Canadian Children’s Literature Festival makes reading fun
TORONTO (Wednesday, April 27, 2011) – To close off the annual Keep Toronto Reading festival, Toronto Public Library is once again hosting Book Bash, a fun-filled, free children’s festival featuring an all-star cast of Canadian children’s authors and illustrators. Being held on Saturday, April 30, the stellar line-up of talent includes Richard Scrimger, Shane Peacock, Barbara Reid, Cary Fagan and Ruth Ohi.
“Last year’s inaugural Book Bash was a huge success with hundreds of children and their families enjoying the day’s activities and we expect this year to be even more fun for kids of all ages,” said Lisa Heggum, Toronto Public Library’s newly-appointed children and youth advocate. “The festival makes literacy fun, and instills a love of reading and an appreciation for our wonderful Canadian authors.”
“Book Bash is a truly unique event as it has something for everyone,” Heggum adds.
This year, Book Bash is being held indoors at the newly renovated Northern District Branch. The festival includes free activities for young children including opportunities to meet their favourite authors and illustrators, storytelling, puppet shows, face painting, and fun crafts and activities. There are lots of surprises for the older kids (8-12) including learning opportunities for budding writers. Parents can hear about ways to encourage their reluctant readers as well.
What: Book Bash, the second annual Canadian Children’s Literature Festival
Where: Northern District Branch
40 Orchard View Blvd. (north of Eglinton Subway Station)
When: Saturday, April 30, 2011, 12:30 – 4:00 pm
The festival is supported by the Muller Scholastic Endowment Fund for Canadian Children’s Literature, honouring Lawrence Muller, retired president of Scholastic Canada, and the Toronto Public Library Foundation. The goal of the annual children’s literacy festival is to promote reading, and recognize the wealth of Canadian talent writing for children.
Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 18 million people visit our 99 branches and borrow more than 32 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.
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Media Contact:
Anne Marie Aikins, Manager, Community Relations, 416-393-7212 media@torontopubliclibrary.ca