by BK Munn
Toronto comic book shop The Beguiling announced that it’s kid-focused spin-off Little Island Comics will re-open March 17 after a 1 year hiatus!
Little Island closed shortly before The Beguiling announced its move to its new location after both stores were forced out during the sale of the Honest Ed’s block to condo developers in late-2016. The Beguiling has recently doubled the space of its new location at 319 College by taking over the lease of its neighbour and now has revealed that the space will be the new home of Little Island.
The store was first opened in 2011 and billed itself as “The world’s first and only comic shop exclusively for kids,” operating more like a traditional children’s book store than a typical comic book shop, with signings, readings, and kids actitivities crammed into its tiny space. The new venue promises more of the same, with a slate of events and author signings scheduled for the first weekend of March Break.
As part of the announcement, Beguiling owner Peter Birkemoe stated, “I’m thrilled to once again devote space where kids and parents can learn, read and start loving comics. And we really missed giving our youngest customers the specific attention they deserve.” The same team from the old store, including manager Andrew Woodrow-Butcher, will be returning to the new location.
Here’s the line-up for the grand opening:
Little Island will offer a 20% discount on all in-print kids comics, picture books, and graphic novels throughout March Break (March 10-18, 2018) to encourage families to dig into graphic novels! The week will culminate in a Grand Re-Opening Party on Saturday, March 17th, with refreshments, drop-in activities, story time, and appearances by such creators as:
- -Scott Chantler (The Three Thieves series)
- -Naseem Hrab (Ira Crumb Makes a Pretty Good Friend)
- -Brian McLachlan (Draw Out the Story)
- -Ryan North (Adventure Time, The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl)
- -Kean Soo (March: Grand Prix, Jellaby)
- -Britt Wilson (Cat Dad, King of the Goblins)
- -Tory Woollcott (Mirror Mind, Science Comics: The Brain)