FESTIVAL SCHEDULE Drawing Creatures with Danesh Mohiuddin
Virtual events by age group All events will be available ON DEMAND by November 9. Events will be available until June 30 with a VIRTUAL PLUS PASS or a BOARD-WIDE PASS.
Let’s Draw! with Azby Whitecalf
October 30, 2025 • 12:00am ET
November 4, 2025 • 11:00 am ET
Author Danesh Mohiuddin leads kids through an art demo using their favourite memory with a caretaker and creature-fy them on the page. Inspired by his picture book, Mummy and Me: A Monster’s Tale, attendees are encouraged to take out their pencil and paper for this Halloween themed bonus event. Kindergarten–Grade 3.
In this art workshop for elementary students, illustrator and Silver Birch Express nominee Azby Whitecalf (Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and Maskwa’s Tipi Tales) provides step-by-step instructions for the creation of an incredible work of art. Bring a piece of paper, pencil, eraser and pen (for outlining). Grades 4–6.
ASL Storytime with Gaitrie Persaud-Killings
The Making of a Graphic Novel with Mei Yu
November 4, 2025 • 9:00 am ET
November 5, 2025 • 11:00 am ET
In this annual storytelling event, Deaf artist and actress Gaitrie Persaud-Killings presents the incredible children’s book Patty Dreams by Nadia L. Hohn and Sahle Robinson in American Sign Language (ASL). Suitable for children of all ages, this ASL storytelling event provides viewers with an opportunity to learn a few signs as they discover the art of ASL storytelling. Oral translation will be provided by an ASL interpreter. Kindergarten–Grade 3.
Silver Birch Express winner Mei Yu breaks down the creation process behind her popular graphic memoir, Lost & Found: Based on a True Story, before leading kids through a how-to-draw demonstration. Participants are encouraged to bring a piece of paper and pencil. Grades 4–6.
The Illustrator Battle November 5, 2025 • 1:30 pm ET
Storytime with Shiva Delsooz November 4, 2025 • 1:30 pm ET In this storytime event, author Shiva Delsooz reads from her picture book, It Began with a Buzz, which follows a girl who discovers that music helps her to cope with the buzzing in her ear. The reading will be followed by an activity. Kindergarten–Grade 3.
Our annual illustrator battle is back! Watch as a brand-new lineup of artists battle it out from their own drawing tables in a series of hilarious, interactive challenges. Featuring Canadian illustrators Mei Yu, Azby Whitecalf, and our Illustrator-in-Residence Ken Daley, with host Ardo Omer and special guest Marty Chan, this virtual event is packed with creativity, comedy, and artistic talent. Grades 5–8. This event is sponsored by Tundra.
Storytime with Briana Corr Scott
How to Be a Story Maker with Mitali Banerjee Ruths
November 5, 2025 • 9:00 am ET Big feelings can feel overwhelming but learning how to understand and calm them makes a big difference. In this special storytime, author Briana Corr Scott shares her picture book, I Lost a Day, and guides kids through simple breathing exercises to help them self-soothe when emotions run high. An optional handout will be available to support classroom or at-home learning. Kindergarten–Grade 3.
Making Maps with Rebecca Thomas
November 6, 2025 • 10:00 am ET Author Mitali Banerjee Ruths (The Party Diaries: Lucky Mermaid Sleepover) explores how paying attention to the world can spark ideas for diary writing. In this hands-on event, students will be led through the process of creating a zine—a mini-book that can be used for reflection, sketching, or storytelling. Participants are encouraged to bring a piece of paper, a pencil or pen and scissors. Grades 4–6.
Crafting Folklore with Mikaela Lucido
November 6, 2025 • 9:00 am ET
October 30, 2025 • 12:00 am ET
Maps tell stories but the map of Canada doesn’t tell the whole truth. In this interactive session, author Rebecca Thomas shares her picture book Sem’s Map, which contrasts the colonial map of Canada with the decolonial map of Turtle Island. You won’t want to miss this storytime event that wraps up with a fun, hands-on mapmaking activity that will spark creativity as young readers explore new ways to see the land around us. Kindergarten–Grade 3.
Author Mikaela Lucido leads kids through art and writing activities while exploring the world of her novel, Danica dela Torre, Dream Detective. Inspired by her Filipino culture, Lucido’s workshop encourages attendees to incorporate their own cultures into their creature creations. Paper, pencil and pencil crayons are recommended for this Halloween-themed bonus event. Grades 5–8.
Crafting Folklore with Mikaela Lucido
Finding Your Happy Place with Briana Corr Scott
October 30, 2025 • 12:00 am ET
October 30, 2025 • 12:00 am ET
Author Mikaela Lucido leads kids through art and writing activities while exploring the world of her novel, Danica dela Torre, Dream Detective. Inspired by her Filipino culture, Lucido’s workshop encourages attendees to incorporate their own cultures into their creature creations. Paper, pencil and pencil crayons are recommended for this Halloween-themed bonus event. Grades 5–8.
Join author Briana Corr Scott (I Lost a Day) as she leads kids through an exercise to find their happy place. This event offers attendees the tools they need to explore emotional regulation through creative expression. Participants are encouraged to use the Finding Your Happy Place handout or a blank paper, pencil and colour pencils/crayons. Grades 5–8.
Finding Your Happy Place with Briana Corr Scott
Can You Believe It? with Joyce Grant
October 30, 2025 • 12:00 am Join author Briana Corr Scott (I Lost a Day) as she leads kids through an exercise to find their happy place. This event offers attendees the tools they need to explore emotional regulation through creative expression. Participants are encouraged to use the Finding Your Happy Place handout or a blank paper, pencil and colour pencils/ crayons. Grades 5–8.
PRIMARY
JUNIOR
INTERMEDIATE
TEENS
EDUCATORS
November 4, 2025 • 9:00 am ET During a time of mass misinformation, thinking critically about what we read online is more important than ever. In this middle school event, author Joyce Grant (Can You Believe It?) explores how to differentiate between fact and fiction when navigating the web through the interactive game “Pass or Post!”. Grades 6–8.
foldkidsbookfest.org