It may be the time of year when little folk dressed in red visit some people's homes to cause mischief or to help Santa to see who has been naughty or nice. But at Toronto Public Library, we have elves on our shelves all year long! Santa's Elves Santa and his elves go together like […]
In 1946, Viola Desmond challenged racial segregation in Canada simply by sitting down to watch a movie. Seventy-five years later, as the fight against anti-Black racism continues, we remember this strong Black woman not just for what she did but for who she was. Meet Viola Desmond by Elizabeth MacLeod (Scholastic Canada Biography) On November 8, […]
Spirit Day, which takes place on October 21, 2021, is celebrated every year on the third Thursday in October. It is a day to stand in support with 2SLGBTQ+ youth and to speak out against bullying. With GLAAD leading the way, Spirit Day has become a worldwide campaign supported by millions, including multinational corporations, organizations […]
According to its official website, World Letter Writing Day was created in 2014 by Richard Simpkin. On September 1 each year, everyone is encouraged to pick up a pen or pencil and some paper and write someone a letter. Dear Dragon by Josh Funk (ages 4-7) With so many ways to communicate via technology, it […]
Grab a basket, a blanket, some food and your sunscreen because June 18 is International Picnic Day! Bicycles, Sandwiches by Climbron P. 1991. Toronto Star Photograph Archive. A picnic can be as simple as taking your sandwich outside to eat on your lunch break, or as extravagant as a giant outdoor party with friends and […]
The JUNO Awards put a spotlight on Canadian music and musicians. This year, they are celebrating their 50th anniversary! Raffi Troubadour, 1984. Toronto Star Photograph Archive. Among the honours being awarded will be the Children's Album of the Year. This award, which was previously called "Best Children's Album," is given to the artists who […]
Let's start off how Jane Cabrera might – with a nursery rhyme. One, two. Some books for you. Jane Cabrera must love nursery rhymes and children's songs. She certainly knows how to celebrate them as seen by some of her charming picture books. Of course this British author and illustrator creates books on other topics […]
Last June when we posted about Staying Connected in the Time of COVID-19 we dared not imagine that all these months later it would still be a significant part of our everyday lives. Yet even then, we knew that we were living through history. And history must be documented. So COVID-19 has become a subject that […]
Once upon a time… February 26 to be exact, there began a celebration called Tell a Fairy Tale Day where the telling of tales brought a special kind of magic that delighted both young and old alike. Cinderella illustration, 1809. The best way to celebrate Tell a Fairy Tale Day is to do some storytelling […]
National Hat Day is celebrated each year on January 15. And I for one am happy that we have a whole day dedicated to hats because nothing tops a hat! (See what I did there?) Balloon heads compare hats at Kidsummer at Nathan Phillips Square. Toronto Star Photograph Archive, 1994. There are so many different […]