General Information

Reading is a core skill that many of us take for granted.

But sadly many individuals struggle with literacy. Access to books, lack of educators, disabilities, time constraints... whatever the reason, there is no shame in it, and there is always help to be found - sometimes in the most unlikely places.

In "Clarence's Big Secret", we meet a hard working boy who had to grow up too fast, and didn't learn to read until he was almost a hundred years old!

It's never too late to learn to read, or to celebrate the joy of literacy and learning.

National Candy Day - yes it's a real thing, and not something we just made up, we swear! - is a day to celebrate the joy that sweet treats bring into our lives!

Whether you're a "choco-holic" or a fruity-snacks kind of person, remember: everything in moderation! :)

The classic TumbleBook, "Little Pea", by beloved author Amy Krouse Rosenthal, flips the script on the age old refrain "eat your vegetables!"

Dunce Day originated to celebrate the scholar, Duns Scotus from Duns, Scotland, who originated the "dunce cap".

Duns believed that the cone-shaped Dunce Cap would encourage learning by causing knowledge to flow from the pointed cap's peak to the wearer's head!

Unfortunately over time, the hat became associated with stupidity.

So let's reclaim it! Let's wear dunce caps today to show how receptive we are to new knowledge and personal growth!

While you're at it, check out the Read-Along "Dunce's Anonymous", about a young boy's attempt to shy away from the spotlight.

STEM stands for "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math."

There are MANY different fields of study encompassed in these 4 areas.

Like microbiology, ecology, earth sciences, algebra (which can be super interesting!), physics, and more!

In the new TumbleBook "Dig, Dance, Dive" we learn all about bird behaviors through in depth and accessible text and delightful illustrations!

There are many reasons why we're called TumbleBooks.

One big reason is that we don't do things like everyone else!

This is perfectly illustrated in J. Otto Seibold's classic "Other Goose"!

You want Nursery Rhymes? We have Nursery Rhymes that will curl your hair and make you spit milk out of your nose!

(The good thing about ebooks is that you can wipe your screen after!)

Every year on November 11th, the world pauses to commemorate those who sacrificed their lives, and their youth for their country and the world.

We wear poppies over our hearts to honour WWI and WWII vets in particular.

In addition to honouring those who fought, we also honour people like Hana: people whom the Nazi regime imprisoned for no reason other than that they were "different".

Millions of Jewish people - like Hana and her family - were killed during the war, as well as other non-Aryan Eastern Europeans, Romani, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ people.

It doesn't take much to show kindness to another.

A kind word, subtle encouragement, a pat on the back.... sometimes even the smallest gesture can make the biggest difference in someone's life!

In "The House At The End Of The Road" a group of children are frightened by the creepy house and the old man who lives there! That is, until they meet him and discover he's not threatening at all! Their change of perspective and kindness bring some much-needed joy into the old man's life, and inspires readers to look beyond the surface.

Happy Birthday, Robert Louis Stevenson!

If he were alive today, he'd be 175 years old!

Treasure Island is one of the most beloved adventure tales of all time. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Claude Monet!

If he were alive today he'd be 185 years old!

Monet was a prolific painter in his time, finding the beauty in nature, and capturing a moment in time as big as a scenic vista, or as small as a pond full of water lilies.

Join him as he paints a day!

There's a lot to be said for Tolerance.

To tolerate something or someone, it's best if you learn more about them, try to put yourself in their shoes, and show them the respect you would like shown to you.

In Enemy Pie, one little boy learns how to tolerate and to make friends with the least likely person.

At first glance, it's got a funny name, but World Toilet Day is more about addressing and raising awareness for a global crisis: waste water and sanitation issues around the world.

What can you do at home? You could try to conserve water by flushing only solid waste. Or, you could install a high efficiency toilet that uses less waste.

While you're considering what you can do to help, read "Toilet Tales" and imagine what it would be like if the animal kingdom used toilets like we do!

Happy Thanksgiving, USA!

Today is a day to give thanks for the privileges and good fortune (no matter how big or small) we have in our lives.

So, enjoy your turkey, your mashed potatoes, stuffing, and sweet potato pie!

But remember to help out the chef! Otherwise, who knows... they may choose to eat dinner all alone!

Commemoration of Universal Children's Day began in 1993 in honor of the United Nations' two declarations for children's protection and rights.

We're presenting "When I Was Eight" for this day, as a reminder of how far we've come.

Olemaun is an indigenous child who was sent to a residential school many years ago, and just as many other indigenous children experienced, Olemaun was mistreated while she was there. The people who ran the school tried to erase and replace her cultural heritage, and caused great suffering in the process.

While celebrating the steps we've taken to prevent things like this from ever happening again, we must still work towards reconciliation and healing.

On November 21, 1783, the first free balloon flight took place in Paris, France!

Though not to the same scale, we hope you enjoy this tale of a wayward balloon and its far-flung adventure.

After finishing his journey to the Galapagos Islands on a ship called "The Beagle", Charles Darwin had many new - and controversial - ideas!

In one word? Evolution!

He published "Origin of Species" on November 24, 1859.

Today, you can learn more about his journeys and go exploring through the natural world with him in "One Beetle Too Many"!

Happy Birthday, Frances Hodgson Burnett!

If she was alive today, she'd be 176 years old!

She wrote many beloved children's books, including "The Secret Garden", and "A Little Princess".

Happy Birthday, Louisa May Alcott!

If she was alive today, she'd be 193 years old!

She wrote many beloved young adult books, including "Little Men", and "Little Women".

Happy Birthday, Tony Fucile!

Born in 1964, Tony is an award winning, and best selling author and illustrator!

Poor Louie is an adorable TumbleBook from Tony Fucile. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Happy Birthday, Lucy Maud Montgomery!

If she was alive today, she'd be 151 years old!

Montgomery is the author of Canada's most beloved heroine: Anne Shirley!