Celebrating Canadian children’s literature
TORONTO (Thursday, April 19, 2012) – Toronto Public Library is excited to once again host Book Bash, the Canadian Children's Literature Festival as part of Keep Toronto Reading, the popular month-long celebration of books. Now in its third year, Book Bash returns to Northern District Branch (Yonge & Eglinton) on Saturday, April 21.
Book Bash, opens a new window is a free, entertaining afternoon featuring renowned Canadian children’s authors, illustrators, storytellers and musicians. This year’s exceptional list of guests includes authors Philippa Dowding, L.M. Falcone, Andrew Larsen, Richard Scrimger, Chad Solomon and Ted Staunton, author/illustrators Jeremy Tankard and Martin Springett, storytellers Aubrey Davis and Laurel Dee Gugler, and singer/songwriter Leah Salomaa.
“We’re pleased to once again present Book Bash and, as with previous years, we expect a great turnout of enthusiastic children and their families,” said Lisa Heggum, Toronto Public Library’s Children and Youth Advocate. “This spring the Library is celebrating 100 years of providing quality children’s services across the city, and Book Bash is a prime example of our commitment to nurturing and celebrating literacy and the joy of reading.”
A full slate of activities, including storytimes, face painting, book signings, crafts and puppet shows, will keep children of every age busy all afternoon. Emerging and curious authors ages 10 and older will have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on writing workshop with award-winning author Erin Bow. Toronto Public Library children’s staff will also be available to offer parents expert pointers on how to raise a reader.
What: Third-Annual Book Bash Canadian Children’s Literature Festival
Where: Northern District Branch
40 Orchard View Blvd. (north of Eglinton Subway Station)
When: Saturday, April 21, 2012
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.
The Toronto Star is the media sponsor for Book Bash.
Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 19 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow over 33 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:
Melanie Boatswain-Watson 416-397-5936