FESTIVAL SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26

FANTASTIC FICTION FOR YOUNG READERS

7:00pm– 8:30pm (10+)

From solving mysteries to faraway lands, find out how these kidlit authors create exciting new characters who chart their own paths through magical and mysterious adventures. With David A. Robertson, Nafiza Azad, and Michael Hutchinson. [CC]

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1

WHAT’S THE BUZZ: 2020’S BEST CANADIAN TITLES FOR TEACHERS, PARENTS & LIBRARIANS

8:00pm– 9:00pm (18+)

Grab your pen and paper and get ready to take notes. This showcase offers librarians and educators a snapshot of the best Canadian OwnVoices titles this year. Featuring FOLD Kids Coordinator Ardo Omer along with Khary Mathurin from Another Story Bookshop. [CC]

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

CHERISHING INDIGENOUS LANGUAGES IN PICTURE BOOKS

8:00pm– 9:00pm (18+)

Picture books are playing an important role in preserving culture, customs, and sharing Indigenous languages with young readers. Bestselling author Waubgeshig Rice speaks with David A. Robertson, Dallas Hunt, and Jennifer Leason. [CC]

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

DOODLE WITH ME

10:00am– 11:00am (6+)

Debbie Ridpath Ohi reads from her picture book, Gurple and Preen: A Broken Crayon Cosmic Adventure (text by Linda Sue Park), then shows young artists and writers how to brainstorm character & story ideas through found object doodles. Bring paper and something to draw with! [CC]

NOT SO DIFFERENT

12:00pm– 1:00pm (6+)

Disabled blogger, author and Youtube star Shane Burcaw talks about his children’s book Not So Different. This interactive event is designed to teach kids about spinal muscular atrophy and about all the ways Shane wants people to know he's not so different after all. [CC]

WRITING WORKSHOP FOR YOUNG WRITERS

2:00pm– 3:30pm (12-18)

In this workshop for young writers (12–18 years old), author Richard Van Camp provides practical tips and tricks for writing incredible stories. [CC]

WRITING KIDLIT WORKSHOP

2:00pm– 3:30pm (18+)

Award-winning author Jillian Tamaki shares practical resources and insight on the process of writing picture books. [CC]

THE BIG BIRTHDAY BASH

4:00pm– 5:00pm (4+)

An interactive virtual birthday party with two incredible authors. Danielle Murrell Cox reads from her book, My Hair, followed by a celebration with Yolanda T. Marshall reading My Soca Birthday Party. Be prepared to dance, sing, and laugh as we celebrate a fun-filled afternoon! [CC]

THIS REALLY HAPPENED: TRUE-TO-LIFE STORIES FOR YOUNG READERS

6:00pm– 7:00pm (12+)

In this powerful panel, Canadian authors of fiction and non-fiction talk about how their books for young readers are rooted in real life events. Join Tina Athaide, Michel Chikwanine and June Hur discuss the important personal and historical moments that shaped their stories. [CC]

ONE EARTH: YOUTH RALLY FOR THE PLANET

8:00pm– 9:30pm (ALL)

Anuradha Rao checks in with One Earth: People of Color Protecting Our Planet contributors from around the world who are doing fantastic work advocating for the planet. Enjoy music and spoken word in a powerful family event that will inspire all of us to protect and defend the land. [CC]

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4

POWER POEMS FOR SMALL HUMANS

10:00am– 11:15am (6+)

Inspired by the book Power Poems for Small Humans, join Britta Badour as she teaches young writers how to craft powerful poems in an interactive event designed for writers 6–12 years of age. [CC]

OUR LITTLE KITCHEN

12:00pm– 1:30pm (ALL)

A kid-friendly, food-focused event with author Jillian Tamaki, Chef Joshna Maharaj, and two kid-cook assistants. You don't want to miss a minute of this tasty, interactive event designed for the whole family. [CC]

LEARN TO ILLUSTRATE

2:00pm– 3:30pm (14+)

Soyeon Kim leads an informative workshop on creating powerful images for picture books. [CC]

THE YOUNG READERS BOOK CLUB: THE CANDLE AND THE FLAME

4:00pm– 5:00pm (12-18)

In this first installment of FOLD's Young Readers Book Club, Ardo Omer and Ainara Alleyne chat with Nafiza Azad about her debut novel The Candle and the Flame. This event includes interactive polls and discussion about the book designed for readers 12–18 years of age. [CC]

BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE PRESENTS HEY LITTLE ROCKABYE

6:00pm– 7:00pm (0+)

Icon and rockstar Buffy Sainte-Marie reads from her picture book Hey Little Rockabye and performs a sing-along. Bring your pets or stuffed animals, and snuggle up for an incredible time with Buffy Sainte-Marie. [CC]

AFTER HOURS: GETTING REEL WITH ADAM GARNET JONES

8:00pm– 9:00pm (15+)

Fire Song follows Shane, a gay Anishinaabe teen, reeling after the suicide of his kid sister. Speaking about the YA novel adapted from his award-winning film, Adam Garnet Jones unpacks what it means to write difficult stories that shed light on important issues. [CC]