A Good Book Drive

A book drive gathering your favorite childhood story, chapter and picture books and sharing them with a new generation of readers. Launched in 2012.

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Thank you to all who have shared your stories and books with us all month, Toronto! We can’t wait to see if we’ve hit our goal! 

The Children’s Book Bank is a most wonderful registered charity and we hope, if you are able, you will continue to support them beyond A Good Book Drive. Please don’t forget they accept books & donations year round!

Thank you to all who’ve helped us spread the word about the importance of children’s literacy and the power of a really, really good book! 📚❤️

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Carlos Bustamante, an ET Canada host as well as the host of Big Fun Movies on YTV! He’s sharing Weirdos From Another Planet! by Bill Watterson with A Good Book Drive!

What’s the book about? What do you take away from it?

“That a book entitled "Weirdos From Another Planet" was one of the most important books of my childhood likely explains a lot about me! It's a collection of Calvin & Hobbes comic strips by the immensely talented Bill Watterson that combines (and most likely formed my taste for) some of my favourite things: irreverent humour, existential questions, and really great drawings. The stories inside are about curiosity, imagination, friendship, and the joys of just being a kid. Did I mention the drawings are really, really great?”

If this book were a time machine, where and when would it take you?

“This book would take me back to being a ten year old kid, sitting alone in my room under my bed lamp reading and laughing long after I was supposed to be in bed.”

What do you hope the next reader gets from reading this book?

“I hope this book turns the next reader into a daydreaming, fun-loving weirdo. Like me.”

What are your favourite kinds of stories?

“Stories about outsiders that make me think, and where I might learn something new.”

Why do you think reading is important?

“Reading is the gateway to knowledge and big ideas. It's everything!”

Thank you, Carlos!

Toronto, today is the last day to drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

Photo via Adrian O’Connor

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Meet musician Josh Horner! He’s sharing Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst.

What’s the book about? What did he take away from it?

“As the title entails, Alexander has an awful day where nothing seems to go his way. There's no sugar coating the truth that sometimes: life can be hard; to persevere is to succeed.”

If this book were a time machine, where and when would it take him?

“Back to Nova Scotia, sitting upside down in my pyjamas on the couch.”

What does he hope the next reader gets from reading this book?

“That struggle is an important part of life.”

What will he write on his book plate?

“"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." - Viktor E. Frank.”

Why does he think reading is important?

“Reading is like a stethoscope - a way to feel another heartbeat. It is the foundation of imagination and can transport you across the world.”

Thank you, Josh!

Toronto, drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

Photo by Katrina Thorn

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Say hello to  musician David Clayton-Thomas! He “began his amazing journey as a homeless street kid and developed into one of the most recognizable voices in music.” His debut album with Blood Sweat & Tears came out in 1968 and he has sold over 40 million records since! 

David has also been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame AND is sharing Of Mice And Men by John Steinbeck with A Good Book Drive.

What does he hope the next reader gets from reading this book?

“I hope the reader will take away a sense of history and how unlikely friendships can sometimes form in the face of great adversity.”

Thank you, David!

Toronto, drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

Photo by Katrina Thorn

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Say hello to TV Producer Carly Watt! She’s sharing Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder.

What’s the book about?

“The book is about the author's adventures as a little girl, growing up as a pioneer.”

How would she describe herself at the age she read this book?

“I was happy and curious!”

What does she hope the next reader gets from reading this book?

“I hope they get curious to explore history - all of it, the good and the bad, and to realize how lucky we are to live in the 21st century.”

Why does she think reading is important?

“Reading makes you interesting!”

What will she write on her book plate?

“Stay brave, stay independent, ask questions.”

Thank you, Carly!

Toronto, drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

Photo by Katrina Thorn

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Say hello to Cheryl Hickey from ET Canada! She’s sharing I Can Roar! by Frank Asch with A Good Book Drive.

What’s the book about? What do you take away from it?

“Teaching young kids the sounds animals make, while letting them have a ton of fun.”

What do you hope the next reader gets from reading this book?

“That they find their silly!”

Thank you, Cheryl!

Toronto, drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

Photo via Adrian O’Connor

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Say hello to official oyster shucker Matt Woo, and to Kristen Alexander from Studio B Home! They are sharing The War of the Wars by HG Wells (adapted by Mary Ann Evans) and Matilda by Roald Dahl.

How would Matt describe himself at the age he read this book?

“I was probably about 8 years old, an inquisitive and kind of quiet kid. I used to spend hours playing outside.”

Why does he think reading is important?

“Reading allows us to use our minds to create our worlds; stimulating the imagination is an essential part of what makes us human.”

How would Kristen describe herself at the age she read this book?

“When I read Matilda I was young, and pretty shy. I think I had quite a good imagination, and I loved getting lost in the pages, following the adventures, friendships and heartaches of the characters.”

What are her favourite kinds of stories?

“I particularly enjoy when books take place in either a different place or time because I  appreciate when a novel can teach you something. My go-to’s are memoirs written by chefs or others in the food industry which often include recipes (always a plus!).”

Thank you, Kristen and Matt!

Toronto, drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

Photo by Katrina Thorn

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Meet director Alex Narvaez! He’s sharing Love You Forever by Robert Munsch.

What’s the book about?

“The book is about the special bond between parents and children, and the concept of love being cyclical: teaching love allows it to be passed on.”

What does he hope the next reader gets from reading this book?

“Appreciation for special relationships with parents, guardians, teachers or any mentor figures who provide love, care and guidance. Growing up, it's easy to sometimes take these special people for granted. Let them know you appreciate them.”

Thank you, Alex!

Toronto, drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

Photo by Vanessa Heins

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Meet Steve Hamelin, drummer for Born Ruffians! He’s sharing Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl.  (Lump the dog is also a fan of Roald Dahl, but more into his later works.)

What’s the book about?

“Being ambitious and innovative. I just remember the Fox being incredible. I hope he was also caring or I missed something as a kid.”

What does he hope the next reader gets from reading this book?

“The same excitement I got imagining all the little tunnels the fox and his buddies created.”

Why does he think reading is important?

“It is one of the few ways we can try and make sense of the world.”

What are his favourite kinds of stories?

“I alternate mostly between nonfiction (history, biography) and sci-fi.”

What will he write on his book plate?

“Enjoy! Be as clever and crazy as a fox.”

Thank you, Steve, and Lump!

Toronto, drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

Photo by Danny Patterson

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Say hello to Sangita Patel from ET Canada! She’s sharing Zoom Along by Jessica Phillips with A Good Book Drive. It’s a book that takes her back to being on the road with her kids.

What will you write on your book plate for the next reader?

“See the inside, shine on the outside”

Why do you think reading is important?

Reading “makes you more intelligent and teaches you so much.”

Thank you, Sangita!

Toronto, drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

Photo via Adrian O’Connor

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Say hello to Warren Frank, lead singer of The Kents! He’s sharing Scurvy Dogs by Kevin Frank.

What’s the book about?

“This book is about a gang of neighbourhood dogs who like to think they’re pirates.”

What will he write on his book plate?

“My Dad is the author of this book! When I was a kid my Dad (a cartoonist) would write books for my siblings and I on our birthdays. Now that I’m older he’s a published author and it’s been really special seeing so many kids read and enjoy his work. It’s like sharing a little bit of my childhood with people.”

What are his favourite kinds of stories?

“I love stories about other people’s lives, fiction or nonfiction. Jerry Spinelli really did it for me when I was a young reader (I’ve also donated Maniac Magee).”

Does he still read as much as he did when he was a kid? What kinds of things does he read now?

“I try to! We spend tons of time driving around on tour and that’s helped my reading quite a bit. I’ve gotten into some great books by CBC hosts lately (especially Grant Lawrence) and right now I’m reading “Hunger Makes Me A Modern Girl” by Carrie Brownstein.”

Why does he think reading is important?

“I think reading helps us understand things and opinions we otherwise wouldn’t. It helps us strengthen our imaginations, and it inspires us to become creators.”

Thanks, Warren!

Toronto, drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

Photo by Katrina Thorn

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Meet band The Beaches! They are sharing their favourite books with A Good Book Drive.

Why do they think reading is important?

Jordan: “It fuels your imagination and makes you a wiser, more thoughtful human being.”

Leandra: “It allows you to immerse yourself in stories... keeps you in the know, and can transport you to wherever you want to go.”

What do they  hope the next reader gets from reading their books?

Kylie: “Adventure!”

Jordan “I hope that they are inspired to become powerful, strong and complex women like the mermaids in these stories.”

Eliza “A warm feeling in their heart”

What kinds of things do they read now?

Leandra: “I mostly read musicians’ autobiographies because a lot of their experiences relate to what I’m doing with my life right now. I’m also trying to get through all of the Harry Potter books.”

Thank you to The Beaches!

Toronto, drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

Photo by Katrina Thorn

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Say hello to Steve Jordan, founder of The Polaris Music Prize! He’s sharing The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, a book about “being to interested in beauty to fight arbitrary wars.” 

Steve reads a lot, and also likes reading chapter books to his kids “like the Benedict Society books. They bug me as much to read at bedtime as they do for screen time.”

What does he hope the next reader gets from reading The Story of Ferdinand?

“That being true to yourself is the best course.”

What is his message for the next reader?

“This book is best read under a tree.”

What are your favourite kinds of stories?

“All of them. Stories are life.” 

Thank you, Steve!

Toronto, drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

Photo by Danny Patterson

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Say hello to Brent Albrecht, radio host at Indie88! He’s sharing The Adventures of Captain Underpants by Dave Pilkey.

What’s the book about?

“This book is about two best friends who make comics together. They accidentally turn their school's principal into CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS, one of the characters they've created for their comics.”

If this book were a time machine, where and when would it take him?

“I vividly remember going to get a Christmas tree with my family in grade 4 and not getting out of the car to go hunt for a tree until I finished the chapter I was on.”

Why does he think reading is important?

“Even if you're reading something that's super goofy, you're learning something along the way.“

What will he write on his book plate?

“Hey! You! This book got me away from TV and video games as a kid and I hope it does the same for you.”

Thank you, Brent!

Toronto, drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

Photo by Vanessa Heins

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Say hello to CBC’s TV and Radio host, Amanda Parris! She sharing Matilda by Roald Dahl.

What’s the book about? What did she take away from it?

“It's about a little girl who loves to read and discovers she has magical powers which she uses to escape her abusive family and headmaster. As a book nerd, this was the first book that I felt reflected me and I loved that her love of reading directly led to her liberation.”

How would she describe herself at the age you read this book?

“Quiet. Shy. Socially awkward.

If this book were a time machine, where and when would it take her?

“To London, England in 1992 where I was wearing cardigans and long socks and would rather read than play outside because I was a true nerd.”

What are her favourite kinds of stories?

“I read everything.”

What does she hope the next reader will get from reading this book?

“The sense of possibility and adventure and belief in your own inner power.”

Thank you, Amanda!

Toronto, drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

Photo by Katrina Thorn

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Meet Carly Meyers, radio announcer at 102.1 The Edge! She’s sharing Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah Guarino.

What’s the book about?

“The book is about a llama asking his friends who are all different animals if their Mama's are also llamas! The obvious takeaway is that the llama is learning about different animals, but I love the innocence of the llama off the top. He hangs out with bats, ducks, cows, swans and doesn't realize that they're different from him at all. It's when Lloyd (our llama) meets Llyn another llama, that he understand his family and background and starts to establish his llama identity.”

If this book were a time machine, where and when would it take her?

“4 years old, bottom bunk. My Mama always did different voices for each animal.”

What does she hope the next reader gets from reading this book?

“I hope the reader sees that it's important to appreciate where you're from AND learn and appreciate where others are from.”

What will she write on her book plate?

“I hope you think llamas are as cool as I do! P.S, Your Mama is likely not a llama.”

Thank you, Carly!

Toronto, drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

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Meet singer/songwriter Bif Naked! She’s sharing I Need a Hug by Aaron Blabey.

What’s the book about?

“How love and compassion will overcome fear.”

If this book were a time machine, where and when would it take her?

“It would take me to kindergarten when I needed support from little friends.”

What does she hope the next reader gets from reading this book?

“That anyone can overcome anything.”

Why does she think reading is important?

“Reading allows us to learn, consider, dream, and aspire.”

Does she still read as much as she did when she was a kid? What kinds of things does she read now?

“I am obsessed with medical textbooks and books about theology, as I have been for thirty years.”

What will she write on her book plate?

“Enjoy this book and give someone you love a big hug.”

Thank you, Bif!

Toronto, drop off your new and gently used kid’s books donations (books for 12 years & under) at these spots during February, and help out The Children’s Book Bank in Regent Park!

Financial donations to the Book Bank are another way to participate in this year’s A Good Book Drive. The Children’s Book Bank is a registered charity!

For donations of $20 or more The Children’s Book Bank will proudly share your favourite children’s book title on their A Good Book Drive Book Shelf display during the month of February. Just include the title of your book in the ‘Message for the Children’s Book Bank’ section on their donation page.

Photo by Danny Patterson