In the Holly Jolly Activity Book, children were invited to draw the house they would most love to live in. The responses have begun arriving, and they showcase playful design, bright colors, and a hopeful sense of possibility. From coast to coast, children across Canada and the United States have shared drawings that turn the idea of a home into vivid fantasy. The team behind the book has been inspired by the creativity and effort poured into each entry, and they are excited to showcase standout submissions here.
The Water-slide Castle by Simone, 8, AB: The title promises a splashy adventure, and the drawing delivers with a towering castle that winds a twisting water slide into view. Bold blues and sunny yellows define the central tower, while teal accents trace arches and railings that shimmer like a pool on a bright day. The slide spirals from a high turret to a splashy pool below, inviting imagined riders to race through a spray of sparkling droplets. Flags wave from the crenellated battlements, and a gentle moat hints at friendly creatures peeking from the water. The surrounding landscape is simplified yet full of energy, with a grassy hill rolling toward a sunlit horizon. Simone, eight years old from Alberta, uses the page as a playground for storytelling, letting the castle become a stage for action, laughter, and safe mischief. This entry speaks to a sense of joy and childlike wonder, turning a neighborhood backyard dream into a scale model of an epic adventure that feels just within reach.
The Pokemon House by Greta, 10, SK: Greta’s entry imagines a home where familiar creatures and everyday life mingle with travel and friendship. The facade glows with bright reds, blues, and yellows, while windows are shaped like friendly Pokemon silhouettes. The roofline curves playfully, and a fence decorated with tiny badges suggests a personal tribute to favorite characters. Inside, rooms are imagined as safe spaces for play, study, and collaboration with imaginary roommates. Greta, a ten-year-old from Saskatchewan, writes a story with her colors: a living room that doubles as a training arena, a kitchen filled with both snacks and science experiments, and a backyard that hosts a mini gym for imaginary battles. The design conveys energy and curiosity, inviting viewers to join in the pretend world where friends gather, games begin, and every corner holds new possibilities. The overall effect is warm, welcoming, and full of movement, a celebration of imagination that makes a house feel instantly alive.
The Crayola Castle by Erica, 10, ON: Erica’s entry turns a grand residence into a canvas bursting with color. The towers rise high, each painted with a different spectrum that reads like a vivid crayon palette. Bold strokes mimic brushwork and marker lines, giving the facade a sense of texture and movement. Drawbridges sparkle in metallic tones, while banners ripple with a rainbow of hues. The surrounding landscape is sketched with light, color, and playful shapes that echo a child’s doodle turned into architecture. Erica, ten years old from Ontario, demonstrates confidence in composition, balancing exuberant color with clear forms. The room interiors suggested by the drawing hint at warmth, with cozy corners for reading, art, and friends. The castle feels like a celebration of creativity, where imagination has built its own home and invited others to step inside and dream aloud. This entry stands out for its fearless color choices, cheerful mood, and the sense that the story behind the drawing is as important as the image itself.
To submit your dream castle, or drawing of any kind, click here!