The Word On The Street, Toronto’s Book & Magazine Festival usually held in September, has pivoted this year to online programming. The Summer Spectacular series covers numerous interesting topics throughout the school break.
Registration required – click on the links for more information.
Summer Spectacular: CharacterMaker – Friday, July 30, 2021, 10:00 am
For ages 10-14+
Join Story Planet Toronto in this CharacterMaker workshop combining writing and drawing, as we explore what makes a compelling character. Participants will create an original character as a group, which will then be drawn on the spot by a professional illustrator. Accompanied by a discussion of what makes for compelling characters in literature, and what tips and tricks can be used to help bring the characters in our own stories to life.
Summer Spectacular: Chasing Bats & Tracking Rats – Friday, August 6, 2021, 10:00 am
For ages 10-14+
What can city bees tell us about climate change? How are we changing coyote behaviour? And what the heck is a science bike? Featuring the work of a diverse group of eleven scientists—herself included!—Dr. Cylita Guy shows how studying urban wildlife can help us make cities around the world healthier for all of their inhabitants. In the process, Guy reveals how social injustices like racism can affect not only how scientists study city wildlife, but also where urban critters are likelier to thrive. Sidebars include intriguing animal facts and the often-wacky tools used by urban ecologists, from a ratmobile to a bug vacuum.
Summer Spectacular: Ecopoetry – Friday, August 13, 2021, 10:00 am
Ages 10-14+.
Calling young writers who care about the earth! This pale blue dot is the only home we earthlings have. With climate change affecting nature and the world around us, how can we as artists depict humans’ complex relationship with the planet? Try out VSEAL’s 1-hour online writing workshop on Ecopoetry, a type of poetry that focuses on our place as living, breathing, and constantly evolving beings in the natural world. Led by Montreal-based poet, Greg Santos, young poets are encouraged to sign-up to create their own original poems with an emphasis on ecological themes and messages.
Summer Spectacular: Drawing Comics – Friday, August 20, 2021 10:00 am
For ages 10-14+.
A drawing workshop with artist and author Sandra Dumais, author of the hilarious Farm Crimes series. About the Book: A peaceful day on the farm turns to panic when Hen discovers her egg has been stolen! The only one who can crack the case? Billiam Van Hoof, the world’s number one goat detective (at least, that’s what he calls himself). As Van Hoof questions the animals and collects clues–a piece of eggshell, a yellow feather, and some tiny footprints–the answer to the mystery becomes obvious to everyone except the bumbling inspector.
The Word On The Street Summer Spectacular 2021
When: July 9 – August 20, 2021
Time: Fridays at 10:00am
Where: Online
Website: toronto.thewordonthestreet.ca
