Summary

Check out the beautiful Storywalks and all other cool services that Vaughan Public Libraries offer this summer. Take your reading outdoors and have fun!

Are you smiling? After a long, cold bitter winter, we’re finally showered in sunshine and taking in not just green but all colours! If you can’t wait to go hiking, before you go, please don’t forget to check out the cool services that Vaughan Public Libraries offer – they may bring you more fun experiences and help you save some money.

First and foremost, our annual Storywalks are back to take your reading outdoors! Each spring, we put out beautifully designed storyboards of critically acclaimed picture books in our city parks and trails so you can read while you hike during the summer months. This year, we have eight Storywalks as outlined below, plus one pop-up Storywalk that you’ll have to discover in the city trails or events (it’s a secret for now, LOL). For details of these books, please keep on reading until the end of the post :).

Second, Vaughan Public Libraries is introducing Birding Canada Backpacks this year in partnership with the City of Vaughan, Birds Canada, and Vortex Optics. These backpacks are designed to help you learn about local wildlife and enjoy the outdoors. Each backpack includes binoculars and a variety of resources to support both experienced birders and those trying birdwatching for the first time.

Third, we’ll be doing an Explore Your Trail program on July 5 at Marita Payne Park. Other than travelling the local trails with a high-tech twist, you’ll be introduced to the new Food Forest Community Garden at the park. This is a free-use vegetable garden for the community that is supported by the City of Vaughan. 

Of course, on top of these new initiatives, we continue to offer  Nature Backpacks and Ontario Park Passes. Check them out today and enjoy the outdoor fun!

Now, back to our Storywalks.

Picture the Sky by Babara Reid, published by Scholastic Canada, in North Maple Regional Park (Ward 1)

Have you ever wondered what stories the sky is trying to tell us, when it’s blue, in the clouds, or riding the wind …? As unique as her other works, Barbara Reid again brings forward lyrical text, brilliant images, and wonderful imagination. Check out the print copy of Picture the Sky at one of VPL’s locations, or go to the North Maple Regional Park (NMRP) to check out the Storywalk. Do you know NMRP is built on a former landfill? In April 2018, the Vaughan City Council approved the vision to develop the open space and former landfill areas into a 364-hectare (900-acre) outstanding destination for sports, recreation, and culture. Check out this amazing public project this summer!

Poem in My Pocket by Chris Tougas, illustrated by Josee Bisaillon, published by Kids Can Press, in Nort Johnson District Park (Ward 2)

 “I had a poem in my pocket,
but my pocket got a rip.
Rhymes tumbled down my leg
and trickled from my hip.”

This is how the young poet begins his journey to capture the loose words, arrange them back into poem form, but lose them again in a swooping storm over a busy city street! This charming picture book takes young readers on a fun rhyming adventure of the creative writing process, perfect for class discussions. Borrow a print copy at VPL or visit the Nort Johnson District Park, where you’ll find puppies out on walks, ducks swimming, and blue jays flying.

My City Speaks by Darren Lebeuf, illustrations by Ashley Barron, published by  in Sonoma Heights Community Park (Ward 2)

This colourful Storywalk showcases the familiar Toronto landscape through its smells, sounds, tastes, and textures, as the adorable father and daughter duo walks through the city. Take your family to enjoy the juxtaposition of the illustrations in My City Speaks and the calm scenery and quiet trails in the city north of Toronto. Regardless, I think you would appreciate the free parking at the Sonoma Heights Community Park (in fact, most of our city parks), not to mention the playground equipment, picnic tables, and green trails!

What If I’m Not a Cat? by Kari-Lynn Winters, illustrated by Kelly Collier, published by Kids Can Press, in Lawford Park (Ward 3)

Donkey’s a cat! Why? He spends all his time with the other cats on the farm. He licks his fur and pounces, cuddles and naps, just like the cats do. But is he a cat? And if not, what is he? Will going off on his own help Donkey figure out the answers? This delightful story of self-discovery ensures laughter and good discussions. Borrow What If I’m Not a Cat? from one of the VPL locations or go to Lawford Park, which is another awesome neighborhood park that offers slides and swings, basketball court and soccer fields, perfect for family fun.

The Nut that Fell from the Tree by Sangeeta Bhadra, illustrated by France Cormier, published by Kids Can Press, in Sugarbush Heritage Park (Ward 4)

Follow the journey of an acorn seed as it gets tossed around by different creatures on its way to becoming a tree. While you enjoy this playful Storywalk through your Sugarbush Nature Walk on the 2.4-km unlit, unpaved walking trail, don’t forget to check out the Baker House and its rich history about Vaughan’s maple syrup pioneers.

How to Staycation Like a Snail by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier, published by Owlkids in Marita Payne Park (Ward 5)

Snail is introverted, not a fan of overstimulation, but still love adventures. So, while his friends take a trip to the city, he teams up with his buddy Stump to have an adventure in their own backyard – a staycation!  This quiet adventure is unexpectedly filled with joy and wonder. Just like Snail’s first adventure in How to Party Like a Snail, this cute story is adorable and clever, filled with witty moments and hidden puns. You can borrow a print copy  from us or check it out at Marita Payne Park, which is part of the Bartley Smith Greenway. The Park includes playgrounds, sports fields, and a picnic area, another perfect spot for family fun while taking in the lush green space.

Carson Crosses Canada by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Kass Reich, published by Penguin Random House Canada in Assembly Park

For those who love road trips, this sweet story about Annie, her pet dog Carson, and their cross-Canada drive to Annie’s sister will be a delightful read. Enjoy this Storywalk, starting in British Columbia and ending in Newfoundland, pausing along the way at iconic Canadian landmarks, all at once in Assembly Park, right at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre, conveniently located near the subway station, bus terminal, and of course our VMC Library located in the same building as the YMCA at the David Braley Vaughan Centre.

It’s a Mitig! by Bridget George, published by Douglas & McIntyre, in Kortright Conservation Centre

This beautifully illustrated picture book is designed to share the Ojibwe language. Ojibwe words for the natural world are paired with illustrations and rhyming words in English. Check out It’s a Mitig! from us or at the Kortright Conservation Centre,  one of the oases in Vaughan.

We hope to see you at one of our Storywalks this summer. While you are there, don’t forget to take a selfie and share it with us!