FOLD Kids Book Fest // November 1-5, 2023

ABOUT FOLD KIDS BOOK FEST

The first Festival of Literary Diversity (FOLD) was presented May 2016 to celebrate underrepresented authors and storytellers in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. In 2019, the FOLD expanded to include a literary festival dedicated to young audiences -- connecting children, youth and educators with a diverse range of incredible children’s book authors and illustrators.

FOLD Kids Book Fest will host live events designed for classrooms, educators, and families from November 1-5. 2023. Virtual events for classrooms and educators will take place on November 1-3 in our Virtual Clubhouse ,while live, in-person events will be held in Brampton November 3 - 5. All virtual events, and select in-person events, will be available to watch on-demand with a virtual pass until December 5, 2023.

For more about the FOLD and FOLD Kids Book Fest, visit thefoldcanada.org

Festival Schedule

time iconAvailable Oct 30

Drawing Baku with Michelle Theodore

speaker headshot

Michelle Theodore

Illustrator Michelle Theodore walks kids through the process of drawing Baku from the picture book, Mira and Baku. Baku is based on a supernatural character from Japanese folklore who devours nightmares. Watch this bonus preview event on your own schedule as part of our special Halloween-themed content.

Grades K-4

time iconAvailable Oct 30

Reimagining Stories with Joanna Cacao & Emi Pinto

speaker headshot

Joanna Cacao

speaker headshot

Emi Pinto

In this bonus preview event, explore the inspirations behind two fantastical and scary books that mix stories from the past with contemporary tales. Tune in for a discussion with Joanna Cacao, author of The Secret of the Ravens and Emi Pinto, author of Bee Bakshi and the Gingerbread Sisters as they unpack the ideas that shaped their incredible stories.

Grades 6-8

time iconAvailable Oct 30

Inuit Horror with Louise Flaherty & Jamesie Fournier

speaker headshot

Louise Flaherty

speaker headshot

Jamesie Fournier

In this bonus Halloween event for teens, discover how (and why) Inuit authors Louise Flaherty (The Gnawer of Rocks) and Jamesie Fournier (The Other Ones) use northern stories to create chilling winter stories.

Grades 9-10

time iconNovember 1, 2023 09:00 am

Crafting Comics with Joanna Cacao

speaker headshot

Joanna Cacao

In this illustration-based event, comics creator Joanna Cacao leads kids through her process of creating epic worldbuilding illustrations in her debut graphic novel, The Secret of the Ravens. From creating characters to incorporating Filipino culture into the clothing and magic, students will learn how graphic novels evolve from idea to finished product.

Grades 6-8

time iconNovember 1, 2023 09:00 am

ASL Storytime with Gaitrie Persaud

speaker headshot

Gaitrie Persaud

In this annual storytelling event, Deaf artist and actress Gaitrie Persaud presents the incredible children’s book Asha and the Toymaker by Sakshi Mangal 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 storytelling. Oral translation will be provided by an ASL interpreter.

Grades K-3

time iconNovember 1, 2023 10:00 am

Discovering Indigenous Ingenuity with Deidre Havrelock

speaker headshot

Deidre Havrelock

In this session, Deidre Havrelock, co-author of Indigenous Ingenuity, explores Indigenous achievements highlighted in this middle grade nonfiction title. From communicating through Plains Indian Sign Language and pictographs to the invention of corn, this event promises to inform and inspire through a creative exploration of important innovations and Indigenous STEM advancements.

Grades 4-6

time iconNovember 1, 2023 11:00 am

The Writer's Life with Linh S. Nguyễn

speaker headshot

Linh S. Nguyễn

In this sought-after festival series focusing on the writer's journey, debut author Linh S. Nguyễn (No Place Like Home) discusses her path to a career in writing. From how she develops a story to what it's like teaching emerging writers, students will learn what’s involved in navigating the publishing world and the creative writing process.

Grades 9-10

time iconNovember 1, 2023 01:30 pm

An Insect Expedition with David Suzuki

speaker headshot

David Suzuki

In this not-to-be-missed virtual event, the one and only David Suzuki gives an exclusive look at the inspiration for his new picture book, followed by a reading of Bompa's Insect Expedition. Wrapping up the event with a live Q & A designed to give students and teachers an inside scoop on this insightful new book for young readers.

Grades K-3

time iconNovember 1, 2023 05:00 pm

Fostering Anti-Racism in the Classroom

speaker headshot

Khodi Dill

In this workshop designed for educators, author Khodi Dill (stay up) provides meaningful tools for discussing social issues in the classroom, and for empowering and cultivating student-led activism.

time iconNovember 1, 2023 07:30 pm

The Antiracist Kitchen

speaker headshot

Deidre Havrelock

speaker headshot

Ann Yu Kyung Choi

speaker headshot

Marty Chan

speaker headshot

Nadia L. Hohn

The Antiracist Kitchen anthology is a celebration of food, family, activism and resistance in the face of racism designed for middle grade readers. In this evening panel discussion designed for adults and educators, anthology contributors Marty Chan and Deidre Havrelock, along with editor Nadia L. Hohn, discuss the role of food in their lives and how it’s helped them fight discrimination with moderator, educator and fellow contributor Ann Yu-Kyung Choi.

This event is sponsored by Orca Book Publishers.

time iconNovember 2, 2023 09:00 am

Anti-Racism for Young People

speaker headshot

Khodi Dill

Being an activist can be exhausting. So how can teens take care of themselves while fighting for others? What can students do to help break down structures that continue to uplift discrimination thoughtfully? Join author Khodi Dill, (stay up), as he provides a few insights and helpful tips for teens.

Grades 9-10

time iconNovember 2, 2023 10:00 am

Storytime with Cristina Quintero

speaker headshot

Cristina Quintero

There's only one way to make bread. Okay, maybe two. Or three? In this delicious storytime event, debut author Cristina Quintero reads from her picture book, The Only Way to Make Bread – a tasty exploration of bread.

Grades K-3

time iconNovember 2, 2023 11:00 am

Character Creation with Zain Bandali

speaker headshot

Zain Bandali

How do you create engaging characters? Author Zain Bandali shows young readers how he created his main character, Tehzeeb, before showing participants how to create amazing characters of their own.

Grades 4-6

time iconNovember 2, 2023 01:30 pm

The Illustrator Battle

speaker headshot

Michelle Theodore

speaker headshot

Marty Chan

speaker headshot

Keet Geniza

speaker headshot

Ardo Omer

speaker headshot

Paris Alleyne

Our popular, annual illustrator event returns with a new crop of artists who will take up their drawing tools and battle it out from their own drawing tables. This not-to-be missed interactive event includes hilarious challenges where Canadian illustrators Michelle Theodore, Paris Alleyne and our Illustrator-in-Residence Keet Geniza put their artistry on display. FOLD’s very own Kids Coordinator, Ardo Omer, returns as host along with author and producer extraordinaire Marty Chan.

This event is sponsored by Penguin Random House Canada. 

Grades 5-8

time iconNovember 2, 2023 04:00 pm

Disability in the Classroom with Hannalora Leavitt

speaker headshot

Hannalora Leavitt

In this workshop designed for educators, author Hannalora Leavitt (The Disability Experience) provides important insight on supporting disable students in the classroom  isn't enough but that including them is the key to addressing their marginalization within the education system.

This event is sponsored by Orca Book Publishers.

time iconNovember 2, 2023 07:30 pm

Engaging Japanese-Canadian History

speaker headshot

Mark Sakamoto

speaker headshot

Sara Truuvert

speaker headshot

Lara Jean Okihiro

speaker headshot

Henry Tsang

During the Second World War, the Canadian government forced Japanese Canadians out of their homes and into internment camps. This year, three books from Canadian authors Mark Sakamoto (Shizue's Path), Sara Truuvert (Mira and Baku) and Lara Jean Okihiro (Obaasan's Boots) spotlight this period in history. In this evening event designed for adults and educators, moderator Henry Tsang explores the importance of sharing difficult topics with young people in conversation with all three authors.

time iconNovember 3, 2023 09:00 am

Exploring Language with Melissa Mollen Dupuis

speaker headshot

Melissa Mollen Dupuis

Bonjour! In this multi-language session designed for young readers, author Melissa Mollen Dupuis uses French, English, and Innu to discuss storytelling in a reading from her picture book, Nutshimit: in the Woods.

Grades 1-5

time iconNovember 3, 2023 11:00 am

Meet Chloe: A Virtual Play by Cameron Grant

speaker headshot

Carousel Players

Meet Chloe, a virtual play from Carousel Players, explores the challenges Black students face in the education system and the lack of Black curriculum content in the study of Canadian History.

It’s another day of virtual history class. Chloe is working with her group on a research project about John Graves Simcoe, when she discovers another historical figure that is far more relevant to learn about -- someone who even shares her first name: Chloe Cooley, a young Black woman enslaved in Upper Canada in the late 1700s. Can Chloe convince her teacher and her project partners to switch to Chloe Cooley's story weeks before the project is due?

This virtual event is only available on the platform until December 5, 2023.

Grades 9-10

time iconNovember 3, 2023 01:30 pm

The Disability Experience with Hannalora Leavitt

speaker headshot

Hannalora Leavitt

Having a disability is different for everyone. In this session, author Hannalora Leavitt (The Disability Experience) breaks down myths and sheds a light on what it's like to live with a disability from how your house is arranged to who uses a guide dog. Leavitt also weaves in her own personal experience.

Grades 6-8

time iconNovember 3, 2023 10:00 am

Music & Movement at Gore Meadows

A special Caribbean-themed interactive music and dance program based on two picture books: Malaika, Carnvial Queen by Nadia L. Hohn and C is for Carnival by Yolanda T. Marshall. This event, designed for parents and young children, develops physical coordination, social skills, and creative expression, and is presented in cooperation with BridgeWay Family Centre (EarlyON) and FOLD Kids Book Fest. Designed for kids 0-6 years old.

time iconNovember 3, 2023 06:30 pm

Come Read with Me: A Storytime Pajama Party

Come in your pajamas and bring your favourite stuffie as you listen to some of our favourite picture books read by special guests in our annual read-a-loud evening of storytelling held at three Brampton Library branches: Gore Meadows, Springdale and South Fletcher's. Designed for kids 0-10 years old.

time iconNovember 4, 2023 09:30 am

The Opening Parade

Meet at the arena-end of the Gore Meadows Community Centre for a live drumming and join the procession as we make our way to the Gore Meadows library branch for the opening of the festival. All Ages.

time iconNovember 4, 2023 10:00 am

Storytime Fun with FOLD Kids Authors

speaker headshot

Ekiuwa Aire

speaker headshot

Zain Bandali

speaker headshot

Mahak Jain

speaker headshot

TBD

speaker headshot

Nadia L. Hohn

speaker headshot

Cristina Quintero

Join us for a full day of incredible on-the-hour presentations from authors and special guests at the Brampton Library’s Gore Meadows Branch.

10am | Sunjata of the Mandé Empire (Our Ancestories)
11am | Malaika, Carnival Queen
12pm | The Hockey Jersey
1pm | Mehndi Boy
2pm | The Only Way to Bake Bread
3pm | The Only Astronaut

time iconNovember 4, 2023 11:00 am

Facing Hate: An Art Workshop with PAMA

speaker headshot

Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA)

Using different artistic techniques, kids will create artwork inspired by the book What Does Hate Look Like? by Sameea Jimenez and Corinne Promislow with Larry Swartz at this drop-in art space facilitated by Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives.

All Ages.

time iconNovember 4, 2023 11:00 am

Baking Bread with Cristina Quintero

speaker headshot

Cristina Quintero

Author Cristina Quintero shows kids how to make their very own arepas featured in the picture book, The Only Way to Make Bread. Kids ages 9+. Register in advance and arrive 15 minutes ahead of time to ensure a seat. Space is limited.

time iconNovember 4, 2023 01:00 pm

Making Comics with Keet Geniza

speaker headshot

Keet Geniza

Illustrator-in-Residence Keet Geniza shows kids how tomake their own mini comic, also known as a zine, and create characters! Kids ages 6+. Register in advance and arrive 15 minutes ahead of time to ensure a seat. Space is limited.

time iconNovember 4, 2023 03:00 pm

Stay on Track: A Writing Workshop with Ripple Foundation

speaker headshot

Ripple Foundation

In this workshop designed for budding writers ages 8-14, participants will learn how to write an effective story with a main idea that readers can follow from beginning to end with Ripple Foundation writing instructors. Register in advance and arrive 15 minutes ahead of time to ensure a seat. Space is limited.

time iconNovember 4, 2023 07:00 pm

Teen Spoken Word Showcase

It's Open Mic night! Have a poem you'd like to share? Join us at the Gore Meadows branch of the Brampton Library for a much-anticipated night of performances. Youth ages 12+ can sign up for a spot on stage and share their poetic verses alongside incredible guest poets.

time iconNovember 5, 2023 02:00 pm

Angie Thomas: Live at FOLD Kids Book Fest

speaker headshot

Ainara Alleyne
Moderator

speaker headshot

Angie Thomas

Join us for an afternoon conversation with New York Times Best-selling author Angie Thomas in her first Canadian event for her new middle grade fantasy novel, Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy. In this interview, the author of critically acclaimed young adult novels like The Hate U Give and Concrete Rose discusses writing fantasy with teen actor and bookstagrammer Ainara Alleyne. A book signing will take place after the event. Recommended for audiences 9 and over.

This event is sponsored by Peel Elementary Teachers' Local (PETL).

Register in advance at thefoldcanada.org/angiethomaslive. $10/Ticket.

time iconAvailable Oct 30

Drawing Baku with Michelle Theodore

speaker headshot

Michelle Theodore

Illustrator Michelle Theodore walks kids through the process of drawing Baku from the picture book, Mira and Baku. Baku is based on a supernatural character from Japanese folklore who devours nightmares. Watch this bonus preview event on your own schedule as part of our special Halloween-themed content.

Grades K-4

time iconNovember 1, 2023 09:00 am

ASL Storytime with Gaitrie Persaud

speaker headshot

Gaitrie Persaud

In this annual storytelling event, Deaf artist and actress Gaitrie Persaud presents the incredible children’s book Asha and the Toymaker by Sakshi Mangal 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 storytelling. Oral translation will be provided by an ASL interpreter.

Grades K-3

time iconNovember 1, 2023 01:30 pm

An Insect Expedition with David Suzuki

speaker headshot

David Suzuki

In this not-to-be-missed virtual event, the one and only David Suzuki gives an exclusive look at the inspiration for his new picture book, followed by a reading of Bompa's Insect Expedition. Wrapping up the event with a live Q & A designed to give students and teachers an inside scoop on this insightful new book for young readers.

Grades K-3

time iconNovember 2, 2023 10:00 am

Storytime with Cristina Quintero

speaker headshot

Cristina Quintero

There's only one way to make bread. Okay, maybe two. Or three? In this delicious storytime event, debut author Cristina Quintero reads from her picture book, The Only Way to Make Bread – a tasty exploration of bread.

Grades K-3

time iconNovember 3, 2023 09:00 am

Exploring Language with Melissa Mollen Dupuis

speaker headshot

Melissa Mollen Dupuis

Bonjour! In this multi-language session designed for young readers, author Melissa Mollen Dupuis uses French, English, and Innu to discuss storytelling in a reading from her picture book, Nutshimit: in the Woods.

Grades 1-5

time iconAvailable Oct 30

Drawing Baku with Michelle Theodore

speaker headshot

Michelle Theodore

Illustrator Michelle Theodore walks kids through the process of drawing Baku from the picture book, Mira and Baku. Baku is based on a supernatural character from Japanese folklore who devours nightmares. Watch this bonus preview event on your own schedule as part of our special Halloween-themed content.

Grades K-4

time iconNovember 1, 2023 10:00 am

Discovering Indigenous Ingenuity with Deidre Havrelock

speaker headshot

Deidre Havrelock

In this session, Deidre Havrelock, co-author of Indigenous Ingenuity, explores Indigenous achievements highlighted in this middle grade nonfiction title. From communicating through Plains Indian Sign Language and pictographs to the invention of corn, this event promises to inform and inspire through a creative exploration of important innovations and Indigenous STEM advancements.

Grades 4-6

time iconNovember 2, 2023 11:00 am

Character Creation with Zain Bandali

speaker headshot

Zain Bandali

How do you create engaging characters? Author Zain Bandali shows young readers how he created his main character, Tehzeeb, before showing participants how to create amazing characters of their own.

Grades 4-6

time iconNovember 2, 2023 01:30 pm

The Illustrator Battle

speaker headshot

Michelle Theodore

speaker headshot

Marty Chan

speaker headshot

Keet Geniza

speaker headshot

Ardo Omer

speaker headshot

Paris Alleyne

Our popular, annual illustrator event returns with a new crop of artists who will take up their drawing tools and battle it out from their own drawing tables. This not-to-be missed interactive event includes hilarious challenges where Canadian illustrators Michelle Theodore, Paris Alleyne and our Illustrator-in-Residence Keet Geniza put their artistry on display. FOLD’s very own Kids Coordinator, Ardo Omer, returns as host along with author and producer extraordinaire Marty Chan.

This event is sponsored by Penguin Random House Canada. 

Grades 5-8

time iconNovember 3, 2023 09:00 am

Exploring Language with Melissa Mollen Dupuis

speaker headshot

Melissa Mollen Dupuis

Bonjour! In this multi-language session designed for young readers, author Melissa Mollen Dupuis uses French, English, and Innu to discuss storytelling in a reading from her picture book, Nutshimit: in the Woods.

Grades 1-5

time iconAvailable Oct 30

Reimagining Stories with Joanna Cacao & Emi Pinto

speaker headshot

Joanna Cacao

speaker headshot

Emi Pinto

In this bonus preview event, explore the inspirations behind two fantastical and scary books that mix stories from the past with contemporary tales. Tune in for a discussion with Joanna Cacao, author of The Secret of the Ravens and Emi Pinto, author of Bee Bakshi and the Gingerbread Sisters as they unpack the ideas that shaped their incredible stories.

Grades 6-8

time iconNovember 1, 2023 09:00 am

Crafting Comics with Joanna Cacao

speaker headshot

Joanna Cacao

In this illustration-based event, comics creator Joanna Cacao leads kids through her process of creating epic worldbuilding illustrations in her debut graphic novel, The Secret of the Ravens. From creating characters to incorporating Filipino culture into the clothing and magic, students will learn how graphic novels evolve from idea to finished product.

Grades 6-8

time iconNovember 2, 2023 01:30 pm

The Illustrator Battle

speaker headshot

Michelle Theodore

speaker headshot

Marty Chan

speaker headshot

Keet Geniza

speaker headshot

Ardo Omer

speaker headshot

Paris Alleyne

Our popular, annual illustrator event returns with a new crop of artists who will take up their drawing tools and battle it out from their own drawing tables. This not-to-be missed interactive event includes hilarious challenges where Canadian illustrators Michelle Theodore, Paris Alleyne and our Illustrator-in-Residence Keet Geniza put their artistry on display. FOLD’s very own Kids Coordinator, Ardo Omer, returns as host along with author and producer extraordinaire Marty Chan.

This event is sponsored by Penguin Random House Canada.

 

Grades 5-8

time iconNovember 3, 2023 01:30 pm

The Disability Experience with Hannalora Leavitt

speaker headshot

Hannalora Leavitt

Having a disability is different for everyone. In this session, author Hannalora Leavitt (The Disability Experience) breaks down myths and sheds a light on what it's like to live with a disability from how your house is arranged to who uses a guide dog. Leavitt also weaves in her own personal experience.

Grades 6-8

time iconAvailable Oct 30

Inuit Horror with Louise Flaherty & Jamesie Fournier

speaker headshot

Louise Flaherty

speaker headshot

Jamesie Fournier

In this bonus Halloween event for teens, discover how (and why) Inuit authors Louise Flaherty (The Gnawer of Rocks) and Jamesie Fournier (The Other Ones) use northern stories to create chilling winter stories.

Grades 9-10

time iconNovember 1, 2023 11:00 am

The Writer's Life with Linh S. Nguyễn

speaker headshot

Linh S. Nguyễn

In this sought-after festival series focusing on the writer's journey, debut author Linh S. Nguyễn (No Place Like Home) discusses her path to a career in writing. From how she develops a story to what it's like teaching emerging writers, students will learn what’s involved in navigating the publishing world and the creative writing process.

Grades 9-10

time iconNovember 2, 2023 09:00 am

Anti-Racism for Young People

speaker headshot

Khodi Dill

Being an activist can be exhausting. So how can teens take care of themselves while fighting for others? What can students do to help break down structures that continue to uplift discrimination thoughtfully? Join author Khodi Dill, (stay up), as he provides a few insights and helpful tips for teens.

Grades 9-10

time iconNovember 3, 2023 11:00 am

Meet Chloe: A Virtual Play by Cameron Grant

speaker headshot

Carousel Players

Meet Chloe, a virtual play from Carousel Players, explores the challenges Black students face in the education system and the lack of Black curriculum content in the study of Canadian History.

It’s another day of virtual history class. Chloe is working with her group on a research project about John Graves Simcoe, when she discovers another historical figure that is far more relevant to learn about -- someone who even shares her first name: Chloe Cooley, a young Black woman enslaved in Upper Canada in the late 1700s. Can Chloe convince her teacher and her project partners to switch to Chloe Cooley's story weeks before the project is due?

This virtual event is only available on the platform until December 5, 2023.

Grades 9-10

time iconNovember 1, 2023 05:00 pm

Fostering Anti-Racism in the Classroom

speaker headshot

Khodi Dill

In this workshop designed for educators, author Khodi Dill (stay up) provides meaningful tools for discussing social issues in the classroom, and for empowering and cultivating student-led activism.

time iconNovember 1, 2023 07:30 pm

The Antiracist Kitchen

speaker headshot

Deidre Havrelock

speaker headshot

Ann Yu Kyung Choi

speaker headshot

Marty Chan

speaker headshot

Nadia L. Hohn

The Antiracist Kitchen anthology is a celebration of food, family, activism and resistance in the face of racism designed for middle grade readers. In this evening panel discussion designed for adults and educators, anthology contributors Marty Chan and Deidre Havrelock, along with editor Nadia L. Hohn, discuss the role of food in their lives and how it’s helped them fight discrimination with moderator, educator and fellow contributor Ann Yu-Kyung Choi.

This event is sponsored by Orca Book Publishers.

time iconNovember 2, 2023 04:00 pm

Disability in the Classroom with Hannalora Leavitt

speaker headshot

Hannalora Leavitt

In this workshop designed for educators, author Hannalora Leavitt (The Disability Experience) provides important insight on supporting disable students in the classroom  isn't enough but that including them is the key to addressing their marginalization within the education system.

This event is sponsored by Orca Book Publishers.

time iconNovember 2, 2023 07:30 pm

Engaging Japanese-Canadian History

speaker headshot

Mark Sakamoto

speaker headshot

Sara Truuvert

speaker headshot

Lara Jean Okihiro

speaker headshot

Henry Tsang

During the Second World War, the Canadian government forced Japanese Canadians out of their homes and into internment camps. This year, three books from Canadian authors Mark Sakamoto (Shizue's Path), Sara Truuvert (Mira and Baku) and Lara Jean Okihiro (Obaasan's Boots) spotlight this period in history. In this evening event designed for adults and educators, moderator Henry Tsang explores the importance of sharing difficult topics with young people in conversation with all three authors.

time iconNovember 3, 2023 10:00 am

Music & Movement at Gore Meadows

A special Caribbean-themed interactive music and dance program based on two picture books: Malaika, Carnvial Queen by Nadia L. Hohn and C is for Carnival by Yolanda T. Marshall. This event, designed for parents and young children, develops physical coordination, social skills, and creative expression, and is presented in cooperation with BridgeWay Family Centre (EarlyON) and FOLD Kids Book Fest. Designed for kids 0-6 years old.

time iconNovember 3, 2023 06:30 pm

Come Read with Me: A Storytime Pajama Party

Come in your pajamas and bring your favourite stuffie as you listen to some of our favourite picture books read by special guests in our annual read-a-loud evening of storytelling held at three Brampton Library branches: Gore Meadows, Springdale and South Fletcher's. Designed for kids 0-10 years old.

time iconNovember 4, 2023 09:30 am

The Opening Parade

Meet at the arena-end of the Gore Meadows Community Centre for a live drumming and join the procession as we make our way to the Gore Meadows library branch for the opening of the festival. All Ages.

time iconNovember 4, 2023 10:00 am

Storytime Fun with FOLD Kids Authors

speaker headshot

Ekiuwa Aire

speaker headshot

Zain Bandali

speaker headshot

Mahak Jain

speaker headshot

TBD

speaker headshot

Nadia L. Hohn

speaker headshot

Cristina Quintero

Join us for a full day of incredible on-the-hour presentations from authors and special guests at the Brampton Library’s Gore Meadows Branch.

10am | Sunjata of the Mandé Empire (Our Ancestories)
11am | Malaika, Carnival Queen
12pm | The Hockey Jersey
1pm | Mehndi Boy
2pm | The Only Way to Bake Bread
3pm | The Only Astronaut

time iconNovember 4, 2023 11:00 am

Facing Hate: An Art Workshop with PAMA

speaker headshot

Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA)

Using different artistic techniques, kids will create artwork inspired by the book What Does Hate Look Like? by Sameea Jimenez and Corinne Promislow with Larry Swartz at this drop-in art space facilitated by Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives. All Ages.

time iconNovember 4, 2023 11:00 am

Baking Bread with Cristina Quintero

speaker headshot

Cristina Quintero

Author Cristina Quintero shows kids how to make their very own arepas featured in the picture book, The Only Way to Make Bread. Kids ages 9+. Register in advance and arrive 15 minutes ahead of time to ensure a seat. Space is limited.

time iconNovember 4, 2023 01:00 pm

Making Comics with Keet Geniza

speaker headshot

Keet Geniza

Illustrator-in-Residence Keet Geniza shows kids how to make their own mini comic, also known as a zine, and create characters! Kids ages 6+. Register in advance and arrive 15 minutes ahead of time to ensure a seat. Space is limited.

time iconNovember 4, 2023 03:00 pm

Stay on Track: A Writing Workshop with Ripple Foundation

speaker headshot

Ripple Foundation

In this workshop designed for budding writers ages 8-14, participants will learn how to write an effective story with a main idea that readers can follow from beginning to end with Ripple Foundation writing instructors. Register in advance and arrive 15 minutes ahead of time to ensure a seat. Space is limited.

time iconNovember 4, 2023 07:00 pm

Teen Spoken Word Showcase

It's Open Mic night! Have a poem you'd like to share? Join us at the Gore Meadows branch of the Brampton Library for a much-anticipated night of performances. Youth ages 12+ can sign up for a spot on stage and share their poetic verses alongside incredible guest poets.

time iconNovember 5, 2023 02:00 pm

Angie Thomas: Live at FOLD Kids Book Fest

speaker headshot

Ainara Alleyne
Moderator

speaker headshot

Angie Thomas

Join us for an afternoon conversation with New York Times Best-selling author Angie Thomas in her first Canadian event for her new middle grade fantasy novel, Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor Prophecy. In this interview, the author of critically acclaimed young adult novels like The Hate U Give and Concrete Rose discusses writing fantasy with teen actor and bookstagrammer Ainara Alleyne. A book signing will take place after the event. Recommended for audiences 9 and over.

This event is sponsored by Peel Elementary Teachers' Local (PETL).

Register in advance at thefoldcanada.org/angiethomaslive. $10/Ticket.

Frequently Asked Questions

FOLD Kids Book Fest runs November 1-5 and includes both virtual and in-person events. Our Virtual Clubhouse will host live virtual events from November 1-3, accessible with a virtual pass. In-person events will take place November 3-5. While most of the in-person events are free, pre-registration is encouraged for all events.
To attend events in our Virtual Clubhouse attendees need to purchase a virtual pass. Most in-person events are free but registration is encouraged and, in some cases, required.
Most in-person events are free, but registration is encouraged, and in some cases required, in order to ensure proper and safe seating. For paid events, payment is required at the time of purchase. In addition to our weekend events, on November 5, FOLD Kids Book Fest will host an event at Lester B. Pearson Theatre, to purchase tickets, register through Eventbrite.
A virtual pass costs $20 and allows you access to our Virtual Clubhouse, which includes an interactive scavenger hunt, live events, on-demand events and more. A bundle of five passes is $75. Some boards are purchasing a board pass, which allows teachers to register, free of charge, with their board-assigned code. Peel District School Board teachers should check their message board for their registration code.
Virtual passholders get access to our Virtual Clubhouse, which includes an auditorium featuring more than twenty virtual events especially designed for educators and students grades 1-12. The clubhouse also includes an Exhibit Hall with exclusive access to book publishers and resources, and a customized resource room for additional support material. All virtual passholders will receive a festival book list and will have access to an educator resource guide, which provides pre- and post-event activities four school group events.
Board-wide passes allow educators access to the Virtual Clubhouse for the entire school year. We try to keep an updated list on our website at thefoldcanada.org/educators and we make announcements on social media. Last day to purchase a board-wide pass is October 15.
You can login to the Virtual Clubhouse for the first time as soon as you register. However, features like the Exhibit Hall and the Resource Room will not open until Available Oct 30. Live virtual events will begin on November 1 and will run until November 3 – although you’ll be able to access them until December 5. Educators with a board pass will have access for the entire school year. For live events, we recommend logging in to the Virtual Clubhouse 10 mins before the event. The event will go live (meaning you’ll be able to click on the event video via a JOIN button) roughly 2 mins before start time to give people time to enter.
Many of our virtual events are initially offered live – meaning they become available on a specific day at a specific time and include the opportunity to chat live with other attendees, the hosts, and the authors. On-demand events are pre-recorded and will be available as soon as the Clubhouse opens. All virtual events can be watched and re-watched until December 5 with a standard virtual pass. Educators who are part of a board-wide pass will have access to on-demand events until June 30, 2024.
Here is a book list that includes a list of all of the authors and titles appearing at this year’s festival. Head to our virtual book seller, Tinlids, to purchase all or a portion of the list. Proceeds go towards the festival.
If the cost of an in-person ticket and/or a virtual pass is prohibitive, please fill out the Patron Pass form, and a virtual pass will be made available.
If you’ve registered for a virtual pass and you’re having trouble logging in, email our Virtual Clubhouse tech support team at foldkids@getvfairs.io
The FOLD relies heavily on the support of individual donors. If you have the means, please consider becoming a monthly donor and donating $20, $50 or $100/month to the work of the FOLD through Canada Helps, which will provide you with a charitable receipt.
Anyone with a virtual pass will be able to watch all the on-demand videos until December 5, 2023. Educators who are part of a board-wide pass will have access to on-demand events until June 30, 2024.

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