Canada

IBBY Canada was founded in 1980 by the National Library’s children’s literature librarian Irene Aubrey, Canadian Children’s Book Centre founder Irma McDonough Milnes and Toronto Public Library children’s coordinator Ruth Osler. The Canadian Library Association was previously connected with IBBY International until Irene Aubrey started acting as Canada’s official liaison from 1975 to 1980.

IBBY Canada is a membership-based organization with approximately 120 members across Canada.

A board of directors of 18 members is responsible for the functioning of the National Section. The executive is from across Canada with four councillors representing the four main regions of Canada: East, Quebec, Ontario and West. Many of Canada’s children’s book publishers are members of IBBY, several public libraries and some boards of education, in addition to individual children’s books lovers.

The national section has a close collaboration with both the Canadian Children’s Book Centre in Toronto (CCBC) and Communication-Jeunesse (CJ) in Montreal through the executive positions of Liaison Officers.

IBBY Canada administers many national awards and programs:

• The Frances E. Russell Award for research and / or publication on Canadian children’s literature
• The Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award for an illustrated book
• The Claude Aubry Award is given for significant contributions to Canadian children’s literature in English and in French

Joanne Fitzgerald Illustrator in Residence

The Illustrator in Residence program, launched in 2013, offers a published Canadian children’s book illustrator a month-long residency at a public library.

Reading with Newcomer Children

Beginning in the spring of 2018, IBBY Canada partnered with Christie Refugee Welcome Centre and COSTI Immigrant Services to participate in a program of storytelling for refugee children, aged six to twelve. The program has since grown to include a virtual component. A video of the volunteer experience during the pandemic can be viewed here.

From Sea to Sea to Sea: Celebrating Indigenous Picture Books

The creation of the From Sea to Sea to Sea: Celebrating Indigenous Picture Books catalogue was initiated by IBBY Canada in 2016 in response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, and is in keeping with IBBY’s mission to support the right of every child to become a reader through access to high-quality books. In curating the two catalogues to-date, care was taken that they reflect the diversity of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit voices from sea to sea to sea, and that the titles are available and in print for anyone who wishes to access them. 

The third edition of From Sea to Sea to Sea: Celebrating Indigenous Picture Books will launch in spring 2023! Please view the catalogues here.

IBBY Canada is looking forward to hosting the 40th IBBY World Congress in 2026 in Ottawa!