Young Alberta Book Society

YABS operates several programs which bring together Albertan authors illustrators and storytellers with Albertan students. Visits from literary artists serve to inspire a love of literature; working with authors can connect students to the world of language and love of story. Teachers and librarians have reported that author visits and workshops have a lasting impact on participants; even the most reluctant readers are often hooked on the author’s books afterward. Students are very excited to read works by authors they have met and with whom they feel a personal connection.

By choosing local artists to work with Albertan children, the shared experience of living in Alberta enables the students to identify more easily with the artists. They are able to see artists as members of their community and find that writing and illustrating is suddenly less alien. By choosing professional artists, students can see that locally created arts are valuable and valid and that they too can pursue the arts as a career.

YABS has brought together a rich pool of talented Albertan authors, illustrators and storytellers who dedicate themselves to enriching the lives of children and youth through the literary arts.

Low literacy is linked to poverty, crime, disadvantage, and exclusion. Literacy is the foundation for a lifetime of learning and communicating. We strive to give Alberta's children and youth the basis for the quality of life they deserve.

We are committed to creating opportunities for Alberta's children to be inspired by Alberta's literary artists. We believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the arts to discover their creativity and imagination and to develop strong literacy skills. No matter what their location or socioeconomic status, every Alberta child should experience the joy of reading and writing.