Breaking Barriers: The Power of Children’s Books A Talk With Picture Book Authors Rie Muranaka and Eriko Ishikawa

If you are interested in Japanese, picture books, childhood education, or even psychology, you do not want to miss this talk!

Wednesday September 18 | 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm EDT | In Person @ North York Central Library (Toronto Public Library), Room 1 | Japanese + English Interpretation

Registration Deadline: Sunday September 15, 2024

Join author Rie Muranaka (村中李衣) and illustrator Eriko Ishikawa (石川えりこ) as they introduce the concept of “barrier-free” picture books through their award winning book “Kokun” (Nodding). Chosen as Outstanding for the IBBY Collection for Young People with Disabilities, this story explores a girl with a disability asserting her independence but also learning to accept help when it’s needed. Based on their work in Japan, the authors will describe how they have used picture books to spark discussion about visible and invisible barriers and in therapeutic settings.

The talk will be in Japanese with an English translator. There will be a Q&A afterwards.

Venue: Room 1 at North York Central Library, 5120 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M2N 5N9.