Everything I need to know in life, I learned from children's literature
Talking about the reality of war can be a challenge, particularly with young children. Here are 8 titles- each meticulously researched and sensitively told for their intended readers- that can help foster these conversations. All of these titles have historical notes providing further context and, in some cases, pointing out the author or illustrator's personal… Continue reading As Seen on CTV Your Morning: Kids’ Books to Share for Remembrance Day
Spooky season means spooky books! Here are seven new Canadian kids' titles to read leading up to the big day. Watch the full segment here. Picture Books, ages 3-7 In the retro-tinged A Spoonful of Frogs, a glamourous witch is explaining how to make soup on camera, as if she's on a TV cooking show,… Continue reading As Seen on CTV: Seven Spooky Halloween Books for Kids
I am thrilled to be working again alongside brilliant artist and advocate Miranda Mulholland on a second Remembrance Day theatre piece, Dear Canada: Letters from The Second World War, premiering at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on November 11th. An earlier commemoration, Letters From The Great War: A Commemoration of the First World War,… Continue reading Dear Canada: Letters from The Second World War
Scholastic Canda | Designer: Yvonne Lam | Art: Holly Allerellie Behold the show-stopping cover of my next middle grade novel, P.S. TELL NO ONE coming from Scholastic Canada in February 2023. All of my books are close to my heart, but this one is super special to me. For years I've referred to this as… Continue reading New Book: P.S. TELL NO ONE coming Feb 2023
The Toronto International Festival of Authors kicks off this week, including 30+ kids' events. I am excited to be moderating a spooky author panel featuring two international superstars, Canada's own Kenneth Oppel and revered Japanese author, Sachiko Kashiwaba. GHOSTLIGHT takes place in and around one of my favourite local places, the Toronto Islands. Featuring a… Continue reading Talking Ghosts with Kenneth Oppel and Sachiko Kashiwaba
Whether your kids are looking forward to a new school year or clinging to the end of summer, a good book can gently ease them back into an academic routine. Here are 10 new Canadian titles featuring warm welcomes, new friends, try-outs, social anxiety and fresh starts. Watch the segment online here. Picture Books, Ages… Continue reading As Seen on CTV: Back-to-School Reading List for Kids
The best way to keep kids hooked on reading is to find them a series that will have them asking for more. Here are ten series by Canadian authors to keep your kids reading all summer long! Watch the segment here, or read on for the full list! Ages 5-9 Scaredy Squirrel is a familiar… Continue reading As Seen on CTV Your Morning: Start a Series
Everyone likes a little me time, so I'm changing it up a little to include some grown-up books that make great gifts for Dad. Here are four picture books to read with Dad (or Grandad) and four adult books to give the father figure in your life this Father's Day, as shared on CTV Your… Continue reading As Seen on CTV Your Morning: Books for Father’s Day
In April, I left my day job at Penguin Random House Canada to focus on my writing and new opportunities. Here are some of the very exciting things coming down the pike. TPL Writer in Residence I am thrilled to be spending June & July as the Toronto Public Library's Writer in Residence, focusing on… Continue reading TPl Writer in Residence & Other News
May is Asian Heritage Month, and we have a wealth of Asian-Canadian authors and illustrators creating great books for children. Here are ten new kids' titles from Asian-Canadian creators to check out! Watch the segment here. Picture Books, ages 3-7 TWELVE IN A RACE (Plum Leaf) introduces the history of the Chinese zodiac with gorgeous paintings… Continue reading As Seen on CTV Your Morning: Asian Heritage Month Kids’ Reading List
Vikki VanSickle 