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June 23, 2020Five Tips for Writing About Tough Topics for Children and Teens
The best comedy often comes from life’s darker moments. Read up on any comedian and you’ll likely learn about their tumultuous beginnings, middles and ends. (Especially, on Twitter. Literally. At ...
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June 17, 2020On Reclaiming Brokenness and Refusing the Violence of ‘Recovery Narratives’
I’m working on this essay when a friend texts me. His therapist suggested he write a list of things that he likes about himself but the picture that shows up on my phone is just a blank page.“Having ...
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June 12, 2020On Collaboration and Trust
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." – Helen Keller I crave collaboration. When I was young, I had no desire to connect or work closely with people in the way that I do today. ...
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June 12, 2020
Why are Canadian kids’ books so darn good? (And they are!)
We Canadians are pretty good at downplaying our accomplishments. “Cutting down the tall poppies” and “familiarity breeds contempt” should perhaps be emblazoned on our coins and flag.So it may ...
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June 10, 2020"It's All a Leap of Faith, But the End Result Can Be Beautiful" Rick and Gideon Salutin on the Challenges and Rewards of Writing Their New Book
When Rick Salutin's son Gideon asked one day about the origin of his own name, neither could have predicted the question would spark years of important religious conversation. As the younger Salutin progressed ...
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June 09, 2020Kids Club: Cary Fagan and Milan Pavlovic on The Creative Process Behind Their Gorgeous New Picture Book
The young protagonist of award-winning author Cary Fagan's new picture book Son of Happy (Groundwood) might be the only little boy who doesn't like birthday parties.Why, you ask? His father, a professional ...
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June 09, 2020
What Makes a Good Children’s Book?
You’re buying a book for a new baby, or for your own restless 12-year-old. You know what books delighted you when you were a kid. But are those books actually good? And are they likely to please and ...
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June 03, 2020Nina Newington on Canada, Uncertainty, and Her Newest Book
Meg, the central character of author Nina Newington's newest book Cardinal Divide (publishing in September from Guernica Editions), needs a lot of important questions answered.Adopted as a small child ...
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June 02, 2020June Writer-in-Residence Helaine Becker on Her Feminist Origin Story, Writing for Kids, and Her Inspiring New Book
If you're a fan of children's publishing, it's very likely you've heard of Helaine Becker. The Toronto-based creator has authored over eighty books for kids of varying ages, garnering accolades along ...
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May 31, 2020Signing off.
Horrific day to be posting this last entry. The violence and harm inflicted on Black people is enraging. Seeing the failure of some to recognize this terror—or worse be complacent and perpetuate it—can ...
