Destination Jungle encourages children to explore the joys of reading
TORONTO, June 30 /CNW/ - The TD Summer Reading Club, one of Toronto Public Library’s free cornerstone programs for children, is now up and running. This summer, reading with a flashlight under the covers and imagining lions and tigers and monkeys, will be a fun way for kids to keep up with their reading skills thanks to the TD Summer Reading Club. This year’s theme is “Destination Jungle.”
To encourage participation, Toronto Public Library is offering reading games, challenges and discussions, book-related crafts, author visits and storytelling sessions at its 99 branches. The TD Summer Reading Club website, http://tdsrc.torontopubliclibrary.ca also has all kinds of activities, reading lists and related sleuthing fun. To find out more, pick up a copy of the July-August What’s On at local branches, or visit the library website at www.torontopubliclibrary.ca for details about Destination Jungle programs and events.
“Statistics show Canadian kids aren’t reading enough: four in 10 youths have insufficient reading skills,” said Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair, TD Bank Financial Group and TD’s Literacy Champion. “We can help make an improvement by encouraging more children to read at a younger age. The TD Summer Reading Club is a fun and engaging approach to helping Canadian families foster a love of reading during the summer months and for many years beyond.”
Now in its fifteenth year, the TD Summer Reading Club is a partnership with the Toronto Public Library and Library and Archives Canada. There were over 500,000 participants across Canada in last year’s program, reading more than 1.9 million books before heading back to school in September. In Toronto, more than 30,000 children participated in the program last year.
Toronto Public Library is the world’s busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 17.5 million people visit our 99 branches and borrow more than 31 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at www.torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131.
The Mastermind Toys Warehouse Sale is coming May 26th to June 2nd.
Save up to 70% on baby & toddler toys, cuddly plush, board games, puzzles, arts and crafts, Corolle Dolls, Lego, Playmobil, Groovy Girls, books, loot bag items, Thomas the Tank Engine, Ravensburger, jewellery, Melissa and Doug, outdoor toys and more.
One Location Only - 415 Milner Avenue (located East of Markham Road, North of Highway 401 on Milner Avenue).
Free parking is available on location. All sales final.
Warehouse Sale Hours:
May 26 to 28 - 9 am to 8 pm
May 29 - 9 am to 6 pm
May 30 - 11 am to 5 pm
May 31 to June 2 - 10 am to 5 pm
Everywhere you turn in May you find wonderful Mother’s Day ideas to treat this extraordinary lady in your life. From restaurant brunch specials to fancy (and expensive!) flower bouquets to chi-chi spa treatments. All of these are wonderful and thoughtful gifts you can give your mother or request if you are the mother in question but this year I am taking a pass! Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy a nice meal out, a bouquet of fragrant roses and a hot stone massage just like any sane woman but this year I want something different for my mother’s day. I want nothing. And I want to enjoy that nothing on my own! I love my kids and husband to the end of the earth and back again but sometimes a mom just needs to recharge her batteries and she can’t do that at a Denny’s with a rose corsage! So on May 9th I am asking dear hubby to take the kids out for breakfast and a long, long play at the park while I enjoy not one but two cups of Maple Cinnamon Coffee in peace and quiet. I’ll spread out the morning paper and read the sections I want to without interruption and then indulge in a couple of Spinach & Ricotta Hotcakes with Honey Ham (extra Crème Fraiche please.). After that I’ll unlock the door, turn the phone back on and welcome my little family home with open arms, a renewed spirit and satisfied tummy! Happy Mother’s Day.
MAPLE CINNAMON COFFEE
Makes 8 cups
Preparation 10 minutes
Notes: This coffee is an excellent way to start your morning off. The syrup and whipped cream are the perfect exchange for your usual milk and sugar!
Ingredients:
• ½ cup pure maple syrup
• 4 heaping tablespoons good quality coffee
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 8 cups (2L) cold water
• 1 cup whipped cream - optional
1. Pour the maple syrup into the bottom of a coffee pot.
2. Place coffee in filter and sprinkle cinnamon on top of grounds.
3. Brew coffee. Stir brewed coffee with wooden spoon ensuring maple syrup is dissolved.
4. Pour coffee into mugs or cups and top with whipped cream if desired.
SPINACH & RICOTTA HOTCAKES WITH HONEY HAM
Serves 4
Preparation 10 minutes
Cooking 10 minutes
Notes: These hotcakes are hearty enough for brunch, lunch or dinner. Simply serve a green salad on the side. You could also substitute smoked salmon for the honey ham.
1. Sift the flour and the baking powder into a bowl. Stir in the egg yolks and buttermilk until combined. Season with salt and pepper and stir in the chives and ricotta
2. Heat a medium non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil and spoon in batter to make 3 small hotcakes about 12cm in diameter. Cook for 2 minutes or until bubbles appear on surface; flip continuing to cook for a further 1 minute. Set aside in a warm place and continue with remaining batter.
3. To serve, top hotcakes with sliced ham and crème fraiche.
Nadine Hughes is the creator and owner of, The Cook’s Companion and The Menu Companion, through which she offers kitchen consultations, menu planning services as well as private cooking classes for adults and teens throughout Southern Ontario. She is also an award winning author. Pick up a copy of her latest cookbook “The Groove Mamma Goes Gourmet – Easy Ways To Put The Fun Back Into Entertaining” (awarded Best Canadian Entertaining Cookbook at the 2009 Gourmand Cookbook Awards) for $7.98 at www.groovemamma.com
In the Air, On the Ground, By the Pool: There’s Lot’s to Do, Post School!
The experts at Mastermind Toys, Canada’s leading specialty toy retailer, have compiled their 2010 Summer Survival Toy List featuring 21 new, cool and creative toys. Priced under $60.00, these fun-filled favourites are guaranteed to keep your kids amused, active and alert – all summer long, and will be available at Mastermind’s 11 GTA stores and online at www.mastermindtoys.com.
UP IN THE AIR!
1. Zyclone Zing-Ring Blaster, ($24.95) Ages 6+
A seriously cool projectile launcher that offers long distance flying fun! Fire your floating rings up to 100 ft. with the Zyclone blaster! The Zyclone launches a spinning Zing Ring made of lightweight foam. So cool, even David Letterman played with the Zyclone on TV!
2. Twin Flash Catch Game ($12.95) Ages 5+
Twin Flash is a two-person launch and catch game. The object is to launch and catch a flying LED-flashing ring! Each player has a hand-held launcher that twirls the flasher into the air, and the launcher doubles as a catcher, too!
3. Ripcord Flyer Vertical Glider ($14.95) Ages 5+
A double-duty flyer! The Ripcord Flyer launches into the air from your hand-held ripcord launcher just like a regular ripcord toy. The Flyer, however, also has glider wings, so when it hits its apex it begins to glide forward! It can fly 40 ft. vertically, and then another 40 ft. in a forward direction!
4. Air Hogs Titan Glider ($14.95) Ages 5+
This massive lightweight Air Hogs stunt glider has a wingspan of over four feet! It’s easy to assemble and can fly up to 200 ft. Perfect for the park!
5. Skyliner Jet Plane Kite ($24.95) Ages 7+
Let’s go fly a kite…up to the heighest height with the skyliner kite, shaped like a jumbo jet, it will soar through the air on a windy day!
WATERWORLD FUN!
6. Max Noodle Connector ($4.95) Ages 5+
A simple little item that can add tons of fun to pool time! The Max Noodle connector turns pool noodles into giant building toys. Use them to connect your pool noodles together to make huge floating creations.
7. Aqua-Glider Nano Pool Toy ($6.95) Ages 5+
The Aqua-Glider Nano is an underwater toy that cuts through the water just like a submarine! Adjust the wings to different positions depending on how fast you want it to climb, then dive down deep and release the Aqua-Glider for a thrilling submersible effect! It’s all about hydrodynamics – no battery or motor!
8. Sea Dragon Noodle Topper ($11.95) Ages 5+
Move over Loch Ness monster, sea dragons will be all the rage this summer as kids dress up their noodles with these pool-safe, kooky character heads. Simply slide your sea dragon into any standard pool noodle and enjoy the ride-on sea creature!
9. Dirty Dishes Bath Toy ($14.95) Ages 2+
Splish Splash for filthy fun in the bath! This tub toy comes with 12 pieces including floating “dirty” dishes that little ones can pretend to clean with a sponge! Dip dishes in warm water and the dirt magically disappears…and reappears when they dry out for fun over and over again!
10. Seaside Sidekicks Sand Cupcake Set ($19.95) and Speck Seashorse Sand Ice Cream Set ($19.95), Ages 3+ Fun at the beach has never been so delicious! Why build boring castles when you can bake in the sand and mold delectable sand cupcakes (and of course mix and match your “icing” toppers), or scoop sand ice cream cones using your cone-and-bucket set?
BACKYARD & GARDEN ESSENTIALS!
11. BeeBoo Big Bubble Mix ($9.95) and Starter Wand Bubble Kit ($9.95) Ages 6+
From a scientist concerned with making the very best big bubble mix comes BeeBoo bubbles - the very best big bubble mix. It’s the exact formula used to set a World Record for “World’s Largest Free Floating Bubble”! Use the solution and wands to create GIANT bubbles!
12. Snoopy Snow Cone Machine ($19.95) Ages 4+
Goodbye lemonade stand, hello Sno Cone Machine…the original icy treat is back! This simple sno-cone maker creates delicious summer treats…just add ice cubes and fruit juice to beat the summer heat!
13. Bug Podz Habitat Construction Set ($19.95) Ages 5+
Build your own bug-tropolis! This cool kit comes with over 50 pieces including tubes, podz, connectors and plugs that lets you imagine and build your own futuristic bug city to keep and care for your specimens!
14. Blossom Bright Sprinkler ($23.95) Ages 3+
Fun will bloom with this cute and colourful sprinkler covered in flowers that sprays water crazily in all directions! Connect to your garden hose, keep cool and have fun in the backyard!
15. Sunny Patch Garden Tools (Various prices), Blossom Bright Tote Set ($19.95) and Tootle Turtle Tote Set ($19.95) Ages 3+
Get growing! When it comes to little ones having fun in the garden, Sunny Patch is simply the best! Designed for young gardeners, these cute and fun tools pair perfectly with his-and-hers, colourful garden tool totes, each with 7 pockets and a trowel, rake, and a spray bottle!
16. Razor Sole Skate ($59.95) Ages 8+
Uniting the soul of a skater with the stability of a skateboard, the Razor Sole Skate gives you the ride of your life! The latest offering from the makers of the Ripstik is like a stealth skateboard, similar in function but so small and compact that you’ll barely notice it! The 3-wheel castor design makes for maximum maneuverability and fun!
TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL! (or SAVE IT FOR A RAINY DAY)
17. Animal Themed No-Battery Flashlights ($7.95), Ages 6+
Eco-fun in the dark! These fun animal-themed, kid-powered flashlights don’t need any batteries, simply squeeze the handle to charge them and you’re all set!
18. Hexbug Nano Robotic Critters ($9.95) Ages 6+
The Hexbug Nano is the simplest, coolest and most amazing robo-bug ever invented! Flick the switch and it vibrates itself across smooth surfaces, past any obstacles you put in its way! Build mazes and try to stump the bugs… bet you can’t! They come with codes to unlock all kinds of cool online content!
19. Star Wars Mini Lightsaber Tech Lab ($14.95) Ages 6+
Discover the science behind Lightsaber technology as you choose from four different coloured crystals and customize your own miniature version of the Lightsaber used by Anakin Skywalker. Perfect for play or display, the Mini Lightsaber Tech Lab is the true test for aspiring Jedi Knights.
20. Aquasand Creation Kit ($29.95) Ages 4+
Magic sand that never gets wet! Aquasand is a cool kit that allows you to make your very own underwater creations. Pour, sculpt, wow - Aqua Sand dries instantly so you can use it again and again.
21. Antworks “Colours of Life” Colour-Changing Gel Ant Farm ($49.95) Ages 8+
The world’s coolest ant farm has arrived! In this gel-based ant farm, ants live and work, digging tunnels and eating the nutrient and supplement rich blue gel specifically designed for them. The LED display continuously shines different colours through the gel for an illuminating effect that can double as a fascinating night-light.
ABOUT MASTERMIND TOYS
Both in-store and online, Mastermind carries over 10,000 educational and fun toys, books, games, puzzles and software offering exceptional service and complimentary gift wrap. Visit www.mastermindtoys.com.
We are excited to be participating in the Spring Babytime Show at the International Centre in Mississauga from April 30 to May 2. If you are attending, please come visit us and say hi at Booth #355.
The show provides a great place to learn out about new products, shop and listen to seminars about pregnancy, babies, pre-school aged children, and you! There will also be entertainment for tots.
Show tips: a) If you like to enter contests, print out labels in advance with your name, address, phone number and e-mail address to save a lot of writing, and 2) If available, bring a baby stroller even if you aren’t bringing a child to collect brochures and freebies.
Mother’s Day presents the perfect opportunity to show the women in your life how much you appreciate everything they are, and everything they do. We are delighted to bring you lovely gift ideas early, to avoid a last-minute rush. Mother’s Day is May 9.
Mother’s Memories That Can Last a Lifetime
Sponsored Listing Drop In to Tija Ceramics Studio any Sunday in April and make mom something special to last forever. Whether it be a vase with your hand prints, a mug with a special message or a picture frame with your moments, we can help make a lasting impression.
Sponsored Listing Perfectly charming gift ideas for the Moms, (and Grandmas!) on your list! Charming Mommy features personalized sterling silver jewellery for every family member. What better way to say “I love you” on Mother’s Day! Enter Code MOM10 for 10% off.
Bring Mom to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival for FREE on Mother’s Day weekend!
Sponsored Listing Purchase a ticket to Kiss Me, Kate on May 8 and/or 10 and receive a free adult ticket for Mom for that performance! Call our box office at 1-800-567-1600 and quote 32147 to save! For show details and information on our incredible season featuring 12 stunning productions, visit www.stratfordshakespearefestival.com.
Sponsored Listing: De-stress your family life and consider a nanny for your family! Nannies provide quality childcare, light housekeeping & help with dinner. Nannies give you the flexibility to have some time for yourself. International Nannies & Homecare Ltd. has been placing nannies since 1996. Founder is a former overseas nanny with lots of knowledge in the industry.
Sponsored Listing: Glow Baby is dedicated to creating beautiful organizational tools for today’s busy parents at all stages of parenthood. Award winning “Baby’s First Journal” and “Baby’s First Foods” are thoughtful gifts for moms-to-be or moms of newborns. Glow Baby Notepads will help keep any mom organized!
Shut Up and Eat: Tales of Chicken, Children and Chardonnay
Sponsored Listing: A no-holds-barred look at that most fraught of family institutions: mealtime! Experts claim that eating meals as a family prevents children from getting into trouble while simultaneously creating close-knit families - that is a lot to ask meatloaf! This is a must-read book for any woman who’s ever wondered: What the hell am I cooking tonight?
Sponsored Listing: Written by Nadine Hughes, “The Groove Mamma Goes Gourmet - Easy Ways To Put The Fun Back Into Entertaining”, is part party planning, part menu and recipe planning, and part life coaching book all in one. Available for $7.99 at www.groovemamma.com.
Give Mom a Hand with the NEW Slingsax Shoulder Shopper
Sponsored Listing: Our new Slingsax hands-free shoulder shopping bag ($14) is lightweight, waterproof and folds down to 3 x 2. Adjustable straps, a roomy front pocket plus its made of recycled plastic bottles! Save 20% on any order through April 22*. Use code KIDSCANADA.
Sponsored Listing: Visit the Babytime Show from April 30 to May 2, 2010, to shop, learn and have fun all within one place celebrating parenthood. Discover new and interesting parenting products, the latest gear, maternity clothing, parenting tools, places to go and services, expert led workshops and entertainment for toddlers. Click for a $2 admission coupon.
March Break is quickly approaching, and we are pleased to bring you exciting camps and events in Toronto and the GTA, to help you plan a memorable holiday for your child(ren).
Fun-Filled Gymnastics Camp at Gymalaya Sponsored Listing Gymalaya camp is designed to build physical, mental and social skills in a fun and non-competitive environment. Activities include: gymnastics, games, dance, crafts, story time and much more fun. State-of-the-art clean and bright facilities. Register early to avoid disappointment as spaces are limited for each camp day! Contact: Gymalaya Vaughan: (905)760-5655, Gymalaya Newmarket: (905)868-8200, www.gymalaya.com.
Creation Recreation Sponsored Listing It’s a Mixed Bag of March Break Creations! Register for our half day or full day workshops that include clay, ceramic and glass. Don’t want to commit to a workshop, no problem just drop in anytime between 10am - 6pm and create something unique. Contact: 1-888-909-TIJA or www.tijaceramicstudio.com.
March Break Camp at Steeles-West Gymnastics Sponsored Listing The March Break program runs March 15-19 half- days or full days, for 7 -14 year olds. You may register for any single day(s) or for the full week. The program includes gymnastics activities, active games, crafts, and snack time(s). 601 Magnetic Dr., Unit 21, North York. Contact: 416-736-8759, swgymnastics@on.aibn.com or www.steeleswestgymnastics.com.
PLAYDIUM THE ULTIMATE PLACE TO PLAY! Sponsored Listing Playdium is the ultimate interactive, virtual and physical Family Entertainment Centre. Our 40,000 Sq. Ft Game floor features over 200 of today’s most exciting attractions, rides and simulators. Play to win in our exciting Redemption & Prize Zones! Your ultimate choice for interactive fun! Contact: 905-273-9000, info@playdium.com or www.playdium.com.
Real People. Real Stories. Real March Break Adventure! Sponsored Listing MARCH BREAK MADNESS at the Children’s Museum IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR at Dundurn Castle SQUEAKY CLEAN at the Steam Museum A MONUMENTAL MARCH BREAK at Battlefield House WONDERLAND at Whitehern VIDEO CAMP at Fieldcote Contact: www.hamilton.ca/museums
Active Kids Zone March Break Camp Sponsored Listing March Break Camp will be action packed each day with tons of sports and games, crafts and ceramics, cooking and karaoke, time in our amazing Fun Zone and even a few half day field trips! A lunch option, extended hours and daily or weekly registration is available. Contact: 416-650-5060 or register online at www.activekidszone.com.
The Clay Room: March Break Masterpieces Sponsored Listing Come paint a treasured ceramic keepsake while spending quality time with family or friends. WALK INS WELCOME. March Break Camp (15th-19th; week long, full or half day) great for crafty kids: ceramics, creative clay, beading, papier mache, multi-media, fabric fun +more - registration required. Birthday Parties too! 279 Danforth Avenue, Toronto. Contact: 416-466-8474, contact@theclayroom.ca or www.theclayroom.ca.
Wizard World Sponsored Listing Toronto’s favorite family March Break destination. Thrilling stage shows, petting zoo, crafts, rides and inflatable bounce zone will keep kids 2 - 12 running, bouncing, laughing and playing for hours! Admission only $8.50+gst. Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, March 14 - 21 10am - 5pm. Free lootbags. Contact: 416.585.WAND (9263), info@wizardworld.ca, www.wizardworld.ca.
March Break at Toronto’s Historic Sites Sponsored Listing Toronto’s Historic Sites present several great pre-registered day camps as well as family drop-ins for young people to enjoy during March Break. Have a blast exploring life in the city over a hundred years ago! Hands-on fun, cooking, dress up, crafts, making toys, and more! Contact: www.toronto.ca/camps or call 311.
March Break at the CN Tower Sponsored Listing Special Admission - March 13-21, 2010 Total Tower Ticket for only $25 (including taxes) - save 30%.
Explore the CN Tower: world’s #1 elevator ride, three observation levels, famous Glass Floor, Himalamazon ride, movie, March Break week activities - Nickelodeon character visits with Dora™ , SpongeBob™, Battle Strikers, and more. Contact: 416-868-6937 or www.cntower.ca.
Playhouse Disney Live! begins a Canadian tour in September 2009, and we wanted to keep you ‘in the know’.
Here’s the scoop …
Celebrate with your Playhouse Disney pals when Playhouse Disney Live! comes to your hometown! In this brand new live show, you’re invited to the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse as Mickey plans a spectacular music party for all his friends. The Little Einsteins set off on a musical mission around the world to find a song for the party - with the help of Rocket, of course! Pooh, Tigger and Darby spring into action to search for music in the Hundred Acre Wood, and Handy Manny and his team of tools find the perfect party beat. Laugh, sing and play along, ’cause your favorite Playhouse Disney pals are live on stage, and you’re invited to join the party!
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Perfectly charming gift ideas for the Moms, (and Grandmas!) on your list! 
Purchase a ticket to 
De-stress your family life and consider a nanny for your family! Nannies provide quality childcare, light housekeeping & help with dinner. Nannies give you the flexibility to have some time for yourself. 
A no-holds-barred look at that most fraught of family institutions: mealtime! Experts claim that eating meals as a family prevents children from getting into trouble while simultaneously creating close-knit families - that is a lot to ask meatloaf! This is a 
Written by Nadine Hughes, “The Groove Mamma Goes Gourmet - Easy Ways To Put The Fun Back Into Entertaining”, is part party planning, part menu and recipe planning, and part life coaching book all in one. Available for $7.99 at 
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