IBBY Canada is a non-profit organization committed to bringing books and children together as a way to foster understanding and friendship between children of different cultures. We believe that children’s literature can bring about positive change.
Founded in 1980, IBBY Canada is one of 75 National Sections of the International Board on Books for Young People. IBBY was founded in Switzerland in 1953.
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Indigenous Picture Book Collection
In order to highlight picture books by First Nations, Métis and Inuit authors and illustrators, IBBY Canada is creating a catalogue of 100 recommended Indigenous picture books to be launched in fall 2018.
The project committee is co-chaired by IBBY president Mary Beth Leatherdale, and author and educator Dr. Jenny Kay Dupuis (Nipissing First Nation). The collection will be shared with IBBY sections internationally. The Selection Committee consists of Allison Taylor-McBryde, Adjunct Professor at the University of British Columbia and children’s librarian at North Vancouver District Public Library; Patricia Knockwood (Fort Folly First Nation), Indigenous Services Librarian for New Brunswick and member of the Canadian Federation of Library Associations’ Indigenous Matters Committee; and Joanne Schwartz, award-winning author and children’s librarian with the Toronto Public Library.
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Readers and Refugees Program
Increasing numbers of refugee claimants are arriving in Toronto and facing longer and longer wait times for refugee hearings. Children and families require services and programs during this transitional time. IBBY Canada’s Readers and Refugees is one such program.
Starting in May 2018, IBBY Canada volunteers met to read with young refugee claimants once a week for a five-week pilot program at Christie Street Refugee Welcome Centre in Toronto.
Based on the success of phase one of the pilot program, IBBY Canada is set to launch an expanded phase two in fall 2018 and looks forward to growing its scope in 2019.