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?
Category: Personal Faves
As Seen on CTV: Earth Day Books for Kids
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
6 Picture Books Featuring Teddy Bears (and Rabbits)
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)
CTV Your Morning Holiday Picks
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
CTV Your Morning Kids’ Book Picks: Sept 13, 2019
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
Students Rap Their Way Through IF I HAD A GRYPHON
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
2017: The Year in Review
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
What I Read in 2016: Picture Books
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
What I Read in 2016: YA
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
Middle Grade Gift Suggestions 2016
Last week I got to talk to one of my favourite people, Ann Foster, about middle grade fiction. When not working at the Saskatoon Public Library recco-ing kids and teen books, she is writing about fashion in TV over at You Know You Love Fashion (currently chronicling the enviable wardrobe of Phryne Fisher) and spearheading a … Continue reading Middle Grade Gift Suggestions 2016
