Celebrate Family Literacy Month with Storytelling and Art
January is Family Literacy Month, a time to share the joy of reading and literacy as a family. Family Literacy Day is celebrated nationwide on January 27, but the Toronto Public Library is keeping the fun going all month long with more than 60 programs for kids and families at libraries across the city. Don’t know where to start? We have highlighted some of the fantastic programs featuring children’s book authors and illustrators planned for January.
Author Visit with Monique Gray Smith
Author Monique Gray Smith visits Albert Campbell Branch on January 13, for a program featuring a circle of sharing, art making and a reading from her picture book, My Heart Fills with Happiness. Gray Smith is an accomplished storyteller, and the author of books for adults and children including Tilly: A Story of Hope and Resilience, You Hold Me Up and Speaking Our Truths: A Journey of Reconciliation.
Read Gray Smith's books during Family Literacy Month:
Traditional Storytelling with Melanie Florence
Author Melanie Florence will lead an exploration of traditional folktales and read from her latest picture book, Stolen Word. From a young age, Florence's close relationship with her grandfather sparked her interest in writing about Aboriginal themes and characters. "Stolen Words" explores the impact of Canada's residential school system through the relationship between a little girl and her grandfather. Florence's other works for children and teens include Missing Nimama and He Who Dreams.
Catch Florence at the following libraries this month:
And read her books during Family Literacy Month:
Stories and Clay with Barbara Reid
At libraries across the city, author and illustrator, Barbara Reid will lead hands-on workshops where kids can create their own plasticine masterpieces. Reid is the Honourary Chair of Family Literacy Day, and the author of numerous beloved picture books, including The Subway Mouse, Perfect Snow and Picture the Sky.
Catch Reid at the following libraries this month:
- S. Walter Stewart Branch on January 6
- Malvern Branch on January 13
- Brentwood Branch on January 19
- Fairview Branch on January 27
And read her books during Family Literacy Month:
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