Join MOCA for the June iteration of our Monthly Reading Sessions, developed in partnership with Groundwood Books. During this programme, author Saumiya Balasubramaniam will read her debut picture book When I Found Grandma, illustrated by Qin Leng, along with Two Drops of Brown in a Cloud of White, illustrated by Eva Campbell. The readings will be accompanied by fun props mentioned in the book. Afterwards, participants can join in on an exciting quiz based on the book and let their creative juices flow with a fun writing exercise.
The reading will take place within Jeffrey Gibson’s exhibition I AM YOUR RELATIVE. Gibson’s installation also includes a small collection of children’s books sourced from Groundwood Books and Another Story Bookshop. The collection prioritizes Indigenous, Black, Brown and queer voices.
The two books will be available onsite for purchase. Participants will also have the opportunity to have their book signed by Balasubramaniam.
Bio
Saumiya Balasubramaniam is an eclectic writer of essays, poems, features and recently award-nominated picture books for children. Trained as a Software professional with a master’s degree in computer science, Saumiya has a natural passion for writing. She has been featured in Toronto Public Library’s First and Best Under Five and newspapers like the Globe and Mail. When I Found Grandma, illustrated by Qin Leng, has garnered multiple honours, including nominations for the Ezra Jack Keats awards and the 2020 Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award.
Groundwood Books is known for award-winning books that reflect the experiences of children both in Canada and around the world. Inspired by the belief that children’s books can be important and necessary without sacrificing warmth, beauty, playfulness and humour, Groundwood’s list is characterized by its emphasis on fiction and non-fiction about and for children whose stories might not otherwise be told.
