Growing a Reader: Kids' Books, Tips and More

6 Ways to Enjoy March Break at TPL

It's hard to believe that March Break will be here soon! If you have kids and are wondering what you can do with them over the break, Toronto Public Library (TPL) has you covered.

1. Visit the library

With the majority of TPL branches now open, you can visit your local branch and pick up a variety of library materials that are sure to keep your kids busy. Whether it's books, audiobooks, movies or comics, we have a huge selection for you to choose from and expert staff to provide recommendations.

Did you know that by simply visiting the library together, you are helping to develop your child's early literacy skills? A trip to the library lets your child see that books and reading are important. When you do visit, let them choose what to read. They are more likely to read what interests them. Taking just 20 minutes a day to read or engage in a learning activity with your child improves their literacy skills and is important to their development. 

Here are some great titles you and your child can enjoy together. Some of these may even inspire fun family activities during March Break!

The Canadian Kids' Guide to Outdoor Fun by Helaine Becker

This comprehensive compendium of activities and games will help kids stay active and enjoy all that the outdoors have to offer. It is full of handy how-to guides for fun things to make and do for every kind of kid. 

 

Gabi's Fabulous Functions by Caroline Kranja (ages 5-8)

Coding in the kitchen? Yes! Best friends Gabi and Adi are baking a special birthday treat, and making a recipe is a lot like creating a function in computer code. 

 

Hockey Night in Kenya by Danson Mutinda and Eric Walters (ages 5-10)

When orphan Kitoo receives a copy of Sports Around the World, he becomes fascinated by an image of the Canadian national men's ice hockey team. Then one day, Kitoo finds a pair of beat-up old rollerblades. He teaches himself to skate and dreams of one day playing hockey like the men in his book. But you can't play ice hockey in Kenya, can you?

 

I Am a Peaceful Goldfish by Shoshana Chaim (ages 3-6)

This charming book teaches the youngest readers fun ways to be mindful, relieve anxiety, and regain control over their bodies and actions - essential and easy-to-learn life skills!

 

I'm Not Sydney by Marie-Louise Gay (ages 3-6)

A group of friends enjoy an afternoon playing as animals in this delightful ode to the imagination by bestselling author Marie-Louise Gay.

 

Jabari Tries by Gaia Cornwall (ages 3-9)

Jabari is inventing a machine that will fly all the way across the yard! But making it go from CRASH to WHOOSH will take grit, patience, and maybe even a little help from his sister.

 

My Day with Gong Gong by Sennah Yee (ages 4-8)

A day in Chinatown takes an unexpected turn when a bored little girl makes a connection with her grandpa. 

 

Super Detectives by Cale Atkinson (ages 6-9 years)

Join Simon and Chester in their first adventure, and fall in love with this hilarious odd couple by fan-favorite author and illustrator Cale Atkinson.

 

We All Play by Julie Flett (ages 3-7)

Join celebrated artist Julie Flett on a joyful romp with animals. From chasing, chirping birds, to swimming, squirting whales, this book for young readers reminds them how animals play just like them.

 

2. Check out our booklists for kids

If you're not sure what to read next, we have a number of recommended booklists.

• First and Best - for kids birth to 5 years, be sure to look at our annual list of TPL's top picks of the best Canadian children's books for building reading readiness.
• Movement books - dance and jump and clap along with these stories! On our Ready for Reading website, you can browse new books by topic. 
• Black Lives Matter
• Read Indigenous
• Reading with Pride

Check out all the latest new books and more staff picks!

If ebooks are more your speed, OverDrive Kids offers a huge collection of picture books, beginner readers and chapter books for older children. There are also audio Read-Along titles, books presented in sign language (ASL) and books in other languages. 

Looking for French ebooks? Check out Cantook Station Jeunesse!

 

3. Join us live on TPL Kids Crowdcast for virtual March Break programs

In-person March Break programs won’t be taking place this year in the branches, but we have a variety of free online programs during March Break.

• For ages 4 and up: join WonderPhil for a virtual magic show on Tuesday, March 15.
• For ages 6 and up: comic workshop with Clayton Hanmer, explore the strength of air with Mad Science, plus two French language programs featuring Njacko Backo and Touralingo.

Details can be found on our March Break website. Replays of these programs will be available for a limited time, so be sure to watch them soon! 

 

4. Visit TPL Kids

Our website for children 6 to 12 has jokes and riddles, cool trivia and much more! Kids can share their own jokes and submit a question to the Wonder Wall. A virtual escape room and digital puzzles will launch on the site on Saturday, March 12.

 

5. Watch our online programs available at any time

As well as live programs, TPL offers a selection of high-quality, interactive programs for kids on our YouTube channel.

• Explore our STEM-focused Mini Makers series, suitable for children 4 to 8 years
• Storytime at Home videos feature short Ready for Reading storytimes delivered by our children's staff
• Check out our TPL Kids Crowdcast channel for replays of coding tutorials, craft workshops, book clubs and more

 

6. Engage in screen-free activities

• Call Dial-a-Story at 416-395-5400 to listen to children's stories in over 16 languages. There are stories for children 7 years and under, as well as for children up to 12 years. 
• Build important pre-reading skills in kids 5 and under with five easy, everyday activities: talking, reading, singing, playing and writing. Find Things to Do with your child, such as storytelling and simple games, that will help develop these early literacy skills.
• Our Growing A Reader blog features not only great book suggestions and literacy tips but also has some fun activity ideas that can be done at home, such as picture puzzles and DIY science experiments.

 

We wish you and your family a happy March Break!