41 Canadian picture books to watch for in fall 2021
Here are the Canadian picture books we are looking forward to this season.
The House Next Door by Claudine Crangle
The House Next Door is a picture book about the life of an old house. Using mixed media such as paint, fabric and cardboard, The House Next Door uses wit, images and language to tell the story of a sturdy little house and how winds of change, represented by new homes, forever change the neighbourhood dynamic.
The House Next Door is ages 3 to 6.
When you can read it: Aug. 1, 2021
Claudine Crangle is a Toronto-based author and multidisciplinary artist whose previous picture books include Priscilla Pack Rat and Woolfred Cannot Eat Dandelions.
A Kid is a Kid is a Kid by Sara O'Leary, illustrated by Qin Leng
A Kid is a Kid is a Kid looks at life being the new kid at school. Through vibrant illustrations, the picture book explores themes of tolerance, acceptance and belonging — at the playground, in class and in life.
A Kid is a Kid is a Kid is for ages 3 to 6.
When you can read it: Aug. 3, 2021
Sara O'Leary is a writer from Quebec. She is the author of the novel The Ghost in the House and the children's books Owls Are Good at Keeping Secrets, illustrated by Jacob Grant, A Family Is a Family Is a Family, illustrated by Qin Leng, and This Is Sadie, illustrated by Julie Morstad.
Leng lives and works as a designer and illustrator in Toronto.
Hold That Thought! by Bree Galbraith, illustrated by Lynn Scurfield
Hold That Thought! is a humorous picture book featuring Finn, a person with an exciting idea. Finn shares the idea with their friends and it grows and grows. But when a bully puts down the idea, it starts to shrink. But Finn still believes in their idea, and with the help of their friends, it starts to grow all over again. Hold That Thought! is about the power of ideas, creativity and community.
Hold That Thought! is for ages 4 to 8.
When you can read it: Aug. 15, 2021
Bree Galbraith is a Vancouver children's book author whose picture books include Usha and the Stolen Sun, Milo and Georgie and Once Upon a Balloon.
Lynn Scurfield is an artist and illustrator from Ontario. She also illustrated the picture book All the Ways Home by Elsie Chapman.
White Raven by Teoni Spathelfer, illustrated by Natassia Davies
White Raven is a picture book about Little Wolf, a woman who moves from her home in the city to her ancestral island. The move is inspired by a desire to show her family their roots and culture. Little Wolf's mother, White Raven, soon arrives to tell the family stories of her own childhood, which wasn't always a happy one. White Raven is a story of reconnecting with the past in order to move forward into the future.
White Raven is for ages 4 to 8.
When you can read it: Aug. 17, 2021
Teoni Spathelfer is a radio journalist and author who is a member of the Heiltsuk Nation from coastal British Columbia.
Natassia Davies is a Victoria-based artist and graphic designer and is of Coast Salish ancestry.
The Deepest Dig by Mark David Smith, illustrated by Lily Snowden-Fine
The Deepest Dig is a picture book about a backyard treasure and the boy determined to dig it up. Caden finds something in his backyard after a heavy rain and decides to dig deeper, literally, to see what it is. When he discovers the bones of a woolly mammoth, the find draws the attention of the community, bringing his family together in the process.
The Deepest Dig is for ages 3 to 7.
When you can read it: Aug. 15, 2021
Mark David Smith is the Canadian author of Caravaggio: Signed in Blood.
Lily Snowden-Fine is a Vancouver artist who is the illustrator of the Curious Questions About Your Favorite Pets series, and has illustrated for the Globe and Mail and the New York Times.
My Art, My World by Rita Winkler, with Mark Winkler & Helen Winkler
Rita Winkler is a young artist living with Down syndrome and in the picture book My Art, My World, she invites young readers into the world as she sees it — full of colour and happiness. Using her art and witty perspective, Rita walks us through her everyday life at work and play, showing us her passion for life, music and beauty though her artful images.
My Art, My World is for ages 6 to 9.
When you can read it: Oct. 19, 2021
Rita Winkler is a Calgary-born, Toronto-based author and artist who was born with Down syndrome. Helen Winkler and Mark Winkler are Rita's mother and uncle, respectively.
Busy, Busy Birds by Geraldo Valério
Busy, Busy Birds is a board book about birds going about their busy day and lives. Playful text and images depict the feathered creatures at play and in flight.
Busy, Busy Birds is for ages 0 to 3.
When you can read it: Sept. 1, 2021
Geraldo Valério, born in Brazil, lives in Toronto. He started his career in children's publishing in 1995 with A Cobra Zola and in 2004 he illustrated Do You Have a Hat? Some of his other books include Friends; Blue Rider; Turn On the Night; My Book of Birds; Moose, Goose, Animals on the Loose and Jump, Leap, Count Sheep.
Hockey with Dad by Willie Sellars, illustrated by Kevin Easthope
Hockey with Dad, a picture book by author Willie Sellars, is the follow-up to his book Dipnetting with Dad. Featuring illustrations by Kevin Easthope, Hockey with Dad is the continuing adventures of Little Brother who plays hockey within his Secwépemc community. It's the championship game, and Big Sister and her hockey team are ready to win. But when their goalie gets injured, it's time for Little Brother to step up and make his father and community proud.
Hockey with Dad is for ages 4 to 7.
When you can read it: Sept. 10, 2021
Sellars was born and raised in Williams Lake, B.C., and is the Chief of the Williams Lake First Nation. Sellars published his first children's book, Dipnetting with Dad, in 2014, which won a Moonbeam Children's Book Award.
Easthope is a B.C.-based illustrator. His artistic work spans a variety of mediums including oil painting, graphite and graphic design.
Song for the Snow by Jon-Erik Lappano, illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler
In the picture book Song for the Snow, author Jon-Erik Lappano and illustrator Byron Eggenschwiler deliver a fable-like tale about old traditions, new connections to nature and how hope can establish a bright future. In the town where Freya lives, snow hasn't been seen for a long time. There's a song that her own grandmother used to sing that made the snow fall — but when Freya tries to sing it, nothing happens. But when she shares the song with others, the weather feels like it is going to change once more.
Song for the Snow is for ages 3 to 6.
When you can read it: Sept. 1, 2021
Lappano is a children's book author from Ontario. His picture book, Tokyo Digs a Garden, won the 2016 Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature — illustration.
Eggenschwiler is an illustrator who has contributed to publications like the New York Times, New Yorker and GQ. He also illustrated the books Operatic by Kyo Maclear and Coyote Tales by Thomas King.
My Mad Hair Day by Nathalie Dion
In My Mad Hair Day, a little girl has huge hair and doesn't know what to do with it. Malie is having hair issues and nothing seems to work to tame it. Drawing from personal experience, author-illustrator Nathalie Dion highlights all the hairy challenges that curly haired girls can have.
My Mad Hair Day is for ages 3 to 6.
When you can read it: Sept. 1, 2021
Dion is an author and illustrator based in Montreal. She also illustrated the picture books The Biggest Puddle in the World by Mark Lee and I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree by Jean E. Pendziwol.
My City Speaks by Darren Lebeuf, illustrated by Ashley Barron
My City Speaks is a picture book centred around a young girl, who is visually impaired and is exploring the city she lives in. Along with her father, the pair use their senses to take in all the city has to offer, from the market, a concert and the playground.
My City Speaks is for ages 3 to 7.
When you can read it: Sept. 7, 2021
Darren Lebeuf is a Vancouver-based award-winning photographer and writer. He is the author of My Forest is Green and My Ocean is Blue.
Ashley Barron is a Toronto-based illustrator specializing in cut-paper collages. Her work has appeared in children's books, newspapers, set designs and shop windows.
Lost Things by Carey Sookocheff
In Lost Things, things are lost and things are found. The picture book invites readers to think about different perspectives and viewpoints when it comes to things we lose and recover. Lost Things implores us to think about the fact we can't always control what happens, but we can manage how we respond.
Lost Things is for ages 3 to 6.
When you can read it: Sept. 7, 2021
Carey Sookocheff is an author and illustrator based in Ontario. She also illustrated Sprout, Seed, Sprout by Annika Dunklee and the Buddy and Earl series by Maureen Fergus.
Buffalo Wild! by Deidre Havrelock, illustrated by Azby Whitecalf
Buffalo Wild! features a magical night about buffalo and a boy. Declan and his kokum love stories and art of Buffalo and he really wants to see one. One night, a herd of the animals stampede down from the sky and a wonderful adventure awaits.
Buffalo Wild! is for ages 4 to 7.
When you can read it: Sept. 7, 2021
Deidre Havrelock is a member of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Alberta. She was raised in Edmonton. Buffalo Wild! is her first picture book.
Azby Whitecalf is a Plains Cree illustrator and character designer residing in Saskatchewan.
I Hear You, Forest by Kallie George, illustrated by Carmen Mok
The picture book I Hear You, Forest surrounds young readers with the sights and sounds of the forest on a bright day. A child in the forest listens closely to the sounds that nature and the animals make. The soothing surroundings help the child learn more about the world around her.
I Hear You, Forest is for ages 3 to 7.
When you can read it: Sept. 7, 2021
Kallie George is a Vancouver-based writer for children whose books include the Heartwood Hotel series and Anne Arrives.
Carmen Mok has illustrated numerous books, including Waiting for Sophie by Sarah Ellis, Look at Me Now by Carol McDougall and Shanda LaRamee-Jones and Ride the Big Machines in Winter.
My Dog Banana by Roxane Brouillard, illustrated by Giulia Sagramola
My Dog Banana is a funny picture book about a boy who takes his pet dog out for a wall — only this dog looks just like a banana. Curious onlookers stop and stare at the sight and the boy insists that what they are looking at is in fact a dog named Banana.
My Dog Banana is for ages 4 to 8.
When you can read it: Sept. 21, 2021
Roxane Brouillard is a Quebec author who divides her time between writing and working in a library. My Dog Banana is her debut book.
Giulia Sagramola is a Barcelona illustrator, cartoonist and designer. My Dog Banana is her first picture book.
Slowpoke the Bell Island Mine Horse by Heather Smith, illustrated by Genevieve Simms
Set in Conception Bay, on the northern Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador, the picture book Slowpoke the Bell Island Mine Horse is the story of a boy, a mine and a tragic accident that cost his father his life years ago. The boy is forced to become a miner like his late father, and an encounter with a wonderful horse named Slowpoke changes his life forever.
Slowpoke the Bell Island Mine Horse is for ages 4 to 8.
When you can read it: Nov. 2, 2021
Heather T. Smith is Waterloo, Ont.-based author. Her novel-in-verse Ebb & Flow was a finalist for the 2018 Governor General's Literary Award for children's literature — text and won the 2019 TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, a $50,000 prize that recognizes the best Canadian children's book of the year.
Genevieve Simms is an illustrator from Toronto. Her work has appeared in Quill & Quire, the Walrus, Readers' Digest Canada, the Globe and Mail and McSweeney's.
I Can Fix It! by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko
The storytelling team of Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko are back with the picture book I Can Fix It!. Taylor is a six-year-old girl and carries her baby blanket with her everywhere. But when her brother borrows it to mop up a mess, the blanket is stained and he desperately hopes Taylor never finds out. But she does, and it takes her mother to make everything all better.
I Can Fix It! is for ages 3 to 8.
When you can read it: Sept. 7, 2021
Munsch is one of Canada's iconic storytellers. Originally from the United States, he moved to Canada to work as a nursery school teacher and began telling stories there. He went on to become a bestselling children's author. His titles include Love You Forever, Mortimer, The Paper Bag Princess, A Promise is a Promise and many more. He was named to the Order of Canada in 2009.
Martchenko is a Canadian artist and illustrator of several of Robert Munsch's books. Their books together include Mortimer, The Paper Bag Princess and many more.
Bailey the Bat and the Tangled Moose by Grant Lawrence, illustrated by Noémie Gionet Landry
Bailey the Bat and the Tangled Moose is about a bat named Bailey who just can't seem to sleep. The picture book sees Bailey sneak out from home and seek adventure in the forest. But when Bailey encounters a moose who is tangled up in a fence, Bailey must summon the courage to save the day.
Bailey the Bat and the Tangled Moose is for ages 6 to 8.
When you can read it: Sept. 14, 2021
Grant Lawrence is a Vancouver-based CBC personality, singer and the author of three books for adults: Adventures In Solitude, The Lonely End of the Rink and Dirty Windshields. His first two titles won the Bill Duthie Booksellers Choice Award at the BC Book Prizes, marking the first time that the same author has won this prize twice.
Noémie Gionet Landry is a doctor, artist and illustrator based in Moncton.
Jordan and Max, Showtime by Suzanne Sutherland, illustrated by Michelle Simpson
Jordan and Max, Showtime is an early chapter book about a boy who is having trouble at school. On his first day of school, Jordan just can't seem to fit in and prefers to stay under the radar. But when Jordan has to team up with a loud-mouthed boy named Max, Jordan just can't keep from standing out. And with Max's help, he might not have to any longer.
Jordan and Max, Showtime is for ages 6 to 8.
When you can read it: Sept. 14, 2021
Suzanne Sutherland is a Toronto children's book author and editor of books for young people.
Michelle Simpson is an Ontario artist and freelance illustrator with a focus on children's publications.
Bear Wants to Sing by Cary Fagan, illustrated by Dena Seiferling
This follow-up to the picture book King Mouse sees a bear who wants to sing and the rest of the animals who don't seem to want him to. Picture book Bear Wants to Sing features a bear, a ukulele in the woods and Snake, Crow and Tortoise who keep taking his turn to perform. Bear Wants to Sing is a musical tale of empathy and understanding others.
Bear Wants to Sing is for ages 3 to 7.
When you can read it: Sept. 14, 2021
Cary Fagan is an Ontario author of books for adults and children. His children's books include the popular Kaspar Snit novels, the two-volume Master Melville's Medicine Show and the picture book Mr. Zinger's Hat. He is also the author of the novel A Bird's Eye and the short story collection My Life Among the Apes. In 2014, Fagan received the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People for his body of work.
Dena Seiferling is a Canadian illustrator of children's books and needle-felt artist based in Calgary.
The Cow Said Boo! by Lana Button, illustrated by Alice Carter
The Cow Said Boo! is about a stuffed-up cow, a rogue bedsheet and a chantable refrain. This read-aloud book features a cow with such a bad cold that every "moo" comes out as "boo!" — a situation sure to be humourous for younger readers.
The Cow Said Boo! is for ages 4 to 7.
When you can read it: Sept. 14, 2021
Lana Button is a children's book author from Ontario. Her other books include My Teacher's Not Here! and What if Bunny is Not a Bully?
Alice Carter is an Ottawa artist, illustrator and storyteller with a passion for sharing her whimsical imagination.
Time is a Flower by Julie Morstad
Time is a Flower is a picture book that playfully explores the nature of time. Time as a concept can be tricky to understand, but this book visually looks at the ticking of a clock, numbers and words on a calendar to help children better understand.
Time is a Flower is for ages 3 and 7.
When you can read it: Sept. 21, 2021
Julie Morstad is an artist based in Vancouver. Her other books include Today, How To and This is Sadie, written by Sara O'Leary. She won the 2018 Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award for her work in Bloom, a picture book about the life of Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaprelli written by Kyo Maclear.
Jigging for Halibut with Tsinii by Sara Florence Davidson & Robert Davidson, illustrated by Janine Gibbons
This picture book reflects the Haida Sk'ad'a Principles as it looks at Haida artist Robert Davidson's own experiences with Tsinii, or grandfather. Jigging for Halibut with Tsinii is a cultural look at a young boy, his grandfather and a day spent fishing using traditional methods.
Jigging for Halibut with Tsinii is for ages 6 to 8.
When you can read it: Sept. 28, 2021
Sara Florence Davidson is a Haida/Settler author and assistant professor in Indigenous education at Simon Fraser University.
Robert Davidson is one of the most respected and important contemporary artists in Canada. A Northwest Coast native of Haida descent, he is a master carver of totem poles and masks and works in a variety of other media as a printmaker, painter and jeweller.
Janine Gibbons, a Haida Raven of the Double-Fin Killer Whale Clan, Brown Bear House, is a multi-disciplinary artist and illustrator. She has illustrated three books in the Sealaska Heritage's Baby Raven Reads series, including Raven Makes the Aleutians.
It Fell from the Sky by The Fan Brothers
It Fell from the Sky is the latest picture book by the award-winning team The Fan Brothers. It Fell from the Sky is a quirky picture book about an insect community and the strange unidentified object that falls from the sky one day. When Spider creates a wondrous display around the object, he's convinced that it belongs to him and starts charging money to see it. But when the insects stop coming by, Spider wonders if he's done the right thing.
It Fell from the Sky is for ages 4 to 8.
When you can read it: Sept. 28, 2021
Eric Fan and Terry Fan are brothers and frequent collaborators on children's books. Their books include The Night Gardener and Ocean Meets Sky. They also illustrated The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield.
Devin Fan is an artist, poet and youth worker. The Barnabus Project was his first children's book and marked the first time all three brothers have written and illustrated a picture book together.
The Fan Brothers won the 2020 Governor General's Literary Prize for young people's literature — illustrated books for The Barnabus Project.
Dee and Apostrofee by Judith Henderson, illustrated by Ohara Hale
Dee and Apostrofee is a picture book featuring quirky fun with language and punctuation. When the letter D is mad at Apostrofee, humour ensues as the two converse with each other, all while children learn more about grammar.
Dee and Apostrofee is for ages 4 to 7.
When you can read it: Oct. 5, 2021
Judith Henderson is a Canadian children's composer, producer and author. She is also the author of the Big Words Small Stories series.
Ohara Hale is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Montreal.
The Bee by Becky Han, illustrated by Tindur Peturs
The Bee is a picture book based on an award-winning song by Inuk singer-songwriter Becky Han. The book is the story of a buzzing bee and the wild adventures had following the creature on its journey.
The Bee is for ages 6 to 8.
When you can read it: Oct. 5, 2021
Han is an Inuk singer-songwriter who grew up in the community of Ikpiarjuk in Nunavut. The Bee is based on her award-winning song Qaariaq.
Tindur Peturs is an animator and illustrator, born and raised in Iceland, who moved to Canada to study animation and Canadian culture.
Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds
Our Table is a picture book that honours families and the special time that they share together. In a fast-paced world, Our Table is a gentle reminder that family, love and shared meals can be regarded as the important things in life.
Our Table is for ages 4 to 8.
When you can read it: Nov. 2, 2021
Peter H. Reynolds is children's book writer and illustrator originally from Ontario and now lives in the United States. His other books include The Dot, I Am Human, Happy Dreamer, The Word Collector and Say Something!
Everybody! by Elise Gravel
Everybody! is a book for children that explores empathy, unity and thinking about others. Using quirky monster characters, Everybody! looks at the range of emotions we all have and why it is important to feel valued and loved.
Everybody! is for ages 3 to 8.
When you can read it: Oct. 5, 2021
Elise Gravel is a Quebec author and illustrator. She is the author of several books for children, including The Bat, The Worst Book Ever, The Mushroom Fan Club, I Want a Monster! and What Is a Refugee?
Windy Days by Deborah Kerbel, illustrated by Miki Sato
In Windy Days, author Deborah Kerbel captures the magic of early childhood awe and wonder with rhyming couplets as light as a breath of fresh air. Illustrator Miki Sato's collage art features detailed use of hand-stitching and textural materials depicting the excitement and play of windy fall days.
Windy Days is for ages 2 to 5.
When you can read it: Oct. 5, 2021
Kerbel is a children's book author from Ontario. Her other books include the picture books Before You Were Born and Sun Dog, both illustrated by Suzanne Del Rizzo, the middle-grade books Feathered and Bye-Bye Evil Eye and the YA books Mackenzie, Lost and Found and Girl on the Other Side.
Sato is a Japanese Canadian illustrator originally from Ottawa. Her work has appeared in Today's Parent, Reader's Digest and the Walrus.
Little Narwhal, Not Alone by Tiffany Stone, illustrated by Ashlyn Anstee
Little Narwhal, Not Alone is a picture book based on a true story involving a little lost narwhal and what he encounters along his journey. The story is about little narwhal who finds himself far from home, too far to return on his own. The other animals he meets don't look like him at all, but he still tries to fit into his new surroundings as best he can. Little Narwhal, Not Alone features themes of belonging, community and acceptance.
Little Narwhal, Not Alone is for ages 4 to 8.
When you can read it: Oct. 12, 2021
Tiffany Stone is a children's poet and picture book author based in British Columbia. She was inspired to write Little Narwhal, Not Alone by her lifelong affinity with the North and by her volunteer work with new immigrants.
Ashlyn Anstee is a Los Angeles illustrator who spent her summers on the Canadian west coast.
Little Moar and the Moon by Roselynn Akulukjuk, illustrated by Jazmine Gubbe
Little Moar and the Moon is a picture book about fear and facing the unknown. Moar loves the fall season — but when the days grow shorter and colder, he becomes a bit more concerned and fearful look on the moon's eerie face. Moar wants to get home after school before it gets dark but there are so many fun things to do!
Little Moar and the Moon is for ages 6 to 8.
When you can read it: Oct. 12, 2021
Roselynn Akulukjuk is an author and filmmaker who was born in Nunavut. Roselynn wrote and directed her first film, the live-action and puppetry short The Owl and the Lemming, on which her book by the same title is based.
Jazmine Gubbe is an illustrator from Ontario currently working in the animation industry.
The Loudest Bark by Gail Marlene Schwartz & Lucie Gagnon, illustrated by Amélie Ayotte
The Loudest Bark is a picture book about Samuel, someone who knows that their real name is Simone, but life at home is in a bit of a transition. When Chloe the costume designer and her dogs move into the neighbourhood, things feel like they are changing forever.
The Loudest Bark is for ages 4 to 10.
When you can read it: Oct. 15, 2021
Quebec co-authors Lucie Gagnon and Gail Marlene Schwartz are passionate about children's books. Their previous books include Clementine in Quarantine.
Amélie Ayotte is an illustrator and animator living in the Montreal area in Quebec.
Chaiwala! by Priti Birla Maheshwari, illustrated by Ashley Barron
Chaiwala! is a picture book inspired by the author's childhood visits to India. Chaiwala! is about a young girl and her mother at the train station. They are waiting in line for a hot cup of chai, and the young girl takes note of all the delicious smells and sights around her.
Chaiwala! is for ages 3 to 7.
When you can read it: Oct. 15, 2021
Priti Birla Maheshwari is an Ontario-based author and educator who was born in New Delhi, India. Chaiwala! is her first picture book.
Ashley Barron is a Toronto-based artist and illustrator.
The Sour Cherry Tree by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Nahid Kazemi
The Sour Cherry Tree is a look at the loss of a loved one through the eyes of a child. Based on author Naseem Hrab's own memories, this picture book looks at grief, love and culture to explore death and dying.
The Sour Cherry Tree is for ages 4 to 8.
When you can read it: Oct. 15, 2021
Hrab is a Toronto-based writer and storyteller. She is also the author of Ira Crumb Makes a Pretty Good Friend and Ira Crumb Feels the Feelings. Her picture book Weekend Dad was a finalist for the 2020 Governor General's Literary Prize for young people's literature — illustrated books.
Nahid Kazemi is an artist, illustrator, graphic designer and author from Montreal. Her other books include I'm Glad That You're Happy, The Orange House and Over the Rooftops, Under the Moon by JonArno Lawson.
Sour Cakes by Karen Krossing, illustrated by Anna Kwan
The picture book Sour Cakes is about two very siblings with two very different moods. They just can't seem to get along — but when one suggests they bake cakes together, the pair learn to celebrate their differences and each other.
Sour Cakes is for ages 3 to 7.
When you can read it: Oct. 15, 2021
Karen Krossing is a Toronto author of novels and short stories for kids and teens. She also conducts writing workshops, readings and book talks. Sour Cakes is her first picture book.
Anna Kwan is an illustrator from Toronto. She studied illustration at OCAD University.
Welcome to the Cypher by Khodi Dill, illustrated by Awuradwoa Afful
Welcome to the Cypher is a picture book of music and fun hip-hop wordplay. This read-aloud book features children learning confidence and self-expression as they rap together in a group.
Welcome to the Cypher is for ages 4 to 7.
When you can read it: Oct. 12, 2021
Khodi Dill is a Bahamian Canadian educator and writer of everything from rap songs to children's literature based in Saskatoon.
Awuradwoa Afful is a Ghanaian Canadian designer, illustrator and animator based in Toronto.
Thunder and the Noise Storms by Jeffrey Ansloos & Shezza Ansloos, illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley
In the picture book Thunder and the Noise Storms, children learn about the restorative powers of the natural world. Thunder often finds that the world around him can be too loud. When his grandfather asks him what he hears while on a nature walk one day, Thunder learns how the many different sounds of the natural world can have calming and empowering effects.
Thunder and the Noise Storms is for ages 4 to 7.
When you can read it: Oct. 12, 2021
Jeffery Ansloos is a Cree educator and psychologist. He is also the author of The Medicine of Peace.
Shezza Ansloos is a Cree writer, educator, artist and speaker. She is the author of two children's books, I Loved Her and The Fire Walker. Ansloos is also a singer-songwriter and visual artist.
Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley is an Anishinaabe artist and illustrator from Wasauksing First Nation. He is a self-taught artist who works in the Woodland art style of the Anishinaabe people.
The Case of the Shrinking Friend by Eric Hogan & Tara Hungerford
The Case of the Shrinking Friend is the latest book in the adventures of Scout and Daisy from the TV show Scout and the Gumboot Kids. The Case of the Shrinking Friend is a nature mystery that features a winter hike, a shrinking snowman and mindful exploration of their natural world.
The Case of the Shrinking Friend is for ages 4 to 7.
When you can read it: Oct. 21, 2021
Eric Hogan and Tara Hungerford are a Vancouver husband-and-wife team who run Imagine Create Media and are the creators of children's television series The Gumboot Kids.
A Very Silly Alphabet by Jeannie Hillman, illustrated by Sarah Shortliffe
A Very Silly Alphabet is a poetic picture book featuring 26 read-aloud poems, each one representing a letter of the alphabet. With bright, silly characters and lyrics, A Very Silly Alphabet highlights the fact that reading and learning can be fun.
A Very Silly Alphabet is for ages 4 to 8.
When you can read it: Oct. 26, 2021
Jeannie Hillman is an author of children's books based in Nova Scotia.
Sarah Shortliffe is an artist, born and raised in the Maritimes.
The Dancing Trees by Masiana Kelly, illustrated by Michelle Simpson
The picture book The Dancing Trees is a tale of Thomas, who loves to tell big stories. Taking the challenge to spend a night alone in the forest, Thomas heads into the wilderness and has a magical encounter with dancing forest trees that he will never forget.
The Dancing Trees is for ages 6 to 8.
When you can read it: Nov. 2, 2021
Masiana Kelly is an Inuk/Dene writer based in Kugluktuk, the westernmost community in Nunavut.
Michelle Simpson is an Ontario illustrator and designer based out of Niagara Falls, Ont.
The Big Bath House by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Gracey Zhang
The Big Bath House is a picture book that celebrates family, culture and bodies of all shapes and sizes. A Japanese girl — along with her aunties and grandmother— relax and connect at a traditional bath house. Everyone is in the bath and The Big Bath House highlights the rituals leading up to the baths: hair washing, back scrubbing and the traditional wood barrel drumroll.
The Big Bath House is for ages 4 to 8.
When you can read it: Nov. 16, 2021
Kyo Maclear is an essayist, novelist and author of children's books. Her books have been translated into 15 languages, won a Governor General's Literary Award and been nominated for the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, among others. She is also the author of the memoir Birds Art Life.
Gracey Zhang is an author and illustrator from Vancouver, now based in New York. Lala's Words, her debut picture book, was published in 2021.
