TIFA Kids! A World of Words
A weekend of adventure awaits you, with virtual ventures fit for the whole family! The Toronto International Festival of Authors is thrilled to introduce its first TIFA Kids! Weekend, taking place as part of the 41st Festival edition. From the educational to the imaginative, escape with us to the world of words this October 30 to November 1, 2020. Don’t miss these seven highlights:Canadian Children’s Book Centre Awards - October 30 at 6pm (EDT)
TIFA Kids! Weekend will kick off with the presentation of the 2020 Canadian Children’s Book Centre Awards (CCBC) to celebrate the best Canadian books of the year for young people. After Friday’s award presentation, hosted by Tony Kim of CBC Kids, tune in again on Saturday and Sunday at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm to meet the winners of the children’s literary, historical fiction, non-fiction, mystery, picture book and teen award categories. Winners will present sweet and snappy 15-minutes presentations of their award-winning stories.
The Lost Spells: Robert Macfarlane & Jackie Morris - Saturday, October 31 at 9:45am (EDT)
Enjoy a virtual family vacation to the great outdoors, without leaving the comfort of your home. Poet Robert Macfarlane will guide you on a nature expedition, punctuated by immersive illustrations by Jackie Morris, through this presentation of the book The Lost Spells. This sequel to the internationally bestselling The Lost Words, gives young readers an opportunity to interact with nature through their imagination, through realistic red foxes, jackdaws and more. (Recommended for ages 10 and up.)
The Greats: Deborah Ellis - Saturday, October 31 at 10:30am (EDT)
Award-winning author Deborah Ellis will present her new book for young readers, The Greats. This story takes a compassionate look at some of the tough issues that young people face today, including anger, desperation and suicide. Readers will be transported to the country of Guyana, to meet Jomon, a teenaged boy battling depression with the unexpected help of ghostly grandfathers and a giant prehistoric sloth. (Recommended for ages 12 and up)
The Barren Grounds: David A. Robertson - Saturday, October 31 at 12pm (EDT)
Prepare for adventure with award-winning author David A. Robertson, as he reads from his newest children’s book, The Barren Grounds. Inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia and Indigenous storytelling, The Barren Grounds tells the plights of several charismatic characters as they transport into another world to try to save it. (Recommended for ages 10 and up.)
Interested in more? Check out the full TIFA Kids! schedule here.
GGBooks Panel: Young People’s Literature - October 31 at 4:30pm (ET)
Each year, the Governor General’s Literary Awards recognize Canada’s best books, promote homegrown literature and encourage reading. Although the 2020 Awards have been postponed, we are delighted to bring you several past shortlisted and winning authors in conversation about young people’s literature in Canada and beyond. Join authors Jillian Tamaki, David A. Robertson and Marie-Louise Gay for an informative exchange about the past and present states of young people’s literature, and their hopes for its future. This event is organized in collaboration with the Canada Council for the Arts.
Our Little Kitchen: Jillian Tamaki - November 1 at 11am (EST)
Join cartoonist Jillian Tamaki for breakfast, with a morning reading and Q&A from her lively food and community picture book, Our Little Kitchen. When a crew of neighbours come together to cook a meal, fun, adventure and new lessons ensue. (Recommended for ages 4-8.)
Three Brothers: Marie-Louise Gay - November 1 at 12:30pm (EST)
Meet three brothers: Finn, Leo and Ooly, who love reading stories about animals living in forests, on mountains or in the arctic. Marie-Louise Gay invites you to join the brothers on a quest in search of wild animals in a changing climate, in this presentation of her book Three Brothers. Gay’s gentle story explores the real-life consequences of climate change through the lens of an adventurous trio, and ends on a note of hope. (Recommended for ages 4 and up.)