Get ready for the Book Bash Canadian Children's Literature Festival! Book Bash Canadian Children’s Literature Festival is a fun-filled, free children’s festival featuring a variety of activities and programs with Canadian children’s authors, illustrators and entertainers.
Celebrate your love of reading, meet amazing authors and illustrators, and enjoy hands-on fun with friends and family.
| When is Book Bash Canadian Children's Literature Festival? |
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Georgetown: Acton: |
Schedule
Georgetown Branch
| Friday, October 10 |
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Helson Art Gallery: 10:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.: Storytime with Artist James Paterson and his Storytelling Machine Cultural Centre Studio: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Always Imagine Wire Art Workshop with James and Lynn Paterson. Ages 7-12. Registered James Paterson is an award-winning artist and “Imagineer,” best known for his playful wire sculptures called Prayer Machines. His storytelling machines, which are joyful, kinetic creations made entirely from twisted wire, have been exhibited worldwide and commissioned for hospitals, galleries, and private collections. Come bend, twist, and imagine with artist James Paterson! It’s like drawing in 3D—you’ll create your own wire art, play with tools, and explore creativity in a whole new way. John Elliott Theatre: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: “Shine On Queen” Puppet Show BAM Children’s Entertainment presents Shine On Queen, an interactive puppet show aimed at children aged 1–12 that celebrates self-acceptance, neurodiversity, and resilience. Through music, humour, and vibrant puppetry, the show encourages kids to shine their own way and embrace who they are. 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Author Visit with Kevin Sylvester with meet and greet Kevin Sylvester is an award-winning author, cartoonist, broadcaster, and illustrator of more than thirty books, including the Neil Flambé Capers, the Hockey Super Six series, Basketballogy and the bestselling sci-fi trilogy MiNRs. Known for blending humour with learning, his work spans fiction, non-fiction, and picture books—covering everything from sports to monsters. Join Kevin at the John Elliott Theatre as he discusses his works, demos his illustration process, and ends with a Q&A + meet-and-greet! Children’s Program Room: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Drop-in Crafts Stop by the Program Room to get creative and make literacy-related crafts. 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Author Visit with Geraldo Valerio Geraldo Valério is a highly acclaimed Brazilian-born author and illustrator whose books include My Book of Birds, Canadian Animals in Colour, Moose, Goose, Animals on the Loose! and The Egg. His richly detailed collage and paintings—including At the Pond, which has won many awards like the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Award—bring the beauty of nature and imagination to life, and his work has been published across North America, Europe, and beyond. Geraldo will be doing an interactive storytime and craft. Library Children’s Area: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Scavenger Hunt Learn about different ways people experiencing disability, including those who are blind, visually impaired, or have other sensory disability(ies) develop literacy through this tactile scavenger hunt that introduces children to braille. Complete the hunt to win a prize while supplies last! 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Sensory Kits Sneak Peek! We will have a preview of the upcoming improvements to our sensory collection! This collection will have five unique kits that will each focus on providing specific sensory supports for auditory, tactile, visual, movement, and calm. A selection of materials that will be included in these kits will be available to try out in-library during the event. 10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Family Storytime Designed for children under 6 and their caregivers, this drop-in program invites you to a fun and interactive storytime featuring stories, rhymes, and songs that spark imagination and early learning! 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dogs Meet and interact with certified therapy dogs from St. John’s Ambulance! Lobby: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Community Partners: Supports and Resources Meet some of Halton Hills literacy supports, services, and resources including Links2Care, International Dyslexia Association Ontario, Halton Children's Developmental Services, Centre for Diverse Learners, CELA, and more! 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Green Screen Photos Pose for a photo and check out our green screen to take home a keepsake of the fun and festivities you had at Book Bash! Creativity Centre: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Explore the 3D Printer and sample Assistive Devices Check out the creativity centre, including samples of adaptive assistive devices with resources provided by Makers Making Change. |
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Saturday, October 11 |
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Outdoor Plaza: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Big Blue Blocks Bring your imagination, creativity, and building skills to the Big Blue Blocks! Design and construct with this Imagination Playground. Helson Art Gallery: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Art at the Library Drop-in Art Activity Visit the gallery to get creative and make a family art activity. Cultural Centre Studio: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Author visit with Rosena Fung Rosena Fung is a Toronto-based cartoonist and illustrator, and the creator of the award-winning graphic novel Living With Viola and her latest, Age 16. When she isn’t drawing, she teaches illustration, participates in zine fairs, and, true to her passions, spends time with cats and snacks. Join Rosena as she gives participants a Behind-the-Scenes look at making a graphic novel, a short reading, an interactive drawing activity, and a Q&A! 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Writing Workshop with author Rukhsana Khan Rukhsana Khan is an award-winning author and storyteller with eighteen published books, including the acclaimed Big Red Lollipop, named one of the New York Public Library’s “100 Greatest Children’s Books of the Last 100 Years.” Her stories draw on her experiences growing up in Canada after immigrating from Pakistan. By featuring her stories and writing process, Rukhsana will be offering a writer's workshop to introduce children and youth to techniques for generating story ideas! 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Virtual Reality Test out HHPL's Meta Quest Pro VR headset! This program is for ages 10 and up. Children ages 10-12 must have a caregiver or guardian sign a permission form to play. John Elliott Theatre: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Author Visit with E.K. Johnston E.K. Johnston is a bestselling author and forensic archaeologist whose books range from contemporary fantasy and fairy-tale reimaginings to hopeful sci-fi and Star Wars adventures, including The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim and Ahsoka. With stories spanning small-town Ontario to galaxies far, far away, she is celebrated for creating rich, imaginative worlds and unforgettable characters. Come meet E.K. for an author visit, presentation, Q&A and book signing! 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Author Visit with Kern Carter Kern Carter is the author of acclaimed middle-grade and young adult novels, including And Then There Was Us, Boys and Girls Screaming, and Is There a Boy Like Me? His stories explore themes of family, friendship, and resilience, inspired by his own journey from teen parent to published writer and mentor. Kern will be closing the festival by sharing his journey of becoming an author, his writing process, and the art of storytelling! Children’s Program Room: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Mitali Ruths Come meet the author of The Party Diaries for a fun, interactive workshop. Mitali Banerjee Ruths will talk about keeping a diary and how to start one of your own. Then she’ll share the secret story writing questions that help guide her early chapter book series about a girl who starts a party-planning business to help save the planet— one party at a time! And then we’ll come up with ideas for an earth-friendly party together, from decorations and food to games and activities. 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: “Top 10 Tips to Support Your Reader” with the International Dyslexia Association Ontario Join the International Dyslexia Association Ontario as they share their top 10 evidence-based strategies to support struggling readers, including ways to encourage confidence, match appropriate reading materials, and practical tips you can start applying at home! Library Children’s Area: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Scavenger Hunt Learn about different ways people experiencing disability, including those who are blind, visually impaired, or have other sensory disability(ies) develop literacy through this tactile scavenger hunt that introduces children to braille. Complete the hunt to win a prize while supplies last! 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Meet the Care Bears Join the beloved Care Bears for a meet-and-greet at both branches on Saturday! 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Facepainting Drop by to transform into your favourite animal, book character, or get some cool designs with face paint! 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Art at the Library and INC Project Awards Ceremony Join us to celebrate the winners who will be presented with their awards and are invited to read from their winning pieces. 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dogs Meet and interact with certified therapy dogs from St. John’s Ambulance! Lobby: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Green Screen Photos Pose for a photo and check out our green screen to take home a keepsake of the fun and festivities you had at Book Bash! Creativity Centre: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Explore the 3D Printer and sample Assistive Devices Check out the creativity centre, including samples of adaptive assistive devices with resources provided by Makers Making Change. |
Acton Branch
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Friday, October 10 |
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Reading Deck: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Big Blue Blocks Bring your imagination, creativity, and building skills to the Big Blue Blocks! Design and construct with this Imagination Playground. Community Room: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Author Visit with Zain Bandali Zain Bandali is a children’s author, poet, and storyteller whose debut picture book Mehndi Boy was a Silver Birch Express Award nominee and named a “Best Book for Kids” by the New York Public Library. His work celebrates culture, belonging, and unapologetic self- expression. Join Zain for a reading of Mehndi Boy followed by a mehndi/henna art activity! 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Author Visit with Shiva Delsooz Shiva Delsooz is an Iranian-Canadian author and illustrator whose whimsical, magical art shines in works such as The Eidi Bag and her own It Began with a Buzz. Trained in animation, she brings her love of character design and storytelling to life in vibrant illustrations inspired by her own experiences growing up with hearing loss. Meet Shiva for a storytime and drawing demonstration! Children’s Program Room: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Drop-in Crafts Stop by the Program Room to get creative and make literacy-related crafts. Fireplace Lounge: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Green Screen Photos Pose for a photo and check out our green screen to take home a keepsake of the fun and festivities you had at Book Bash! Library Children’s Area: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Scavenger Hunt Learn about different ways people experiencing disability, including those who are blind, visually impaired, or have other sensory disability(ies) develop literacy through this tactile scavenger hunt that introduces children to braille. Complete the hunt to win a prize (while supplies last)! 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dogs. Meet and interact with certified therapy dogs from St. John’s Ambulance! |
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Saturday, October 11 |
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Children’s Program Room: 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Author Visit with Nancy Cooper Nancy Cooper is from the Chippewas of Mnjikaning First Nation and has worked in the Native literacy field for over 17 years. She currently serves as the coordinator for First Nation Communities Read, championing Indigenous literature and storytelling across Canada. Join Nancy for a storytime of her works, including Biindigen! Amik Says Welcome! 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: Author Visit with Denise Dias Denise Dias is a writer, columnist, and children’s book author whose work has appeared in The Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, and Toronto Life. A long-time healthcare philanthropist, she is also a dedicated volunteer with arts and charitable organizations, as well as an avid reader, occasional baker, and “accidental gardener.” Join Denise for a reading of T Is for Terry: An ABC of Courage! Community Room: 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Zine Workshop with PFlag Create your own mini magazine that reflects your experiences, interests, and who you are. Led in collaboration with local community partner Pflag Halton, this is a chance to connect and express your creativity. This is a free drop-in program. No experience needed, and all materials will be provided. Fireplace Lounge: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Green Screen Photos Pose for a photo and check out our green screen to take home a keepsake of the fun and festivities you had at Book Bash! 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Sensory Kits Sneak Peek! We will have a preview of the upcoming improvements to our sensory collection! This collection will have five unique kits that will each focus on providing specific sensory supports for auditory, tactile, visual, movement, and calm. A selection of materials that will be included in these kits will be available to try out in-library during the event. Library Children’s Area: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Scavenger Hunt Learn about different ways people experiencing disability, including those who are blind, visually impaired, or have other sensory disability(ies) develop literacy through this tactile scavenger hunt that introduces children to braille. Complete the hunt to win a prize (while supplies last)! 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Facepainting Drop by to transform into your favourite animal, book character, or get some cool designs with face paint! 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.: St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dogs Meet and interact with certified therapy dogs from St. John’s Ambulance! Reading Deck: 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Meet the Care Bears Join the beloved Care Bears for a meet-and-greet at both branches on Saturday! |
Made possible by
The Book Bash Canadian Children's Literature Festival is made possible by the Toronto Public Library, Toronto Public Library Foundation, and the Muller Scholastic Endowment Fund.
