The series, first launched on marbleKids’ YouTube channel on January 10, 2023, is hosted by 13-year-old co-creator, co-writer, and executive producer Ainara Alleyne of Hamilton, Ontario.

The series, first launched on marbleKids’ YouTube channel on January 10, 2023, is hosted by 13-year-old co-creator, co-writer, and executive producer Ainara Alleyne of Hamilton, Ontario.
Young writers in grades 4–8 across Canada are encouraged to submit original stories of prose, verse, fiction, and nonfiction for the chance of becoming a published author.
Those writers selected will receive feedback from a Diaspora Dialogues writer-in-residence over the course of a month. They’ll also be invited to attend professional development workshops throughout the year.
The 10 nominees in the Blue Spruce category (JK–Grade 2) include Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes by Mahak Jain and Anu Chouhan, ill. (Annick Press) and Meena’s Mindful Moment by Tina Athaide and Åsa Gilland, ill. (Page Street Kids).
The TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award and $50,000, which is the largest cash prize in Canadian children’s literature, was awarded to On the Trapline by David A. Robertson and Julie Flett.
He will oversee a yet-to-be-named children’s imprint dedicated to publishing Indigenous writers and illustrators.
The program, which offers a published Canadian children’s book illustrator a month-long residency at a public library, will be take place Toronto Public Library’s North York Central Library for the month of October.
The winners will be announced on September 29.
Ripple Foundation, a volunteer-run education charity advocating for creative literacy among Canadian children in grades four to 12, will be holding its inaugural virtual conference Express Inspire Connect on Saturday, October 1, 2022. Headlining the event is New York Times bestselling author, Nic Stone.