The story of the Three Bears is a familiar one. A troublesome interloper breaks into the home of three bears. She samples food and breaks furniture before being sent on her way. But, did you know that the housebreaker was originally an old woman, not a little girl named Goldilocks? Or, that the first Three […]
The TPL Reading Challenge is back for 2021! And we're kicking off our category booklists with "a book that is someone else's favourite". The question is… favourite what? Priestdaddy by Patricia Lockwood Priestdaddy is my favourite memoir and one of my most frequently recommended books. It tells the story of Patricia Lockwood's eccentric upbringing as […]
In the early 20th century, science fiction and fantasy fans were pulp magazine enthusiasts. "Pulps" were cheap, colourful and filled with exciting stories. Canadian fans eagerly purchased pulp magazines imported from America and the United Kingdom. That is until the outbreak of World War II produced a homegrown Canadian pulp magazine industry. Our Merril Collection […]
Edward Gorey (1925–2000) was an artist, writer, designer and eccentric. Dubbed the "the granddaddy of Goth," Gorey’s work continues to influence and inspire readers. The Gashlycrumb Tinies (1997) by Edward Gorey. Our Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books at Lillian H. Smith Branch has an extensive collection of Edward Gorey materials. Books, toys, theatre […]
Reading about climate change can feel overwhelming, but when the future of our planet is at stake being informed is essential. Our picks for "a book about climate change" will help you make sense of our changing world. A Fire Story by Brian Fies A memoir about the consequences of a climate change fueled natural […]
Since its release in 1897, Bram Stoker’s Dracula has become an icon of vampire and horror literature. The story of Count Dracula's blood thirsty crimes in Transylvania and England is read around the world. But the book’s journey to global fame was not straightforward. Books in our Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation and Fantasy […]
Fairy tales, myths and legends have been told and retold by storytellers around the world. These familiar stories can be a powerful framework for exploring themes of gender, disability, family and more. Our picks for "a book based on a fairy tale, myth or legend" are a combination of twisted and traditional takes on these […]
Independent and self-publishing puts diverse, experimental and unique books in reader's hands (or ereaders.) Staff and participant recommendations for this category encompass poetry, essay collections, short stories and novels. There is a book for every reader from the world of independent and self-publishing. Homie by Danez Smith Graywolf Press publishes many of my favourite contemporary […]
Fantasy, science fiction, dystopia and more, speculative fiction by Black writers covers the full spectrum of imagination. These works combine history, folklore, contemporary social issues and visions of a distant future. Staff from the Merril Collection of Science Fiction, Speculation & Fantasy have highlighted some of our favourite works by Black speculative fiction writers. This […]
With physical classrooms closed and students at home, paren’ts are feeling the pressure to help their children learn. Paren’ting philosophies have changed over the centuries, but stressing about your child’s education is nothing new. Out of curiosity, I turned to our Osborne Collection of Early Children's Books to explore some vintage homeschooling advice. Illustration from […]