Toronto Jewish Book Fair

This Sunday, Nov. 1, I'll be reading from 'Valentine's Fall' at the Toronto Jewish Book Fair along with Lauren Kirshner, Sidura Ludwig, and Adam Sol. 4 p.m. at the Lipa Green Centre, 4600 Bathurst Street.

International Festival of Authors is here

Today is the official opening of the International Festival of Authors in Toronto. I'll be doing two readings for the TD Canadian Children's Literature Awards (Thing-Thing is a finalist). Both are on Saturday, Oct. 24. For the first I'm reading with fellow nominee Nicola Campbell at 11.am in the Studio Theatre. The second is a panel discussion with all the nominees, moderated by Ken Setterington. That one's at 4p.m., also in the Studio Theatre.

I'm looking forward to hearing some authors myself.

Shufflin' off to Calgary

Next Tuesday I'll be heading to Calgary for the Wordfest, the city's annual literary hootenany. I'll be doing no less than five readings, one at the festival itself an the others at local schools. It's a very well-run and friendly fest so my expectations for a fine time are high. There's also a fundraising dinner where we authors get to pretend we're celebrities. I'm going to bring my best pair of jeans.

A picture-book writing course...with Cary

A quick note to mention that a course I'm teaching at the University of Toronto Continuing Studies, "Writing for Children: Picture Books II," will be starting on Monday Oct. 5. I'm very excited by the two guests who will be coming. The first is Ruth Ohi, illustrator of over 40 books and author of several as well. The second is Tara Walker, picture-book editor at Kids Can Press.

So if you're interested call the Continuing Studies department at 416 978-5653 or go to learn.utoronto.ca.

Fagan and the Foggies for One Night Only

While I was working on 'Valentine's Fall' I sometimes imagined a book launch where my favourite bluegrass band, The Foggy Hogtown Boys, would perform. And it is actually happening.

On Tuesday, Sept. 29, This is Not a Reading Series hosts the launch of my new novel at the Gladstone Hotel. There will be an interview on stage with my old buddy Gary Clement, editorial cartoonist for the 'National Post,' illustrator of picture books, artist and amateur vaudevillian. Then the Foggies will cut loose.

So come on out, folks. It's going to be one good time.

Word on the Street Year 20

This Sunday, Sept. 27, is the 20th annual Word on the Street book festival. It's being held at Queen's Park (the Toronto version) and I'm going to be making two appearances for 'Jacob Two-Two on the High Seas.' The first is at 12 noon at the Children's Reading Tent and the second is an interview on the CBC stage at 2:30.

No doubt I'll also be skulking around the Cormorant Books booth where I assume copies of the new novel, 'Valentine's Fall,' will be on sale.

Enjoy the fair.

Eden Mills and Telling Tales Festivals this weekend

If you see a frantic author zipping by you on the highway it will be me, moving between two southern Ontario festivals this Sunday. One is the new Telling Tales Festival, devoted to children's books, the other is the much-praised Eden Mills Festival. I'm looking forward to them both and if you're in the neighbourhood, come by.