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I'm inviting you to come play hide and seek across Canada. Raising money for First Book Canada, celebrating community, reading, being outside, and sharing my new children's book.
Reading Outside is a cross-Canada photography project by Andrew Knapp — photographer, dog walker, and children's book author. He's driving coast to coast, stopping at schools, libraries, and parks to create a collaborative portrait at each location. The result will be a series of photographs, one from every community, united by a single simple idea: get outside and bring a book.
Andrew sets up with his photography gear and invites anyone willing — kids, teachers, librarians, strangers — to take part. The instruction is simple: bring your favourite book and hold it open in front of your face, cover and back facing out. The book keeps everyone anonymous, gives people an easy creative task, and lets them quietly show pride in what they read. Andrew's dogs are hidden somewhere in every photo.
Hi, this is me — Andrew. I'm writing this. I wanted to do something that wasn't just a book tour. They feel self-serving. But if I can drive across the country, make something real with people in each place, raise money for kids who don't have access to books, and remind everyone that being outside together is still the best thing — why not try?
For every copy of Let's Find Yaya & Boo at the Park! sold on this project, $1 goes to First Book Canada — which translates to roughly one book donated to a child in a low-income family. The goal is to make the project feel like it matters beyond the photos, and to connect the act of reading with the kids who need it most.
Anyone. The portraits are designed to include kids especially, but the invitation is open. If you're near one of the stops, you're welcome to show up with your favourite book and be part of it. No experience required. Dogs welcome.
Yes, and it would make a real difference. Andrew is looking for people at each location who are comfortable with busy, energetic group settings, have some familiarity with photography or event coordination, and genuinely love what this is about. If that sounds like you, get in touch.
You can donate directly to First Book Canada, or support Andrew on Patreon. If you're in the US, First Book does similar work. And honestly — sharing this with someone who lives near one of the stops is one of the most useful things you can do.