Everything I need to know in life, I learned from children's literature
Here are ten new books by Indigenous creators featuring traditions and experiences from various nations and Indigenous people. Books are a great way for families to learn together and start the conversations necessary for our country to move forward from the past towards reconciliation. Watch the segment here! Ages 3-7 I Sang You Down From… Continue reading As Seen on CTV: 10 New Kids’ Books by Indigenous Creators
Today is Menstrual Hygiene Day, a day dedicated to busting taboos and myths around periods. Fifty percent of the population gets a period, and yet people are still uncomfortable talking about it. There are lots of great non-fiction books for kids that cover puberty, but what about fiction? Most girls get their periods between 10-15… Continue reading Why Do So Few Characters Get Their Periods in Middle Grade Fiction?
I've always been committed to the environment. From a young age, I was interested in conservation, initiating recycling programs, and protecting at-risk species. Movies like Fern Gully and Free Willy had a big impact on me, as did Canadian TV show The Smoggies and The Body Shop's endangered species campaign. Fun fact, my very first… Continue reading As Seen on CTV: Earth Day Books for Kids
We are one week away from the release of my new picture book TEDDY BEAR OF THE YEAR, illustrated by Sydney Hanson. All of my books are a nod to something I love, and I've always had a soft spot for the softest of toys, bear or otherwise. Here are some of my favourite teddy… Continue reading 6 Picture Books Featuring Teddy Bears (and Rabbits)
With the season of gift giving just around the corner, this segment's list is based on popular activities or hobbies kids might have that might not at first glance have anything to do with books. Whether the kids in your life like lego, hockey, drawing, or video games, here are some books that will be… Continue reading CTV Your Morning Holiday Picks
At this time of year, kids are settling into new routines, battling back to school anxiety, and juggling homework, activities, and so much more. Reading can provide a much-needed moment of zen, a time to wind down and escape. Check out the video here, or read on to find out more: Picture Books, Ages 3-7… Continue reading CTV Your Morning Kids’ Book Picks: Sept 13, 2019
Of all the delightful and unexpected things that have happened to me as an author, this video featuring students from Madoc Drive Public School in Brampton, ON rapping their way through my picture book IF I HAD A GRYPHON is truly special. This was part of a music class lead by Miss Yoo and involved… Continue reading Students Rap Their Way Through IF I HAD A GRYPHON
What a year it’s been! I feel so fortunate to have had such amazing experiences. In March, I had the pleasure of being part of the Rainforest of Reading, an annual children’s book festival in Grenada, Saint Lucia, Montserrat and Nevis run by OneWorld Schoolhouse Foundation. The festival is the largest literacy initiative undertaken in… Continue reading 2017: The Year in Review
I value my picture book collection the way that Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler values her files: deeply, though you wouldn't know it by my lack of an ordered cataloging or shelving system. Here are some of the books published in 2016 that made it onto my shelves this year. Panda Pants is a dialogue between… Continue reading What I Read in 2016: Picture Books
I read a LOT of fab YA this year, some of which I won't go into here but you should definitely pick up (A Torch Against the Night! Empire of Storms! The Sun is Also a Star!). This list is by no means exhaustive, but here are some YA titles that made me think, slipped… Continue reading What I Read in 2016: YA
Vikki VanSickle 