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In Canada, September is synonymous with back to school. Though it’s technically still summer, this month is all about back-to-school shopping, getting ready, and adjusting to a new school year. Parents become heavily invested in this yearly tradition of preparing for the first day at school. Updating wardrobes, preparing meals and snacks, shifting work schedules, and setting up before- and after-school care are just some of the activities to complete!
Whether it’s the first time your child goes off to school or whether they are simply starting a new year, it can be a few stressful and emotional weeks. And, of course, if your child is starting school in a new country, parents can expect a bumpy transition until your child—and family —has a chance to adjust.
For me, it was difficult in the beginning. Though my parents were involved and excited about me starting school, they didn’t really know much about the Canadian education system or speak the language, much less know North American trends for 10-year-old girls.
The newcomer back-to-school experience is unique in that both kids and parents go through it and survive it together. What helped my parents adjust was meeting my teachers ahead of time and connecting with other newcomer parents. This allowed them to create a support system and familiarize themselves with school practices and rules. They also had friends with kids and used them as resources as well.
I was less worried about the structure and rules of school and more concerned with overcoming that feeling of being a fish out of water. Wearing bright homemade sweaters and eating what children deemed as ‘strange’ food did not get me far at first. It took me three months to make friends, adjust from going to school for half-days in Argentina to full days in Canada, and learn English with the help of teachers and staff.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARBut slowly, the more I reached out to people who wanted to know me and help me, the more I began to form a community. This played such a big part in my adjusting period. With each friendship I made, I felt a little more confident; with each test I passed, I felt a little more secure.
School success was another big part of adjusting to a new environment. Once I saw my grades and language skills improving, things started to turn around and school became exciting again. Over time, I even struck up the nerve to join a few after-school activities that helped me feel more part of the community.
Looking back now, what I learned from my own experience is that the secret to surviving the newcomer back-to-school experience is time. A new school year always comes with a few roadblocks and surprises, but getting through that first year is always the toughest. Still, encourage your children to endure it because with time, that bumpy transition will smooth out and their anxieties will subside.
Bullying can happen to anyone. For me, it happened at school when I first moved to Canada. It was verbal bullying – name-calling, sarcastic remarks, and taunting, mostly. I never told anyone because I didn’t know the term ‘bullying’, or how to recognize it. According to Bullying Canada, bullying is when someone hurts or scares someone else on purpose. It is one-sided and pointed; it can be verbal, social, or physical; it can happen face-to-face, in cyberspace, or both; and it can be a one-time incident or recurring.
Verbal: includes name-calling, negative cultural or racial references, threats, taunting, and inappropriate sexual comments.
Social: includes leaving someone out on purpose, telling people not to be friends with someone, humiliating them in public, and telling rumours about them.
Physical: includes hitting, kicking, punching, spitting, shoving, chasing, poking, and stealing someone’s belongings.
Cyber Bullying includes using various online platforms (text, email, social media, the Internet) to tease someone, spread rumours about them, intimidate them, or put them down.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARYour child:
Canada is home to some of the best research-based engineering universities in the world. And, no matter which public university you attend, you will get some of the best education in the world. You’ll also receive a widely recognized degree that many countries accept. Some Canadian universities, however, are known for giving students more in-depth access to their field of study. Below, are some of the top universities in Canada for engineering students.
The University of Waterloo (UWaterloo), located in Kitchener-Waterloo, is considered the top university in Canada for engineering. It is internationally recognized for its one-of-a-kind engineering faculty. While it might not be the first university that comes to mind when talking about Canada’s top university, UWaterloo has many reasons that make it the best university for engineering students.
UWaterloo has the best co-op program in North America and give students the upper hand when they enter the workplace. That is because Waterloo’s co-op program allows students to get work experience while still in university. As a bonus, they also earn money during their co-op, which can help to pay off their tuition fees.
While no university guarantees students a co-op placement, UWaterloo students generally have no trouble finding placements in the workplace. This is a great achievement, considering that UWaterloo has the largest engineering department in Canada. UWaterloo also has one of the highest employment rates for its graduates, falling just behind the University of Toronto.
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is internationally known for being the center of teaching, learning, and research. It has also been recognized as North America’s most international university. As a result, UBC students receive an education that revolves around research and technology from a top university in Canada for engineering. The university is only a 30-minute bus ride to the heart of downtown Vancouver,
Combined with a great co-op program, UBC graduates generally find jobs quickly after graduating. Co-op students from UBC, especially, have an easy time finding jobs. This is because employers know they have work experience while also receiving an education based on innovation.
At the end of the day, if someone is going to hire you as an engineer, you should have your original ideas in addition to what you are taught in university. UBC is a great university for that because it encourages students to innovate and develop problem-solving skills.
The University of Toronto (UofT) is commonly referred to as Canada’s most prestigious university. It is also one of the top Canadian universities for engineering. The university is often called the Oxford of Canada. No matter which program you enter at UofT, you will find yourself among some of the best professors in Canada. Additionally, your degree will come with rightfully earned respect and recognition of a UofT graduate. The engineering program at UofT is no exception.
Like UBC, UofT’s engineering program revolves heavily around research-based education, combined with traditional lecture-styled classes.
UofT has three campuses, all of which are located in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). While the main campus, St. George, is located in downtown Toronto, the university also has campuses in Mississauga and Scarborough.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARThe University of Alberta (UofA) is one of the leading institutes when it comes to top Canadian universities for engineering. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, the city also has a low cost of living. As a result, if you decide to go to UofA, you will obtain a well-respected degree while managing affordable living expenses.
The University of Western Ontario (Western), located in London, Ontario, has one of Canada’s largest and most scenic campuses. It also has a great engineering faculty. Western is specifically known for exceptional programs in civil and mechanical engineering. This combined with a scenic, accessible, and bustling campus makes Western one of the top picks for international students.
Western is known for having a great student life. The university has many resources that help students balance their studies and social life. These resources help students manage their studies and not get overwhelmed. The university places importance on extracurriculars such as student clubs and intramurals. These factors, combined with a remarkable engineering program make Western one of the top universities in Canada for engineering students.
The Ivey Business School is also located on the Western University campus. It is one of the best business schools in Canada. 96% of Ivey graduates get job offers right away. Additionally, many of them reach high positions in their companies.
A common approach to make yourself more desirable to employers is to complement your engineering education with a business degree. This dual degree combination shows employers you possess technical know-how and broader business skills to enhance big-picture thinking. In addition, it can open up unique career options when you apply engineering school technical skills and business leadership, strategy, and communication skills.
A dual degree on your resume can differentiate you from other job candidates. It shows your commitment to achieving educational and career goals. Pursuing a dual degree can also help you grow your professional network by connecting you to other engineers and business professionals. This can help you find exciting opportunities and graduate with many professional contacts and references.
No matter which university you attend, you will receive a good education. Canadian universities also provide many opportunities to transition into the workplace upon graduation. At the end of the day, which university you decide to go to depends on your preferences.
Academics is not the only factor to consider when choosing an engineering school in Canada. You will spend four or more years of your life at university. Consider factors such as student life, extracurriculars, and support for international students at your university of choice.
With some of the best universities in Canada for engineering, international students can receive a degree recognized around the world. Graduating from these top universities can offer stellar job prospects and exciting career opportunities.
Moving to Canada with young children? Then you’ll want to read this overview of schooling in Canada to help your children adapt to school smoothly. Canada has one of the best school systems in the world to help your children grow and prosper. This is important for newcomers who often want to provide their children with more opportunities and access to education in Canada. Learn more about schooling in Canada including the systems, education levels, and process to register your children in school.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
Nelson Mandela
The Best Countries for Education global survey shows that Canada ranks #4. The survey measured the following three country attributes:
#1 United States
#2 United Kingdom
#3 Germany
#4 Canada
#5 France.
As the report identifies “Today’s young people will, in the coming years, be governing the world. Their thoughts and actions will be shaped by what they know and experience, making education, in many ways, one of the best predictors of a nation’s future success.”
Each province and territory in Canada develops curriculum and policy. And, because of this, both may be slightly different across the country. Still, schooling in Canada has many common elements such as the school systems, levels of education, and enrollment process.
In Canada, there are three school systems:
2. Private schools
3. Homeschooling.
You can choose which school system your child will attend. To learn more about the provincial school systems follow the links in the Provincial and Territorial Ministries of Education section below.
The government funds public schools in Canada, and most children attend public schools. So you don’t have to pay for your child to attend public school. However, you pay for school supplies and extracurricular activities such as field trips.
District school boards manage how public schools operate and are responsible for activities such as hiring teachers and opening new schools.
Over 95% of Canadians choose public school education for their children.
CANADIAN ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS – INTERNATIONAL
If you send your children to a private school, you pay tuition and other fees. The government usually does not fund private schools, so these schools can be costly to attend. However, private schools may provide a focus that public schools don’t provide and that you are willing to pay for. For example, private schools in Canada may focus on a specific area such as:
Homeschooling is acceptable in every province in Canada. If you want to teach your children at home, you will have to meet certain legal requirements. Each province has requirements, so you have to research laws to ensure you meet the regulations.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARFour levels within the school system follow this structure:
Pre-school programs are like daycare programs for children aged two to four. You don’t have to send your children to preschool. However, preschool can help your child build language skills if they don’t speak English or French (Canada’s official languages). As well, preschool can help young children develop social and emotional skills to help them adjust to schooling in Canada. Most preschools in Canada are private, so you will have to pay a cost.
Each school has a catchment area, (an area that defines which school your child will attend). Usually, children attend a school closest to their home and within the school’s catchment area.
Most children attend kindergarten at age five. You can register your child at the school closest to your home. Children must attend kindergarten in most provinces. Kindergarten is free.
Children attend elementary school (also known as primary school) in September the year they turn five. But, if you arrive after September you must enroll your child as soon as you arrive. For example, if you arrive in Canada in October, you must register your child in October. You can contact the School Board (see links below for provincial ministries of education) when you arrive.
Children attend elementary school from grades one to eight. Some school districts may have a middle school for grades six to eight. But, that depends on the structure of the school district.
Generally, school curriculums cover these subjects:
After children complete elementary school, they attend high school from grades nine to twelve. The high school system prepares students to attend either:
The government does not fund post-secondary schooling in Canada. And, many parents save for years so their children can attend post-secondary education. Investing in a Registered Education Savings Plan is a common way for parents to save for higher education in Canada.
In high school, students can meet with Guidance Counsellors who can help them achieve better grades, handle personal or social issues, and make career choices.
Settlement agencies can help you to register your children in school. You’ll need these documents to register your child in a school in Canada:
You have to enroll your children in school as soon as you arrive in Canada. The school year starts in September and ends in June. But, if you arrive in Canada after the school year begins, your child can still attend school.
Canada guarantees an education to all children, including those with disabilities. Depending on the child’s needs, children with disabilities will attend either regular classrooms and receive additional help, or special classes or schools.
Newcomer students may have to complete a math and English language skills assessment. The assessment will identify:
The results will help teachers understand what your child already knows. And if you have questions about your child’s placement level, you can talk to their teacher about their results. It’s helpful if you can provide your child’s previous report card or other school information for the assessment.
Children who don’t have strong language skills that match the grade level can access programs to help them learn English. ESL classes are often regularly scheduled courses, or in place of English taught to those who already speak the language.
For more information, check out the Ministry of Education for the province where you plan to settle.
Alberta
Ministry of Education
British Columbia
Ministry of Education
Manitoba
Ministry of Education
New Brunswick
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Newfoundland and Labrador
Department of Education
Northwest Territories
Department of Education, Culture and Employment
Nova Scotia
Department of Education
Nunavut
Department of Education
Ontario
Ministry of Education
Prince Edward Island
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Quebec
Éducation, Loisir et Sport Québec
Saskatchewan
Ministry of Education
Newcomer families to Canada often seek out extra afterschool help for their children so they can succeed in their new academic curriculum. As a parent, this may be the first time you are considering hiring a private tutor for your child. This article will help you not only with the process of finding a tutor, but the process of selecting a tutor.
The most likely school subjects that parents will hire private tutors for are:
Your child may need more support completing long writing assignments for Language Arts, history, and social studies especially. Canadian schools are particular about using proper citations and submitting bibliographies in English. The tutor should help your child develop their research skills.
Some parents may be open to trial sessions with several different tutors before settling on one that will be long-term. A long-term private tutor will typically work with a student for one to three years. After that, the student will move up the academic ladder. At that point, it may be necessary to find a different tutor more suited for the student’s age group.
Parents must consider many factors when seeking a good tutor. This person will become your child’s instructor, mentor, and friend. And, you will have to work closely with the tutor to provide your child with the absolute best education. Here are five important factors to consider:
Afterschool tutoring centres such as Oxford Learning and Kumon are popping up everywhere in Canada. There is a great demand for them. They have the advantage of being a social centre where students can interact with each other, and parents can converse while their children are in class.
Another major disadvantage of tutoring centres is that they often ask parents to pay for several sessions rather than by the lesson. For example, you may have to pay for ten sessions in advance. If you prefer to pay by the lesson, it’s more convenient to find a freelance tutor on a site like Kijiji or through word-of-mouth. This way, you can negotiate the time and the hourly wage directly with the tutor.
Parents should consider local tutors unless the hourly wage you pay covers extra expenses a tutor may incur such as travel expenses, or part of their Wi-Fi for online tutoring.
Keep in mind that after-school tutors are often graduate students or teachers looking to earn extra income. So their availability may change. Or, they may occasionally need to cancel due to conflicts with their regular jobs or other commitments.
Parents must remain flexible. However, the tutor is responsible for giving ample warning if they cannot attend a session. A private tutor who frequently cancels sessions is not reliable enough to provide your child with consistent support. In this case, it’s wise to explore hiring a different tutor.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARParents should seek tutors who have experience working with their child’s age group. Here is one mistake parents often make: they focus too much on a tutor’s academic background and degrees. As a teacher myself, I can confirm that a person’s store of knowledge isn’t enough to qualify them as an effective instructor.
Any educator must also be prepared to face the unique challenges of working with young students who are impatient, frustrated, shy, unconfident, easily distracted, etc. They must know how to properly handle certain situations, such as when a child feels overwhelmed by their schoolwork and starts getting upset. I recommend parents consider tutors who have also done childcare jobs in the past, such as babysitting and camp counselling. Intelligence combined with life experiences and common sense produces the best tutors.
Some private tutors are upbeat and fun. They make every lesson a game for the student. Some private tutors are strict and no-nonsense. They will focus more on instilling discipline in the student, to prepare for the tough, competitive future ahead of them. And, some tutors fall somewhere in between. To find the right tutor for your child, do trial one-hour sessions with several different tutors. After each session, ask your child the following questions:
Take notes and keep track of your child’s responses. After trying out several tutors, choose the one that best connects with your child and complements your child’s personality. Make sure your child is involved in the selection process.
As previously stated, many private tutors do after-school teaching for extra income, on top of another job. So it’s important that parents respect this. Avoid making demands on the tutors that are outside of the tutor’s work margin. For example, parents should not call or email their child’s tutor late at night to ask them questions about their child’s homework or progress. Tutors who feel that their student’s parents do not respect their personal boundaries will end the working relationship. Your child could lose a good tutor this way. So always be mindful of your level of courtesy towards instructors.
Parents want their children to receive the best educational help. And, they also want their child’s homework and study time to be as productive as possible. This contributes to your child leading a balanced and less stressful life. Choosing the right tutor to achieve these goals is a major decision that takes consideration, experimentation, and open-mindedness. Combining these three elements, you’ll find the right private tutor for your child.
Without a doubt, higher education (or post-secondary education) can give you an edge in the highly competitive Canadian job market. Learning new skills or upgrading your current skills will increase your value and help you stand out from other job seekers. As well, when you show a thirst for continuous learning, you are more attractive to employers. Higher education can also provide other benefits to newcomers.
Many people in Canada attend post-secondary education at a university, college, trades program, or private college. Students must apply to the school of their choice and prepare to pay tuition fees. While some scholarships are available, most students must pay for tuition with the help of student loans.
Surprisingly to newcomers, employers like to see the names of Canadian schools on resumes. Often it’s because when managers recognize the schools you have attended they are more confident in their hiring decision.
So attending a Canadian school may give you an edge over those who have studied at foreign schools. But, if you have not attended a Canadian school, it may be helpful to get a credential evaluation. Doing so will help employers compare the schools you attended in another country to Canadian schools.
You will require a license to work in some professions in Canada. These are known as regulated professions. And because the education system in Canada may differ from your home country, you may need more training. A credential evaluation will show if your education is equal to that of a Canadian school.
Some examples of regulated jobs include:
Pursuing higher education can be a good start if you want to change your career.
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARPursuing higher education allows you to meet others who may work in your field. This helps you to grow your professional network and can even help you access the hidden job market. In the hidden job market, you’ll discover jobs that are not advertised. And because these jobs aren’t widely posted, it can make your job search easier.
Learning is a constant process and Canadian employers value those who commit to ongoing learning. Focusing on continuous learning can also advance your career.
You can attend a university, college, or private school. Or, you can also consider options such as bridging programs and certificate programs.
Many Canadian universities are well respected across the world, including:
University studies develop critical thinking and research skills as students work toward a:
Class sizes tend to be large, with some lecture halls counting hundreds of students. Although you may also attend smaller tutorials or labs.
Colleges and technical institutes offer a range of applied programs that typically prepare you for a career. Students work toward a:
Some colleges also offer apprenticeship training for trades. The hybrid “university college” may also offer undergraduate degrees. Class sizes are typically smaller than in universities. And tuition fees are usually less expensive.
Private career colleges are private businesses that could be either for-profit or non-profit. They do not receive government funding like colleges and universities. And because of this, fees tend to be quite high.
Private colleges offer certificates and diplomas in fields such as:
They offer flexible learning schedules, and you can enroll at different times during the year. Training is usually delivered over a short period. Some private schools, including some English language schools, are not regulated by the government. So make sure to research the school before you pay any fees.
Bridging programs are another way to get more education. These programs are delivered in partnership with a college or a university. They tend to focus more on soft skills than hard skills.
A bridging program can fill the gap between Canadian and foreign education and work experience. And bridging programs offer a faster way to get Canadian experience. Most bridging programs are between six weeks to three months.
In contrast with other courses, you can also explore certificate programs that relate to your business function such as:
These certificate programs can add to your current skill set or start you on a new career path.
Tuition fees vary depending on the school and program you attend. Fees for universities are higher than colleges. As well, the cost to attend a graduate program is higher than an undergraduate program.
The cost also depends on your immigration status in Canada. Canadian citizens and permanent residents pay domestic tuition fees. Foreign students pay international tuition fees that are more expensive than domestic fees.
For example, consider how costs compare for the full-time MBA program at the University of Toronto:
Canadian citizens and permanent residents can obtain Government of Canada grants and loans depending on:
You do not have to repay grants. However, you have to repay loans within a defined period.
If you’re studying as an adult, it may be difficult to attend school full-time and work. So, you may think that returning to school isn’t viable. However, adding Canadian education to your resumé could mean the difference between finding a job in your profession and a “survival job”.
Many post-secondary institutions offer part-time and distance education courses geared toward working adults. This allows adults to study and work at the same time. Higher education can help you stand out in a tight job market. Many schools allow you to gain practical work experience through job placement. And most importantly, it may even help you advance your career in Canada.
Post-secondary education is very much self-guided in Canada. Aside from a small number of required courses, students are free to choose what subjects they would like to study. For example, a person working toward a political science degree may take a welding course just because it fits their schedule.
Speak with your child to determine what’s important to them. Choosing post-secondary education is a big step and your child may need help to navigate the system.
Each school has its admission process and deadlines. For example, some schools run on a three-semester basis and accept students at the beginning of each semester. However, other schools may follow a yearly schedule with application deadlines in early spring.
You can contact the admissions department and visit school websites to find out what programs they offer.
Each school will also have its criteria to recognize international academic qualifications. They may also require your academic credentials to be translated and verified. You may have to get your academic credentials assessed through a credentials evaluation service. Because they charge a fee, make sure that the school accepts the assessment from the service you select. This will help you avoid paying extra costs.
Depending on the faculty or program you apply to, you may also have to show proof of specific courses. To be eligible to apply for certain programs at the university level, a student must take certain classes in high school. For example, English and Math 12 are usually necessary with a high-standing grade.
For more information about education in Canada, check out these sites:
These popular book series will prepare your children to meet the requirements of Canada’s Language Arts curriculum. Canada is famous for its excellent education system that produces generation after generation of eager bookworms. These five well-known and well-loved book series will get your child, and yourself started on a grand learning adventure.
As an English and English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher who works primarily with children, one of the first questions parents always ask me is, “What should my child be reading at home?” Experience has taught me to have good booklists ready to give to parents, so they can head to the library with their kids right away.
Newcomer students must develop a habit of reading. There is a strong focus in Canadian classrooms on critical and analytical thinking skills. And the best and most sure-fire way to develop these skills is to read first-rate books.
Sometimes it’s a challenge to spark your child’s interest in reading. As a parent, you must get involved in your child’s reading process.
By practicing at home, your child will be able to talk about their reading experiences in class. Their teacher will be very impressed!
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REGISTER FOR THE WEBINARReading these popular book series will also bring your children closer to their classmates, as it is likely that their classmates are indulging in these books too. Talking about books is a great starting point for new friendships!
Parents often hesitate about this series. It’s understandable. The jokes can be gross and immature, and often the plots do not make sense. But for a young reader, Pilkey’s silly humour and outrageous storylines can often be just the thing to draw them into the world of books.
They can move on to more serious literature later. But, for now, let them read Captain Underpants. The series follows George Beard and Harold Hutchins, two creative best friends who make comic books together. A string of events results in one of their comic book heroes, Captain Underpants, becoming real, and the boys have many exciting adventures with their superpowered creation.
DreamWorks has made this book series into a film. Netflix has also produced a funny cartoon series. Use these as a reward. For example, if your child reads all twelve of the books, then they can watch the movie and the cartoon.
Here is another popular book series that Netflix has faithfully adapted. A Series of Unfortunate Events follows the—obviously—unfortunate trials and tribulations of the three Baudelaire children. The Baudelaires, heirs to an enormous fortune, are being pursued wherever they go by the greedy and monstrous Count Olaf, who is determined to get his hands on them, and their money, at any cost.
This series has a wide range of intriguing—and outright bizarre—characters, settings, and plotlines. Your child will be hooked fast.
The series tagline says it all: “Readers beware, you’re in for a scare!” And there are over sixty different “scares” for a horror-loving reader to choose from. It is recommended that your child should be at least ten years old before they start reading these books, which sometimes have frightening and disturbing content. But once they get started, they won’t be able to stop. They will be pulled into a thrilling world of ghosts, monsters, evil ventriloquist dolls, haunted amusement parks, and even time travel! R.L. Stine has written something for everyone.
Parents should be aware that these books do not always have happy endings. These books are known as “cautionary tales,” and are meant to teach children tough life lessons. The child protagonists in the books often make terrible mistakes and face gruesome consequences. Discuss these consequences with your child, to see what they’ve learned from these stories.
Perfect for a fantasy lover, C.S. Lewis The Chronicles of Narnia transports readers into a magical world of evil witches, talking animals, dragons, sea voyagers, and Aslan, the wise lion king who oversees it all. This popular book series is also perfect for introducing your child to the concept of “world-building” in fiction. C.S. Lewis is famous for his skill in creating an entirely make-believe world, populated by make-believe people and creatures.
However, this make-believe world has some very real problems, such as family conflicts, battles for political power, war, freedom, famine, death, and the passage of time. So parents should prepare to have some mature conversations with their children about the topics in the books.
This book series has recently had a big resurge in popularity, thanks to its successful Netflix adaptation “Anne.” This tale of a brave, talkative, and intelligent orphan girl who is adopted into a rural Prince Edward Island community is a beloved Canadian classic.
The selling point of this series is the protagonist herself, Anne Shirley. Anne is whip-smart, resourceful, optimistic, and devoted to her family and friends. She is also ambitious and looks to the future, instead of dwelling on her difficult past. She is not only one of Canada’s biggest cultural icons, but also a role model for children in troubled times. Her story is still relatable, even more than a century after it was published.
This series uses more complicated and advanced language. At this point, your child should already be an intermediate reader and have the skills to look up and absorb new words. Be available to help your child take on new ideas and applaud their efforts to research on their own.
Reading is essential to developing a child’s mind, and with a steady reading schedule, and lots of praise, your child will become an accomplished reader. And maybe, one day, they will be an accomplished writer too, with their own bestselling book series!