
The Forest of Reading is celebrating its French Language Programs and what a party it will be. Come and celebrate Le prix Mélèze and Le prix Tamarac on May 13th, 2026, at Harbourfront Centre. We are excited to celebrate with 500+ young people.
Come join the fun! Fête de la Forêt de la lecture attendees can:
- Attend 1 digital ceremony hosted in person by TFO’s very own Josée Leblanc with a surprise winning author at the end.
- Choose between exclusive workshop options: The fantastic author and host Mireille Messier has something exciting planned OR get the inside scoop from the Mélèze & Tamarac winning authors themselves.
- Take pictures at the photo wall, get temporary tattoos, work on a craft and even buy Forest of Reading merchandise.
- Shop for their favourite books at the Tinlids store that will have all the nominees’ books, plus some others.
The day will go quickly! Be sure to pack your lunch and attendees can eat their lunches outside on the Harbourfront Campus. We look forward to hosting you.
Information on arriving by bus.
APPLY TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE DAY
May 13, 2026 – Here is the schedule of events:

Day Schedule
10:30-11:15am – Le prix Mélèze Ceremony Screening following with a winning author there in person to present to the crowd.
- Workshop and Activity Schedule
- Schedule – at-a-glance
- Autographing pamphlet to download
- Information if you are arriving by bus
Buy your tickets – Mélèze (350 Available) or General Admission


Day Schedule
- Workshop and Activity Schedule
- Schedule – at-a-glance
- Autographing pamphlet to download
- Information if you are arriving by bus
12-12:45pm – Le prix Tamarac Ceremony Screening following with the winning authors there in person to present to the crowd.
Buy your tickets – Tamarac (350 Available) or General Admission
BUY YOUR TICKETS
Tickets will be on sale February 4th through the Harbourfront Centre Box Office and will be $24.78/ticket ($28 Total). All people on site must have a ticket to enter the ceremony and workshop venues.
Please note the Harbourfront Centre Staff are not bilingual so please ensure someone can communicate in English for the purchasing of French programs.
IMPORTANT *Please do not delay purchasing your tickets. *Workshops with the authors will be in large venues of ~200 seats and will be first-come-first-served. No sign up is required ahead of time. *Attending Authors will be disclosed by May 5th, but the winners attending are of course a surprise! |

ANIMATEUR
Josée LeBlanc est comédienne, marionnettiste et scénariste depuis plus de 14 ans à TFO. On a pu la voir et l’entendre dans plusieurs séries jeunesse incontournables, dont Minivers, Aquazette, Mini Yoga et Camp Kazoo, où elle a donné vie à des personnages inoubliables. Sa passion : créer des univers colorés où l’imaginaire et le jeu prennent toute la place. En 2025, elle signe la chanson ‘’Lève ton drapeau’’, créée pour souligner le 50e anniversaire du drapeau franco-ontarien, une œuvre festive qui célèbre la fierté et la vitalité de la communauté franco-ontarienne. Artiste polyvalente et rassembleuse, Josée apporte sur scène une énergie lumineuse qui charme petits et grands.
ENGLISH
Josée LeBlanc is an actress, puppeteer, and screenwriter with over 14 years of experience at TFO. She has brought unforgettable characters to life in several beloved children’s series, including Minivers, Aquazette, Mini Yoga, and Camp Kazoo. Her passion lies in creating colorful worlds where imagination and play take center stage. In 2025, she released the song ‘’Lève ton drapeau’’ to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag, a festive work honoring the pride and vitality of the Franco-Ontarian community. A versatile and engaging performer, Josée brings a radiant energy to the stage that delights audiences of all ages.

