BRAMPTON, ON | November 3, 2026
2026 FOLD Kids Book Fest
FOLD Kids Book Fest returns this week with an exciting lineup of Canadian authors and illustrators, interactive programming, and opportunities targeting young readers and writers. Taking place virtually from November 3-5, with in-person events on November 5-8 in Brampton, this year’s festival invites children, teens, educators, and families to discover the joy of reading through stories, creativity, and community. Learn more and register at thefoldcanada.org/register.
“We started FOLD Kids Book Fest eight years ago because every child deserves to see themselves reflected in the stories they read,” says FOLD Executive Director Jael Richardson. “The incredible events our team puts together connect young readers with amazing authors and illustrators so they can discover the joy of reading. The events we design help them explore new perspectives, but they also help them discover the power of their own voice.”
Festival Highlights – Virtual
There are over 20 virtual events scheduled this year, including:
ILLUSTRATOR BATTLE, an annual event, this year featuring Canadian illustrators Sid Sharp, Jack Wong, and our Illustrator-in-Residence Ruth Ohi, with host Ardo Omer and special guest Marty Chan, this virtual event is packed with creativity, comedy, and artistic talent.
THE WRITER’S LIFE WITH ASTRONOMER EMILY DEIBERT, a series which explores the journey of writers who balance their craft with fascinating careers, offering insights into the challenges, inspirations, and unique paths that shape a writer’s life.
EVERY BODY MATTERS WITH ROZ MACLEAN, a storytime event followed by an art activity of drawing different types of bodies, and practicing curiosity for what their bodies can do.
Festival Highlights – In-Person
Sixteen in-person events this year include storytimes, writing workshops, and signature experiences that invite audience participation. Highlights include:
THE OPENING STORYTIME PARADE, a fun march through Gore Meadows Community Centre to kick off Community Day at our opening parade along with live music and our FOLD Kids mascot, Folio! Then experience books brought to life through live presentations throughout the day. Featured authors include Julien Chung (Chicka Chicka Peep Peep), Sophia Robinson (Beautiful, Black Boy), and Suharu Ogawa (The Only Way to Make Bread).
WRITING SPOKEN WORD POETRY WITH PATRICK DE BELEN, a workshop introducing participants to crafting and performing their own poetry.
THE FINAL SHOW: YOUTH ON THE STORYTELLER STAGE, where participants from the writing workshops can share their creations and experience what it is like to be a FOLD Kids Book Fest author.
FOLD Kids Book Fest for Educators
The FOLD Kids Book Fest Digital Pass provides teachers, librarians, parents and families with access to all virtual festival events and all of the resources in the virtual clubhouse for the entire school year – until June 30, 2026. In addition to the festival pass, educators can request a Student Access Login (SAL) to share access to the platform with students.
Digital Passes are $50.
Educators with the York Catholic District School Board, Waterloo Region District School Board, Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board, Durham District School Board, Peel District School Board can register for free using their board-wide access code. If you’re unsure of your code or want to find out if your board participates, email us before registering and we’ll help you get started.
AND MORE!
- Books will be sold on site by Another Story Bookshop. The full festival schedule is available online at thefoldcanada.org.
- In-person Community Days at Gore Meadows Community Centre & Library are free to attend, with registration encouraged for workshops and special events with limited seating.
For the full festival schedule, registration details, and additional information, visit thefoldcanada.org.
Connect & Share: Instagram: @FOLDKids | Facebook: @FOLDKidz | YouTube: youtube.com/@foldkids3443
The 2026 FOLD Kids Book Fest is generously supported by: Canada Council for the Arts, Canada Heritage, Ontario Arts Council, The Hilary and Galen Weston Foundation, The Angel Gabriel Foundation, City of Brampton, Experience Brampton, Ontario Creates, Tundra Books – Penguin Random House Canada, TD Canada, Second Story Press, Brampton Library, First Book Canada, The Children’s Book Bank, Scholastic Canada, Annick Press, Orca Book Publishers, and Tinlids Inc.
About The FOLD Foundation | thefoldcanada.org
Founded in 2016 by Jael Richardson with the launch of the Festival of Literary Diversity, FOLD is one of Canada’s leading literary organizations, championing underrepresented authors and storytellers through inclusive, high-impact programming that is redefining Canada’s literary ecology. Based in Brampton, Ontario, FOLD reaches both local and national audiences through a combination of innovative in-person and virtual programs. FOLD’s flagship Festival of Literary Diversity spotlights underrepresented authors through an annual series of events that celebrate inclusion, ignite conversation, and bring literature to life in Brampton and across Canada. FOLD has evolved to include a wide range of literary initiatives beyond the Festival of Literary Diversity, including FOLD Kids Book Fest, FOLD Academy, the FOLD Reading Challenge, Into the FOLD: A Books and Lit Fest Podcast, and FOLD Apparel. Together, these programs celebrate critical voices, expand access to diverse stories, and advance the future of Canada’s literary landscape.
Connect & Share: Instagram: @FOLDKids | Facebook: @FOLDKidz | YouTube: youtube.com/@foldkids3443
For further media information, please contact:
Jessica Rampersad | Outreach and Communications Coordinator | info@thefoldcanada.org
