Jael, Ardo, Lin & Sam welcome you to another great
Jael Richardson
Executive Director
Ardo Omer
Kids Program Coordinator
Hudson Lin
Program Coordinator
Samantha Clarke
Volunteer and Audience Engagement Coordinator
Kilby Smith-McGregor
Graphic Designer
Toni Duval
Educator Guide Writer
Calyssa Erb
Pitch Perfect: KidLit Edition Facilitator
Alexandra Yeboah
Associate Program Editor
FOLD KIDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Toni Duval
Meena Johal
Rabia Khokhar
Rahma Shere
Arathy Sivasubramaniam
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Teri Vlassopoulos
Treasurer
Ashish Seth
Secretary
Lavanya Narasimhan
Board of Directors Lead
Monica Tang Director, Adult Programming
Karen Richardson Mason Director, Kids Programming
Felicia Quon Director, Sponsorships & Special Projects
Cynthia Innes Director, Human Resources
Mark Richardson Director, Board Governance
FOLD KIDS BOOK FEST
VIRTUAL
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
BONUS SESSIONS AVAILABLE NOVEMBER 1!
FROM NOVEL TO COMIC DRAWING THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB WITH ARLEY NOPRA ON FRIENDSHIP + WRITING WITH JEN FERGUSON AND CHERYL ISAACS IT BEARS REPEATING STORYTIME WITH TANYA
TUES. NOV 5 WED. NOV 6 THURS. NOV 7
9:00am WRITERS ARE SUPERSTARS WITH KERN CARTER ASL STORYTIME WITH GAITRIE PERSAUD A PET ROCK PROJECT WITH ASHLEY QILAVAQ-SAVARD THE WRITER’S LIFE WITH ANTON TREUER
9:30am
10:00am LET’S DRAW! WITH NOHA EILOUTI
PRIMARY (K–GRADE 3)
JUNIOR (GRADES 4–6)
INTERMEDIATE (GRADES 6–8)
ROLL FOR INITIATIVE! STORYTELLING THROUGH ROLE-PLAYING WITH VICTORIA KOOPS
TELLING TALES WITH NATASHA DEEN 10:30am
11:00am THE MAKING OF A GRAPHIC NOVEL WITH ADAM DE SOUZA HOW TO BAKE A YUMMY STORY WITH SHENAAZ G. NANJI ALONE TOGETHER WITH PETTI FONG 11:30am 1:30pm
AND
TEENS (GRADES 9–11)
EDUCATORS
IN-PERSON
THURSDAY, NOV 7
6:30pm
COME READ WITH ME
A STORYTIME PAJAMA PARTY
GORE MEADOWS LIBRARY BRANCH (AGES 4–10)
FRIDAY, NOV 8
10:00am
MUSIC AND MOVEMENT AT GORE MEADOWS
GORE MEADOWS LIBRARY BRANCH (AGES 0–6)
10:00am
SIMONE, HALF AND HALF LIVE THEATRE PERFORMANCE
LESTER B. PEARSON THEATRE (SCHOOL GROUP EVENT: GRADES 4–8)
7:00pm
TEEN SPOKEN WORD SHOWCASE
SUSAN FENNELL YOUTH HUB (AGES 14+)
DROP-IN EVENT
COMMUNITY DAY • SATURDAY, NOV 9
GORE MEADOWS COMMUNITY CENTRE & LIBRARY
9:30am
KICKOFF CELEBRATION
ARENA-END OF GORE MEADOWS COMMUNITY CENTRE (ALL AGES)
10:00am
THE OPENING PARADE
ARENA-END OF GORE MEADOWS COMMUNITY CENTRE (ALL AGES)
10:30am–3:30pm
STORYTIME FUN WITH FOLD KIDS AUTHORS
GORE MEADOWS LIBRARY BRANCH (AGES 4–11)
10:30am SARABETH HOLDEN 11:30am SAHAR GOLSHAN
2:00pm MAHAK JAIN 3:00pm RUKHSANA KHAN
11:00am–4:00pm
TODAY I AM:
AN ART WORKSHOP WITH PAMA
GORE MEADOWS COMMUNITY CENTRE (ALL AGES)
11:00am
ESCAPE BRAMPTON LIBRARY WITH BASIL & KEVIN SYLVESTER
GORE MEADOWS LIBRARY BRANCH (AGES 8–13)
11:30am
STORYTIME WITH SARABETH HOLDEN EARLYON AT GORE MEADOWS (AGES 0–6)
PRESCHOOL (AGES 0–6)
PRIMARY (AGES 4–8)
JUNIOR (AGES 9–11)
INTERMEDIATE (AGES 11–13)
12:30pm
ADVENTURES IN SPACE WITH ONTARIO SCIENCE CENTRE
GORE MEADOWS COMMUNITY CENTRE (AGES 8–13)
2:00pm
BRAINSTORM BONANZA: A WRITING WORKSHOP WITH RIPPLE FOUNDATION
GORE MEADOWS LIBRARY BRANCH (AGES 9–13)
2:00pm
KIDS DISCOVERY CLUB WITH BRAMPTON LIBRARY
GORE MEADOWS LIBRARY BRANCH (AGES 6–12)
3:00pm
FOOD ART WITH FLO LEUNG
GORE MEADOWS LIBRARY BRANCH (AGES 6+)
TEENS (AGES 14–17)
ALL AGES
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
VIRTUAL EVENTS
WRITERS ARE SUPERSTARS WITH KERN CARTER
Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 9:00 am
Join us for an incredible writing workshop as Kern Carter (Is There a Boy Like Me? ) shares the secrets to writing amazing stories. Discover how to create your own tales—from imagining fun characters to crafting thrilling plots. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have written your very own short story. Get ready to unleash your creativity and become a superstar writer!
Grades 6–8. 45 minutes
ASL STORYTIME WITH GAITRIE PERSAUD
Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 9:00 am
In this annual storytelling event, Deaf artist and actress Gaitrie Persaud presents the incredible children’s book Archie Celebrates an Indian Wedding by Mitali Banerjee Ruths and Parwinder Singh in American Sign Language (ASL). Suitable for children of all ages, this ASL storytelling event provides viewers with an opportunity to learn a few signs as they discover the art of storytelling. Oral translation will be provided by an ASL interpreter.
Grades K–3. 30 minutes
LET’S DRAW! WITH NOHA EILOUTI
Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 10:00 am
In this art workshop, illustrator Noha Eilouti (We Are Palestinian) leads young artists step-by-step in the creation of an incredible work of art. Get out your paper and pencil for some drawing fun, and bring a question to ask Noha!
Grades 4–6. 45 minutes
THE MAKING OF A GRAPHIC
NOVEL
WITH
ADAM DE SOUZA
Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 11:00 am
Writer and illustrator Adam de Souza shares how he took his graphic novel, The Gulf, from idea to published book in this comics based event that explores the journey of a career in comics.
Grades 8–11. 45 minutes
BONUS VIRTUAL CONTENT
AVAILABLE ON DEMAND FROM NOVEMBER 1
Watch these bonus preview events on your own schedule!
IT BEARS REPEATING
STORYTIME WITH TANYA TAGAQ
In this bonus storytime event, author and Inuk performer Tanya Tagaq reads from her new picture book, It Bears Repeating Grades K–3.
FROM NOVEL TO COMIC: DRAWING THE BABY-SITTERS CLUB WITH ARLEY NOPRA
The bestselling series The Baby-sitters Club is available as a graphic novel series! In this bonus event, artist Arley Nopra guides kids through the process she followed converting Claudia and the Bad Joke from a chapter book into a middle grade graphic novel. Grades 4–7. SUPPORTED BY
ON FRIENDSHIP AND WRITING WITH JEN FERGUSON & CHERYL ISAACS
Authors Jen Ferguson (A Constellation of Minor Bears) and Cheryl Isaacs (The Unfinished) are not just writers, they’re also friends! In this event, they discuss their friendship, what it’s like writing alone and together, and navigating the publishing industry. Grades 9–11.
STORYTIME WITH DOROTHY ELLEN PALMER
Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 1:30 pm
Author Dorothy Ellen Palmer reads from her picture book, The Scooter Twins, which follows the journey of two siblings getting their very own mobility scooters. The reading will be followed by an activity.
Grades K–3. 30 minutes
ALONE TOGETHER: EXPLORING LONELINESS IN THE CLASSROOM WITH PETTI FONG
Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 5:00 pm
The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on loneliness and socialization. In this workshop designed for educators, Petti Fong—journalist, educator, and author ( Alone Together )—explores the effects of loneliness and provides helpful tools for educators tackling this issue in the classroom.
SUPPORTED BY
Educators. 60 minutes
FANTASTICAL TALES IN PAKISTAN
Tuesday, Nov. 5 at 7:30 pm
In this evening conversation, authors M.T. Khan ( Amir and the Jinn Princess) and Emily Varga (For She is Wrath) explore two fantastical Pakistans: one existing parallel to the world of jinn and the other inspires a romantic fantasy retelling of a literary classic, The Count of Monte Cristo. They’ll discuss worldbuilding, character motivations and writing for teen and middle grade audiences with moderator Ameema Saeed. Educators. 60 minutes
A PET ROCK PROJECT WITH ASHLEY QILAVAQ-SAVARD
Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 9:00 am
Author Ashley Qilavaq-Savard shows kids how to make a pet rock of their own in this storybook event based on her latest picture book, I Am a Rock. Participants are recommended to have the following materials to follow along: a rock, googly eyes, glue, beads, pipe cleaners and pom poms. Paint is optional!
Grades K–3. 30 minutes
ROLL FOR INITIATIVE! STORYTELLING THROUGH ROLE-PLAYING WITH VICTORIA KOOPS
Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 10:00 am
In this teen event, author Victoria Koops (Who We Are in Real Life) leads teens through a writing workshop inspired by tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons. Come prepared with a pen and paper, and your imagination!
Grades 9–11. 45 minutes
HOW TO BAKE A YUMMY STORY WITH SHENAAZ G. NANJI
Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 11:00 am
Did you know that storytelling and baking have a lot in common? They both rely on a careful recipe of ingredients to create a delicious treat. In this storytelling workshop, author Shenaaz G. Nanji ( Alina in the Deep) unpacks important tips on baking an incredible story.
Grades 4–6. 45 minutes
THE ILLUSTRATOR BATTLE
Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 1:30 pm
Our highly anticipated, annual illustrator event returns with a new crop of artists who will battle it out from their own drawing tables. This not-to-be missed interactive virtual event includes hilarious challenges featuring Canadian illustrators Noha Eilouti, Kevin Sylvester and our Illustrator-in-Residence Chelsea Charles. Join host Ardo Omer and special guest Marty Chan for this not-to-be-missed showcase of artistic talent.
SUPPORTED BY
Grades 5–8 . 60 minutes
TALKING TO STUDENTS ABOUT DISABILITY WITH DOROTHY ELLEN PALMER
Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 5:00 pm
In this workshop designed for educators, disabled author and retired teacher Dorothy Ellen Palmer (The Scooter Twins) provides meaningful tools for discussing disabilities with students and how to teach books featuring disabled characters.
Educators. 60 minutes
REIMAGINING ANNE: CELEBRATING 150 YEARS OF L.M. MONTGOMERY
Wednesday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 pm
This year marks the 150th birthday of iconic Canadian author of Anne of Green Gables, L.M. Montgomery. In this evening event, authors Paul Coccia, Matthew Dawkins and Natasha Deen discuss their reimaginings of Anne Shirley in The ANNEthology with moderator Catherine Little ( Anne of the Library-on-the-Hill ).
Educators. 60 minutes
THE WRITER’S LIFE WITH ANTON TREUER
Thursday, Nov. 7 at 9:00 am
The Writer’s Life series focuses on the writer’s journey. In this year’s segment, author Anton Treuer (Where Wolves Don’t Die) discusses the process behind writing his first novel and how he became a Professor of Ojibwe. From how he became a writer of fiction to being part of preserving and revitalizing an Indigenous language, students will learn there are many paths to publishing.
Grades 9–11. 45 minutes
TELLING TALES
WITH NATASHA DEEN
Thursday, Nov. 7 at 10:00 am
In this session, author Natasha Deen shares what she loves about writing mysteries and what inspired her to write her latest book in the Lark Ba Detective series: Lark Goes the Distance.
Grades 4–6. 45 minutes
ALONE TOGETHER WITH PETTI FONG
Thursday, Nov. 7 at 11:00 am
What’s the difference between being alone and being LONELY? How do you handle the feeling of loneliness, and are you alone in that experience? Using her book, Alone Together, as a guide, author and educator Petti Fong explores effective ways to navigate loneliness for kids.
Grades 6–9. 45 minutes SUPPORTED BY
A REMEMBRANCE DAY STORYTIME WITH MAIDAH AHMAD
Thursday, Nov. 7 at 1:30 pm
In this storytime event, author Maidah Ahmad reads from her picture book, Muhammad’s Recipe for Remembering, which explores the story of a Muslim boy rediscovering his family’s history in the World Wars as part of Remembrance Day. The reading will be followed by an activity from the book.
Grades K–3. 30 minutes
IN-PERSON EVENT VENUES
GORE MEADOWS COMMUNITY CENTRE & LIBRARY
North of Castlemore Road on The Gore Road, Brampton
GORE MEADOWS LIBRARY BRANCH
(10150 The Gore Rd)
GORE MEADOWS COMMUNITY CENTRE (10150 The Gore Rd)
EARLYON GORE MEADOWS
(10100 The Gore Rd)
LESTER B. PEARSON THEATRE
Bramalea Civic Centre, 150 Central Park Dr, Brampton
SUSAN FENNELL YOUTH HUB
Susan Fennell Sportsplex, 500 Ray Lawson Boulevard (Ray Lawson Boulevard & McLaughlin Road)
IN-PERSON EVENTS
COME READ WITH ME: A STORYTIME PAJAMA PARTY GORE MEADOWS LIBRARY BRANCH
Thursday, Nov. 7 at 6:30 pm
Come in your pajamas and bring your favourite stuffie as local celebrity readers share some of our favourite picture books at our annual read-a-loud storytelling event.
Ages 4–10. 60 minutes
MUSIC & MOVEMENT GORE MEADOWS LIBRARY BRANCH
Friday, Nov. 8 at 10:00 am
Join us for a special interactive music & dance event for families with young children based on picture books written and illustrated by Indigenous creators: Counting at Kits Beach by Oliver Moss Warawa McDonald and My Heart Fills With Happiness by Monique Gray Smith and Julie Flett. This drop-in event develops physical coordination, social skills, and creative expression.
Ages 0–6. 60 minutes
SIMONE, HALF AND HALF LIVE THEATRE AT LESTER B. PEARSON THEATRE
Friday, Nov. 8 at 10:00 am
Join us for a live theatre performance of Carousel Players ’ Simone, Half and Half at Lester B. Pearson Theatre!
Fourteen-year-old Simone is caught between cultures: Canadian, Québécois, and Trinidadian. She’s also torn between friends and the projects they want her to take part in. Can Simone find the courage to stand up for what she believes in? Will her friends accept the choices she makes? And will she finally learn to be more comfortable with herself? Simone, Half and Half is a touching story about finding one’s place between identities and communities.
School Group event for Grades 6–8. 70 minutes
TEEN SPOKEN WORD SHOWCASE AT SUSAN FENNELL YOUTH HUB
Friday, Nov. 8 at 7:00 pm
Join us at our annual Teen Spoken Word Showcase for a much-anticipated night of performances. Youth 14+ can sign up for a spot on stage and share their poetic verses alongside incredible guest poets.
Ages 14+. 60 minutes
KICKOFF CELEBRATION + OPENING PARADE ARENA-END OF GORE MEADOWS COMMUNITY CENTRE
Saturday, Nov. 9
Kickoff Celebration at 9:30 am / Parade at 10:00 am
Kickoff FOLD Kids Book Fest’s Community Day with a family & friends celebration! Join us for a light breakfast, meet Ace the Astronaut, and enjoy lively music before embarking on The Opening Parade. Afterward, join the procession from the arena to Brampton Library’s Gore Meadows branch for our first event.
All Ages.
SUPPORTED BY
STORYTIME FUN WITH FOLD KIDS AUTHORS GORE MEADOWS LIBRARY BRANCH
Saturday, Nov. 9 from 10:30 am –3:30 pm
Join us for a full day of incredible storytime presentations from authors and special guests.
10:30am Sarabeth Holden
11:30am Sahar Golshan
2:00pm Mahak Jain 3:00pm Rukhsana Khan
Ages 4–11.
ESCAPE BRAMPTON LIBRARY WITH BASIL AND KEVIN SYLVESTER GORE MEADOWS LIBRARY BRANCH
Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11:00 am
Escape the library! Basil and Kevin Sylvester have crafted an escape group experience inspired by their middle grade novel, Night of the Living Zed. The escape room will begin in the library and end in the community centre. Register in advance and arrive 10 minutes ahead of time to ensure a spot. Space is limited.
Ages 8–13. 60 minutes
TODAY I AM: AN ART WORKSHOP WITH PAMA GORE MEADOWS COMMUNITY CENTRE
Saturday, Nov. 9 from 11:00 am –4:00 pm
Using different artistic techniques, kids are encouraged to create artwork inspired by the book Today I Am edited by Jael Richardson at this all-day drop-in art event facilitated by Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives.
All Ages.
STORYTIME AT EARLYON WITH SARABETH HOLDEN EARLYON GORE MEADOWS
Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11:30 am
In this drop-in storytime event at EarlyON, author Sarabeth Holden reads from her board book, Please Don’t Change My Diaper! Storytime events offer the opportunity to hear stories read from local authors themselves.
Ages 0–6. 30 minutes
ADVENTURES IN SPACE WITH ONTARIO SCIENCE CENTRE GORE MEADOWS COMMUNITY CENTRE
Saturday, Nov. 9 at 12:30 pm
Help an astronaut fly to space! Join experts from the Ontario Science Centre to explore the wonders of our solar system and learn all about space travel with fun science experiments and activities. Advance registration encouraged. Arrive 10 min. early to ensure a seat. Walk-ins accepted if there’s space.
Ages 8–13. 45 minutes
KIDS DISCOVERY CLUB WITH BRAMPTON LIBRARY GORE MEADOWS LIBRARY BRANCH
Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2:00 pm
Science + technology + engineering + art + math = STEAM! Participate in fun STEAM challenges every week. Nov. 9th will be inspired by the book, The Bee Mother by Hetxw’ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson) and Natasha Donovan, as part of FOLD Kids Book Fest.
Ages 6–12. 90 minutes
BRAINSTORM BONANZA: A WRITING WORKSHOP WITH RIPPLE FOUNDATION GORE MEADOWS LIBRARY BRANCH
Saturday, Nov. 9 at 2:00 pm
In this workshop designed for budding writers, participants will learn how to brainstorm story ideas effectively with Ripple Foundation writing instructors. Advance registration encouraged. Arrive 10 min. early to ensure a seat. Walk-ins accepted if there’s space.
Ages 8–14. 60 minutes
FOOD ART WITH FLO LEUNG GORE MEADOWS LIBRARY BRANCH
Saturday, Nov. 9 at 3:00 pm
In this art-based workshop, author and food illustrator Flo Leung (The Blue Bowl ) guides kids through making food inspired artwork of their own. Advance registration encouraged. Arrive 10 min. early to ensure a seat. Walk-ins accepted if there’s space.
Ages 6+. 60 minutes
PARTICIPANT BIOS
AUTHORS AND PERFORMERS
MAIDAH AHMAD (she/her) is an educator and author who lives by the motto of love for all, hatred for none. She is the author of Muhammad’s Recipe for Remembering.
MARK ANTHONY ’s (he/him) work specializes in mental health and motivational speaking, he draws on his Bahamian roots to weave together vivid imagery and heartfelt narratives that inspire and empower.
INDIA BROWN (she/he) is a Black and queer creative writer and UofT graduate, specializing in spoken word poetry, short stories, and stageplays.
KERN CARTER (he/him) is an author, filmmaker, and educator celebrated for his captivating storytelling. He is the author of Is There A Boy Like Me?
CHELSEA CHARLES (she/her) is a Brampton-based freelance illustrator. She’s built a career from illustrating everything from sports stars to political concepts. She is the FOLD Kids Book Fest 2024 Illustrator-in-Residence.
PAUL COCCIA (he/him), the self-proclaimed Author of Glitterature, writes books for young readers. He is a contributor to The ANNEthology
MATTHEW DAWKINS (he/him) is a Jamaican award-winning author and poet; Until We Break is his debut novel. He is a contributor to The ANNEthology.
NATASHA DEEN (she/her) is a best-selling author and teaches creative writing with the University of Toronto SCS. She’s the author of Lark Goes the Distance and a contributor to The ANNEthology
ADAM DE SOUZA (he/him) is a Canadian cartoonist. He’s known mostly for his award winning comic strip Blind Alley and his coming-of-age graphic novel, The Gulf.
NOHA EILOUTI (she/her) is a Palestinian illustrator based in Toronto. She is the illustrator of Reem Kassis’s We Are Palestinian: A Celebration of Culture and Tradition
JEN FERGUSON (she/her) is Métis and white. She’s author of three YA novels including her latest, A Constellation of Minor Bears.
PETTI FONG (she/her) is a journalist, educator and YA author. She is the author of Alone Together: A Curious Exploration of Loneliness based on her podcast of the same name.
SAHAR GOLSHAN (she/her) is the author of So Loud! a picture book illustrated by Shiva Delsooz and published by Annick Press.
MARTIN GOMES (he/they) is a writer & performer.
SARABETH HOLDEN (she/her) is a really fun children’s author who lives in Toronto. She is the author of Sea Snooze.
CHERYL ISAACS (she/her) is a white/ Indigenous writer based in southern Ontario. She is the author of The Unfinished
MAHAK JAIN (she/her) is an award-winning author of books for young people and adults. She is the author of The Only Astronaut
M.T. KHAN (she/her) is a speculative fiction author with a penchant for all things myth, science, and philosophy. She is the author of Amir and the Jinn Princess.
RUKHSANA KHAN (she/her) is an international award-winning author and storyteller. She is the author of Honk Honk, Beep Beep, Putter Putt!
VICTORIA KOOPS (she/her), author of Who We Are In Real Life, lives with her family in Saskatchewan where she still plays make-believe either through her love of TTRPGs or writing.
FLO LEUNG (she/her) is a food-loving illustrator and author of The Tray of Togetherness and The Blue Bowl.
SHENAAZ G. NANJI (she/her) is an internationally published children’s author of fourteen books that include the critically acclaimed novel, Child of Dandelions, finalist for the Governor General, and Alina in the Deep.
ARLEY NOPRA (she/her) is a FilipinaCanadian illustrator and the creator of the New York Times bestselling Baby-sitters Club graphic novel adaptation of Claudia and the Bad Joke by Ann M. Martin.
DOROTHY ELLEN PALMER (she/her) is an award-winning disabled writer and the author of The Scooter Twins who lives in Burlington, Ontario with her mobility scooter Rosie.
GAITRIE PERSAUD (she/her) is Deaf actor, activist and an ASL coach, ASL music performer, she is also the founder of Phoenix the Fire, a theatre hub for BIPOC Deaf artists.
ASHLEY QILAVAQ-SAVARD (she/her) is an Inuk poet, writer, artist, and filmmaker born and raised in Iqaluit, Nunavut. She is the author of I Am A Rock
BASIL SYLVESTER (they/them) is a nonbinary writer and bookseller. They are the co-author of Night of the Living Zed.
KEVIN SYLVESTER (he/him) has written and illustrated more than 30 books for kids. He is the co-author of Night of the Living Zed.
ANTON TREUER (pronounced troy-er, he/ him) is Professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and author of Where Wolves Don’t Die
EMILY VARGA (she/her) is a YA Fantasy author whose debut novel For She Is Wrath is a Pakistani-inspired Count of Monte Cristo retelling out with MacMillan.
MODERATORS
MARTY CHAN (he/him) writes books for kids. In his spare time, he plays with his two cats. He wrote Izzy Wong’s Nose for News and contributed to the Today I Am anthology.
CATHERINE LITTLE (she/her) is an educator, consultant, and writer with a love of children’s picture books. She’s the author of Anne of the Library-on-the-Hill.
AMEEMA SAEED (she/her) is a professional bookworm. When she’s not reading books, she likes to talk about books (especially books by diverse authors) on her bookstagram: @ ReadWithMeemz
Rooted in her intersections as Black, woman, and queer, award-winning spoken word artist, THE WILD WOMAN (she/her) uses poetry, spirituality, and sensual self-introspection to initiate self-development.
PUBLISHING PROFESSIONALS
YASH KESANAKURTHY (she/her) is an editor and fangirl of all things children’s literature, from picture books to young adult novels.
JIEUN LEE (she/her) is the Editor and Project Manager at Annick Press, where she acquires and edits books for young readers across all ages.
KHARY MATHURIN (he/him) is an editor at Annick Press, where he acquires books for children and young adults.
MARIA VICENTE (she/her) is a Senior Literary Agent and Advisor at P.S. Literary Agency representing innovative and beautifully written (and often illustrated) books for readers of all ages.
KIDS PROGRAM SUBMISSIONS
GRAVITY VERSUS LOVE
Gurnoor Kaur, age 14
I saw the moon revolve around you and it comes back every night, Rising high up and upon you, shining its light. I saw the birds singing for you their charming song, For them you’re the only place where they think they belong It’s all Love!
I saw the red rose beaming with dew, Escaping from the thorns it bloomed for you. I saw earlier this morning, light snow falling from the sky, It wanted to feel you, you can’t deny. It’s all Love!
I saw the waves of the ocean, kissing your shore. Hugging you then, now and of course forevermore. I saw the rain cleansing and purifying your air, Every drop is a token of how much they care. It’s all love.
I saw the white cloud covering you from sun heat, To save you from drying, isn’t that so sweet. I saw the air breezing by to keep you cool, Why won’t they do that, after all you’re their precious jewel. It’s all Love!
I saw us humans running life’s long race And at the end all of them, fall in your warm embrace. And at last, I saw the red apple fall from above, They say it’s gravity, I say it’s Love!
THE LAST SONG
Cindy Chen, age 14
In a world where magical beings are hunted and seen as monsters, will she fall prey to the same fate that befell her homeland centuries ago, or will she be able to find justice for her people?
My fingers danced across the bamboo flute, note after note mixing together into a beautiful melody.
My eyes were closed, my mind drifting along with the music.
My fingers subconsciously moved as I played, every note familiar to me…
“....Mommm, Please play the song—I want to listen to you play!”
My mother smiled down at me as I tugged on her hanfu, looking up at her with pleading eyes.
Kneeling down, she rubbed my head gently,
“Didn’t I just play it for you this morning little gem?”
I pouted as I looked up at her through my eyes,
“But mom, I want to hear it again..”
she looked at me for a moment before letting out a breathy chuckle,
“Alright little gem, I’ll play it again.”
She stood up and walked to one of the cushions laid out in front of a table, she kneeled down, and with a wave of her arms, her magical artifact appeared-it was a gorgeous guzheng, made from jade, and embroidered with gold.
A red tassel with our family sigil hung from the side of the instrument, every musyelian family had a unique family sigil that they wore and kept on their magical artifacts; our family sigil represents the jade dragon.
Is there a song that reminds you of a particular event or person?
My mother’s eyes closed, and she released a breath as her hands lifted, and she slowly lowered them onto her guzheng.
Her graceful fingers plucked one of the strings, playing a beautiful note that resounded around the room—I watched in anticipation and awe as her fingers danced across the instrument, the movements of her fingers graceful like a flowing river.
The notes of her music flowed out, drifting into the air, the flowy movements of the notes matching the song.
I closed my eyes, smiling, as I let myself fall into the warm embrace of the music.
The music sped up, a chorus of notes falling together into a beautiful melody-and I took a sharp intake of breath as the notes got higher, and higher until-the last and final note was played.
Then silence.
I slowly opened my eyes still smiling, “Mom, that was”I trailed off as I realized that my mom was gone, and so was the house.
I was kneeling in the dirt, in front of what was once my home-only debris and smoke remained, flames still cackling in the ruins.
I felt something digging into my palms, and I opened them to reveal my bloody family sigil sitting in my palm.
My eyes opened as I played the last and final note, my fingers pausing on the flute.
(To be continued…)
CONTENTS
RESCUE AT SEA
Abigail Solas, age 12
It was a hot Saturday evening. Molly and her mother were at the beach. Molly’s mother was sitting under her umbrella reading a book. Molly couldn’t understand how her mom found her book interesting—it had no pictures!
Molly walked along the beach until something hit her foot. She looked down and realised it was a baby turtle! Molly looked around and saw many more baby turtles walking toward the water.
“Oh, do you need help getting to the ocean, little turtle?” Molly asked. She picked up the turtle and placed it in the water.
Molly looked around some more. She saw lots of other turtles getting snatched up by birds.
“Oh no, I gotta help these little guys or they’ll all get eaten by the birds!” Molly exclaimed. She frantically started picking up the turtles and throwing them in the water while scaring the birds away.
“Molly what are you doing?” asked her mother. “Leave those turtles alone.”
“But they’re being taken away by birds!” Molly replied in frustration. Molly’s mother pulled her away from the turtles’ nest.
“Don’t help the turtles”, Molly’s mother said.
“But why?” Molly asked. “They’re getting bullied by the birds!”
“I know, but your hands are dirty and you might hurt them” Molly’s mother replied, “they also won’t remember the beach if you help them, and if the turtles don’t remember where they hatched, they won’t return and lay their eggs here.”
“But what about the birds?” Molly whined. “The turtles can’t come back to lay their eggs if they’re the birds’ supper.”
“We might not be able to help the turtles into the water but we can scare the birds away”, Molly’s mother said.
“Alright then let’s do that!” Molly exclaimed joyfully. She and her mother spent the rest of the evening scaring birds and other predators away from the turtles.
Afterward, they packed their things to go home. “Yay, we got to save so many turtles without touching them, Mommy!” Molly said happily.
“Yes, we did” her mother replied, “and one day they’ll come back to these very same shores and a new set of turtles will be born to go through what their parents did today.
FREE
Noor Faizan, age 11
There’s something that we need in this world. It may seen like it has no worth. The something’s not money. The something’s even sweeter than a drip of honey. Something that this world needs. What does “free” really mean?
There’s still some racism. There’s still poverty. There’s still injustice. There’s still displacement.
But with hardship comes ease. From across the 7 seas
People face hardship Some face it with glee
Because they’ve gone through worse Some think of it as a curse Everytime u look at a thyres
Think of the people Who’ve never seen a flower Who’ve been unable to take a shower Who live in poverty Who who live in war
You a child, adult, or old person Can make a change
Be it Big or small It all helps the world overall
In the midst of despair, hope must rise, In every heart, it ignites and flies. Through the darkest nights and the brightest days, It’s the beacon that guides in countless ways.
For “free” is not just an empty word, It’s the promise of voices finally heard. Breaking chains of prejudice and hate,
Opening doors to a fairer fate.
With every step forward, we must remember, The struggles endured, each ember. In unity, we find our strength,
To rebuild, to heal, at any length.
So let us stand, hand in hand, And build a world where all can stand. Where every soul can bloom and thrive,
In the beauty of being truly alive.
In the tapestry of humanity, let compassion weave its thread, For in love’s embrace, we find our true stead.
What does the word FREEDOM mean to you?
Making things better is like a puzzle, everyone has a piece they can contribute...
UNTITLED
Isabelle Martz, age 9
On my way to the caf
I feel like foam’s stuck in my throat
My friends are here beside me, but It’s like they’re not
I hear their murmurs, see their glances
Come my way, I pretend I’m somewhere
Other than the same place
Are they talking ‘bout me? Or them? Or all of us?
Quietly, I follow them and we play games
They’re fun for a moment, but I hear the whispers I wonder if they’re whispering about me. Again. Their laughter comes, I laugh insincerely.
Sometimes they laugh at my jokes and I feel
Like they tolerate me. And and at the end of the day, I know I will be alright so I plant a smile on my face
And I head home.
UNTITLED
Austin Keillor, age 12
The world used to be one singular continent that drifted away from each other like the sanity of us beings. These wars like Afghanistan, Russia, Ukraine—what a mess. We need to side our differences and address the world in its current state of distress. The world— it’s turned into a contest of who can depress other countries the fastest with the least amount of resources and deaths.
Why, I ask myself. Why do we kill each other, many might say. Maybe it’s about land, resources. Nope.
Three words: two syllables, one meaning. Greed. Money. Power. These words many would kill for. They are the reasofls for many casualties, and the kids hiding inside away from the bombs and shells being fired outside. And what about the horrible death threats to innocent people at schools hiding away from those awful fools.
We need to speak up for what’s right and for those who don’t have a voice to be heard. Just like the famous quote, “lf everyone fought fire with fire the whole world would go up in smoke.” We must stop the
choke of humanity. We can relieve it, stop these wars I believe it. They’re all about profit. How do you line your countries pockets if everyone dies fighting for their deposit?
Hatred. Violence. Its insanity. The darkness from down below, seeping into the cracks of humanity.
Can we fix this? It’s our Job.
Don’t worry—it can be stopped. We need to bring everyone to the top. To speak up and stop the darkness before it Devours us all and surrounds us in a ball made of violence and Crisis that makes us forget what our life is and we must stop this before too much cruelty pops it and swallows the world like a tsunami of hatred.
We just need everyone to stand up for what’s right. Overpower the hate.
This greed is all for what? All it’s doing is scaring future generations with terrible memories that they hold on to until their final breath.
A GOOD CHANCE
Abby Singh, age 12
Julie was a 14 year old girl who loved soccer. Her dream was to make her country’s national team.
When the coach for the national team showed up to choose new players something bad happened. Julie tripped over the soccer ball and fell. At that moment she felt defeated.
Her coach rushed over and tried to help her but she couldn’t get up because her leg hurt too much. The coach called an ambulance. At the hospital they found out she had a sprained leg. It would take 2-3
weeks to heal but it felt like an eternity for Julie. She thought her dreams were crushed forever.
A few days later she got a letter from the national team’s coach. She was too nervous to open it.
It said “Dear Julie, I’m sorry for what happened to your leg. Once your leg is better and you feel confident enough I would like to give you a second chance.”
She was really happy her dreams weren’t crushed. The coach came back and watched as Julie got multiple goals. The coach was very impressed and everything went well.
A few days later she got another letter. It said “Julie, I was very impressed with your skills and would like to give you a spot on the national team next year”. When Julie finished reading the letter she was very happy. She wanted to tell the whole world.
Her mom, teammates and coach were also very happy.
Can you name the different sports which use the balls below?
WhichoneshouldJuliekick?
What traditional foods and clothes make your family’s culture unique?
CONTENTS
PROUD OF WHO I AM
Rina Agu, age 11
Sometimes I think I look different from my friends. Why do I think this way? Well, I really shouldn’t think this way because I’m just me! A beautiful girl with brown skin, dark hair, and white eyes. I look like me! Just like every young girl. I look like me, and there’s only one of me. I am proud of who I am. It doesn’t matter what I look like.
Sometimes it’s hard to get my hair combed because of my hair texture. Some of my friends have straight hair, and it’s easy to get their hair combed. My mom does amazing hairstyles on my hair; hairstyles like Braids, Afro, Extended Cornrows, and Bundle Puffs. My favourite hairstyle overall is Box Braids, but I don’t like to sit down for so long. It takes hours for my mom to finish it, but my dad’s hugs always make me feel better.
My cultural clothes are quite unique but beautiful. My mom puts cultural cute outfits on me. It looks different, but I like it. I don’t look like all of my friends but I sure have the same skin tone as my family and some of my friends. We are all different but yet the same. We are one. We are Created in God’s image.
My traditional food tastes different but I like it. They’re foods that I really like, which are Pizza, Salad, Hot Dogs, and Hamburgers. My favourite food is my traditional food, Fufu and Okro. It looks and tastes different, but it’s delicious. Yummy!
I am proud of who I am. Yes I look different, yes I speak different, yes I dress different, and yes I eat different, I am just me.
