5 Minutes with TVOKids' Gisèle

Popular TVOKids' host of the Big Backyard, Gisèle is visiting several library branches this month and meeting fans of her Big Backyard, as part of Keep Toronto Reading's Gisèle's Library Tour. Her first event at North York Central Library on Sun. Jan. 27 drew 250 guests, young and old. She'll next appear at Evelyn Gregory Branch this Wednesday, Feb. 6. View her complete schedule.

How did you become a host on TVOKids?

There was an ad in the paper announcing that TVO was searching for a preschool host for their morning programming block. To apply, you had to produce and host a short segment on video. After sending in my video, I was called in to TVO to audition. After four auditions, which included writing my own material, creating props (such as a puppet—I used my broom), and performing, I was offered the job. I was so happy to get that call, I literally vomited! I was over the moon. That was nine years ago, and I still love my job so much! I feel so lucky and honoured to have generations of children to learn and grow with me.

What is your favourite part about being a TVOKids host?

There are so many favourites. Besides meeting the children who are watching, and hearing what they have to say, and receiving their drawings and emails and HUGS (what rewards!), I also love that I get to relive my childhood in many ways by rediscovering the curriculum that early learners are being introduced to. In addition, the challenge of writing the material for the show also keeps me passionate for my job. Another favourite, of course, is playing the various characters I portray on the show. Lotta Numbers is my favourite. And finally, I love interacting with my buddies Sticks, Jay and Melvin. When the cameras aren't rolling, we have some great laughs.

You do a lot of personal appearances for kids. What is the funniest and/or most interesting question a kid has asked you?

I love it when children ask me how I have gotten out of the television.

What have been some memorable moments from your time at Gisèle's Big Backyard?

One recent memorable moment was when Jay and Nonna were talking about different objects that roll. At the end of the scene, Jay says she has to fly. Nonna says she has to roll. She drops to the floor and rolls out of the shot. When we watched the playback of the tape, seeing Nonna roll on the floor, the crew and I laughed so hard that I was in tears.

If you could have a different job from a TVOKids host, what would it be and why?

I don't want to be anything other than a TVOKids host. I really do love my job. If I wasn't so fortunate to have this job, I’d love to be acting in a role similar to Elaine on Seinfeld. I’d also love to write books for children—and to succeed at it. Oh, and to be a member of an amazing band like The Police.

What is your favourite children's book and why?

One of my favourite children's books is one that we are featuring in our Big Backyard Bookclub this January, Red Is Best by Kathy Stinson. It is an oldie but a goodie. It brings me warm, cozy feelings from when my mom read it to me as a kid, which I now experience as I read it to my daughter Jade, who is very similar to independent and strong-minded Kelly, who is featured in the book. I love the language in the book–it’s so simple, as well as the accompanying drawings.

Please list five books that are currently on your shelf.

Ecoholic by Adria Vasil
Survival: A Refugee Life by Fred Bruemmer
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert