BELOVED TRIO: These beloved children’s entertainers are known in Canada and around the world.

COMPANION BOOK: This book complements their first book, Skinnamarink, which was a national bestseller and continues to reprint regularly.

ANTHEM FOR DIVERSITY: This book builds on SL&B’s message of love and inclusivity. A diverse cast of children (and animals!) are included in this book. 

CHILDREN’S COUNTING CLASSIC: “One Elephant” is a familiar and fun song for the youngest children learning their first numbers. 

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.  In 2018, Sharon and Bram celebrated their 40th anniversary. After Bram’s retirement in 2019, Sharon and her daughter, Randi, continue to entertain children and share their message of love. Their first picture book, Sharon, Lois and Bram’s Skinnamarink was a national bestseller. 

Author Residence: Toronto, Ontario

Throughout her career, QIN LENG has illustrated picture books, magazines and book covers with publishers from around the world. Recent picture books include her author/illustrator debut I Am Small; Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen written 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