Kate S.

Helping your Child Cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic

April 27, 2020 | Kate S. | Comments (0)

Looking for ways to help your child cope with the COVID-19 pandemic? Few of us have lived through a situation like this before and it is difficult to know the best practices to follow. Many of us are figuring out our own ways of coping and making it up as we go along. Following a […]

Canada 150: Ten Powerful Historical Novels

April 26, 2017 | Kate S. | Comments (4)

Historical fiction not only engages the reader, but it teaches them about the world of the past. These titles, for the most part set in Canada, show Canada’s history as a diverse nation and displays how much the country has changed and grown. Although the stories take place years ago, readers will still identify with […]

Happy Pi Day!

March 14, 2017 | Kate S. | Comments (6)

 What do you get when you cut a Jack O' Lantern by its diameter? Pumpkin Pi! Happy Pi day! Pi Day is celebrated yearly on March 14 because 3, 1 and 4 are the first three significant digits of π. Celebrations around the world vary, but usually they involve the eating, or throwing of pies. Although […]

Black History Month: New Children’s Biographies about Remarkable Women

February 16, 2017 | Kate S. | Comments (1)

What better way for you to teach and inspire your children than to read about some of the most remarkable women in history? These strong women show(ed) amazing perseverance and dedication to their respective crafts, while struggling against numerous barriers and prejudice.  While there are many inspiring stories, here are some of the most recently […]

God Jul!: Celebrating Swedish Christmas in Toronto

November 17, 2016 | Kate S. | Comments (2)

Toronto Star Archives. Nov. 24, 1991, Yuletide ritual. Christina Gemfors, wearing a crown of candles symbolizing the saint of lights, takes part in the Lucia Festival during the Swedish Christmas Fair at Harbourfront. The fair featured Swedish delicacies; Christmas decorations; home-baked goods and demonstrations of handicrafts. Are you looking to add some Swedish traditions to […]

Calming the Fear: Books about Doctors and Hospitals

October 21, 2016 | Kate S. | Comments (2)

A visit to the hospital is never fun, but it can be much less stressful if your child is prepared and knows what to expect. Talking and reading with your child about the jobs of doctors and nurses and what happens at a hospital or doctor’s office can make the experience less scary. It can also help […]

More than Salad: See You at the Veg Fest!

September 9, 2016 | Kate S. | Comments (0)

Are you raising vegetarian children, or just interested in learning more about being vegetarian? Perhaps you’re cutting down on how much meat that you eat. Whether for health, environmental or compassionate reasons, more and more families are starting to follow an increasingly plant-based diet. And why not, plant-based foods are delicious! If you are looking […]

Books about Bugs, Insects and Other Creepy Crawlies

August 2, 2016 | Kate S. | Comments (1)

Looking for a free, fun activity that you can do at home that will keep children busy for hours? If your kids are like mine, hunting for bugs can’take up an entire afternoon. While I have never been partial to creepy crawlies, I do find them fascinating to learn about, and my daughter’s enthusiasm makes […]

Hear the Buzz? Toronto is Canada’s First Bee City

May 18, 2016 | Kate S. | Comments (2)

Have you heard that Toronto has become the first Bee City in Canada? According to the Bee City Canada Website, by becoming a "Bee City", Toronto will help raise the profile of the pollinator protection movement in Canada. This couldn't have come at a better time, as the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem […]

Tantrums, Outbursts and Tears — Stories Every Paren't Can Identify With

April 7, 2016 | Kate S. | Comments (0)

“Temper tantrums, however fun they may be to throw, rarely solve whatever problem is causing them.”  Lemony Snicket, Horseradish: Bitter Truths You Can't Avoid Has this ever happened to you? You make what you hope will be a quick stop at the grocery store to pick up a few items for dinner. With your two-year-old in […]