For the love of books!

MASC Young Authors and Illustrators Festival goes virtual on Saturday April 17^th

Ottawa, Thursday April 1: The MASC Young Authors and Illustrators Festival (MYAIF) embarks this year on a virtual journey into the literary worlds of some of Canada’s finest creators of books for children and teens. Students in grades six to eight will enjoy a day of literary events and hands-on creative workshops, working with the authors and illustrators of their choice. 

The year’s sold-out festival takes place on Saturday April 17^th from 9:15am to 3:15pm and features some of our favourites from festivals past, including authors Kevin Sands, Monique Polak, Jessica Scott Kerrin and Melanie Florence; and illustrators Katherine Battersby and Kean Soo. The event will be hosted by JustJamaal ThePoet.

In addition to the Master Classes led by the authors and illustrators, the festival will also host two panels: one is a classic ‘Meet the Authors and Illustrators’ session, and the second is a playful ‘Truth or Lie’ where the artists share stories and the participants are challenged to distinguish fact from fiction. The students will also have the opportunity to work collaboratively on a poem with JustJamaal that will be performed at the end of the day. 

MASC is working with Livecast.ca to present the first virtual edition of MYAIF. 

Perfect Books is the festival’s official bookseller. Festival artists’ books are available for purchase on the Perfect Books web site or at 258-A Elgin Street in Ottawa.

While this year’s festival is sold out, MASC is offering virtual classroom visits with the artists taking part in MYAIF 2021.Artists will talk about the writing process, share their literary inspirations, lead thematic discussions related to their books and offer writing and drawing tips.

“Books have been an oasis for many people, especially over the past year. Books provide us with the opportunity to use our imaginations, to think creatively, to explore different worlds, and to relate to others, both like and unlike us. Being able to meet with the artists behind these books is such a treat for young people craving that deeper connection.”

Faith Seltzer, Artistic Director of MYAIF

“MASC is delighted to be hosting our beloved MYAIF in a virtual way this month, and we are thrilled with the willingness of our artists to join us on this new adventure.  We all know that this year, more than ever, our young writers and illustrators are yearning for these rich, interactive masterclasses and literary connections.”

Wendy Hartley, Co-Executive Director of MASC