BELOVED TRIO: These beloved children’s entertainers are known in Canada and around the world and “Skinnamarink” is arguably their most popular song. They produced 21 albums and have received numerous awards (including the Order of Canada).

ANTHEM FOR DIVERSITY: This book builds on the message of love and inclusivity that the song has come to represent. A diverse cast of children and families (and animals!) are included in this book. The book’s narrative was inspired by Sharon and Bram’s experience at the 2017 Pride Parade, where they were asked to participate and were greeted by the crowd’s spotanteous rendition of “Skinnamarink.”

CHILDREN’S CLASSIC: “Skinnamarink” has over 3.4 million views on YouTube. This simple song has been a positive part of millions of childhoods, popularized on the The Elephant Show. The song’s mixture of silly and sincere continues to speak to parents, teachers and librarians alike.

WHIMISICAL ART: Qin Leng’s delightful art is funny, warm and nostagic—the perfect accompaniment to this cherished song.

SHARON HAMPSON, the late LOIS LILLENSTEIN (d. 2015) and BRAM MORRISON are some of Canada’s most famous children’s performers, with fans across North America and around the world. The trio, known simply as Sharon, Lois and Bram, formed in Toronto in 1978 and went on to create two top-rated children’s television shows, The Elephant Show (CBC/Nickelodeon, 1984-88) and Skinnamarink TV (CBC/TLC, 1997-98), and to release 21 full-length albums (many of which reached gold, platinum, double platinum and triple platinum). They have won countless awards and were appointed to the Order of Canada in 2002. In 1998 they performed at the UN General Assembly and in 1994 they performed at the White House Annual Easter Egg Roll and Hunt. They also performed a run at the renowned Palace Theater on Broadway. Most recently Sharon and Bram were invited to participate in Toronto’s 2017 Pride parade—parade goers were so moved to see them participate that the crowd broke into a spontaneous version of the song along the parade’s route.

Author Residence: Toronto, Ontario

Throughout her career, QIN LENG has illustrated picture books, magazines and book covers with publishers around the world. Recent picture books include her author/illustrator debut I Am Small; Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson; and A Family Is a Family Is a Family written by Sara O'Leary. Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin, written by Chieri Uegaki, was a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award, and received the APALA Award for best picture book. She lives in Toronto, with her husband and her son.

Illustrator Residence: Toronto, Ontario

One of the Globe and Mail's 100 Books That Shaped 2019
One of the Toronto Public Library’s First and Best of 2019
One of CBC Books' Best Canadian Picture Books of 2019

PRAISE FOR Sharon, Lois and Bram's Skinnamarink:

"A lighthearted frolic ready for a rousing singalong." --Kirkus Reviews

"A joyful sing-aloud book that will have readers humming its tune long after its covers are closed." --Publishers Weekly

“Skinnamarink is a superb avenue for sharing the concept and message of love created by these three very memorable children’s entertainers. It will be hard for readers to just ‘read’ the words and not want to break out in song.” --Resource Links