Creating Non-fiction for Children
George Brown College – English and Communications
S80850 – 07May12-23Jul12 – Mondays – 6:30-9:30pm
This course is an introduction to the basic elements of writing non-fiction (articles and books) for younger readers. Consider and discuss current non-fiction books and magazines. Learn how to choose topics, hone your research skills, develop manuscripts and receive critical feedback on your work.
I am thrilled and honoured to announce that “Don’t Touch That Toad and Other Strange Things Adults Tell You” has been nominated for a Forest of Reading Award! The book has been nominated in the Silver Birch non-fiction category, and you can take a look at the list of nominees right here.
The Silver Birch® Award is comprised of three separate lists of Fiction, Non-Fiction, and an Express list that is made up of both Fiction and Non-Fiction, geared to the more reluctant reader. The Silver Birch® program is meant for readers aged 8 to 12, from Grades 3-6, with the Express list focusing on the lower grade level and the Fiction and Non-Fiction focusing on the Grade 5 and 6 readers.
This nomination holds a very special meaning to me as all Forest of Reading awards are voted on by young readers in Ontario!
I am honoured to have had “Don’t Touch That Toad and Other Strange Things Adults Tell You” recommended by Best Books for Kids & Teens magazine!
Best Books for Kids & Teens 2011 is your guide to the best Canadian books, magazines, audio and video for children and teens. Whether you’re stocking a bookshelf in a classroom, library or at home, every title in this guide has been given the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s stamp of approval.
The Hackmatack Award was established with young readers in mind, to promote literacy and advanced reading in Atlantic Canada. Each year thousands of grade 4-6 students from across the Maritime provinces read a selection of nominated titles, and vote for the one they like the best. What a honour!
… and Other Strange Things Adults Tell You – Workshop by Catherine Rondina at The Richmond Hill Public Library. Will a watermelon grow inside your stomach if you swallow a watermelon seed? Can lightning strike the same place twice? Is a dog’s mouth cleaner than a human’s? Kids will be delighted to find out the truth about these and many other claims from Catherine’s latest book, Don’t Touch That Toad and Other Strange Things Adults Tell You.
This fun-filled, hands-on workshop allows students to try a number of activities based on this hilarious book. This workshop also includes a creative writing component, which involves a short questionnaire and has participants developing their own “strange” ideas.
Please purchase your ticket in advance at the Full Service Desk at Central Library as space is limited. Please be aware of the new refund policy for program cancellations: – a full refund will be issued if the Library cancels a program; – a full refund, less a 20% administrative fee, will be issued if the patron makes a request, accompanied by the receipt, at least 48 hours before the program starts if it is a single-session program or at least 4 days before the start of the program if it is a multi-session program.
This program is for children ages 8 – 10 years old. Admission is $8.50 per child.
Central Library
Please purchase your ticket in advance at the Central Library’s Full Service Desk. Thursday, March 17, 2011 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday, Mar. 26 2:30 – 4:30 p.m | Room 1 @ York Woods Library Ages 18 and up. Participants can bring a short sample of their written work.
Explore the world of writing with teacher & award-winning author of over 1,700 articles and 8 books: Catherine Rondina. Learn about the inside world of publishing, hone your research skills, discuss market trends, learn how to choose topics that sell, and receive critical feedback.
Register in person or call 416-395-5980.
York Woods Library 1785 Finch Ave. W. Toronto, ON M3N 1M6 416-395-5980
This course is an introduction to the basic elements of writing non-fiction (articles and books) for younger readers. Consider and discuss current non-fiction books and magazines. Learn how to choose topics, hone your research skills, develop manuscripts and receive critical feedback on your work.
With entertaining, kid-friendly insights on every page accompanied by wacky illustrations, Don’t Touch That Toad and Other Strange Things Adults Tell You examines the truth and/or falsity behind parental do’s and don’ts. When explanations aren’t so cut-and-dried, kids are encourages to decide for themselves.
Here’s a chance to know once and for all if lightning can strike the same place twice, if eating fried foods can cause acne, if an elephant never forgets, plus many more.
Surfing the Internet might be tons of fun, but it’s easy to become caught in the Web! From crafty criminals to misleading information, the Internet is full of problems that are difficult to fix.
Cathy Rondina’s latest book, The 10 Worst Things About the Internet, is an exploration of internet hazards directed towards the 9-12 audience. It provides quick, precise information for children to understand the potential dangers out there in cyberspace.
Teacher’s Choice Award Winner 2009
Reading level: Young Adult Paperback: 48 pages Publisher: Franklin Watts (April 15, 2008) Language: English
Creating Non-fiction for Children
I am thrilled and honoured to announce that “Don’t Touch That Toad and Other Strange Things Adults Tell You” has been nominated for a Forest of Reading Award! The book has been nominated in the Silver Birch non-fiction category, and you can take a look at the list of nominees 
