Events

2025 Events

October


Saturday, October 18th, 10:30am-12:00pm, in person

Book Launch!

Saturday, October 25th, 10:30-11:30am, in person

RWL – Ayr branch

Saturday Storytime – with Local Author Carolyn Huizinga Mills

Join in the fun while Carolyn reads her newest picture book, I Drove My Bed to Grandma’s House, a rollicking naptime adventure! Stick around for colouring, photo booth shenanigans, and a chance to chat with the author.

Link to register.

Drop-ins are welcome.


Saturday, October 25th, 1:00-2:00pm, in person

Indigo – Waterloo, ON
Conestoga Mall

I Drove My Bed to Grandma’s House story time and signing.

November


Wednesday, November 5th, 10:30-11:30am, in person

Central Library Theatre
KPL Main Branch

On Wednesday November 5th at 10:30 AM, Grade 1-3 classes are invited to kick off National Picture Book Month with local Blue Spruce Honour author Carolyn Huizinga Mills in the Central Library Theatre as she shares her journey of becoming an author and reads her new picture book I Drove My Bed to Grandma’s House. A Q&A with Carolyn will follow the reading!

This event is open to Grade 1-3 classes and their teachers, support staff, and volunteers. Educators can register below starting on September 15. Please only register one class per space. 


Saturday, November 8th, 12:30-1:30pm, in person

RWL – Breslau branch

Saturday Storytime – with Local Author Carolyn Huizinga Mills

Join in the fun while Carolyn reads her newest picture book, I Drove My Bed to Grandma’s House, a rollicking naptime adventure! Stick around for colouring, photo booth shenanigans, and a chance to chat with the author.

Link to register.

Drop-ins are welcome.


Sunday, November 9th, 1:00-3:00pm, in person

A Different Drummer Books
Burlington, Ontario

An extra-special signing featuring Lana Button’s new book, Brianna Banana, Worst Surprise Ever and Carolyn Huizinga Mills’ new book, I Drove My Bed to Grandma’s House.


Saturday, November 15th, 1:00-2:00pm, in person

Haldimand County Public Library
Ask the Author and Author Visit Event: Carolyn Huizinga Mills – Dunnville Branch

Local adult and children’s author Carolyn Huizinga Mills will be returning to the Dunnville Branch on Saturday, November 15th at 1:00 p.m. to promote her latest children’s book and host an “Ask the Author” event.

Carolyn will be offering a free drop-in Read-A-Loud of her new children’s title “I Drove My Bed To Grandma’s House” (November 2025), beginning at 1:00 p.m. Participants of all ages are welcome! Copies of her books will be available for purchase. 

After the Read-A -Loud, Carolyn will be available for an “Ask the Author” event, during which she will answer any questions about her writing process, authorship in general, the Canadian publishing industry, as well as other questions. Aspiring writers and editors of all ages are encouraged to attend.

Registration is not required.  

Thursday, November 20th, 4:00-6:00pm, in person

Esta Chocolates

Pop-Up Event

Join me at Esta Chocolates on Thursday, November 20 between 4-6pm!

Chocolate and books, what’s not to love?

Perfect time to cross some gifts off your list!


Saturday, November 22nd, 10:30-11:30pm, in person

RWL – Baden branch

Saturday Storytime – with Local Author Carolyn Huizinga Mills

Join in the fun while Carolyn reads her newest picture book, I Drove My Bed to Grandma’s House, a rollicking naptime adventure! Stick around for colouring, photo booth shenanigans, and a chance to chat with the author.

Link to register.

Drop-ins are welcome.


Sunday, November 23rd, 12:00-2:00pm, in person

Blue Heron Books
Uxbridge, Ontario

I Drove My Bed to Grandma’s House book signing – just in time for Christmas!


Past Events

2025 Events

SEPTEMBER

Saturday, September 27th, 1:15-2:15pm, in person

The Word on the Street – David Pecaut Square, Toronto

Signing advance copies of I Drove My Bed to Grandma’s House with Jan Dolby, the illustrator, at the Cormorant booth (B11).

Signing advance copies of I Drove My Bed to Grandma’s House with Jan Dolby, the illustrator, at the Cormorant booth (B11).


AUGUST

Sunday, August 3rd, 1:00-3:00pm, in person

Summer Sundays
Storytime and Craft at Indigo – Conestoga

Join us in-store with Carolyn Huizinga Mills for a storytime and craft based off the book The Little Boy Who Lived Down the Drain.


Wednesday, August 27th, 12:30 & 1:30pm, in person

Haliburton Fun Fair
Haliburton & District Lions Club: Stories in the Park

January


Thursday, January 9th, 7:00pm, in person

Writing Workshop at Indigo – Conestoga

Attention all writers! Join us on Thursday, January 9th at 7PM for a writer’s workshop with local author Carolyn Huizinga Mills, who has published works for both kids and adults. It’ll be a fun night of activities and games to hone your writing skills and clear up that writer’s block!

Space is limited for the workshop so please contact the store through Instagram or by calling us to reserve your spot. Carolyn’s books will also be available for purchase whether you are enrolled in the workshop or not, so if you don’t snag a spot you can always stop by and pick up a new read!

2024 Events

December


Thursday, December 19th, 3:30-5:00, in person

Author Meet and Greet at Esta Chocolates

Drop by Esta Chocolates on Thursday, December 19th between 3:30 and 5:00 to meet a local author and to sample some divine truffles. The perfect stop to pick up holiday treats!

Wednesday, December 11th, 6:30-7:30, in person

Grand River Stanley Park Library: Local Author Visit with Carolyn Huizinga Mills

In conversation with KPL staff, Carolyn Huizinga Mills, author of Sins of the Daughter and The Good Son, as well as two picture books, joins us to discuss the inspiration behind her books and the twists and turns of her publishing journey.

Link to register here.

October


Monday, October 21st, 6:30-7:30, in person

Grand River Stanley Park Library: Adult Creative Writing Workshop

Do you have a story idea you want to develop? Do you enjoy writing for the sheer fun of it?

Carolyn Huizinga Mills, author of two picture books and two novels, will guide us through writing exercises designed to spur creativity and “unblock” writers. Discover tips and tricks for finishing a project, and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Carolyn’s writing process.

Whether you’re a beginner or you’re an avid writer, everyone is welcome. Link to register here.

September


Saturday, September 28th, in person

Magic Pebble Books: Story Time & Crafts

Join us on Saturday, September 28th for a special story time and craft session at Magic Pebble Books. There will be two sessions: 10am and 11am. Email books@magicpebble.ca or call 226-383-3855 to register!

August


Tuesday, August 6th, in person

Waterloo Central Railway: Heritage Hopper Story Time

Join us August 6 for a magical Story Time Train Ride with local author Carolyn Huizinga Mills. Delight in story time featuring tales from “Grandpa’s Stars”  and “The Little Boy Who Lived Down the Drain” . Engage with Carolyn during an author Q&A session, where she will chat with kids about stories and creativity. Kids can also enjoy decorating snap bracelets and a connect-the-dots colouring page inspired by “Grandpa’s Stars.” Don’t miss the chance to purchase signed copies of Carolyn’s books.
Book your August 6 Heritage Hopper ticket today!


Saturday, August 10th, 1:00-3:00pm, in person

Signing and Story Time at Indigo Conestoga

Please come out at say hello while I’m visiting the Indigo in Conestoga Mall for a special story time and book signing.


July


Saturday, July 27th, 12:00-1:00pm, in person

Gelato and Story Time at Esta Chocolates

Come out to Esta Chocolates for a special story time with crafts and gelato. While you’re there, peruse the amazing selection of Canadian-made truffles and enjoy the chance for a meet & greet with a local author.


January


Thursday, January 11th, 7:00-9:00pm, in person

Muskoka Authors Association

Join Carolyn as she reads from and talks about the inspiration behind her novels, the twists and turns of her publishing journey, and what the writing process looks like at 5am when you don’t have a coherent plan or outline.

2023

January


Saturday, January 28th, 3:00-4:00pm, in person

Meet the Author at Dunnville Public Library

Join me at the Dunnville branch of the Haldimand County Public Library for an author reading and conversation about my latest book, Sins of the Daughter.


March


Saturday, March 18th, 2:00-4:00pm, in person

Book Launch for Grandpa’s Stars

Join me at Rookery Books in beautiful downtown Galt to celebrate the release of Grandpa’s Stars. There will be cookies and colouring!
Link to register


April


Saturday, April 22nd, 11:00am-12:00pm, in person

Cozy Saturday Stories at the Waterloo Public Library (Eastside Branch)

A special active story time with children’s authors Carolyn Huizinga Mills and Danette Byatt, including activities, songs, and crafts!
Details here


Sunday, April 23rd, 1:00pm-6:00pm, in person

Stratford Book Fair & Market at the Stratford Country Club

Come join us for an afternoon celebrating the written word. Browse over 30 Authors, Publishers and Artisans for personalized sized books and bookish goodies. Celebrating national book day with Canadian authors, publishers and small crafters.

Details here


May


Saturday, May 6th, 2:00pm-3:30pm, in person

Reading, Q&A, and book signing at the Grand River Stanley Park Library

Local author Carolyn Huizinga Mills will be at the Grand River Stanley Park Library discussing her 2022 novel, Sins of the Daughter. This event will feature a reading, Q&A and book signing.
Details here


Tuesday, May 16th, 7:00pm-8:00pm, in person

A Discussion with Author Carolyn Huizinga Mills at the Waterloo Public Library (Eastside Branch)

Carolyn will be joined by Kayleigh Platz to discuss her newest novel, Sins of the Daughter, and all things writing.
Details here


June


Saturday, June 10th, 11:00am-4:00pm, in person

Vendor at Wellington County Writers’ Market

This summer the Writers’ Festival will take place on Saturday June 10, 2023 from 11:00AM – 4:00PM at the Wellington County Museum and Archives. Join us for a day filled with writers’ talks, creative workshops, live entertainment, and a book fair!

Details here


Sunday, June 18th, 1:00pm-3:00pm, in person

Signing at Indigo Conestoga

Join me at Indigo Conestoga where I’ll be signing and hopefully enticing customers with chocolate!


August


Friday & Saturday, August 25th & 26th, 2:30pm & 4:30pm, in person

Readings at CNE’s Storybook Nook in Kids’ World

Carolyn will be reading her picture books at 2:30pm and 4:30pm on both the Friday and Saturday at the Storybook Nook, a new activation in Kids’ World that introduces children to the wide and wonderful world of literature. Kids’ World is a 4-acre piece of parkland which is transformed during the CNE into a world of live stage performances, circus workshops, live animal shows, community engagement, creativity and exploration for kids aged 3 months to 10 years.
Details here


September

Saturday, September 9th, 1:00-7:00pm, in person

Waterloo Book Fest in Waterloo Public Square

Saturday, September 16th, 10:00am-4:00pm, in person

Bookapalooza at the Minden Curling Club

Saturday, September 30th, 11:00am-4:00pm, in person

Cambridge Book Market on Main Street in Downtown Galt

2022

September


Thursday, September 8th, 5:30-7:30pm, in person

Launch Party for Sins of the Daughter

Join us at A Different Drummer Books in Burlington. There will be food, art, a reading, and lots of books! I am so excited to celebrate this book’s release!
Link to register


Friday, September 9th, 5-8pm, in person

Book Signing at Waterloo Indigo

Join me at the Waterloo Indigo in Conestoga Mall to say hello and to get a signed copy of Sins of the Daughter.


Saturday, September 10th, 12-5pm, in person

Book Signing at Kitchener Indigo

Join me at the Kitchener Indigo on Fairway Road to say hello and to get a signed copy of Sins of the Daughter.


Saturday, September 24th, 11am, in person

Bookapalooza at the Minden Community Centre

Join me at the Children’s Book Nook for a special reading, hosted by the Haliburton & District Lion’s Club. For a complete look at the day’s offerings, click here.


October


Thursday, October 6th, 7-8pm, virtual

An Evening with Carolyn Huizinga Mills hosted by Your Bookish Life

Kayleigh Platz will be talking to Carolyn about her latest book, Sins of the Daughter. This is a virtual event and will be taking place over Zoom and Facebook Live. Register for the event here.

Thursday, October 20th, 7-8pm, virtual

From Picture Books to Full-Length Novels: Behind the Scenes with Author Carolyn Huizinga Mills hosted by Region of Waterloo Library.

Join local author Carolyn Huizinga Mills in conversation with Kayleigh Platz for a candid discussion about writing for both children and adults, tips and strategies for finding time to write, and lessons learned on the road to publication.