De Waal has been selected for Canada’s prestigious Children’s Book Week Tour, where she will inspire young readers across the West Coast of Canada.
April 8 marks the This highly anticipated book debuts as de Waal prepares to embark on a literary journey: she has been selected as one of only 30 authors to participate in Canada’s Children’s Book Week Tour, where she will visit schools on the West Coast of Canada to inspire young readers and share insights into the writing process.
“I was so excited when I found out I had been chosen,” de Waal says. “Speaking to students brings me back to the energy and curiosity of young readers. They inspire me as much as I hope to inspire them.”
De Waal will spend late April and early May visiting schools, bookstores, and other places throughout Vancouver, British Columbia, and surrounding areas.
Ƶ will also host a special book launch event on Tuesday, April 15, at 6:30 p.m. in the Eckardt Lounge. The event is free and open to the public, featuring a book reading, a Q&A session, and the opportunity to engage with de Waal. Copies of The Biggest Smallest Thing will be available for purchase at the event.
De Waal’s latest book tells the story of Muriel and Mo, two children with distinctly different ways of thinking—Muriel is imaginative and whimsical, while Mo is structured and determined. As their paths cross, they discover the value of collaboration, creativity, and seeing the world from different perspectives. With themes of art, science, and problem-solving, the book encourages young readers to embrace curiosity and cooperation.
“In my years teaching K-12, I saw how kids tend to categorize themselves early on—‘I’m the art kid’ or ‘I’m the science kid’—and how limiting that can be,” de Waal says. “This book explores how different ways of thinking are valuable and, when combined, can lead to real creativity and innovation.”
Beyond her writing, de Waal is a passionate advocate for arts-integrated learning and an accomplished educator. Originally from British Columbia, she now teaches writing and literature at Ƶ, including courses such as Writing for Children and Writing Workshop for Teachers. Her journey from art education to award-winning author underscores the power of interdisciplinary thinking—a theme reflected in The Biggest Smallest Thing.
About Ƶ
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Ƶ equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Ƶis a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
Ƶ will host Blueprints, a solo exhibition by Kendall Houtsma from April 7 to May 10, exploring how life’s defining moments shape identity and personal growth, with an artist reception on April 10 at 7 p.m.
Ƶ organized and hosted a special education symposium focused on equipping local educators with effective strategies and knowledge for advancing their teaching practices.
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