Andrea Curtis writes books that spark big ideas—about how we live, move, shop, and take care of each other and the planet. From City Streets Are for People to her newest title, Loop de Loop, Andrea’s stories introduce kids to concepts like car-free cities and circular economies in ways that feel hopeful, empowering, and beautifully grounded in everyday life. At VOOMcart, we share those same values: we believe walking builds community, that local shopping matters, and that small daily choices can create meaningful change.
This month, we’re teaming up with TYPE Books—a beloved community bookstore that shares our values and Andrea’s too—for a special VOOMcart giveaway. When we heard Andrea had gotten herself a VOOMcart, we reached out to learn more about what drives her work, what keeps her inspired, and how walking with your stuff (in style!) fits into the bigger picture.
Erin- Andrea, your books speak so beautifully to the power of community, walkable cities, and healthy, local food. What drives your passion for sharing these ideas with kids?
Andrea - Aw, thanks, Erin!
I started writing kids’ books when my own boys were small, and I hoped we could connect over them. Now they’re in their 20s, I keep doing it because of all the amazing kids I meet in schools and at events where we talk about the importance of community, sustainability and connection to nature. I am consistently blown away by their creativity, engagement and delight in the world.
Erin - What is the ultimate goal that you hope your young readers carry from your books?
Andrea - When I was a kid there was a TV variety show called Kids are People, Too. (Kiss famously appeared on it!) I took the sentiment seriously and wore my favourite KAPT T-shirt to death.
The idea that kids need to, want to and have the potential for agency in their lives and the world is what drives me in all my work for children.
I believe kids can make a difference and that adults have an obligation to facilitate them. I’m not saying it’s the job of children to clean up the mess—adults need to take responsibility for the planet we are passing on to them. But I want young people to feel empowered through knowledge, through listening, sharing, through being in nature. I think this is where hope lies—in imagination paired with the ability to act.
Erin - Your books are packed with fresh, hopeful ideas—from repair cafés to car-free streets. Where do you find your inspiration?
Andrea - In a world dominated by terrible news, I am constantly on the hunt for hopeful ideas. I think hope is a radical act, an act of resistance. I’m not saying we have to pretend things aren’t dire—truly difficult, even paralyzing—just that there are also incredible stories of human and other creature innovation, of connection, generosity, beautiful flights of imagination, animals and birds and bugs that astonish, wild places that makes you feel lucky to be alive. When we open our eyes to this, as well, allowing that both anxiety and beauty can exist at once, it feels (even if only for a second) like inspiration is everywhere.
Books by Andrea Curtis
Erin - Do your ideas tend to arrive spontaneously, or do they live on a kind of continuum—building one story to the next as your vision for better communities expands?
Andrea - Many times, the idea for one book or article starts with research on another. For instance, my book coming out this fall, The Story and Science of Hope (illustrated by Ana Suárez), emerged from talking to kids about cities and sustainability while promoting my ThinkCities series (A Forest in the City, City of Neighbors, etc). Young readers spoke of their fears and worries about climate disaster and I found myself wondering about where hope comes from. When I started researching it, I was shocked to discover a rich and diverse body of scientific research from neuroscience to behavioural psychology, education, medicine to economics. I learned that hope is real and quantifiable.
Hopeful people are happier, healthier and do better in school. And perhaps most importantly, hope can be taught and nurtured. Hope grows in community. It felt urgent to share what I found with kids.
Erin - And finally—we're thrilled you're now rolling with a VOOMcart! How do you see it fitting into your vision of everyday choices that empower people, connect communities, and ultimately just make us all a little happier?
Andrea - I’ve become a proselytizer for the VOOMcart since a proper grocery
opened in my previously underserved downtown Toronto neighbourhood.
I love it! I’ve been offering to share my cart with all my neighbours (one family decided they needed their own and they call it Dolly Carton! LOL). I loathe driving in the city so having the ability to do a full week’s shop without a car, or lugging my bags on my bike or shoulders and has freed me up to enjoy the process.
I can stop in at shops along the way, chat with my neighbours, have a coffee, really appreciate the city. It changes everything.
Rapid Fire Fun Facts
1. Your dream Saturday morning destination with your VOOMcart?
TYPE books on Queen Street with stops along the way at Kensington Market for Blackbird bread, fresh veggies and smoked fish, then Bricolage on College for their extraordinary pastries.
2. Favourite walking route in your city?
High Park, with a close second in the Evergreen to Moore Park ravine loop.
3. Favourite things about walking your shop?
Not driving. Not parking. Talking to my neighbours.
4. One kid’s book you think every adult should read?
Adults can learn so much from children’s books. There are endless incredible contemporary books out there but the book I loved most as a kid still has so much to offer. The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf (about a gentle bull who’d rather smell the flowers than fight in the bullring) is one of my favourites of all time.
Pre-order Andrea's new book The Story of Science of Hope(out in October) from TYPE books here.
Learn more about Andrea here.
