“Go big or Go home!” Nadia L. Hohn hosts “Getting Us To Grandma” and 10th Book Party

BY PAUL JUNOR

It was an: exciting, inspiring and uplifting day at the launch of Nadia L. Hohn “Getting Us To Grandma” Book Party on Saturday, October 19^th, 2024.This informative, interactive and educative day was held at the Oakwood Village and Arts Centre located in the Vaughn and Oakwood area of Toronto. In attendance were many educators from the Toronto District School Board, students, staff, community members and supporters. They was a celebratory ambience and exciting atmosphere as the place was decked out with floral arrangements,

Nadia is a multilingual, award-winning author who has written several books geared to young children. The promotional material described her as an “artivist,” who is focused on making a difference in the literary world. She is mentioned as someone who wants to make sure all young people see themselves in books. She has presented all over the world. When she’s not lost in a story, or concocting a tasty vegetarian dish, she is likely spending time in music and the arts, or daydreaming about her next adventure.

There was much planning and advanced preparation prior to the book launch. Nadia wrote, “In addition to a book launch, it’s a 10^th book party complete with entertainment, an emcee, videographer and a deejay. I have also penned two songs that are based on the charged lyrics of two 1980s popular songs that inspired me in this real-life story. I will be performing them -singing and playing the piano with my friend. Yes, that’s right. Go big or Go home!”  She notes further, “Maybe, it’s because I’m in my 40s, got  ADHD, survived cancer, and have heavy doses of FOMO and YOLO. Maybe, because I’ve been to several amazing book launches.”

On Monday, October 21^st, 2024, Nadia posted an appreciative message on her Facebook page. She wrote, “This weekend was filled with a lot of beautiful moments, hard work, grit, and celebration. Thank you to everyone who attended my Getting Us to Grandma’s book launch and 10^th book party. Thank you to every one of the volunteers and folks who made it all possible.”

Dr. Jill Andrew, MPP of Toronto-St. Paul, who attended the event, wrote a message on her Facebook page. “It was an incredible honour to join Nadia Hohn for the launch of her TENTH book, “Getting Us to Grandma’s” at our local Oakwood Village Library! Nadia is an incredible: educator, school librarian, author, storyteller, AND performer! Today’s launch was nothing short of a multi-disciplinary arts showcase as it included: singing, call and response, piano playing, an author reading and more! Having known Nadia in community for over 20 years, it has been incredible to see her continue to shine AND still find time to give back.”

There was an excellent review of Hohn’s book on her Facebook page, Nadia mentioned three things Stephanie (the reviewer) loved about the book. They are:

• Nadia L. Hohn takes readers back to the 1980s and introduces young readers to analog navigation…the map book!
• There is so much pride that exudes from this story. The main character takes her job very seriously and shows young readers that they can help their families too!
• TeMika Grooms’ illustrations are magnificent. There is so much movement and fun exuding from the illustrations in this simple story about a long car ride. She is able to find moments to create surprise and extra interest.