Vikki VanSickle's Blog
December 16, 2022
As Seen on CTV Your Morning: 8 Kids’ Books That Make Great Gifts
Books are always a welcome gift to find under the tree. Here are 8 new Canadian kids’ titles to add to your gift list this year, as seen on CTV Your Morning December 15th, 2022. Picture Books, Ages 3-7 Illustrator Lauren Soloy captures the joy and verve of this classic Canadian folk song with rich… Continue reading As Seen on CTV Your Morning: 8 Kids’ Books That Make Great Gifts
Published on December 16, 2022 05:31
November 10, 2022
As Seen on CTV Your Morning: Kids’ Books to Share for Remembrance Day
Talking about the reality of war can be a challenge, particularly with young children. Here are 8 titles- each meticulously researched and sensitively told for their intended readers- that can help foster these conversations. All of these titles have historical notes providing further context and, in some cases, pointing out the author or illustrator’s personal… Continue reading As Seen on CTV Your Morning: Kids’ Books to Share for Remembrance Day
Published on November 10, 2022 08:53
October 25, 2022
As Seen on CTV: Seven Spooky Halloween Books for Kids
Spooky season means spooky books! Here are seven new Canadian kids’ titles to read leading up to the big day. Watch the full segment here. Picture Books, ages 3-7 In the retro-tinged A Spoonful of Frogs, a glamourous witch is explaining how to make soup on camera, as if she’s on a TV cooking show,… Continue reading As Seen on CTV: Seven Spooky Halloween Books for Kids
Published on October 25, 2022 05:47
October 18, 2022
Dear Canada: Letters from The Second World War
I am thrilled to be working again alongside brilliant artist and advocate Miranda Mulholland on a second Remembrance Day theatre piece, Dear Canada: Letters from The Second World War, premiering at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa on November 11th. An earlier commemoration, Letters From The Great War: A Commemoration of the First World War,… Continue reading Dear Canada: Letters from The Second World War
Published on October 18, 2022 06:29
October 8, 2022
New Book: P.S. TELL NO ONE coming Feb 2023
Behold the show-stopping cover of my next middle grade novel, P.S. TELL NO ONE coming from Scholastic Canada in February 2023. All of my books are close to my heart, but this one is super special to me. For years I’ve referred to this as “my period book,” and while I dare you to find… Continue reading New Book: P.S. TELL NO ONE coming Feb 2023
Published on October 08, 2022 06:36
September 20, 2022
Talking Ghosts with Kenneth Oppel and Sachiko Kashiwaba
The Toronto International Festival of Authors kicks off this week, including 30+ kids’ events. I am excited to be moderating a spooky author panel featuring two international superstars, Canada’s own Kenneth Oppel and revered Japanese author, Sachiko Kashiwaba. GHOSTLIGHT takes place in and around one of my favourite local places, the Toronto Islands. Featuring a… Continue reading Talking Ghosts with Kenneth Oppel and Sachiko Kashiwaba
Published on September 20, 2022 05:53
August 29, 2022
As Seen on CTV: Back-to-School Reading List for Kids
Whether your kids are looking forward to a new school year or clinging to the end of summer, a good book can gently ease them back into an academic routine. Here are 10 new Canadian titles featuring warm welcomes, new friends, try-outs, social anxiety and fresh starts. Watch the segment online here. Picture Books, Ages… Continue reading As Seen on CTV: Back-to-School Reading List for Kids
Published on August 29, 2022 10:39
July 4, 2022
As Seen on CTV Your Morning: Start a Series
The best way to keep kids hooked on reading is to find them a series that will have them asking for more. Here are ten series by Canadian authors to keep your kids reading all summer long! Watch the segment here, or read on for the full list! Ages 5-9 Scaredy Squirrel is a familiar… Continue reading As Seen on CTV Your Morning: Start a Series
Published on July 04, 2022 07:43
June 15, 2022
As Seen on CTV Your Morning: Books for Father’s Day
Everyone likes a little me time, so I’m changing it up a little to include some grown-up books that make great gifts for Dad. Here are four picture books to read with Dad (or Grandad) and four adult books to give the father figure in your life this Father’s Day, as shared on CTV Your… Continue reading As Seen on CTV Your Morning: Books for Father’s Day
Published on June 15, 2022 13:36
June 1, 2022
TPl Writer in Residence & Other News
In April, I left my day job at Penguin Random House Canada to focus on my writing and new opportunities. Here are some of the very exciting things coming down the pike. TPL Writer in Residence I am thrilled to be spending June & July as the Toronto Public Library’s Writer in Residence, focusing on… Continue reading TPl Writer in Residence & Other News
Published on June 01, 2022 07:42