An International Conference
Friday, October 23, 1:30pm – Saturday, October 24, 5pm
From didactic rhymes, moral tales, and instructional narratives to the complex and imaginative works of today, literature for and about children has long engaged questions of belief, morality, spirituality, and religious identity. As understandings of genre, readership, childhood, and literary imagination have changed, so too have assumptions about the moral and religious frameworks that shape texts and readers.
Bringing together researchers from a range of disciplines and perspectives, this conference will explore the intersections of children’s literature and the Christian imagination. Participants will investigate historical and contemporary expressions of Christian thought in literature for young audiences, and reflect on the opportunities and challenges of scholarship in an age shaped by pluralism, globalization, and cultural polarization.
The conference also seeks to foster broader conversations about creativity, storytelling, and the nature of the human person. In particular, as emerging technologies reshape cultural production and interpretation, we will reflect on the relationship between literary imagination, religious and spiritual understandings of humanity, and the possibilities of meaning-making in the age of artificial intelligence.
There is no fee but please register.
Keynote Speaker: Frank Cottrell-Boyce
The Christianity and the Arts Lecture: Friday, October 23, 6pm
(Holy) Ghost Writing? How to Credit the Holy Spirit
Our keynote speaker will give the 2026 Christianity and the Arts Lecture. Frank Cottrell-Boyce is an internationally renowned screenwriter, playwright, and novelist. He was the 2024-26 Children’s Laureate in the UK. Frank Cottrell-Boyce is the writer of the award-winning London Olympics Opening Ceremony and of scripts and screenplays for well-known films and television programs (including Goodbye Christopher Robin, Millions, Framed, The Railway Man, and Doctor Who) and is a well-known collaborator of the theatre and film directors Michael Winterbottom and Danny Boyle.
We are grateful to George Macri and Angela Macri for their generous support of the Christianity and the Arts Lecture.
Conference speakers
Alexandra Bolintineanu, University of Toronto
Christine Choi, Independent Scholar
Joe Diemer, University of Toronto
Hyeon-Kyeong Kim, Picturebook Worldview Research Center and Gyeongin National University of Education
Christina Labriola, St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto
Angela Soo-hyung Lee, Ansan University, Picturebook Worldview Research Center
Tim Lorch, University of Toronto
Sheng-mei Ma, Michigan State University
Pamela (Pam) Mordecai, Poet, Novelist and Playwright
Francesco Morriello, St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto
Kajori Patra, University of Florida
Lissa Paul, Brock University
Francisca Orellana Polanka, Independent Scholar, Writer and Publisher
Robert Priest, Writer of verse for children and adults, Novelist, Playwright and Performer, Singer and Songwriter, and Journalist
Joseph Simmonds, University of Cambridge
Stephen Tardif, St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto
Alydia Ullman, University of St Andrews
Vassiliki Vassiloudi, University of Crete
Katherine Wakely-Mulroney, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
Sarah Winters, Nipissing University
Conference Convenors
Dr. Irene Morra, Principal, St. Michael’s College, and Professor of English Literature, University of Toronto.
Dr. Michael O’Connor, W. J. Bennett Family Chair of Christianity and the Arts, St. Michael’s College in the University of Toronto.
- Public Transit in and around Toronto
Within Toronto
The TTC is Toronto’s public transit network of buses, subway trains, and streetcars. The closest TTC subway stations to the University of Toronto are St. George Station and Museum Station. Maps and schedules for the TTC are available online.
The easiest way to travel on the TTC is to “tap on” using a credit or debit card at any subway, streetcar, or bus entrance. You can also purchase a PRESTO preloaded card; or single-ride, two-ride, or PRESTO day-pass tickets; or pay with exact cash. Tickets can be purchased at fare vending machines in Toronto subway stations or in Shoppers Drug Mart locations in Toronto. Single fares cost $3.35 for an adult, $2.30 for seniors (65+) and $2.40 for youth (age 13-19). Single-ride, two-ride and day-pass tickets are sold at only TTC adult fare rates; they are not available at youth or senior rates. Children aged 0-12 ride free on the TTC.
A PRESTO card is a preloadable payment card that is valid on the TTC, as well as on the GO Transit, Union-Pearson Express, and 8 other public transit systems in the Greater Toronto Area and Hamilton. Presto cards cost $4, and can be purchased in person at TTC subway station fare vending machines, select UP Express stations (TVMs at Pearson, Union, and Weston stations only), and Shoppers Drug Mart retail stores. Funds can then be preloaded on the card to use for fare payment (a minimum load of $0.50c)
Inter-city transit
Go Transit is a regional transit service of trains and buses that connects the city of Toronto with cities in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas. The GO Transit hub in Toronto is at Union GO Station and Union GO Bus terminal.
Fares depend on the distance travelled between two specified points, called fare zones. Children 12 years and under are free. PRESTO cards are valid on the GO Transit, and you can also pay your fare by tapping your debit or credit card on the Presto fare device. Schedules and fare information are available online; tickets can be purchased online as well.
To get to the University of Toronto, walk from the GO Train platforms or the GO Bus Terminal at Union Station to the TTC subway, and take the University-Spadina line north to Museum or St. George Station (additional $3.35 TTC fare applies).
Long-distance train travel
VIA Rail is Canada’s national passenger rail service, offering intercity rail services connecting large cities as well as smaller regions across Canada. The VIA Rail hub is at Union Station in Toronto, from where passengers can connect to the TTC or GO Transit.
To get to the University of Toronto, walk from the VIA Rail platforms at Union Station to the TTC subway, and take the University-Spadina line north to Museum or St. George Station (additional $3.35 TTC fare applies).
- Toronto’s Airports
Pearson International Airport (YYZ)
Pearson Airport is the major air hub for the Toronto metropolitan area and Ontario’s Golden Horseshoe. It is located North West of the Toronto city centre in Mississauga, Ontario.
By TTC:
TTC buses connect Pearson International Airport to the TTC subway lines, on which you can travel to downtown Toronto. There are TTC bus stops at both Terminal 1 (Ground level) and Terminal 3 (Arrivals level).
- The 900S Airport Express provides all-day, regular accessible express bus service between Pearson International Airport and Kipling Station on the Bloor-Danforth Subway. From Kipling Station, travel eastbound to St. George Station. Travel time is about 25 minutes from the airport to Kipling Station and a further half hour from Kipling to St. George station. The cost of the total trip is a TTC fare ($3.35 TTC fare)
- The 952 and 52A Lawrence West bus routes provide all-day, regular accessible bus service between Pearson Airport and Lawrence Station with a connecting stop to the subway at Lawrence West Station. From Lawrence West Station, travel south on the subway to St. George Station. The trip should take around 45 minutes. ($3.35 TTC fare)
Schedules and ticket information for TTC buses from Pearson airport can be found online.
Union-Pearson Express: The UP Express is a light-rail line between Pearson Airport and Union Station downtown with stops in between at Weston Station and Bloor GO station. Trains run every 15 minutes, from 5am to 1am daily. The UP Express station at Pearson Airport is at Terminal 1. To travel between Terminal 3 and Terminal 1, please take the Terminal Link Train.
To get to the University of Toronto, get off at the Bloor GO station ($5.65 one way; $11.30 return) and walk (approx. 4 minutes) to Dundas West Station on the TTC subway. Head east to St. George Station (additional $3.35 TTC fare required).
Tickets for the UP Express can be purchased online in advance, or in person from kiosks at any UP Express stop. PRESTO cards are valid on the UP Express, and you can also now pay your fare by tapping the PRESTO payment device at UP Express stations with your debit or credit card.
Schedules and further information can be found here.
Taxis to hotels in downtown Toronto cost between $50 CAD and $60 CAD, plus tip, and take about 40 mins. Limousines are comfortable sedans that operate similarly to taxis, but offer a higher standard of service and newer vehicles; limo travel to hotels in downtown Toronto costs between $55 CAD and $65 CAD, plus tip. The City of Toronto licenses the car services at Toronto Pearson International Airport to ensure safety standards and fare consistency. Rates are predetermined based on the time and distance to your destination within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Airport limos can be booked in advance (416-445-1999).
A number of further options to get to and from the airport are listed on Pearson’s website.
Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ)
Billy Bishop Airport is a regional airport located on Toronto Island. Its central location is in close proximity to the University of Toronto’s St. George campus and Toronto’s downtown area.
- Public Transit (ferry, shuttle bus, and subway): From the airport terminal, you can cross to the mainland by either taking the ferry (free for pedestrians) or walking through the pedestrian tunnel. Catch the complimentary shuttle bus from the mainland in front of the Main Terminal / Passenger Access Tunnel Building to downtown on the west side of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel (across from Union Station). The shuttle is open to anyone going to the airport, whether or not they are travelling. Walk from the shuttle drop-off point to Union subway station and travel north on the University-Spadina line to either Museum Station or St. George Station ($3.35 TTC fare).
- Taxis: There is a taxi stand immediately upon exiting the airport, just outside the ferry terminal. Standard city rates will apply.
- Parking Information
St. Michael’s has engaged HONK to help us manage our parking and improve our ability to enforce. Download the Honk App to setup an account and pay through the app or bookmark the updated parking fees page for quick access to payment options: https://stmikes.utoronto.ca/parking-fees.
Pay for Parking at:
- Hotels and Hostels
Hotels
(416-924-1222 or 1-888-553-1300)
15 Charles St East
The Madison Manor Boutique Hotel
(416-922-5572 or 1-877-561-7048)
20 Madison Ave
Holiday Inn Express Toronto Downtown
(416-367-5555)
111 Lombard St
Beverly Place Bed and Breakfast
(416-977-0077)
226 Beverly St
(416-964-3311 or 1-800-387-2755)
620 Church St
(416) 960-5200
220 Bloor St West
The Kimpton Saint George Hotel
(416) 968-0010280 Bloor St West
(1-800-243-5732)
33 Gerrard St West
(416) 598-2475
194 Queen St West
The Victoria’s Mansion Guest House
(416-921-4625)
68 Gloucester St
Hostels
(647-352-8747)
357 College St
(416-591-7387)
7 Clarence Square
(416-929-4777)
278 Augusta Ave
- Cafes near the conference venue
-
Located on the ground floor of the John M. Kelly Library.
113 St. Joseph St
Located on the lower level of the Goldring Student Centre across the road from the Bader Theatre.
150 Charles St W.
Warm, light-filled bakery and café serving desserts, coffee, salads, and sandwiches.
1 Sultan St
Starbucks $
47 Charles St
Aroma Espresso Bar $
1110 Bay St
Vietnamese Café
31 Phipps St
130 Cumberland St
29 Bellair St
L’Espresso Bar Mercurio $
321 Bloor St W
Bubble Tea
5 St. Joseph St
Coffee Island
925 Bay S
- Quick Eats
Kelly Cafe $
Located on the ground floor of the John M. Kelly Library. Light lunch and snacks.
113 St. Joseph St
Clay Restaurant at the Gardiner Museum $$
A seasonal lunch menu offering fresh, local fare served inside the Gardiner Ceramics Museum.
111 Queen’s Park
Pi Co $$
Toronto chain serving neapolitan-style pizza and salads
1200 Bay St
Okonomi House $-$$
Japanese-style pancakes; a Toronto staple since the 1970’s23 Charles St W
Italian café with seating inside an upscale Italian supermarket. Open for dinner too!
Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor St W
Fried chicken and burgers
75 St. Nicholas St
Sang-Ji Fried Bao $
One of Toronto’s best dumpling spots!
3 Charles St E
Naan Kabob $$
Afghan and Middle Eastern
691 Yonge St
661 University St
KOKO Share Bar $$
Modern Korean Japanese
81 Yorkville Ave
Tokyo Sushi $
33 St. Joseph St
Japanese noodle bar
24 Wellesley St W (Rear)
101 Yorkville Ave
- Bars
Hemingway’s $$
Famous for its rooftop patio, this iconic Toronto spot offers 24 beers on tap and classic pub fare.
142 Cumberland St
Enjoy signature cocktails and gorgeous views at this rooftop bar at the Park Hyatt Hotel.
4 Avenue Rd
Bar Reyna $$$
Mediterranean snacks and signature cocktails served in a sophisticated space with a patio.
158 Cumberland St
The Oxley $$$
Traditional British gastropub in a house-like space with two patios.
121 Yorkville Ave
Cibo Wine Bar $$$
Authentic and rustic Italian food and wine served in a trendy, industrial setting.
133 Yorkville Ave
The Pilot $$
Classic pub with an eclectic menu and live jazz music on the second floor every Saturday.
22 Cumberland St
Bar Volo $$
Craft Beers & Italian Snacks
17 St. Nicholas St
Laid-back tavern with classic pub fare and two patios.
10 Isabella St
This neighbourhood alehouse serves standard pub fare and beers on tap and is a favourite among the U of Toronto community
39 Prince Arthur Ave
- Restaurants
7 West Café $$
Open 24/7, this award-winning, multi-level café serves a variety of pastas, pizzas, and sandwiches
7 Charles St W
Enigma $$$$
Intimate, modern European fine dining restaurant
23 St. Thomas St
Sassafraz $$$
French-inspired Canadian cuisine served in an upscale dining room or café area with a small patio
100 Cumberland St
Alobar $$$$
A Michelin-starred cocktail bar and restaurant with cosy indoor seating and a patio
162 Cumberland St
Classic Italian dishes and drinks served inside a house in the Yorkville neighbourhood with a rooftop patio
75 Yorkville Ave
Kasa Moto $$$$
Contemporary Japanese restaurant with a rooftop patio in the heart of Yorkville
115 Yorkville Ave
The Fry $$
A casual spot for Korean comfort food specialising in fried chicken
528 Yonge St
An exciting all-you-can-eat Japanese-Korean BBQ restaurant
335 Bloor St W
Café Boulud $$$
A French brasserie with a vintage feel and seasonal menu
60 Yorkville Ave
Osteria Giulia $$$$
A Michelin-starred, seafood-focused Italian eatery in a warm and comfortable space
134 Avenue Rd
457 Spadina Ave
Le Paradis $$
A classic bistro with a small menu of French fare
166 Bedford Rd, Toronto
PAI $$
Thai food
18 Duncan St
- Kensington Market
Toronto’s famed Kensington Market, a 25-minute walk from the conference, is a bohemian neighbourhood packed with vintage shops, hipster bars, cafes, and innumerable restaurants and food stalls. Some of our recommendations appear below.
Churros
214 Augusta Ave
Seven Lives Tacos y Mariscos $
Mexican Tacos
72 Kensington AveChicken and Waffles
79 Kensington AvePamenar $
Middle Eastern Café and Bar
307 Augusta AvePies/Australian
287 Augusta AveJapanese Café
230 Augusta AveJamaican Fusion
61 Kensington AveVia Mercanti $$
Italian
188 Augusta Ave201 Augusta Ave
Local information adapted with grateful thanks from material collated by our colleagues at The Centre for Reformation and Renaissance Studies, Victoria College in the University of Toronto.