I was fascinated to learn that the American astronomer Vera Rubin first realized that women could be astronomers when she read a children’s book about Maria Mitchell! Years later, when it was time for her to apply to university, she chose Vassar College because she remembered that Maria Mitchell had once taught there, and she figured it would be a welcoming place for women in science. I love this because it shows how powerful a book can be in the life of a child. Read my Q&A with Toronto author Laura Alary.
"If your child was going swimming, especially if the waters might be choppy, you’d give them a lifejacket and you’d teach them how to swim. Learning how to spot fake news, understanding why it’s not good and knowing what to do about it is like that. If our kids are going to dive into the choppy waters of the internet - and they are, whether we like it or not - we’d better make sure they know how to swim." I interview journalist and author Joyce Grant about her new book Can You Believe It? How to Spot Fake News and Find the Facts.
In this interview with Kirsten Liepmann, who wrote 100 Ways to Make the World a Better Place activity book with Karen Ng, she talks about the importance of children learning about and solving our big issues.
I read some really great picture books this month, a mix of fiction and non-fiction including the beautiful book by Bahram Rahman and a unique one by Rachel Poliquin.
March is Women's Month. Learn about women's achievements and celebrate their successes.
Mindfulness, woman mathematician (you never heard of before) and Voices of Justice picture books reviewed.
An amazing story about an amazing woman, Jella Lepman, who saw the importance of books in helping children recover from the Second World War.
Halloween is a perfect time for a ghost story for the middle grade set, with picture books about bed, witches, hugs and Disney Villains.
Learn about animals who are being charged with various crimes and the reasons why in this picture book from Kids Can Press.
Book Time 