Hey there! My name is Kirsti Granholm, the new Marketing Intern at the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC). I am very excited to be working amongst such a talented team to continue to create awareness for Canadian authors across the nation.

I have always had a passion for literature and storytelling. For as long as I can remember, reading and writing were the two activities I have always looked forward to the most. Throughout my childhood, you could find me exploring new books and chatting with other book-lovers at my school library in Thunder Bay, Ontario.

Growing up in rural northern Ontario, I did not have access to technology. There was no internet or cable at my home, we had three channels on our television—so it got repetitive. Although, the lack of technology was a positive thing in my experience, I relied on my imagination and a variety of books at school to entertain myself. Which ultimately sparked my love for literature and narrative.

Fast-forward to today, I have now completed a graduate certificate in Professional Writing and Communications from Humber College. I was drawn to the program because of the experienced writing professionals I would be working with and the different writings styles I would have the opportunity to explore. I believe the program provided me with the necessary skills to be successful at my internship with the CCBC and with my personal writing endeavors.

Before studying at Humber College, I completed an undergraduate degree at Carleton University in Global and International studies. I focused my studies around law; specifically, global law and social justice as well as film studies. My interest in film studies blossomed from my love for storytelling and my interest in justice came from witnessing social issues within my hometown. I have always been curious about the world and different cultures and I have found that literature is one of the most effective ways to display these narratives.

My reading interests are certainly an eclectic range of genres. Growing up, I loved action and adventure books—I always pictured myself as the main character, going on exciting adventures and uncovering “unsolvable” mysteries. Some of my favourites as a child included Winnie the Pooh (which was my first read), Bone, Goodnight Moon, and anything by Robert Munsch! When I got a bit older, I came across Pat Hancock’s Haunted Canada: True Ghost Stories and fell in love with it. The fact that the book was based from Canadian stories made it that much more relatable and spookier. These days, my reading interests range from poetry to biographies to anything with a feminist agenda. Although I still enjoy mystery, adventure and action and I likely always will.

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to explore Canadian literature through my internship at CCBC. Growing up and having a variety of books to read helped me in all areas of my life. So, I believe the work done at the CCBC is making an impact on students, parents, teachers and libraries across the country. I am looking forward to what the future holds with the CCBC!