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The Telling Tales Reading List is a digital archive of great Canadian children’s literature. It is a resource for parents, guardians, and educators. This curated list of books is used to program our events throughout the year, including the annual Festival.

Check out our Reading List Activities, including Reading List Bingo, to get special rewards at partner bookstores!

  • A Coyote Columbus Story

    A Coyote Columbus Story

    By Thomas King

    Groundwood Books

    September 1, 2007

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesHistoryHumourIndigenous

    Age / Grade 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    A retelling of the Christopher Columbus story from an Indigenous point of view turns the tale on its ear!

  • A Coyote Solstice Tale

    A Coyote Solstice Tale

    By Thomas King

    Groundwood Books

    September 1, 2009

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipHumourIndigenous

    Age / Grade 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    Trickster Coyote is having his friends over for a festive solstice get-together in the woods when a little girl comes by unexpectedly. She leads the party-goers through the snowy woods to a shopping mall -- a place they have never seen before.

  • A Girl Like That

    A Girl Like That

    By Tanaz Bhathena

    Farrar Straus and Giroux

    February 27, 2018

    Fiction

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessLove and Romance

    Age / Grade 12-14 / Grades 7-8 14-18 / Grades 9+

  • A Likkle Miss Lou: How Jamaican Poet Louise Bennett Coverley Found Her Voice

    A Likkle Miss Lou: How Jamaican Poet Louise Bennett Coverley Found Her Voice

    By Nadia L. Hohn

    Owlkids Books

    August 15, 2019

    Non-Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesBiographyHistoryNon-Fiction

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    An Own Voices story of a child finding and trusting her words, this picture book tells the story of Miss Lou’s early years, when she was a young girl growing up in Jamaica.

  • Alligator Pie

    Alligator Pie

    By Dennis Lee

    Harper Collins Canada

    Fiction

    Board Book

    ThemesPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1

    Lee's timeless rhyme is paired with striking artwork by Sandy Nichols, winner of a nationwide competition to find the perfect illustrator for the iconic poem.

  • Alligator Pie (40th Anniversary edition)

    Alligator Pie (40th Anniversary edition)

    By Dennis Lee

    Harper Collins Canada

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1

    One of the first illustrated books published about Canadian children and featuring Canadian place names, Alligator Pie established Dennis Lee’s reputation as “Canada’s Father Goose” and has sold more than half a million copies since its publication i

  • Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao

    Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao

    By Charlene Chua

    Simon & Schuster Canada

    October 1, 2019

    Fiction

    ThemesCooking / FoodEmotions and Social AwarenessFamily and FriendshipPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    Meet the funny, fierce, and fearless Amy Wu, who is determined to make a perfect bao bun today...

  • Animals of Chinese New Year

    Animals of Chinese New Year

    By Jen Sookfong Lee

    Orca Book Publishers

    January 8, 2019

    Fiction

    Board Book

    ThemesFamily and Friendship

    Age / Grade 0-4 / Early Years

    In this festive dual-language board book, twelve animals race to see who will represent the Chinese zodiac. In English and Simplified Chinese.

  • Anyone’s Game (Cross Ups, Book 2)

    Anyone’s Game (Cross Ups, Book 2)

    By Sylv Chiang

    Annick Press

    September 11, 2018

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesHumourSports and Games

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6 12-14 / Grades 7-8

  • Awesome is Everywhere

    Awesome is Everywhere

    By Neil Pasricha

    Puffin Canada

    Hardcover

    ThemesNature and environmentPicture Book

    Age / Grade 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    Are you ready? With the simple touch of your fingers go on a stunning interactive journey to see the world as you never have before. Fly through wispy clouds, dive deep into the sparkling ocean, feel wet grains of sand on a hot and sunny beach...

  • Big Water

    Big Water

    By Andrea Curtis

    Orca Book Publishers

    March 6, 2018

    Fiction

    ThemesHistoryLove and RomanceNature and environment

    Age / Grade 12-14 / Grades 7-8 14-18 / Grades 9+

  • Bite Into Blood Suckers

    Bite Into Blood Suckers

    By Ishta Mercurio

    Fitzhenry and Whiteside

    August 6, 2015

    Non-Fiction

    ThemesNature and environmentNon-Fiction

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6 12-14 / Grades 7-8

  • BroBots and the Kaiju Kerfuffle!

    BroBots and the Kaiju Kerfuffle!

    By J. Torres

    Oni Press

    June 8, 2016

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesHumourSci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 6-8 / Grades 1-3 8-12 / Grades 3-6

    In BroBots and the Kaiju Kerfuffle! a trio of robot bros reel in a big challenge and must band together to battle a giant monster in this playful take on classic kaiju-mech and fairytale stories.

  • Canada Animals

    Canada Animals

    By Paul Covello

    HarperCollins Canada

    September 5, 2018

    Non-Fiction

    ThemesNature and environmentNon-FictionPicture Book

    Age / Grade 0-4 / Early Years

    Board Book

  • Chinese New Year: A Celebration for Everyone

    Chinese New Year: A Celebration for Everyone

    By Jen Sookfong Lee

    Orca Book Publishers

    January 19, 2019

    Non-Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipHistory

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

    Part of the nonfiction Orca Origins series, Chinese New Year is illustrated with color photographs throughout. Readers will learn how a simple gathering of family and friends grew into a weeklong, worldwide festival.

  • Coyote Tales

    Coyote Tales

    By Thomas King

    Groundwood Books

    October 1, 2017

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesHumourIndigenousNature and environment

    Age / Grade 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    Two tales, set in a time “when animals and human beings still talked to each other,” display Thomas King’s cheeky humor and master storytelling skills.

  • Crimson

    Crimson

    By Arthur Slade

    HarperCollins Canada

    May 8, 2018

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesSci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

    A ruthless queen. An ancient god. One brave girl and an impossible choice.

  • Curtain Up!

    Curtain Up!

    By Dirk McLean

    Tundra Books

    September 14, 2010

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessFamily and Friendship

    Age / Grade 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    Young Amaya is auditioning for a role in a professional play. Although she longs to perform, she is about to learn how much team effort and hard work is involved.

  • Cute as an Axolotl

    Cute as an Axolotl

    By Jess Keating

    Random House Children's Books

    August 28, 2018

    Fiction

    ThemesNature and environmentSTEM

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

  • Diwali Lights

    Diwali Lights

    By Rina Singh

    Orca Book Publishers

    August 28, 2018

    Fiction

    Board Book

    ThemesFamily and Friendship

    Age / Grade 0-4 / Early Years

    A dazzling board book that introduces little ones to the Indian festival of Diwali through a selection of brilliant sights and sounds.

  • Ebb and Flow

    Ebb and Flow

    By Heather Smith

    Kids Can Press

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessFamily and Friendship

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

    When his father went to jail, Jett and his mother moved away, and Jett quickly learned that fresh starts aren’t all they’re cracked up to be

  • Elephant Secret

    Elephant Secret

    By Eric Walters

    Puffin Canada

    August 19, 2019

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipNature and environment

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

    We Bought a Zoo meets Jurassic Park in a gripping story featuring the evergreen appeal of human-animal friendships and set in an elephant sanctuary, about a thirteen-year-old girl, a cast of elephants, and a surprising new arrival—a woolly mammoth.

  • Fate of Flames

    Fate of Flames

    By Sarah Raughley

    Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster)

    November 21, 2017

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesSci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 14-18 / Grades 9+

    Four girls with the power to control the elements must come together to save the world from a terrible evil in this “series opener [that] has it all” (Kirkus Reviews).

  • Follow Your Stuff

    Follow Your Stuff

    By Kevin Sylvester

    Annick Press

    April 9, 2019

    Non-Fiction

    ThemesAdventureNon-FictionSTEM

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6 12-14 / Grades 7-8

  • Fox and Squirrel Help Out

    Fox and Squirrel Help Out

    By Ruth Ohi

    Scholastic Canada

    August 28, 2018

    Fiction

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

  • Gifts

    Gifts

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipPicture Book

    Age / Grade 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    When Grandma heads out for adventure she asks her granddaughter what she should bring back.

  • Gross as a Snot Otter

    Gross as a Snot Otter

    By Jess Keating

    Random House Children's Books

    October 9, 2019

    Fiction

    ThemesNature and environmentSTEM

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

  • Grumpy Bird

    Grumpy Bird

    By Jeremy Tankard

    Scholastic Canada

    Board Book

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessFamily and FriendshipPicture Book

    Age / Grade 0-4 / Early Years

    Bird wakes up grumpy. Too grumpy to eat, play―or even fly. "Looks like I'm walking today," says Bird grumpily

  • Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter

    Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter

    By Nadia L. Hohn

    HarperCollins

    December 31, 2018

    Non-Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesHistoryNon-Fiction

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1

    Learn about the inspiring life of Harriet Tubman in this I Can Read Level Two reader, complete with historical back matter.

  • Haunted Canada 8: More Chilling True Tales

    Haunted Canada 8: More Chilling True Tales

    By Joel A. Sutherland

    Scholastic Canada

    April 24, 2018

    Non-Fiction

    ThemesHorrorNon-Fiction

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

  • Holi Colors

    Holi Colors

    By Rina Singh

    Orca Book Publishers

    February 13, 2018

    Fiction

    Board Book

    ThemesFamily and Friendship

    Age / Grade 0-4 / Early Years

    A vibrant board book that introduces little ones to the Hindu festival of Holi with a rainbow of colors.

  • How to Spot a Sasquatch

    How to Spot a Sasquatch

    By J. Torres

    Owlkids Books

    May 15, 2018

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipHumourNature and environment

    Age / Grade 6-8 / Grades 1-3 8-12 / Grades 3-6

    An action-packed graphic novel that shows no friendship is impossible.

  • I Am Not a Number

    I Am Not a Number

    By Kathy Kacer

    Second Story Press

    September 6, 2016

    Fiction

    ThemesHistoryIndigenous

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

  • I am Raven

    I am Raven

    By David Bouchard

    MTW Publishers

    Hardcover

    ThemesInclusion & DiversityPicture Book

    Age / Grade 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    I Am Raven explores the world of totems and animal spirit guides.

  • I Want My Hat Back

    I Want My Hat Back

    By Jon Klassen

    Candlewick Press

    September 27, 2011

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesHumour

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    The bear’s hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no, some more elaborately than others.

  • If I Had a Gryphon

    If I Had a Gryphon

    By Vikki VanSickle

    Tundra Books

    February 9, 2016

    Fiction

    ThemesHumourPicture BookSci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

  • Inkling

    Inkling

    By Kenneth Oppel

    HarperCollins Canada

    September 11, 2018

    Fiction

    ThemesAdventureSci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6 12-14 / Grades 7-8

  • Ira Crumb Feels the Feelings

    Ira Crumb Feels the Feelings

    By Naseem Hrab

    Owlkids Books

    October 15, 2018

    Fiction

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

  • Ira Crumb Makes a Pretty Good Friend

    Ira Crumb Makes a Pretty Good Friend

    By Naseem Hrab

    Owlkids Books

    August 15, 2017

    Fiction

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

  • Jewel of The Thames. Book One in the Portia Adams Adventures

    Jewel of The Thames. Book One in the Portia Adams Adventures

    By Angela Misri

    Fierce Ink Press

    March 25, 2014

    Fiction

    ThemesAdventureMystery

    Age / Grade 12-14 / Grades 7-8 14-18 / Grades 9+

  • Legacy of Light

    Legacy of Light

    By Sarah Raughley

    Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster)

    December 3, 2019

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesSci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 14-18 / Grades 9+

    The Effigies must uncover the connection between Saul, Blackwell, and the Phantoms before it’s too late in this epic conclusion to the Effigies trilogy.

  • Love from Mecca to Medina

    Love from Mecca to Medina

    By S.K. Ali

    Salaam Reads/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

    Non-Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesLove and Romance

    Age / Grade 14-18 / Grades 9+

    Content Islamophobia Multiple Sclerosis Sex Positivity Xenophobia

  • Malaika’s Costume

    Malaika’s Costume

    By Nadia L. Hohn

    Groundwood Books

    March 1, 2016

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessFamily and FriendshipSports and Games

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    It’s Carnival time. The first Carnival since Malaika’s mother moved to Canada to find a good job and provide for Malaika and her grandmother. Will Malaika still be able to dance in the parade?

  • Malaika’s Winter Carnival

    Malaika’s Winter Carnival

    By Nadia L. Hohn

    Groundwood Books

    September 1, 2017

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessFamily and FriendshipSports and Games

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    Malaika is happy to be reunited with Mummy, but it means moving to Canada, where everything is different. It’s cold in Québec City, no one understands when she talks and Carnival is nothing like the celebration Malaika knows from home!

  • Mama’s Day With Little Gray

    Mama’s Day With Little Gray

    By Aimee Reid

    Random House Books for Young Readers

    March 25, 2014

    Fiction

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipNature and environmentPicture Book

    Age / Grade 0-4 / Early Years 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1

  • Me, Toma and the Concrete Garden

    Me, Toma and the Concrete Garden

    By Andrew Larsen

    Kids Can Press

    May 7, 2019

    Fiction

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipNature and environmentPicture Book

    Age / Grade 0-4 / Early Years 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1

  • Meet Tom Longboat

    Meet Tom Longboat

    By Elizabeth MacLeod

    Scholastic Canada

    January 8, 2019

    Non-Fiction

    ThemesBiographyHistoryIndigenousNon-FictionPicture BookSports and Games

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

  • Mission Mumbai: A Novel of Sacred Cows, Snakes, and Stolen Toilets

    Mission Mumbai: A Novel of Sacred Cows, Snakes, and Stolen Toilets

    By Mahtab Narsimhan

    Scholastic Canada

    March 29, 2016

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessFamily and Friendship

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

    Travel to the colorful and chaotic streets of India from the comfort of your home in this hilarious and heartfelt story about friendship and family.

  • Mortimer

    Mortimer

    By Robert Munsch

    Annick Press

    Paperback

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipHumourPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1

    Mortimer will not be quiet and go to sleep. Not for his mother, or his father, or his seventeen sisters and brothers, not even for the police.

  • My Beautiful Birds

    My Beautiful Birds

    By Suzanne Del Rizzo

    Pajama Press

    March 1, 2017

    Fiction

    ThemesNature and environmentPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

  • My Heart Fills With Happiness / sâkaskinêw nitêh miywêyihtamowin ohci

    My Heart Fills With Happiness / sâkaskinêw nitêh miywêyihtamowin ohci

    By Monique Gray Smith

    Orca Book Publishers

    September 18, 2018

    Fiction

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessFamily and FriendshipHealth and WellnessIndigenousPicture Book

    Age / Grade 0-4 / Early Years

  • My Teacher’s Not Here

    My Teacher’s Not Here

    By Lana Button

    Kids Can Press

    April 3, 2018

    Fiction

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessFamily and FriendshipPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

  • Neil Flambé and the Bard’s Banquet

    Neil Flambé and the Bard’s Banquet

    By Kevin Sylvester

    Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

    February 23, 2016

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesMystery

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

    Neil, “the flamboyant, irrepressible chef” (Kirkus Reviews), travels across the pond for a real honey of a case in the fifth book in The Neil Flambé Capers, the culinary mystery series celebrity chef Gordon Ramsey calls “good fun.”

  • Neil Flambé and the Duel in the Desert

    Neil Flambé and the Duel in the Desert

    By Kevin Sylvester

    Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers

    February 21, 2017

    Fiction

    ThemesCooking / FoodMystery

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

  • Never Let You Go

    Never Let You Go

    By Patricia Storms

    Scholastic Canada

    December 27, 2016

    Fiction

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessFamily and FriendshipPicture Book

    Age / Grade 0-4 / Early Years

  • No Help Wanted!

    No Help Wanted!

    By Ruth Ohi

    Scholastic Canada

    July 30, 2019

    Fiction

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

  • No Ordinary Day

    No Ordinary Day

    By Deborah Ellis

    Groundwood Books

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesAdventureEmotions and Social Awareness

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6 12-14 / Grades 7-8

    There's not much that upsets young Valli. Even though her days are spent picking coal and fighting with her cousins, life in the coal town of Jharia, India, is the only life she knows.

  • Once Every Never

    Once Every Never

    By Lesley Livingston

    Razorbill Canada

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesSci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 14-18 / Grades 9+

    Clarinet Reid is a pretty typical teenager. On the surface. She’s smart, but a bit of slacker; outgoing, but just a little insecure; not exactly a mischief-maker …

  • Optimists Die First

    Optimists Die First

    By Susin Nielsen

    Tundra Books

    February 20, 2018

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessHealth and WellnessHumourLove and Romance

    Age / Grade 14-18 / Grades 9+

    This touching, hilarious tragi-comedy proves: Life is out to get you. But so is love. A quirky alternative to the "sick lit" genre for YA readers.

  • Plain Kate

    Plain Kate

    By Erin Bow

    Scholastic Canada

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesSci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 12-14 / Grades 7-8

    Plain Kate lives in a world of superstitions and curses, where a song can heal a wound and a shadow can work deep magic.

  • Putuguq & Kublu and the Qalupalik!

    Putuguq & Kublu and the Qalupalik!

    By Roselynn Akulukjuk

    Inhabit Media

    October 30, 2018

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipHumourIndigenous

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    What creatures lurk beneath the sea ice? Putuguq and Kublu — two siblings who can’t seem to get along — are about to find out!

  • Read Me a Story, Stella

    Read Me a Story, Stella

    By Marie-Louise Gay

    Groundwood Books

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1

    Stella introduces little brother Sam to the pleasures of reading. Sam is as busy and worried as ever, and Stella almost always has her nose in a book these days, but she finds time to help him out, while sharing her new pastime

  • Sam & Eva

    Sam & Eva

    By Debbie Ridpath Ohi

    Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

    October 17, 2017

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesFamily and Friendship

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    Harold and the Purple Crayon meets Tom and Jerry in this sweet and funny picture book about a boy and girl who must balance their creativity and figure out how to cooperate after their drawings come to life.

  • Sea Monkey & Bob

    Sea Monkey & Bob

    By Debbie Ridpath Ohi

    Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

    April 25, 2017

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesFamily and Friendship

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    Two delightfully anxious friends learn that they can overcome anything—even gravity—in this humorous and heartwarming picture book from bestselling author Aaron Reynolds and illustrator Debbie Ridpath Ohi.

  • Sharon, Lois and Bram’s Skinnamarink

    Sharon, Lois and Bram’s Skinnamarink

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipPicture Book

    Age / Grade 0-4 / Early Years 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1

    Based on the classic folk song made famous by a beloved trio of children's entertainers, this board book is best sung aloud!

  • Short for Chameleon

    Short for Chameleon

    By Vicki Grant

    HarperCollins Canada

    March 7, 2017

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipLove and Romance

    Age / Grade 12-14 / Grades 7-8

    Embarrassed by your brother? Estranged from your uncle? Then you might need some help from Almost Family Surrogate Agency. Cam Redden and his dad are rent-a-relatives, available for hire to anyone looking to upgrade.

  • Siege of Shadows

    Siege of Shadows

    By Sarah Raughley

    Margaret K. McElderry Books (Simon & Schuster)

    November 20, 2018

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesSci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 14-18 / Grades 9+

    The Effigies seek out the true origins of the Phantoms that terrorize their world in this thrilling follow-up to Fate of Flames, which Elise Chapman calls “an immersive and monstrously fun read.”

  • Sir Simon: Super Scarer

    Sir Simon: Super Scarer

    By Cale Atkinson

    Tundra Books

    September 4, 2018

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipHumourSci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1

    A delightful, funny story of friendship, ghost chores, a spooky house and a professional haunter. Meet Sir Simon - a ghost - and Chester - a kid - as they get to know each other and slowly become friends.

  • Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster

    Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster

    By Jonathan Auxier

    Puffin Books

    September 10, 2019

    Fiction

    ThemesHistorySci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

  • Team Fugee

    Team Fugee

    By Dirk McLean

    James Lorimer & Company

    April 8, 2017

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesSports and Games

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6 12-14 / Grades 7-8

    Ozzie and the other Nigerian refugees compete with a team of refugees from Syria for time on the soccer field. The two rival teams must then unite to try to win the division championship.

  • The Almost Epic Squad Series: Irresistible

    The Almost Epic Squad Series: Irresistible

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesGraphic NovelHumourSci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

    Archie O’Kaye mostly annoys people — except when he’s completely dazzling them. Either way, he’s not bothered. But why is everyone else acting so strange?

  • The Almost Epic Squad Series: Super Sketchy

    The Almost Epic Squad Series: Super Sketchy

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesGraphic NovelHumourSci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

    Daisy Kildare wishes she could be talented at . . . well . . . anything. When she ends up at an elite art camp under unusual circumstances, she decides to try her hand at drawing. What could go wrong?

  • The Almost Epic Squad: Mucus Mayhem

    The Almost Epic Squad: Mucus Mayhem

    By Kevin Sylvester Britt Wilson

    Scholastic Canada

    September 25, 2018

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesAdventureGraphic NovelHumour

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

    Jessica Flem has spent the better part of her life reacting allergically to everything — and much of it in her basement where she rules the online game Gang of Greats.

  • The Almost Epic Squad: What Blows Up

    The Almost Epic Squad: What Blows Up

    By Ted Staunton Britt Wilson

    Scholastic Canada

    January 1, 2019

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesAdventureGraphic NovelHumour

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

    If you could have any superpower, what would you choose? How about the ability to move things with your mind? But what if concentration and coordination weren't your strongest skills?

  • The Bagel King

    The Bagel King

    By Andrew Larsen

    Kids Can Press

    May 1, 2018

    Fiction

    ThemesCooking / FoodFamily and FriendshipPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

  • The Best Mistake Mystery

    The Best Mistake Mystery

    By Sylvia McNicoll

    Dundurn Press

    January 7, 2017

    Fiction

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessFamily and FriendshipHumourMystery

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

  • The Brave Princess and Me

    The Brave Princess and Me

    By Kathy Kacer

    Second Story Press

    September 10, 2019

    Fiction

    ThemesBiographyFamily and FriendshipHistory

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

  • The Case of the Vanishing Caterpillar (#1 in Gumboots Kids Nature Mystery series)

    The Case of the Vanishing Caterpillar (#1 in Gumboots Kids Nature Mystery series)

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesMysteryPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1

    Join Scout and Daisy as they search for clues to solve the Case of the Vanishing Caterpillar.

  • The Case of Windy Lake (Book 1 in The Mighty Muskrats Mystery Series)

    The Case of Windy Lake (Book 1 in The Mighty Muskrats Mystery Series)

    By Michael Hutchinson

    Second Story Press

    March 18, 2019

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesHistoryIndigenousMysteryNature and environment

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6 12-14 / Grades 7-8

    A visiting archaeologist goes missing, and four inseparable cousins decide to solve the mystery. In the midst of community conflict and family concerns, they follow every lead. The Mighty Muskrats won’t let anything stop them from solving their case!

  • The Hunchback Assignments

    The Hunchback Assignments

    By Arthur Slade

    HarperCollins Canada

    October 26, 2010

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesHorrorMysterySci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

    A gripping series that combines Steampunk, spying, and a fantastic Victorian London.

  • The Imaginary Garden

    The Imaginary Garden

    By Andrew Larsen

    Kids Can Press

    March 1, 2009

    Fiction

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipNature and environmentPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1

    Theodora loved her grandfather's old garden. His new apartment's balcony is too windy and small for a garden. But what appears to be a drawback soon leads to a shared burst of creativity as Theo and her Poppa decide to paint a new garden.

  • The Night Gardener

    The Night Gardener

    By Jonathan Auxier

    Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers

    May 5, 2015

    Fiction

    ThemesHistoryHorrorSci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

  • The Owl and the Lemming

    The Owl and the Lemming

    By Roselynn Akulukjuk

    Inhabit Media Inc.

    October 17, 2016

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesHumourIndigenousNature and environment

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    As Owl swoops down and blocks the entrance to a lemming den, he is sure that he has a tasty meal in the little animal he has cornered. But this smart little lemming will need to appeal to the boastful owl's sense of pride to get away.

  • The Paperbag Princess

    The Paperbag Princess

    By Robert Munsch

    Annick Press

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesAdventureEmotions and Social AwarenessPicture Book

    Age / Grade 0-4 / Early Years 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    When the fiercest dragon in the whole world smashes Princess Elizabeth’s castle, burns all her clothes, and captures her fiancé, Prince Ronald, Elizabeth takes matters into her own hands

  • The Pirate and the Penguin

    The Pirate and the Penguin

    By Patricia Storms

    Owl Kids

    September 1, 2009

    Fiction

    ThemesAdventureFamily and FriendshipPicture Book

    Age / Grade 0-4 / Early Years

  • The Scarecrow

    The Scarecrow

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessFamily and FriendshipPicture Book

    Age / Grade 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    All the animals know not to mess with old Scarecrow. But when a small, scared crow falls from midair, Scarecrow does the strangest thing.…He saves the tiny baby crow.

  • The Water Walker

    The Water Walker

    By Joanne Robertson

    Second Story Press

    September 5, 2017

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipIndigenousNature and environmentPicture Book

    Age / Grade 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    Nokomis – our grandmothers – walk to protect our water, and to protect all of us. The story of a determined Ojibwe Grandmother (Nokomis) Josephine-ba Mandamin and her great love for Nibi (water).

  • The Wind Plays Tricks

    The Wind Plays Tricks

    By Charlene Chua

    Albert Whitman & Company

    March 1, 2019

    ThemesHumourNature and environmentPicture Book

    Age / Grade 0-4 / Early Years 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1

  • The Winnowing

    The Winnowing

    By Vikki VanSickle

    Scholastic Canada

    September 1, 2017

    Fiction

    ThemesAdventureSci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 12-14 / Grades 7-8 14-18 / Grades 9+

    In a world where the familiar has sinister undertones, two friends are torn apart just when they need one another most.

  • There Were Monkeys in my Kitchen

    There Were Monkeys in my Kitchen

    By Sheree Fitch

    Nimbus Publishing

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesHumourPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1

    Willa Wellowby’s house has been overrun by monkeys. They’re ballet dancing, playing the bagpipes, listening to the Beatles, and causing mayhem and destruction all over the house and yard.

  • This Is Not My Hat

    This Is Not My Hat

    By Jon Klassen

    Candlewick Press

    October 9, 2012

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesHumour

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    When a tiny fish shoots into view wearing a round blue topper (which happens to fit him perfectly), trouble could be following close behind. So it’s a good thing that enormous fish won’t wake up.

  • Tournament Fugee

    Tournament Fugee

    By Dirk McLean

    James Lorimer & Company

    August 15, 2017

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipSports and Games

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6 12-14 / Grades 7-8

    Unable to concentrate on his game because of the traumas he experienced in Syria, Victor, captain of a soccer team of refugee kids, discovers how to offer real leadership to his team during a national competition.

  • Tournament Trouble (Cross Ups, Book 1)

    Tournament Trouble (Cross Ups, Book 1)

    By Sylv Chiang

    Annick Press

    Fiction

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessHumourSports and Games

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

  • Two Peas in a Pod (#11 in Whatever After series)

    Two Peas in a Pod (#11 in Whatever After series)

    By Sarah Mlynowski

    Scholastic Inc.

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesAdventureEmotions and Social AwarenessSci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

    I’ve landed—along with my brother, Jonah, and our dog, Prince—on the other side of the portal . . . and in the fairy tale of The Princess and the Pea!

  • Unicorns 101

    Unicorns 101

    By Cale Atkinson

    Tundra Books

    September 3, 2019

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesHumourSci-Fi and Fantasy

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    Contained within this picture book is everything you ever wanted to know about the science behind unicorns: biology, history, diet, habitat and more. Join renowned unicorn scientists to learn the facts about this elusive species.

  • We Are All Made of Molecules

    We Are All Made of Molecules

    By Susin Nielsen

    Tundra Books

    May 10, 2016

    Fiction

    Paperback

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessFamily and FriendshipHumourLove and Romance

    Age / Grade 14-18 / Grades 9+

    Thirteen-year-old Stewart Inkster is academically brilliant but "ungifted" socially. Fourteen-year-old Ashley Anderson is the undisputed "It" girl of grade nine, but her marks stink. Their worlds are about to collide.

  • We Found a Hat

    We Found a Hat

    By Jon Klassen

    Candlewick Press

    October 11, 2016

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipHumour

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    Two turtles have found a hat. The hat looks good on both of them. But there are two turtles. And there is only one hat. . . .

  • What Makes a Monster?

    What Makes a Monster?

    By Jess Keating

    Random House Children's Books

    August 8, 2017

    Fiction

    ThemesNature and environmentNon-Fiction

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

  • What’s For Lunch?

    What’s For Lunch?

    By Andrea Curtis

    Red Deer Press

    June 28, 2012

    Non-Fiction

    ThemesActivismCooking / FoodNon-Fiction

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

  • When Molly Drew Dogs

    When Molly Drew Dogs

    By Deborah Kerbel

    OwlKids

    September 15, 2019

    Fiction

    ThemesPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

  • When the Cherry Blossoms Fell

    When the Cherry Blossoms Fell

    By Jennifer Maruno

    Dundurn Press

    April 15, 2009

    Fiction

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessFamily and FriendshipHistory

    Age / Grade 8-12 / Grades 3-6

  • When We Were Alone

    When We Were Alone

    By David A. Robertson

    HighWater Press

    December 1, 2016

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesFamily and FriendshipHistoryIndigenous

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    In this gentle book, a grandmother shares her experiences in a residential school with her granddaughter. A story of empowerment and strength from a difficult time in history.

  • Where Are My Books?

    Where Are My Books?

    By Debbie Ridpath Ohi

    Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

    June 11, 2019

    Fiction

    Hardcover

    ThemesMystery

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3

    A boy investigates a squirrelly situation to track down his missing stories in this charming ode to book lovers of all kinds.

  • You Hold Me Up

    You Hold Me Up

    By Monique Gray Smith

    Orca Book Publishers

    October 31, 2017

    ThemesEmotions and Social AwarenessFamily and FriendshipPicture Book

    Age / Grade 4-7 / Kindergarten-Grade 1 6-8 / Grades 1-3