My name is Zoë Oppenheim, and I am a Nelson-based teacher, structured literacy specialist, and founder of Dear Toad.

Dear Toad was born from years of witnessing that children benefit from experiences that help them discover the joy of reading alongside structured literacy instruction.  The excitement of a book fair, the inspiration of an author visit, or the discovery of a book that speaks directly to their innermost self are all important parts of the literacy equation. These experiences help children identify as readers and can inspire a lifelong relationship with books.  I believe these experiences belong in schools now more than ever. 

At the same time, I’ve noticed that the quality of traditional school book fairs has waned. The number of toys and novelty items has grown, while the selection of high interest and well-crafted books has decreased.  I see an opportunity for the encouragement and celebration of literacy being wasted.

This knowledge, combined with my personal love for researching and connecting students with a book that I choose especially for them, especially reluctant readers, is what drove me to create an alternative.  Dear Toad celebrates books, champions diverse authors and publishers, and places literacy at the heart of the book fair experience.