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Tag Archives: fiction
Top 10 Tuesdays – Novels in Verse (for Middle Grade)
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Filed under New Books
Top Ten Tuesday – Favourite New Book Discoveries of 2026!
I’ve just returned from Toronto and the Reading for the Love of It Conference – two full days of presenting, learning, reconnecting with colleagues and friends… and yes, serious book hunting.
If you’ve ever been to the Sheraton lower level during the conference, you know what I mean. Tables overflowing with brand-new picture books. Publishers everywhere. That delicious feeling of spotting a title you didn’t even know you were looking for.
In between sessions, that’s exactly where you would have found me – flipping pages, chatting with publishers, and quietly building my spring read-aloud stack.
So this week’s Top Ten Tuesday is a little “fresh from the conference floor” edition with some of my favourite new book finds for spring! (FYI – I had trouble counting to 10 again!)
A quick note: a few of these titles haven’t officially released yet, so be sure to check the publication dates at the end of each summary.
And GearPicks Pack friends — I’m in the middle of selecting your spring titles right now…so you may want to hold off ordering any of these titles just yet. 😉
Leo and Ralph – Peter Carnavas
This is the hot new novel for grades 2–4 — and a perfect spring read-aloud. Of course, I had to bring a copy home with me… I just haven’t had a chance to read it yet! But the buzz is real. Friendship, fitting in, and an adorable alien named Leo. I have a feeling this one is going to be big. Can’t wait to dive in! (Groundwood Books, February 2026)
When the World is Puddle-Wonderful – Poems by E.E. Cummings
I love poetry. I love poetry about seasons. I love E.E. Cummings. So put those all together and you get this joyful, whimsical, delightful poetry picture book collection of E.E. Cummings poems that track the seasons of the year. LOVE!!!! (Norton Young Readers, October 2025)
My Mom is Like a Kite – Lisl H. Detlefsen (Release Date April 7, 2026)
A child narrates the ups and downs of living with a parent who experiences mental health issues. It’s heartbreaking and hopeful and so so important. (Groundwood Books, April 2026)
Broken – X. Fang
This is not a new release but if you haven’t read it – you should! It’s an absolutely spot on “connect book” about a little girl, a broken vase, and all the feels that go along with that. The illustrations are “cinematic” (how’s that for triple scoop?) with equal parts funny (Mimi, the cat’s face!) and truth telling message. ( Tundra Books, October 2025)
How to Be Brave Like a Snail – Naseem Hrab
Another fall release I missed, this is a kind of book anyone can relate to, especially young readers who don’t quite know how to express their feelings just yet. Both sweet and silly, Snail and Stump work together to navigate complicated feelings about winning, losing, and how to ask for help. An important messages to discuss with your class and a paper airplane activity included at the back! (Owlkids, October, 2025)
We All Love – Julie Flett
A follow-up to We All Play, this book is like a big hug! It’s an adorable celebration and exploration of how humans and animals show love. Beautiful words, beautiful illustrations, wrapped up in a message about interconnectedness – and how love connects us all. A glossary of Cree animals is included. (Greystone Kids, February 2026)
My Subway Runs – James Gladstone
Readers follow an observant young boy as he carefully observes the city life around him from the inside of a subway car. A lyrical story-poem is filled with rhythm and rich sensory details – a perect anchor book for writing! Beautiful and quietly filled with wonder and reflection. (Groundwood Books, February 2026)
We Are Who We Are: An Ode to Indigenous Heroes Past and Present – Wab Kinew
An absolutely gorgeous picture book introducing young readers to First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples across Turtle Island. I knew quite a few but also learned a LOT about people I was not familiar with. I was glad to find more information on each person at the back of the book. The illustrations are GORGEOUS! (Tundra Books, February 2026)
Navigating Night – Julie Leung (Release Date-March 10, 2026)
Wow – this one really touched me. The story follows a young girl as she guides her dad on his route delivering Chinese take-out food. She does NOT enjoy this nightly task – hates the smell of the grease-stained boxes and hates the feeling of being different from the other kids. Why can’t her family be normal, like everyone else’s? But when her dad tells her his immigration story, she begins to see things differently. Such a quiet celebration of the bond between immigrant children and their parents. Beautiful. (Anne Schwartz Books, March 2026)
Goldfinches – Mary Oliver (Release Date, March 3, 2026)
I think I own every one of Mary Oliver’s poetry books. I LOVE everything about the way she writes, what she writes, and how she writes it. EVERYTHING. Melissa Sweet is one of my favourite illustrators. So when I saw both their names on the cover of this brand new book – I literally gasped, grabbed, and hugged!!! The book is her poem Goldfinches, accompanied by illustrations. If you don’t know the poem – it is, like many of her poems, deceptively simple but deeply rooted in observation, reverence, and the quiet joy of paying attention. It ends, like many of her poems, with a familar defining question: Have you ever been so happy in your life? This book is a treasure. (Viking Books for Young Readers, March 2026)
Bartleby – Matt Phelan (Release Date, March 3 2026)
I fell in love with dear little Bartleby – an adorable polar bear who does things in his own time, in his own way. SUCH a good story for launching a class converstation about being yourself, and how “saying no” and being different is a GOOD thing! (Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), March 2026)
When You Dream Big! – Peter H. Reynolds (Release Date, March 3 2026)
Another winner from beloved author Peter H. Reynolds. Being the mum of two young men, I made lots of connections to this one! We put so much pressure on children — and teenagers, and even university students — to have their futures all figured out. Reynolds gently reminds us that uncertainty is okay. That grounding yourself matters. That dreaming big isn’t about choosing a job… it’s about choosing the kind of person you want to be. Clear, engaging, and never preachy — this would make a beautiful gift for a graduate. LOVE this one! (Orchard Books, March 2026)
All I Want to Do Is Swim – Marilyn Singer (Release Date: April 28 2026)
A young girl discovers her love of swimming by mimicking the aquatic style of animals who are at home in the water, including ducks, penguins, dolphins, and frogs. Gorgeous illustrations! (Rise x Penguin Workshop, April 2026)
I. Rock – A Geology Tale – Katie Slivensky (Release Date, June 10 2025)
I am a big fan of nonfiction books narrated by objects in nature! In this fun informational book, readers learn all about geology and different types of rocks from, you guessed it – a talking Rock! The book explains how rocks are formed over millions of years in a child-friendly, accessible way. (Beach Lane Books, June 2025)
If You Make a Call on a Banana Phone – Gideon Sterer
If you make a call on a banana phone, somewhere deep in the jungle…a gorilla will probably answer. And if they do, they will have some questions, Like, Who are you? and Why are you calling? And so begins this gem of a book! I love, love, love this one. I really do! I love it because it celebrates the wonders and joys of imagination. I love it because it celebrates imaginative play. I love it because the book nudges readers and keeps asking what might happen next….and next….and next….and next. I love how so much of the story is told through the pictures. I LOVE this one SOOOOO much!
Thank you so much for stopping by! And welcome new readers to my blog! I hope you discovered one or two new picture books that you are excited to share with your students this spring! Happy reading, everyone!
Top 10 Tuesday – Winter Olympics
The 2026 Winter Olympics are almost here! I don’t know about you – but I LOVE the excitement surrounding the games, athletes, and events. I’m always amazed by the dedication, grit, and determination behind every athlete’s story. Picture books are a great way to share some of that excitement in your classroom and to introduce them to some of winter sports and Canadian athletes.
Below are some of my favourite books that capture the spirit of the Winter Olympics, the events, and the stories behind the athletes.
Max and Marla – Alexander Boiger
Best friends and aspiring Olympians Max and Marla are determined to enter the sledding event at the winter games, overcoming many obstacles, including rusty blades and very strong winds. Adorable story of friendship, determination, and overcoming obstacles. (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 2015)
Lucy Tries Luge – Lisa Bowes
A cute rhyming series introducing young readers to Winter Olympic sports. (Orca Book Publishers, 2015)
Winter Olympics: A Fun Guide to Your Favorite Snowy Sports – Tomasz Dabrowski
An informative, colourful guidebook about the Winter Olympics. Each page features a unique winter sport with fun facts, short history lessons, and simple explanations. (Independently published, July 2025)
Welcome To The Winter Olympics: A Fun and Educational Guide To Winter Sports Around The World – Good Family Books
This book uses simple text, colorful illustrations, and short descriptions to help readers learn about the Winter Olympics From the opening ceremony to the closing celebration, this book really covers the events and experiences of the Olympics. (Independently published, 2026)
Snowy Sports – Ready, Set, Play! – Per-Henrik Gurth
A family of bears get dressed to play all sorts of the winter sports. Great introduction to cold weather gear that is needed when playing outside, but also a fun read for introducing winter sports to early readers. (Kids Can Press, 2011)
Amazing Winter Olympics Series – Ashley Gish
A great nonfiction series introducing young readers to all of the Winter Olympic sports. Excellent action photographs! (Creative Paperbacks, 2022)
Squirrels on Skis – Ray J. Hamilton
Squirrels. On skis. Doing crazy things. Not exactly Olympic worthy but kids will love this one! And I loved the spunky little girl who solves all the town’s (and squirrels’) problems. (Random House Books for Young Readers, 2013)
What Are the Winter Olympics? – Gail Herman
This book was published ahead of the 2020 Winter Olympics but does a good job of ccovering the winter sports and a little bit about the history of them. Good for intermediate readers. (Penguin Workshop, October 2021)
Chasing Gold With Ella: A Winter Olympics Children’s Adventure in Italy – Liam James
This beginning chapter book follows a curious young girl as she journeys from Milan to the mountains of Cortina to experience the magic of the Winter Olympics. (Independently Published, January 2026)
Snowman Paul at the Winter Olympics – Yossi Lapid
Snowman Paul is so excited to win when he heads to the winter Olympics and is not going to settle for anything less than a gold medal! But when Paul starts winning EVERY event, his friend points out that he might not be playing by the rules. A great story about honesty, sports AND sportsmanship for younger readers. (Lapid Children’s Books, 2021)
Tacky and the Winter Games – Helen Lester
An oldie but a goodie! Readers join Snowman Paul as he journeys the Winter Olympics with his penguin teamates. He makes a bit of a mess of things for his mates, but comes through in the speed skating relay. A fun way to intruduce readers to some of the different winter olympic sports. Love the Tacky books!
A Kid’s Guide to the 2026 Olympics – Jack L. Roberts
Such a fun guide that includes a spotlight winter Olympic athletes, stats, fun facts, quizzes, inspriational quotes, PLUS LOL cartoons about each sport that will made me giggle! (Independently published, 2025)
Kid Olympians (Winter) – Robin Stevenson
This non-fiction book gives short biographical summaries on some incredible sporting superstars, recent and historic. It gives background information, how they overcame adversities, broke down barriers and achieved amazing feats. A great book filled with inspirational role models! (Quirk Books, 2025)
Learning to Ski with Mr. Magee – Chris Van Dusen
Such a fun book with beautifully expressive illustrations follows the adventures of Mr. McGee with his dog Dee, learning to ski. Lots of silliness and great repetition for young readers. (Chronicle Books, 2010)
Thanks for stopping by! I hope one or two of these books will help put you and your students into the “Olympic Spirit” and ready to cheer on our Canadian athletes!
Happy reading, everyone! ❄️📚⛷️
Filed under New Books
Top 10 Tuesday – Favourite Middle Grade Novels of 2025
Welcome back to my December Countdown! 🎉
Thank you to everyone who joined me last week for my Top Ten New Christmas Books of 2025 – such a fun way to kick off the season! December is one of my favourite months for sharing book love, and I’m excited to keep the countdown going.
Here’s the full line-up for this year’s December Countdown:
- Nov. 27 — Top Ten New Christmas Books of 2025 🎄
- Dec. 2 — Top Ten Favourite Middle Grade Novels of 2025 ← today!
- Dec. 9 — Top Ten Favourite Nonfiction Books of 2025
- Dec. 16 — And saving the best for last… Top Ten Favourite Picture Books of 2025! ✨
Today is all about middle grade novels – those page-turners that make even your most reluctant readers forget they’re reading. I love this age group: big feelings, big laughs, and such a wide range of stories that invite empathy, reflection, and lots of great classroom conversations. (And they make great stocking stuffers!!)
Here are ten+ of my favourites from 2025 – books that made me laugh, think, and, in a few cases, wipe away a tear or two.
Pocket Bear –Katherine Applegate
This one tugged hard at my heart, as only Katherine Applegate books do! Set during wartime, the story follows a small stuffed bear carried by a child whose family is fleeing conflict. As the bear travels from pocket to pocket, we see moments of fear, hope, and kindness through its quiet presence. Applegate always seems to say so much with so few words, and this one is powerful in that gentle, Applegate way. A lovely choice for building empathy. (Feiwel & Friends, 2025)
Dog Man – Big Jim Believes – Dav Pilkey
Well… Pilkey fans, get ready! Big Jim takes centre stage in this chaotic, hilarious adventure, and it’s as goofy and energetic as ever. There’s trouble, teamwork, and the usual over-the-top antics. Kids will inhale this one, no question. (Do I hear “stocking stuffer”?) Lots of laughs, but also a sweet little thread about believing in yourself. (Graphix, 2025)
School Trip – Jerry Craft
Jordan and his friends head are back in a new adventure – this time off on a school trip to Paris, and of course nothing goes exactly as expected. There’s friendship, drama, eye-opening experiences, and so many relatable tween moments. I love how this book balances humour with honest moments. Graphic-novel storytelling and heartfelt themes. Great read for Grades 5–7. (Quill Tree Books, 2025)
Growing Home – Beth Ferry
I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this one! It’s such a sweet chapter book about the importance of what it means to be a friend, with the most unique characters: an ivy plant, a violet plant, a super smart spider, and a grumpy goldfish! I especially loved how vocabulary was introduced and explained to the reader. Charming! Highly recommend as a read aloud for grade 3-5! (Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2025)
Refugee: The Graphic Novel – Alan Gratz
A powerful graphic adaptation of Gratz’s bestselling novel. I remember being glued to this book when it was first published as a novel five years ago. The three alternating, harrowing stories (Jewish boy in WWII Germany, Cuban girl in 1998, and a Syrian boy in 2015) come to life so vividly through the artwork. Such a gripping and emotional story and now more accessible for students who may struggle with the novel version. (Graphix, 2025)
Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Partypooper – Jeff Kinney
Another Wimpy Kid = another guaranteed hit! This one is packed with the usual cringe-worthy disasters and laugh-out-loud moments. Greg tries to navigate a party situation (what could possibly go wrong?), and, well… everything goes wrong. Kids will gobble it up. (Can you say “stocking stuffer”, again?) (Harry N. Abrams, 2025)
Someone’s Gonna End Up Crying –Jennifer Knowles
This is the story of a young girl whose family of five was always close sharing moving nights and lovely traditions. But when her dad moves out, 12 year old Maple struggles. Maple uses her sketchbook to express her frustration but it’s difficult to open up and reveal what’s happening in her family when she isn’t even sure herself. Many readers will connec to the family challenges in this one and I liked how Maple’s drawings and stories bring her comfort when talking it out is hard. (Candlewick, 2025)
Snoop – Gordon Korman
Not sure how he manages to write a book so quickly Korman’s latest is a fun, fast-paced mystery with lots of energy! When screen-addicted Carter breaks both his legs and is stuck at home in casts, he has nothing but screens to entertain him. When that gets boring, he turns to the towns security cameras to track the comings and goings of the town and uncovers a mystery. This book has great themes for class discussions such as screen addiction, endangered animals, and how to decide what is “true”. (Scholastic Press, 2025)
Words Apart – Aimee Lucido
SUCH a unique read – a hybrid between a novel in verse and a graphic novel. I don’t think I have ever seen a book that incorporates language and art this way! Would appeal to both proficient and reluctant readers. Sisters Mattie and Olive provide two different perspectives, and their views are interwoven spectacularly through comics, crosswords, poetry, and definitions. LOVE this one! (Versify, 2025)
The Trouble with Heroes – Kate Messner
Kate Messner always takes important ideas and weaves them into an engaging story. Readers follow Finn on his heart-filling journey to find healing after he is caught destructing the grave of a famous mountain clilmber. Thoughtful, engaging, heart-breaking and heart-healing. This is a MUST read-aloud for grade 6-7! (Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2025)
Tuck Everlasting: The Graphic Novel – Natalie Babbit, K. Woodman-Maynard
Tuck Everlasting is one of my all time favourite books and to help celebrate its 50th anniversary, they have released it as a graphic novel. (a trend I am starting to see!) I was a bit reluctant but found myself completely absorbed by visual story. Will always love the original version, but happy to know that a new generation of readers will continue to enjoy this classic. (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2025)
One Wrong Step – Jennifer Nielsen
Attention Everest Lovers! This brand-new, spine-tingling adventure is about Atlas and Maddie, two young teens fighting for survival on the unforgiving trails of Mount Everest. And it that is not enough adventure, this one is set in WWII! Fast paced and had my heart pounding! (Scholastic Press, 2025)
Bad Badger: A Love Story – Maryrose Wood
SOOOOO sweet! I’ve fallen head over heels for Septimus – the fretful hero of this new book! When we meet Septimus, he’s living a very unconventional badger life – alone in a cottage by the sea. While he should be content with his favorite omelette pan, his kayak and his fine platter of complex-smelling cheeses, he’s self-conscious about his very unbadgerish life. The story follows his day to day life as he grapples with being different from typical badgers and learns what friendship is. I loved the message that one can be different within their own community. ADORABLE! (Union Square Kids)
Thanks for stopping by for Week 2 of my December Countdown! I hope this list gives you a few new titles to add to your classroom library or to stuff a stocking or two! So many book gems to share!
✨ Coming next week (Dec. 9): my Top Ten Favourite Nonfiction Books of 2025!
Hope to see you, then! Happy reading week, everyone!
Filed under 2025 releases, Middle Grade Novels, New Books
Top Ten Tuesday – Summer “Book Hooks” for Beginning Readers
Summer is in full swing! Classrooms are closed but books are OPEN! Summer is the perfect time to settle down on a towel, beach chair, or hammock and get lost inside a great story! This week, I’m featuring some favourite books and series perfect to hook beginning readers!
Primary teachers and teacher librarians – you may find a few new “book hook” titles or series for your classroom or school libraries. And any moms, dads, aunts, uncles, or grandparents out there – you just might be the one to “hook a book” to a child this summer!
Here are some favourite books and series for beginning readers (ages 6-8):
Stella & Marigold – Annie Barrows
This sweet new early chapter book about two sister includes short stories of the different adventures these sisters have, and how they care for each other. Adorable characters and a wonderful book for sisters! If you ever read the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary, you will make connections! (Chronicle Books, 2025)
Chick and Brain Series – #2 Egg or Eyeball? by Cece Bell
If your early reader is on the look-out for a wacky, quirky, offbeat series – look no further than Chick and Brain! This follow-up to the first book in the series Chick and Brain: Smell My Foot, about good manners gone bad, is sure to elicit squeals of delight mixed with a little eye rolling! I really like how Cece Bell targets beginning readers with lots of verbal, visual cues, and humor! Great surprise ending, too! (Candlewick Press, 2020)
Sky & Ty (series) #1 – Howdy, Partner! – Steve Breen
An adorable early graphic novel about a developing friendship between a cowgirl and a dinosaur. Perfect text for more independent early readers with some great high interest themes: cowboys, cowgirls, and dinosaurs. (Independently published, 2021)
Bluey 5-Minute Stories: 6 Stories in 1 Book? Hooray! – Penguin Young Readers Licenses
A collection of stories each crafted for reading in five minutes or less, based on the wildly successful animated series Bluey. Every Bluey fan in your class will want this book in their hands. If you haven’t watched Bluey yet, you should. My boys are long grown up but these characters are SO cute – I can’t help myself! (Penguin Young Readers, 2022)
They Call Me No Sam! – Drew Daywalt
From the author of The Day the Crayons Quit comes a hilarious chapter-book adventure of a pug who thinks his name is “No Sam” since that is what his new family calls him when he does something he isn’t supposed to. This one will have your early readers giggling non stop! (Clarion Books, 2024)
Orris and Timble (series) #1 – The Beginning – Kate DiCamillo
A sweet story about a rat named Orris who discovers an owl named Timble, stuck in a trap. “Make the good and noble choice,” he repeats to himself several times as he considers whether should save the owl who might eat him. After taking the risk, the two unlikely characters become friends. A beautiful, warm story about friendship. (Candlewick, 2024)
Orris and Timble #2 – Lost and Found – Kate DiCamillo
The follow-up book is equally as good as the first- just as sweet, loving, and kind as you would expect the relationship between two friends should be in a Kate DiCamillo book. (Candlewick, 2025)
King of the Birds (series) #1 – Arlo and Pips – Elise Gravel
A delightful early-reader graphic novel about two birds, one of whom is a tad too vain. Plenty of fun, and I love that the book also includes plenty of fun facts. Crows are very clever and interesting and trust the great Elise Gravel to put them in the spotlight! (HarperAlley, 2020)
Everyday Bean – Stephanie Graegin
This new little series is hedgehog cuteness overload! I can’t decide if I like Tiny Bean better or her Grandma? And don’t get me started on the cute little stuffed piglet named Clem! This book is the perfect bridge between picture book and beginning chapter book and includes nine sweet, cozy chapters all about Bean and Grandma. I can’t wait for more little Bean adventures!!! (Tundra Books, 2025)
A First Science Storybook (series) – Fox Explores the Night – Martin Jenkins
Young readers join a determined fox as she sets out to find her dinner in this simple, stylish introduction to light and dark. Simple, engaging story that weaves in scientific facts. GORGEOUS illustrations. (Candlewick, 2022)
Monti and Leo: A Mystery in Pocketville – Sylvie Kantorovitz
A cute graphic novel about a mole and lizard who become friends in a town called Pocketville. Adorable characters and artwork and a story centering on the importance of acceptance and making new friends. Students will be excited to read the second book! (Walker Books US, 2025)
Polly Diamond and the Magic Book (#1) – Alice Kuipers
This is a real winner of a series for students ready for the longer transitional chapter titles like Ivy and Bean. Full of magic, humour with a focus on the power of writing! Lovely family and friendship dynamics woven in. A great series for your classroom! (Chronicle Books, 2018)
Diary of a Pug (series) #13 – Super Pug – Kyla May
A sweet, funny early reading series about the everyday life of a cute pug named Bub and his human, Bella. It’s written as in diary format and told from the Bub’s POV. In this story, Bub faces a few challenges when the local firefighters ask him to star as the pet superhero in their new fire safety commercial. SO cute! (Scholastic Inc., 2025)
Little Shrew – Akiko Miyakoshi
Could not love this story more. This sweet little shrew who finds joy in the little things and his routines made me appreciate everything just a little bit more. May we all be as content as this shrew. (Kids Can Press, 2024)
National Geographic Kids Pre-Reader Series – Swing Sloth: Explore the Rain Forest – Susan B. Neuman
Don’t forget to hook your young readers with the wonders of the world through some early nonfiction books. There are many series available but I am drawn to Nat Geo Kids as it reminds me of my sisters and I pouring over the National Geographic magazine every month when we were younger! (National Geographic Kids, March 2014)
Adventures in Fosterland (series) #1- Emmett and Jez – Hannah Shaw
When I first read this first book in a series about kittens and other animals in Fosterland, I almost cried! When little Emmett is rescued and brought to Fosterland, he meets Jez, the kitten – and decides to become a kitten, too! Such an adorable, touching way to teach compassion to younger generations. I would want this ENTIRE series in my classroom! (Aladdin, 2022)
Donut Feed the Squirrels – Mika Song
Funny, cute and quirky and the perfect “read alike” for fans of Narwhal and Jelly! After a burned breakfast, best friends Norma and Belly discover something even better than pancakes: donuts! With the help of a few accomplices, they target a local food truck and pull off the greatest heist in squirrel history! Hilarious! (Random House Graphic, 2020)
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have discovered one or two new books or series to “book hook” a beginning reader this summer!
Filed under New Books
Top 10 Tuesday – Favourite Books for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is coming up this weekend – so I thought I would share some of my favourite new (and not so new!) books celebrating mothers. Acknowledging Mother’s Day (and Father’s Day) in school provides an opportunity for children to express gratitude and love for their mothers or other significant caregivers in their lives. Keeping in mind that not all children in your class have mothers in their lives, if you include Mother’s Day activities this week, consider it an opportunity to recognize and discuss the diversity of family structures.
Here are some favourite books celebrating mothers and important caregivers in children’s lives. I have included foster and adoptive mothers, as well:
Hug – Jez Alborough
One of my favourite books for practicing inferring with younger students – this adorable book has only one word in it – “hug”. Bobo, the little chimp, happily walks through the jungle and notices different animals hugging. Suddenly, he realizes he has nobody to hug and, with the help of a mother elephant and her child, begins his “hug search”. The illustrations are brilliant and the ending is why I chose this book to celebrate mothers! (Candlewick, 2001)
The Family Forever – Sue Banner
A beautiful story of a young bear who learns about how he came to be cared for by his foster mama bear. I love how this book provides a better understanding, honors and celebrates loving adoptive and foster families. (Banner House Publishing, 2022)
Thank you, Mama – Angela Kohler
This is a lovely story celebrating the relationship between mother and child and the magical ways a mother shapes the lives of their children. Students will likely make lots of connections to their own mothers and caregivers. (Indigo Press, 2020)
My Mom – Anthony Browne
In this heartwarming tribute to mothers, a young narrator describes his own mom’s many wonderful qualities, from her skills as cook and juggler to her “butterfly beauty” and “armchair comfiness”. He concludes with the declaration that he loves his mom, and that she loves him, and always will! This is a great anchor book for Mother’s Day AND for a writing anchor for teaching similes! (Square Fish, 2009)
Happy Mother’s Day from the Crayons – Drew Deywalt
I absolutely adore the Crayon books and this one does not disappoint! I love that the author is inclusive of all moms and all families. Even the dad’s are pulling double duty! Excellent! (Philomel Books, 2025)
All Moms – Sarah Kate Ellis
Told in rhythmic text, this book’s message celebrates love for all moms. This book includes all moms and celebrates families without a “mom,” including a gay couple and a great grandmother. While some of the rhymes didn’t quite fit for me, the message, sentiments, and illustrations are perfect! (Little Bee Books, 2023)
My Mom – Juan Quinn
This is a heartwarming story of love and appreciation, celebrating the mother-daughter bond, told from the point of view of the young daughter. Older readers might infer that the child was adopted but it is not the focus of the story. Sparse text, beautiful language, and gorgeous illustrations. (Words & Pictures, 2025)
Grumpy Monkey Mom for a Day – Suzanne Lang
Who doesn’t love Grumpy Monkey books??? This one highlights how hard it is to be a mom and why moms should be appreciated. So funny and SO PERFECT for Mother’s Day! Such fun illustrations and this one comes with animal stickers! (Random House Studio, 2025)
Mums are Magnificent – Simon Philip
I LOVE this book – delightful story and charming illustrations. I love the diverse range of mums featured – so many different body shapes and skin colours and hair styles and socio-economic backgrounds – so reaffirming and brimming with love! (Little Tiger, 2025)
This is My Dad – Dimity Powell
No – I did not make a mistake and get confused that it was Father’s Day! This wonderful little book is about a boy named Leo being raised by a loving single mother. But the problem arises when Leo’s school plans a “Dad Days” celebration – and Leo doesn’t have one. So, what this book actually turns out to be is a sweet celebration of the love between Leo and his mom. It is SUCH a great book to share in class for either Mother’s or Father’s day. Love the subtitle of this book – “The perfect dad isn’t always a father”. (EK Books, 2022)
How to Raise a Mom – Jean Reagan
Young readers will enjoy the roll reversal presented here – instead of the mom raising the kids, the kids raise the mom! Another great installment to the How To series! (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2019)
What NOT to Give Your Mom on Mother’s Day – Martha Simpson
Such a funny book to share with young students! A little boy gives advice on what NOT to get your mother for Mother’s Day – unless, of course, your mother is an animal! Primary students will get a giggle out of this one! Cute pictures, too! (Two Lions, 2013)
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you have found one or two new Mother’s Day books to share and or gift to the special Mother or caregiver in your life. Happy reading, everyone!
Note: As I mentioned in my blog post yesterday (books to support Children’s Mental Health Week), have posted TWO blogs this week and will be taking a short blog break next week.
Friendly reminder: if sharing any of these books on YouTube, please turn the volume down and read the book aloud. Your students want to hear your voice, not a random stranger’s!
Filed under New Books
Top Ten Tuesday – Celebrating Canadian Children’s Book Week
Canadian Children’s Book Week is the annual celebration of books for young people and the joy of reading. Established in 1919, Children’s Book Week is the longest-running national literacy initiative in the country.
The book week runs from April 28 – May 4th and this year, the theme is “your story matters”.
Here is a list of all the locations across Canada where Canadian children’s authors are touring, sharing their books, their stories, and their writing process! Maybe there is someone touring near you!
I am so PROUD to be a Canadian and so GRATEFUL to the amazing, talented children’s authors and illustrators that gift us with so many “stories that matter”.
Here are my top 10 “hot off the press”, newly released picture books by Canadian children’s authors and illustrators – some of whom are on the tour list! Please note: Some of the titles listed are not in print until May so please check the publication dates at the bottom of each book description.
The Kite Collector – Zoey Abbott
This is a lovely story about a little boy who LOVES kites. He works hard to save his money so he can buy a new kites and keeps them safely hanging in his closet. But trouble arises when his younger sister discovers them and pulls them down from safety. A perfect book “connect” book for younger and older siblings! (Kids Can Press, available June, 2025)
The Big Splash – Angela Ahn
The Big Splash is an early middle grade book about a community swim team. The young characters are easy to identify with, and when faced with problems connected to their swim team and their coach, react with kindness toward each other. this is the second book in a series. A simple, relatable book perfect for grade 4-6! (Tundra Books, February 2025)
Wait Like a Seed – Erin Alladin
This is a wonderful book for centered around the beauty and wonder of caterpillars and butterflies, perfect for building knowledge during your Primary science unit! Readers learn how milkweed plant is shown to be the perfect source of nutrition and environment for butterflies. (Pajama Press, April 2025)
Chomp-O-Rama – The Strange Ways That Animals Eat – Maria Birmingham
I LOVE non-fiction books like this: packed with unique science facts, and written in an engaging, simple, colourful way! This book showcases the different ways that humans eat or find food and then compares/contrasts it to specific animals in nature. Filled with unique and interesting facts – who knew the pygmy shrew needed to eat so often or that crocodiles gobble rocks? Perfect book for practicing the “KNEW-NEW” strategy! (Owlkids, April 2025)
The Game – Henry Charles
This is a BEAUTIFUL book that reimagines the origins of hockey from an Indigenous lens. Poetic text, gorgeous illustrations and a introduction to Musqueam language and culture all wrapped up in this gem. LOVE this one! (Greystone Kids, March 2025)
Rock – Laurel Croza
This is a poignant book about bullying that I selected for this spring’s GearPicks Pack subscription box (Intermediate – Infer). It is the story of a rock on a beach who is taunted by seagulls flying by, telling him that he is nothing special. But the rock holds his ground and keeps repeating, “I am a rock”. This is an example of a victim standing strong and believing in themselves. Lots of layers of deeper thinking in this one so could be certainly used with different ages for practicing inferring. (Groundwood Books, March 2025)
The Crayon Stub – Marcus Cutler
Such a light-hearted, fun book about a creative cat, who dreams of becoming a famous artist, until his annoying sibling steals his crayons and leaves only a red crayon stub! A delightful story and I LOVE the bold block illustrations. (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, May 2025)
The Biggest Smallest Thing – Sara de Waal
A STEAM-packed story with outside-the-box thinking set during a school science fair—perfect for fans of Ada Twist, Scientist. Such a clever story about looking at things differently. For a read aloud, be prepared for a little bit of tongue twistery! (Annick Press, April 2025)
The Bigfoot Field Guide To Campers (and other mysterious Creatures) – Jami Gigot
This book is just plain FUN! Presented as a guide “written” by a Bigfoot named I.M. Furry, it’s a delightfully silly, but sneakily thoughtful! Readers get a look at what life is like for a Bigfoot dealing with the strange, mysterious, and occasionally alarming creatures that wander into their forest… a.k.a. campers. Kids will love this one! (Kids Can Press, May 2025)
Dreaming Alongside – Monique Gray Smith
This gentle, lovely book by Monique Gray Smith invites readers to daydream and reflect. This is a beautiful celebration of families participating in activities together. The book includes full text in both English and Plains Cree. A great book for visualizing! (Orca Book Publishers, April 2025)
Chidori: A Story Of One Thousand Birds – Jennifer Maruno
This is a very gentle picture book, about a horrible time, when the tsunami that came after an earthquake in Iwate prefecture Japan, washes away the village. I really appreciate how this book navigates grief and while it is a story of loss, it’s also a story of hope. Lots of space in this book for thinking and discussing. (Pajama Press, April 2025)
Bob The Boo-Boo – Melina Schoenborn
This book is definitely quirky, but has a great way of helping young readers understand small injuries and how they may be there for a little bit and then go away. It does end abruptly, but the last page made me laugh and the illustrations are adorable. (Kids Can Press, June 2025)
Thanks for stopping by! PLEASE share and celebrate Canadian children’s books with your students this week! Happy reading, everyone!
Filed under New Books
Top 10 Tuesday – Top 10 Books to Honour Truth and Reconciliation Day
Books have always been a way for me to approach tough topics and start important discussions with students. This week, as we prepare for The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30th, here are some books that might help you launch those discussions in your class. Thank you to all who shared titles of books you will be sharing with your students this coming week, as you prepare for this day. Hopefully, there will be one or two new books on this list you may be able to share with your students to honour this important day.
Today is orange shirt day – by Phyllis Webstad
“Today, we gather together. Today, we listen. Today, we learn. Today, we open our hearts.”This brand new book by Phyllis Webstad – just in time for Orange Shirt Day – is a PERFECT book for your Pre-school and Kindergarten students! “Today is Orange Shirt Day” is an age-appropriate authentic “touch and feel” board book to help launch conversations about the importance of Orange Shirt Day and what little ones can expect to see and do this important day – The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. An important addition to your school or class library. (Medicine Wheel Publishing, 2024)
The Orange Shirt Story – Phyllis Webstad
This book tells the true story that inspired the movement of Orange Shirt Day. When author Phyllis Webstad was a little girl, she was excited to go to residential school for the first time. Her Granny bought her a bright orange shirt that she loved and she wore it to school for her first day. When she arrived at school her bright orange shirt was taken away, along with so much of herself. This book is more suited for older readers. (Medicine Wheel Education, 2018)
Phyllis’s Orange Shirt – Phyllis Webstad
A wonderful adaptation of the best selling Orange Shirt Story, written for younger students. (Medicine Wheel Education, 2019)
With Our Orange Hearts – Phyllis Webstad
This heartfelt memoir really resonates with me. This story explores author Phyllis Webstad’s experience at a residential school. The unique perspective of a young child in this painful setting will engage children’s empathy and spark essential conversations about reconciliation. Creating orange heart mobiles with thoughts or comments would make a lovely follow-up to this read-aloud. (Medicine Wheel Education, 2022)
Every Child Matters – Phyllis Webstad
Another book by Phyllis Webstad is a good one for sparking honest conversations in the classroom. This book provides an accessible introduction to the tragedy of residential schools. One thing I really liked was the message of sharing the truth and how it encourages readers to become active agents of change and champions of reconciliation. (Medicine Wheel Publishing, 2023)
The Secret Pocket – Peggy Janicki
I love when I learn of a new book from comments on my posts. This book was released last spring and several people commented on it as an important story to share with their students. It tells the true story of how Indigenous girls at a residential school sewed secret pockets into their dresses to hide food and survive. Hearing the author’s mother’s story of her time in the Lejac residential school is such an amazing example of resilience — little girls using the sewing skills their mothers, aunties and grandmothers taught them, to sew secret pockets in their clothing to hide and share food. So many discussions will be launched from this powerful story of survival, courage, and hope. (Orca Book Publishers, 2023)
White Raven – Teoni Spathelfereoni Spathelfer
This continues the story of Little Wolf, an Indigenous girl learning to live in a city. In this book we meet her mother, White Raven, and learn about her experiences at residential school. The book is appropriate for upper elementary readers as it’s more text heavy than some of the other books on this list. (Heritage House, 2021)
My Suitcase: Nii Sookayis – Christina Fox
This is a beautiful, heartfelt story of author Christina Fox’s experience in residential school. The story centers around the preparation of leaving for school and on the suitcase the author’s grandmother lovingly packs with a traditional red dress, a pair of moccasins, a hairbrush, and a doll that is meant to bring comfort. It is a story of triumph, hope, and healing. ( 2022)
Trudy’s Rock Story – Trudy Spiller
While not specifically focusing on residential schools, this book will help young children connect with Mother Nature and their feelings. When a young girl from the Gitxsan Nation argues with her brother, she remembers the teachings of her grandmother and goes in search of a stone to share her feelings with. I like that the story teaches children that it is okay to have feelings and shows them how to process and release negative thoughts. (Medicine Wheel Education, 2017)
When I Was Eight – Christy Jordon-Fenton
This picture book adaptation of the early/middle grade chapter book Fatty Legs tells the true story of Olemaun (Margaret) Pokiak as she ventures into residential schools in northern Canada. An excellent choice for introducing younger readers to the topic of residential schools. (Annick Press, 2013)
I Am Not A Number – Jenny Kay Dupuis & Kathy Kacer
This heart-breaking picture book is based on the life of 8 year old Irene Couchie (grandmother of the author) who was removed from her First Nations family and sent to a Canadian Residential school. (Second Story Press, 2016)
When We Were Alone – David A. Robertson & Julie Flett
A young Indigenous girl asks her grandmother why she does things the way she does – wear her hair long, wear happy colours, hang out with her brother… The answers are as heartbreaking as her grandmother tells her about life in a residential school a long time ago, where all of these things were taken away. (HighWater Press, 2016)
Shi-Shi-Etko – Nicola Campbell
This is a heartbreaking book about Shi-shi-etko, a young native girl, this time in Canada, who must leave her home and family to go to a residential school. As she prepares to leave, she gathers memories during the last few days, first with her mother and father, then with family and her grandmother. CLICK HERE for my lesson connected to this book. (Groundwood Books, 2005)
Stolen Words – Melanie Florence
Heartbreaking, gentle story about a young girl and her grandfather. Her grandfather’s language – Cree – was taken from him as a child at residential school and now his granddaughter wants to help him reclaim it. (Second Story Press, 2017)
I Lost My Talk – Rita Joe
In this powerful poem by indigenous poet and songwriter, Rita Joe tells the heart-breaking story of how she lost her language, her culture, and ways of knowing the world while in residential school. I would recommend this for older grades (Gr. 5-7). (Nimbus Publishing Limited, 2021)
I’m Finding My Talk – Rebecca Thomas
In this companion book to Rita Joe’s I Lost My Talk, a second-generation residential school survivor writes an open and honest response poem about rediscovering her community, and finding her culture. (Nimbus Publishing Limited, 2021)
I Hope – Monique Gray Smith
I like to think that Orange Shirt Day is a hopeful step towards healing. So I end my list of books with Monique Gray Smith’s gorgeous new book. Written in English and Cree, this is a lovely story of hope and love and a reminder to be kind to all those around us, including our earth. (Orca Book Publishers, 2022)
I love that more and more children will be read stories about the legacy of residential schools in the classroom this year and that these books opens up a space for important conversations in your classrooms and homes. Thanks for stopping by. I hope that you found one or two new titles to add to your collection.
Filed under New Books
Top10 Tuesday -Top 10 Books for Building Resiliency
Nobody wants to see someone disappointed, heartbroken, frustrated or unhappy. But life is full frustration and failures and, as hard as it is, those experiences are how we learn. Rescuing children from life’s challenges, while seemingly helpful, does little to help them develop resiliency. “Resilient” is an important word for all students to know and understand and an important trait for them to develop. Exposing them to as many stories of resilience as possible, showing them how different people respond to less than ideal circumstances and how they bounce back can be a starting point to helping our students become more resilient.
Here are my top ten (plus a few more) favorite books that teach kids about resilience.
I Am Courage: A Book of Resilience – Susan Verde
A wonderful book for young readers that affirms and teaches us that resilience isn’t about being fearless but experiencing fear and uncertainty and taking on the challenge with confidence. Very empowering! (Harry N. Abrams, 2023)
Even Superheroes Have Bad Days – Shelly Becker
Sometimes, we need to show resilience because something major has happened. But other times, we simply need to strengthen our resilience in everyday situations, so that we can respond positively to the day-to-day bumps in the road. Rather than giving up or throwing fits, these superheroes show young readers positive ways to handle negative emotions. LOVE this one! (Union Square Kids, 2023)
I Am!: Affirmations for Resilience – Bela Barbosa
This is a bright little board book filled with simple affirmations for young children to build self-esteem and inner confidence. Love! Love! Love! (Rise x Penguin Workshop, 2020)
The Hugging Tree: A Story about Resilience – Jill Neimark
This inspiring rhyming picture book tells the story of a little tree who finds itself trying to grow on the edge of a cliff. The ocean, moon, and birds are kind to the tree and support it in many ways, encouraging it to be resilient and that it is right where it needs to be. The tree eventually faces its fears and learns to thrive. Gorgeous illustrations! (Magination Press Edition, 2015)
The Rabbit Listened – Cori Doerrfeld
This is one of my FAVOURITE books for many different themes – friendship, kindness, caring communities – the list goes on! The story is about a child who builds an amazing structure out of blocks only to have it destroyed by a group of birds. Many different animals come to try to help by giving suggestions as to how to fix things. But it is only the rabbit who provides true comfort by listening to the child’s story and sitting quietly as the child comes up with his own solution. This is a beautiful, heartfelt book and a perfect example of quiet resilience. (Dial Books, 2018)
Whistle for Willy – Ezra Jack Keats
Peter (the main character from Keats’ The Snowy Day) really wants to be able to whistle for his dog Willie, but just can’t seem to do it. He watches other boys whistle and how their dogs run to them and he wants to be able to do the same thing. Again and again he tries, but nothing happens… until it does! (Puffin Books, 1977)
Bike On, Bear! – Cynthea Liu
Bear can do most things pretty easily… except ride a bike. With the help of his family and friends, he tries and tries to learn, but eventually he stops believing in himself and gives up. But when given an opportunity to ride without thinking about it, Bear discovers his abilities! Adorable illustration and I love how Bear’s support system is highlighted. Don’t miss the dedication in this book! (Aladdin, 2015)
A Perfectly Messed-Up Story – Patrick McDonnell
Little Louie just wants to merrily skip through his story singing happily, but he keeps getting interrupted by messes. Jelly stains, peanut butter, fingerprints—Little Louie’s story is not going the way he had hoped! By the end though, Louie realizes that it’s ok that things didn’t go as planned – his story is a good one either way! (Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2014)
Malala’s Magic Pencil – Malala Yousafzai
As a child in Pakistan, Malala wishes for a magic pencil and uses it to make everyone happy, to erase the smell of garbage from her city, to sleep an extra hour in the morning. But as she grows older, Malala sees that there were more important things to wish for. This beautifully illustrated book tells Malala’s story for a younger audience and shows them how resilient Malala strongly held on to hope even in the most difficult of times. (Little Brown Books for Young Readers, 2017)
Jules vs. the Ocean – Jessie Sima
I remember when I first read this book I thought it was about a girl learning to swim! Little did I know, it would end up on a list of favourite books about resilency! Jules is determined to build a sandcastle that her sister will be proud of, but the waves keep knocking down her attempts… She tries and tries again until she’s ready to give up. But, of course, she doesn’t (what kind of resilience story would that be?).(Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2020)
The Girl Who Never Made Mistakes – Mark Pett
This book is a gentle lesson about perfectionism and taking risks. Beatrice is a bit of a celebrity because she NEVER makes mistakes. But because she is so careful never to make a mistake, she often ends up missing out; because she’s not sure if she’ll be able to do something perfectly, she won’t even try. A great book to discuss how making mistakes does not mean you are failing; it means you are learning. learn. (Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2011)
A Thousand No’s: A Growth Mindset Story of Grit, Resilience, and Creativity – DJ Corchin
A story about perseverance and innovation that shows what amazing things can happen if we work with others and don’t give up. A little girl has an idea, but she gets not just one NO but MANY! Every NO she gets, her idea keeps changing. When she gets her thousandth No, her idea is totally different and results in an enormous colorful YES! A great message to not let the word no stop you from creating what you want to create. (Sourcebooks Explore, 2020)
Accident! – Andrea Tsurumi
Highly entertaining story but also includes an important message about fixing accidents and mistakes when they happen and then moving on. Accidents happen but the don’t have to be the end of the world! Love the illustrations! (Clarion Books, 2017)
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you found one or two new titles you can share with your class to help them build the power of resilience! Happy reading, everyone!
Filed under New Books, Resilence, Top 10 Tuesday
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