling for kids take place inside Colborne Lodge and roasting marshmallows, eating roasted potatoes and sipping warm cider in the great outdoors. Dress warmly as most of the activities are outside. Free admission. Jan 20 Colborne Lodge 416-392-6916 www.toronto.ca/museums

Dreams - Puppet Allsorts

This series of 3 short shadow pieces explores the theme of Dreams. Adventure with us as we look beyond our physical realities and come face to face with our inner light/darkness. Performed by the Artichoke Heart Collective. All ages. Jan 20 Zuke Studio, 1581 Dupont Street, Toronto 416-531-1290 www.puppetallsorts.com

ROM Sleepover: Ancient Civilizations

Bring ancient empires back to life as you enjoy exclusive, after-hours access to the Galleries of Greece, Rome, Byzantium, Nubia and Egypt. Speak to experts, get up close to ancient artifacts, write your name in hieroglyphs, make a mosaic and construct your own gladiator helmet. Then bunk down for a giant sleepover. Jan 25 - 26 Royal Ontario Museum 416-586-5797ext1 www.rom.on.ca

Outdoor Guided Walk Winter in the Valley

Robbie Burns’ Day Celebration

Gibson House Neighbourhood Social

Music & Truffles Classical Music for Family Enjoyment

Tour the Wildflower Preserve to learn how birds, animals and plants adapt to and survive harsh winter conditions. Enjoy mulled cider after the walk. Jan 27 Todmorden Mills 416-396-2819 www.toronto.ca/museums Gather your family and friends and join us for a warm and cozy afternoon of fun at Gibson House. The house will be alive with hearth cooking, storytelling, games, and crafts. All ages welcome. Jan 27 Gibson House 416-395-7432

Celebrate the birthday of the infamous Scottish Poet with toe-tapping live music, shortbread and a taste of haggis! Jan 27 Mackenzie House 416-392-6915 www.toronto.ca/museums

Designed for young people ages 5 to 15, Music & Truffles is entertaining, it’s interactive, and a wonderful opportunity to expose yourself and your children to classical music for a pittance! February 3 Walter Hall (U of T Faculty of Music Building) www.mooredaleconcerts.com

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TORONTO KIDS & FAMILIES - January 2013 | 7

ongoingevents events 40th Anniversary Summit Series Tribute

For a limited time only at the Hockey Hall of Fame, guests can relive the most famous series in all of hockey. This special 40th anniversary display pays tribute to the 1972 Summit Series between Team Canada and the Soviet Union. Until March 31, 2013 Hockey Hall of Fame, Brookfield Place, 30 Yonge Street, Toronto 416-360-7765 www.hhof.com

Born to be Wild

Born to be Wild is an inspiring story of love, dedication and the remarkable bond between humans and animals. This film documents orphaned orangutans and elephants and the extraordinary people who rescue and raise them – saving endangered species one life at a time. Ongoing Ontario Science Center 416-696-3127 www.ontariosciencecentre.ca

Eyes on the Skies at the Science Centre

This one-of-a-kind, lively program introduces pre-school children to the night-time sky through singing, connect-the-stars constellations and a journey to the moon. The program was designed especially for our youngest visitors and lasts no longer than 20 minutes to accommodate wandering minds and little feet. All participants receive a certificate of landing on the moon and a follow-up activity guide. Ongoing Ontario Science Center 416-696-3127 www.ontariosciencecentre.ca

Family Days at Gardiner Museum

Bring the whole family to the Gardiner for funfilled days with programming geared towards the kids. Free with admission, and kids under 12 get in for free if accompanied by an adult. Includes films, tours for kids, craft tables & more. Every Sunday, 9 - 1 to 4 pm Gardiner Museum 416-586-8080 www.gardinermuseum.com

Hockey Hall of Fame - Stanley’s Game Seven (3D)

Hockey’s first 3D film is a stunning mix of 3D originally filmed hockey action teamed with computer-generated photo-realistic 3D animation and classic archival footage from some of the most renowned moments in Stanley Cup history – the film literally jumps off the screen. ongoing Hockey Hall of Fame 416-933-8215 www.hhof.com

Mathemagical! From Magic Square to Magic Wear

Guided by Harbourfront Centre, the Textile Museum of Canada, the Ontario Science Centre and Ryerson University, students of all ages have transformed magic squares into their personal symbols, magical printed fabrics and inspired fashion for display. Until Jan 13, 2013 Ontario Science Center 416-696-3127 www.ontariosciencecentre.ca

Mirvish presents The Wizard of Oz

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage by the award-winning creative team that recently delighted Toronto audiences of all ages with the revival of The Sound of Music. Until Mar 31 Ed Mirvish Theatre (formerly The Canon) 416-872-1212 www.mirvish.com/shows/thewizardofoz

The Natrel Rink

A popular skating destination in the heart of the city! Visitors can enjoy our artificially-cooled outdoor rink while skating to music and taking in the beautiful surroundings of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands. Until Mar 10 Harbourfront, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto 416-973-4866 www.harbourfrontcentre.com

Public Skating at Evergreen Brick Works

Lace up this winter and take a skate on familyfriendly outdoor Ice Trail! It’s the perfect place for winter fun, as you wind through the gardens and enjoy nature in the city! Free. Until Jan 24 - 11:00 am until 4:00 pm Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave 416-596-1495 http://ebw.evergreen.ca/whats-on/recreation/ skating

To The Arctic

An extraordinary journey to the top of the world, To The Arctic is the ultimate tale of survival. Narrated by Meryl Streep. Ongoing Ontario Science Center 416-696-3127 www.ontariosciencecentre.ca

Ultimate Dinosaurs Take Over the ROM

See some of the largest and most unusual dinosaurs to have ever roamed the planet at this new exhibition. Cutting Edge Technology and Hands-On Activities bring these Big, Bizarre, and Brand-New Dinos to Life. Until March ROM - Royal Ontario Museum 416-586-5797 www.rom.on.ca

Pinkalicious: The Musical

Based on the most popular children’s book series in Canada, Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament. Until March 31 Lower Ossington Theatre 416-915-6747 www.lowerossingtontheatre.com

Shakespeare for Kids Library Club

Under the artistic direction of Michael Kelly, the Shakespeare in Action team of highly skilled actor-educators work with children between the ages of seven and twelve, focusing on arts and literacy through Shakespeare’s plays. The program includes theatre games, vocal warm-ups, story writing, and choral speaking exercises. Ends May 11 Various library locations across Toronto 416-703-4881 www.shakespeareinaction.org

Under the Sea

This film takes you into fascinating underwater locales such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Triangle for face-to-face encounters with some of the most mysterious and stunning creatures of the sea. Ongoing Ontario Science Center 416-696-3127 www.ontariosciencecentre.ca

Weekend Family Fun

Parents, the next time you hear “There’s nothing to do!” bring your children aged 3 to 9 over to the Museum to paint a mini-clog, try on shoes, and go on a treasure hunt in the galleries! Weekends in January Bata Shoe Museum, 416-979-7799 x242 www.batashoemuseum.ca

Stinky Kids: The Musical

StinkyKid Britt loves making everyone happy. But this girl who never gets in trouble is in a sticky situation – literally: She has an impossibly epic wad of gum stuck in her hair. All of Britt’s friends are depending on her parents to take them to the new MegaJumper 3000 at Captain Happy’s Jumpy-Fun-Super-Bouncy Indoor Place, so she definitely doesn’t want to disappoint anyone. February 2 - April 27 www.lowerossingtontheatre.com FOR MORE EVENTS, VISIT WWW.TORONTO4KIDS.COM


8 | TORONTO KIDS & FAMILIES - January 2013

Toys for girls AND boys

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said the purple and pink colouring of the toy means that girls should cook, and boys shouldn’t. Pope’s petition garnered nearly 45,000 signatures, and the support of celebrity chefs like Bobby Flay. Hasbro now says it plans to introduce a new black, silver, and blue model of the oven, and to feature boys in ads for the product. In Sweden, a toy company recently overhauled the way it designs and markets toys to children. A Swedish government regulator ordered Top Toy to stop employing gender-based stereotypes in its advertising, and as a result, the company’s 2012 Christmas catalog featured images of boys with toy ironing boards, and girls playing with a toy guns.

TORONTO

Most web-savvy moms and dads out there are no doubt familiar with the viral video of a little girl in a toy store with her father, ranting about her frustration with the fact that all the ‘girl’ toys were pink, and all the ‘boy’ toys were “really cool colours.” The video, which went viral on parenting blogs worldwide, sparked a dialogue among writers from across North America on traditional gender roles, and how they’re reinforced by the toys we purchase for our children. The resulting media coverage caught the attention of 13-year-old New Jersey teenager McKenna Pope, who launched a petition to get Hasbro to make a gender-neutral Easy-Bake Oven after her younger brother

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TORONTO KIDS & FAMILIES - January 2013 | 9

Top Toy’s 2012 Christmas catalog featured images of boys with toy ironing boards, and girls playing with a toy guns.

Gender stereotyping in toys works in both directions, and some child psychologists believe that young girls are at a disadvantage, particularily when it comes to spatial and math-based toys. How many times have you walked into your child’s classroom only to see the boys and girls separated into two different groups, playing with completely different toys? The boys are likely huddled around the building blocks, creating skyscrapers and forts, while the girls are busy painting and colouring. Does it mean girls have no interest in construction play at all? Unsurprisingly, the answer is no. Toy companies that specialize in the design of building toys have long researched the patterns of construction play among girls, specifically, and understand its long-term benefits. From developing language skills to boosting a sense of achievement, construction play serves as a stepping-stone for a young child’s intellectual future. “Playing with building toys provides children an ideal way to engage in discovery-based learning,” says Dr. Maureen O’Brien, developmental psychologist and child play expert. “It is through this type of learning that children are able to

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build their confidence through trial and error and develop a sense of achievement, enabling them to physically link their world to the play world, building their brains in the process.” The learning benefits of block play are further enhanced when layered with open-ended, imaginative play, such as make-believe with dolls. Children begin to understand their world and give it perspective by playing with toys that enhance exploration through customization and storytelling. This combination of block play and role play is a boost to your child’s development. Understanding that girls love and benefit from creative construction as much as boys do, O’Brien has some tips on incorporating building play as a regular activity for your daughter: Make construction playtime a group activity Emphasize storytelling Incorporate familiar characters Join and guide the fun O’Brien encourages parents to break through the traditional playtime expectations to instill life-long benefits of construction play – especially for girls. The skills they will acquire through a simple shift in their play routine can expose them to numerous future opportunities. – Nicole Larkin, with files from newscanada.com

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10 | TORONTO KIDS & FAMILIES - January 2013

In celebration of Family Literacy Month, here’s a selection of our top picks for early 2013! Keith the Cat with the Magic Hat

Owly & Wormy, Bright Lights and Starry Nights

By Sue Hendra This edition: Hardcover, 32 pages Ages: 3 and up List Price: $18.99 Prepare to be amazed when you meet Keith the Cat with the Magic hat. Keith is not your average cat. Keith is a cat with magical powers - or at least a magic hat. But when one day, Keith loses his magic hat he discover that magic is still possible.

By Andy Runton, Illustrated by: Andy Runton This edition: Hardcover, 40 pages Ages: 3 - 7 List Price: $18.99 Owly and Wormy want to see the stars! So they gather their telescope and their lantern and head out into the dark night, all the way to the edge of their branch. And this time there are even bigger challenges to face. What’s that screee sound? What’s that click click clicking noise? And what has happened to their telescope?!

A Hero for WondLa

The Unwanteds

By Tony DiTerlizzi, Illustrated by: Tony DiTerlizzi This edition: Hardcover, 464 pages Ages: 10 and up List Price: $19.99 Eva thinks she has everything she’s ever dreamed of, especially when Hailey brings her and her friends to the colony of New Attica, where humans of all shapes and sizes live in apparent peace and harmony. But all is not idyllic in New Attica, and Eva Nine soon realizes that something sinister is going on—and if she doesn’t stop it, it could mean the end of everything and everyone on planet Orbona.

By Lisa McMann This edition: Hardcover, 400 pages Ages: 8 - 12 List Price: $18.99 In Artime, each child is taught to cultivate their creative abilities and learn how to use them magically, weaving spells through paintbrushes and musical instruments. Everything Alex has ever known changes before his eyes, and it’s a wondrous transformation.


TORONTO KIDS & FAMILIES - January 2013 | 11

BCS Summer Language Camp A residential summer camp for boys and girls ages 11–16 Classroom instruction in English or French Bilingual sports and recreational programmes Small classes with students from around the world

June 30 – July 27, 2013

52 years

of summer fun! www.BishopsCollegeSchool.com

Summer@BishopsCollegeSchool.com • (819) 566-0227 ext. 319 • Sherbrooke, QC


12 | TORONTO KIDS & FAMILIES - January 2013

Downsview Park

March Break Camp

—a new adventure every day!

Unforgettable week of fun with Downsview Park’s natural and recreational attractions. March 11 to 15 A week of wildlife, science, sports, art, nature and more! Campers will explore local forest habitats; play sports at the Downsview Park Sports Centre; enjoy arts, crafts and hands-on activities in the Discovery Centre, and interact with special guests.

For boys and girls 6 to 12 years old

Space is limited— register online today!

downsviewpark.ca • 416-952-2222 @DPDiscovery

/DownsviewParkOfficialPage


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