If you went to school in the 90’s, you would remember that almost every child went through a Pokémon, Tamagotchi or Pogs craze. Even though some of these fads have faded, Pikachu remains a common household word. Pokémon continues to capture the attention of many kids and adults today. Some of our readers might remember […]
Calling all caregivers: jump on the TD Summer Reading Club bandwagon. The days of sticker collecting or having pizza parties to celebrate reading accomplishments are over, but reading kids' books can still be rewarding. A few of this year's recommended reads work well as adult reading material: Hokey Pokey by Jerry Spinelli is a coming of […]
Want to show off your child’s secret talent? Why not register for the Junior Orchardviewers Talent Show at Northern District Branch this summer? Whether your child is an amazing singer or can juggle exceptionally well, consider asking him/her to perform at the library. Come show off their talent in music, singing, dancing, aerobics, or anything they […]
Photo Credit: Allan Turner Clowns don't need make-up to make you smile (but sometimes a little bit doesn't hurt.) Clowning stems from within and anyone can learn. Get in touch with your inner performer at Lillian H. Smith Branch. We invite kids ages 8-12 to participate in clowning games, drama exercises, silliness and improv. Let […]
Photo Credit: Jamelah E. on a CC License Some books demand a rereading. What books have you met that you need to see again? What book is so dear to you that it would never wind up at your garage sale? Author and columnist Stephen Marche hits the nail on the head when he says that […]
Photo Credit: RNIB on a CC Licence. Marta & Angelica listen to recordings of well-known children's stories. Give a kid a camera and watch the creativity flow. It’s a new perspective from different heights. Kids with low vision can be shutterbugs too. The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) featured a photo exhibit called […]
It gets harder and harder to believe that there are any "best kept secrets" in the city anymore. Share your views on Toronto's best playground and the fun-seekers will arrive en masse. Who can blame them? Outdoor play spaces are worth their weight in gold. Playgrounds have come a long way. Images from the Toronto Public […]
If you've folded a paper plane before, you've done origami. Why not push yourself to fly a bit higher? Photo Credit: Shereen M on a CC License Lillian H. Smith Branch has an origami club for kids and their caregivers: all novice, intermediate and advanced folders are welcome. Each month showcases a new theme […]
Photo Credit: Eva Van Ostade on a CC License Colouring books are no longer strictly a child's domain, so why should ABC books be left solely to the kids to enjoy? Oliver Jeffers is a man after my own heart with "Once Upon an Alphabet." He realizes that every letter is worthy of its own […]
Whether you admit it or not, you probably make up silly little songs to sing while doing the laundry or crooning to your pets. Making up words might come just as naturally to your creative brain. There is something inherently pleasing about this foolish vocabulary. Let’s go back to our children’s book roots for some […]