Jinx at Little Island!
Posted by: Andrew on: May 22, 2013
Step into spring with Jinx Holliday and the next installment in the critically acclaimed Jinx series! Spring in high school brings a whole new set of challenges for feisty freshman Jinx – new tests, new sports, and summer’s on the way! Jinx: Little Miss Steps is an uplifting story told with great wit, humor, heart and style – you’ll fall in love with Jinx Holliday!
Please join us on Saturday, June 1st from 11:30am until 1:00pm, when we’ll welcome writer J Torres, who will be meeting fans and signing copies of his latest book, Jinx: Little Miss Steps!
Free Comic Book Day, Saturday May 4th, 2013
Posted by: admin on: May 3, 2013
Free Comic Book Day
Saturday May 4th, 12pm-6pm
@ The Beguiling, 601 Markham Street
@ Little Island, 742 Bathurst Street
Free to attend
The Beguiling and Little Island Comics are happily participating in industry-wide celebration FREE COMIC BOOK DAY. Drop by The Beguiling for all your teen-to-grown-up-to-arrested-development needs, and Little Island Comics for age-appropriate freebies for the little ones.
To see some of the free comic books that will be on hand, visit http://www.freecomicbookday.com/
- Chris @ The Beguiling
Manga Mondays at Little Island Comics!
Posted by: Andrew on: December 26, 2012
Join us for Manga Mondays this winter at Little Island Comics!
We’re excited to invite 10- to 14-year-olds to enrol in local comics creator Eric Kim’s Manga Dojo art workshops, now in their second year. Starting January 21st, the Manga Dojo teaches students how to create and develop their own stories. In five sessions, students will create an anthology of their works and receive a physical copy of the book. They will learn about the fundamentals of storytelling, build upon their drawing skills, and develop an understanding of publishing.
Eric Kim is a professional comic artist and illustrator. His credits include Love as a Foreign Language, Degrassi: The Next Generation Vol. 3, Battle Academy, The Sidesteppers, Streta, and most recently, The Complete Plays of William Shakespeare. He has worked for numerous book and editorial clients across North America as well as Japan. His next book, Billy Smoke, will be coming from Oni Press next year.
His professional website is www.inkskratch.com
The fee for the course is $100 for five classes (materials included), a copy of the anthology produced by the class, as well as participation in a public book launch and gallery showing of the class’s work. The course runs weekly on Mondays from 4:30pm until 6pm, from January 21st through February 25th (no class on the holiday on Feb. 18th!). Simple snacks will be provided. Please contact us at mail@littleislandcomics.com to enrol!
Little Island Comics Holiday Hours!
Posted by: Andrew on: December 5, 2012
Happy Holidays everyone! To make your comics-purchasing (whether for yourself or for gifts) a little easier, Little Island Comics will be operating under extended hours this holiday season!
Little Island Comics’ Holiday Hours (starting today!)
Mondays & Tuesdays: 11am-7pm
Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays: 11am-9pm
Saturdays (except the 22nd): 11am-7pm
Sundays: 12pm-7pm
In addition, here are the adjustments to specific dates:
Saturday, December 22nd: 11am to 9pm
Sunday, December 23rd: 11am to at least 7pm
Monday December 24th: Open from 11am, closing early (3-4pm, depending on demand)
Tuesday, December 25th: Closed
Wednesday, December 26th: Boxing Day, Open 9am-6pm
Thursday, Friday, Saturday, December 27th-29th: 11am to 7pm
Sunday, December 30th: 12pm-6pm
Monday December 31st: Open from 11am, closing early (3-4pm depending on demand)
Tuesday January 1st: Closed
Wednesday January 2nd: Back to normal!
Justin Time Book Launch with Brandon Scott!
Posted by: Andrew on: November 17, 2012
In store
Saturday, 24 November 2012 at 1pm
Join us next Saturday to launch creator Brandon James Scott’s debut book series featuring the characters of the hit show Justin Time (on Disney Junior in Canada)! Brandon will be here to sign copies of Justin Time: Panckake Express, and will be doing a reading from Little Island’s legendary Author Throne!
Don’t miss this reading of a Canadian twist on the Justin Time series! What happens when Justin’s friend Olive has to deliver maple syrup to the Pancake Festival in Flapjack Falls? She calls on Justin, his sidekick Squidgy and their imaginary locomotive for help, of course! The three meet some very Canadian creatures along the way.
From Immedium :
All aboard! Justin and his pal Squidgy imagine themselves behind the wheel of a classic steam train, delivering important cargo for their friend Olive.
But they discover it’s not easy getting through the Canadian wilderness. Will their barrel of maple syrup make it to Flap Jack Falls in time for the Pancake Festival? Never give up!
Justin Time is broadcast on Disney Junior channels in Australia, New Zealand, Germany, and Italy. Also it is seen on Discovery Kids (Latin America) and Discovery Familia (USA) and in United Kingdom, Finland, Israel, South Korea, Estonia, Belgium, and Germany.
We hope to see you next Saturday for some toothsome fun aboard the Pancake Express!
ANNOUNCING: Checkers and Dot Launch at Little Island Comics!
Posted by: Andrew on: November 13, 2012
In store: J Torres & J. Lum
Sunday, 2 December 2012 at 2pm
We’re delighted to announce the launch of a lovely new series of black-and-white board books created by comics veterans J Torres and Jennifer Lum. The Checkers and Dot books present high-contrast patterns and rhyming text that’s perfect for little eyes and ears. Plus: the books are adorable! Please join us on Sunday, December 2nd as we celebrate these books and their wonderful creators. J and Jennifer will be on hand to meet their fans and sign copies of the books, and we’ll have some Checkers-and-Dot themed activities for the kids. See you then!
Start Your Holiday Shopping
with Checkers and Dot!
It’s getting to be that time of year, and we think the Checkers and Dot books are the perfect beginning to your holiday shopping. So, everyone who purchases one of these books during their in-store appearance will get 10% off their entire purchase! That’s right – buy Checkers and Dot and we’ll give you a deal on all of the comics in the shop! Bring your kids’ wish lists, and give the gift of comics!
Frank Viva at Little Island Comics!
Posted by: Andrew on: November 4, 2012
In Store: Frank Viva
Saturday, 1 December 2012, 2pm-3pm
We’re excited to announce Frank Viva’s appearance for his new book A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse! Part of the stellar Toon Books line, A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse is great for beginning readers or to share together as a picture book. Kids love the repetition in this story of Antarctic discovery and animal encounters; grown-ups will appreciate the striking art by one of Toronto’s top designers.
From Toon Books:
About the Book:
There’s so much to see at the bottom of the world! Join a young explorer and his best friend, Mouse, on a sea journey to Antarctica, where they make new friends with penguins and a whale – and have all kinds of fun.
Young readers won’t stop grinning as they’re swept away by the strange and magical world created by Frank Viva, the bestselling author of Along a Long Road. As kids Toon into Reading, they will want to circle back to the beginning – again and again.
About Frank Viva:
Frank Viva started out as an illustrator working for places like Time, Esquire, The New York Times and The Boston Globe. He later began a second career as a graphic designer and now runs a design company in Toronto, Canada. When asked – and sometimes when not – he will lecture about typography, design and things like that. He is a cover artist for The New Yorker magazine and sits on two college advisory boards. Published by Little, Brown, his first picture book, Along a Long Road,was recognized as one of The New York Times Ten Best Illustrated Books of 2011.
Please join us on Saturday, December 1st between 2 and 3pm, when creator Frank Viva will read from and sign copies of this gorgeous new release. There will be activities for kids and schmoozing for adults.
Start Your Holiday Shopping
with A Trip to the Bottom of the World!
It’s getting to be that time of year, and we think Frank Viva’s books are the perfect beginning to your holiday shopping. So, everyone who purchases one of Viva’s books during his in-store appearance will get 10% off their entire purchase! That’s right – buy A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse and we’ll give you a deal on all of the comics in the shop! Bring your kids’ wish lists, and give the gift of comics!
Anouk Ricard at Little Island Comics!
Posted by: Andrew on: October 21, 2012
In Store: Anouk Ricard
Tuesday, 13 November 2012, 5:30 – 7 pm
Please join us on Tuesday, November 13th, when we’ll welcome French comics creator Anouk Ricard! She’ll be meeting her fans and signing copies of her books for both kids and adults, in English and in French.
From Drawn & Quarterly:
Anna & Froga: Want a Gumball?
THE MISADVENTURES OF FIVE CHARMING TROUBLEMAKERSAnouk Ricard’s Anna and Froga features the adventures of a little girl named Anna and her gang of animal friends. Anna’s best friend is the titular Froga, and they often hang out with Bubu the dog (an aspiring artist), Christopher the gourmand earthworm, and Ron (a practical joker of a cat). With a sly humor, Ricard spins yarns that will delight and entertain the whole family.
Whether the conflict is driven by eating too many French fries, bossing around Johnny the Tuna, or trying to beat a difficult video game, you know that Anna, Froga, Bubu, Ron and Christopher will come out all right in the end, which makes the layers of confusion they pile on one another all the funnier. Ricard’s characters are sweet without ever veering into preciousness, as they constantly find opportunities for a laugh at one another’s expense.
Anouk Ricard works in a fanciful and childlike style, with vibrant colors and simple storylines. The illustrations in Anna and Froga are inviting and the stories well told, employing short, snappy dialogue. Without sacrificing quality, intelligence, or humor, Angouleme Festival-nominated author Ricard is able to write from childhood effectively and charmingly.
If you haven’t yet had the pleasure of checking out her Anna & Froga series, drop by on the 13th and peruse these hilarious comics.
Start Your Holiday Shopping
with Anna & Froga!
It’s getting to be that time of year, and we think Anouk Ricard’s books are the perfect beginning to your holiday shopping. So, everyone who purchases one of Ricard’s books during her in-store appearance will get 10% off their entire purchase! That’s right – buy Anna & Froga and we’ll give you a deal on all of the comics in the shop! Bring your kids’ wish lists, and give the gift of comics!
CANCELLED: After-School Comix Class with Britt Wilson!
Posted by: Andrew on: September 13, 2012
We regret that we have had to cancel the Thursday after-school comix class. We’re looking to book some more classes in the future, and we hope that you’ll keep checking out our site for details!
Are you a kids who’s at least nine years old? Do you want to learn all about making your own comics and zines? You should get your parent, guardian, or pertinent adult to sign you up for Britt Wilson’s fall after-school comix class!!!
For six weeks, Britt will take you through the steps of making your own mini-comic! It happens Thursdays from 4:30 to 6pm, from October 4th to November 8th. All materials (and also snacks!) will be provided.
The cost for the course is $120 (only $20/session), and not only will you get tons of comix-making skills and your own mini-comic, but also a $20 Little Island Comics/The Beguiling gift certificate to spend! Space is limited, so sign up as soon as you can!!!
Call or email us to reserve your spot. Or head on in to sign up in person!
Legendary Children’s Book Illustrator Tomi Ungerer In-Store Sat Sept 8!
Posted by: admin on: August 24, 2012
“I am a self-taught raving maniac—but not as crazy as Tomi. He was disarming and funny and not respectable at all. And he influenced everybody; there may not have been Where The Wild Things Are without Tomi Ungerer.”
- Maurice Sendak
Special Appearance and Book Signing with Tomi Ungerer
September 8th, 2pm at Little Island Comics (The Beguiling)
742 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Canada, M5S 2R6
416-901-7489
Tomi Ungerer is perhaps the most famous children’s book author you have never heard of. Just over 50 years ago, Ungerer landed in New York City with only $60 in his pocket and a suitcase full of drawings. A brilliant illustrator, he became an overnight sensation. Ungerer went on to publish an astonishing 80 books in ten years, including beloved classics Moon Man, Otto, and The Three Robbers.
The Beguiling and Little Island Comics are honoured to host Tomi Ungerer for a special signing event at Little Island Comics this Saturday, September 8th, at 2pm in Little Island Comics’ event space. Ungerer will be signing copies of all of his work, including his work for adults, and a wide selection of books will be available for sale at the event.
The Three Robbers in particular remains one of our favourite children’s books carried at the store, and its darkly humourous message and brilliant and evocative illustrations have made it a classic for generations of parents and children since its original publication in 1962.
Tomi Ungerer is in Toronto as part of the promotional tour for the new film Far Out Isn’t Far Enough: The Tomi Ungerer Story, a documentary about his life and work screening as part of TIFF. While this film is definitely intended for an adult audience, Ungerer’s work has a broad appeal and this signing is intended for readers of all ages.
–
ABOUT TOMI UNGERER
Tomi Ungerer (b.1931) was born in Strasbourg, in the Alsace region of France. He moved to New York City in 1956 and instantly found success as a caricaturist, illustrator, and children’s book author. As graphic artist he created advertising campaigns for Willy Brandt and The New York Times. In 1998 he was awarded the Hans Christian Anderson Award for Illustration, which is the Nobel Prize of the world of children’s literature. He now divides his time between Strasbourg and Ireland.
ABOUT FAR OUT ISN’T FAR ENOUGH: THE TOMI UNGERER STORY
“Far Out Isn’t Far Enough: The Tomi Ungerer Story” is a brilliant, original and highly engrossing feature-length documentary depicting the life and times of the best-selling children’s author and illustrator Tomi Ungerer. This French artist’s wild, lifelong adventure of testing societal boundaries through his use of subversive art and biting social satire is fully explored in this entertaining, 98-minute film which will have its North American premiere at TIFF 2012. While you may not be familiar with Ungerer or his work, you will quickly be entranced by the force of nature that is Tomi Ungerer.
“We have not been this excited about an artist profile since Crumb (1994). I watched it last night, and it is an compelling and engaging introduction to the man and his diverse body of work. While perhaps most known for his children’s work (The Three Robbers, Moon Man, etc.), his social and erotic images are as powerful as anything you find in our shop.”
- Peter Birkemoe, The Beguiling
Public Screenings
Thursday, September 6, 2012 9:45 p.m.
Cinema 3 (TIFF Bell Lightbox)
Saturday, September 8, 2012 9:30 a.m.
Cineplex Odeon Yonge & Dundas 9 (Cineplex Odeon Yonge & Dundas)
Saturday, September 15, 4:30 p.m.
Cineplex Odeon Yonge & Dundas 10 (Cineplex Odeon Yonge & Dundas)
ABOUT LITTLE ISLAND COMICS AND THE BEGUILING
Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2012, The Beguiling is North America’s most renown purveyor of comic books and graphic novels. In fall 2011, The Beguiling opened its sister store Little Island Comics, the very first comic book store for kids in North America, stocking a full range of comics for children and a wonderfully curated selection of children’s picture books. Together, both stores present more than 50 literary and art events with comics creators each year, and sponsor the internationally acclaimed Toronto Comic Arts Festival, which draws 20,000 attendees annually.
“FAR OUT ISN’T FAR ENOUGH” TRAILER:
Complete press list follows under the cut: