33 Canadian picture books to watch for in spring 2022

Here are the Canadian picture books weare excited about this season.

A Long Way Home by Jean Little, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard

A Long Way Hometells the story ofJane and Maya, two girls who are twovery different people. While Maya is a quiet girl,a refugee and new to this country, Jane is chatty and outgoing andhas lived in the same place her whole life. After learning about the plight of endangered animals, thetwo bond over watching over butterflies and planting a milkweed garden.A Long Way Homeis about togetherness and understanding the ways we are alike and different.

A Long Way Home is for ages 4 to 8.

• Jean Little on realism in writing for children

Canadian children's writer Jean Littlewas the author of over 50 books,includingDancing Through the Snow,Mama's Going to Buy You a Mockingbird,From AnnaandOrphan at My Door. Born with scarred corneas that severely limited her vision, Little often wrote stories about children with physical disabilities. Her work earned her many honours,including the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal and beingnamed aMember of the Order of Canada. Little died on April 6, 2020 at the age of 88.

Gabrielle Grimardis an authorand illustrator from Quebec. She wrote and illustrated the picture booksLila and the CrowandNutcracker Nightand illustrated the booksStolen WordsbyMelanie FlorenceandThe Magic Boatby Kit Pearson and Katherine Farris.

Mina by Matthew Forsythe

The picture book Minais a colourful and heartful look at the bond between father and daughter. Mina lives with her dad in a tree stump on the edge of the forest. When her father brings homea surprise, an anxious Mina learns more about the power of trust and loyalty.

Mina is for ages 4 to 8.

Matthew Forsythe is the Toronto-born author-illustrator ofPokko and the Drum, aPublishers WeeklyBest Book of the Year, a recipient of the Boston GlobeHorn Book Award Honor, and a Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book.

I Love You More by Emil Sher and Barbara Reid

I Love You Moreis a picture book about a child namedDes and the power of love. The story is an affirming look at how kindness in the community crosseslines of gender, race and age.

I Love You More is for ages 3to8.

• Why Barbara Reid decided to make the background the star ofPicture the Sky

Emil Sher is a Toronto author and playwright.His work includesYoung Man with Camera,Awayand the picture bookMittens to Share, illustrated by Irene Luxbacher. Sherhas written the stage play adaptations ofHana's Suitcaseby Karen Levine andThe Boy in the Moonby Ian Brown, and the script and lyrics for a stage musical of Roch Carrier'sThe Hockey Sweater.

Children's author Barbara Reid, who uses plasticine to illustrate her stories, has written several bestselling books includingPicture a TreeandSing a Song of Mother Goose. In 2013, Reid was appointed a member of the Order of Canada. Among her many awards, her picture bookThe Partywon the 1997 Governor General's Literary Award for children's literature. In 2013, Reid received theVicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People, which recognizes a writer's entire body of work.

Her bookPicture The Skywas a finalist for the2018 TD Canadian Children's Literature Awardand received the most votes from young readers in theCBC's Fan Choice Contest.

Giju's Gift by Brandon Mitchell, illustrated by Veronika Barinova and Britt Wilson

In the first volume of this graphic novel series inspired by traditional stories, a Mi'kmaw girl, Mali, is sad after her favourite hair clip goes missing. Her mom thinks she lost it, but Mali knows deep down it was stolen by the pugulatmu'j, or Little People, the original guardians of the land who make their presence known by the tricks they play. When she meets Puug, he's wearing her hair clip, but she has to help him hunt for the objects on his list before she can get it back. One small problem: first they have to outsmart the ancient giant that's chasing them.

Giju's Gift is for ages 6to8.

Brandon Mitchellis the Fredericton-basedfounder of Birch Bark Comics and creator of the Sacred Circles comic series, which draws on his Mi'kmaq heritage.

Veronika Barinovais an emerging illustrator currently living in Calgary. She has a Bachelor in visualcommunication design from the Alberta University of the Arts and works primarily in digital media.

Britt Wilson is an Ontario ceramic artist, illustrator, cartoonistand letterer. A graduate from Sheridan College, Britt is the author-illustrator ofBritt Wilson's Greatest Book on Earth,Ghost Queen, andCat Dad, King of the Goblins.

The Magic Shellby Jillian Christmas, illustrated by Diana G. A. Mungaray

The Magic Shellis a picture book aboutPigeon Pea, a young person who has a lot ofquestions about identity and family. When Auntie gives them the magic key to all the answers, Pigeon Pea travels across time and space to learn more about their past and who their ancestors were.

The Magic Shell is for ages 6to8.

• Why the poetry of Jillian Christmas examines the realities of Black queerness, femininity and community

JillianChristmas is aneducator, activist and community organizer who focuses on increasinganti-oppression initiatives in spoken word.She is the former Artistic Director of Vancouver's Verses Festival of Words.Christmas wonthe 2021 Dayne Ogilvie Prize forLGBTQ2S+ Emerging WritersandCBC Books named her a 2020 writer to watch.

Raised in Stoneville, N.C.,Diana Mungaraygrew up enthralled by the world around her. She startedher journey painting watercolour pine trees in her composition book, going on to geta Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and Interactive Design.

Journey of the Midnight SunbyShazia Afzal, illustrated by Aliya Ghare

In Journey of the Midnight Sun, a true story comes to life in picture book form. The book is based on thejourney of the Midnight Sun Mosque in2010, a Winnipeg-based charity raised funds to build and ship a mosque to Inuvik, one of the northernmost towns in Canada's Arctic.This set off a 4,000-kilometrejourney filledwith badweather, even worse roads and a pressing deadline to make it there before the first winter freeze.

Journey of the Midnight Sun is for ages 3to 5.

When you can read it:March15, 2022

Shazia Afzalis an Ontarioteacher and storyteller. Having immigrated to Canada in 2002, Shazia sought to live near her community mosque with every move. Because of her firsthand understanding of the challenges Muslim families face in new communities, the incredible story behind the construction and transportation of the Midnight Sun Mosque resonated with her.

Aliya Ghareis a Toronto artist and illustrator.Her work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators,American Illustration and Adobe, and has been awarded by and published in theApplied Artsand3x3magazines.

Martin and the River by Jon-Erik Lappano, illustrated by Jose Bisaillon

In this poetic story about the relationship between children and the natural world, young Martin is faced with moving away from his beloved river in the countryside. When he visits the city with his parents to explore their new home, none of its charms can compare with the river. But when he encounters a stream running through the park, Martin discovers that his connection with nature can be just as wondrous in the city.

Martin and the River is for ages 3to6.

• HowTokyo Digs a Gardengrew into an award-winning picture book

Jon-Erik 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.

Jose Bisaillonis a children's book writer andillustrator based outside Montreal. Her other books includeLeap!written by JonArno Lawson, andThe Snow Knowswritten by Jennifer McGrath.

I'm Not Sydney! by Marie-Louise Gay

I'm Not Sydney!introduces young readers to Sydney and his friends or are they animals? Sydney likes to imagine he's a sleepy sloth hanging from a tree, while his friend Sami prefers to become a fast spider monkey. They're joined by the other neighbourhood kids in this story about the power of play, imagination and the slow-moving magic of a childhood summer.

I'm Not Sydney! is for ages 3to6.

• Why Marie-Louise Gay created a picture book about the life of a child refugee

Marie-Louise Gay is a prolific author and illustrator of children's literature from Montreal. She has won the Governor General's Literary Award for children literature illustration twice, forRainy Day MagicandYuck, A Love Story.Her other children's books includeMustafa,Any Questions?and the Stella & Sam series.

I Am Everything in Between by Sydney Sunderland

I Am Everything in Betweenexplores gender ideals,differences and stereotypes. The picture book is a celebration of youth andfocuses on a positive and empowering message for those who want to be seen for who they truly are.

I Am Everything in Between is for ages 4 to 8.

Eighteen-year-old Sydney Sunderlandis a writer and illustratorwho grew up in the Comox Valley onVancouver Island, B.C.

Sangeet and the Missing Beat by Kiranjot Kaur

Sangeet and the Missing Beatcelebrates the joy of music. Sangeet loves to create and play music, and especially loves playing the tabla, her favourite instrument. One day, Sangeetoverhears an awesome beat but can't quite play it on the tabla. Sheneeds to figure out the missingbeat to make the music sound complete.

Sangeet and the Missing Beat is for ages 4to 10.

When you can read it:March15, 2022

Kiranjot Kaur is a B.C.-based multi-disciplinary artist, authorand engineer. Her work aims to celebrate her artistic influences including her Panjabi, Sikhand Canadian heritages.

Sing in the Spring!By Sheree Fitch, art by Deb Plestid

Sing in the Spring!is apoetic celebration of the season when flowers bloom. The book looks at all the weather changes that spring brings, including melting snow, blowing winds, dripping rain. The book is aboutbudding flowers, muddy puddles and the joy the season brings.

Sing in the Spring!is for ages 4to 8.

When you can read it:March 30, 2022

• 100 young adult books that make you proud to be Canadian

Sheree Fitch is the author ofmore than 25 books,includingKiss the Joy As It Flies.Her children's booksincludeMabelMurpleand young adult novels, likeThe Gravesavers. She received the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People in 2000.

Deb Plestidplays with fabric, thread, and paint. Her eye is drawn mostly to nature, mathematics, light, and shadow; exploring colours, textures, and life. Her work is in collections in North America, Europe, and the Middle East. Her singular pleasure is eliciting a smile with her work.

Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes by Mahak Jain, illustrated by Anu Chouhan

A story about navigating different cultural identities, Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoesfollows Paro, a girl who dances Bharatanatyam with her mom at home and is also excited to learn ballet. While they might be very different, Paro navigates how to appreciate and excel at both.

Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoesis for ages 3to6.

When you can read it:March 29, 2022

Mahak Jain is a Toronto writer and author of booksfor young people and adults. Her picture bookMaya,illustrated by Elly Mackaywas a Kirkus Best Book of the Yearand winner of the 2017 South Asia Book Award. Mahak lives in Toronto.

Anu Chouhan is an illustrator from Burnaby, B.C. A trained animator and character designer, Anu often combines her love of Bollywood, animeand global fashion into her art. She enjoys creating art that celebrates diversity and empowerment.

Hot Cross Buns For Everyone by Yolanda T. Marshall, illustrated by Daria Lavrova

Hot Cross Buns For Everyoneinvolves a diverse group of children and an Easter party. When Jackson's friends and their families bake assorted hot cross buns for his Easter party, it becomes a feast of different foods and spicesfrom different cultures and countries. The book features themes of community and a shared understanding around food.

Hot Cross Buns For Everyoneis for ages 3to6.

When you can read it:April1, 2022

• Why Yolanda T. Marshall created a picture book about the tastes and sounds of Africa and the Caribbean

Yolanda T. Marshall is a writer of children's books includingMy Soca Birthday Party. Marshall was born in Guyana and grew up in Scarborough, Ont., surrounded by Caribbean culture. The children's books she writes are full of her love and appreciation for that culture and food is a big part of it.

Daria Lavrova is a children'sbookillustrator and painter based in Amsterdam.

As Glenn as Can Be by Sarah Ellis, illustrated by Nancy Vo

As Glenn as Can Beis a picture book that looks at the life of the Canadian pianist Glenn Gould. A child prodigy, the classical musician lived an interesting life of mindfulness,learning and sounds. Gould always wanted todo what he loved best, while being true tohimself in the process.

As Glenn as Can Beis for ages 3to6.

When you can read it:April1, 2022

Sarah Ellis is a Vancouverauthor, teacher and children's literature expert. She has written more than 20books across the genres, and her books have been translated into French, Spanish, Danish, Chinese and Japanese. She has won the Governor General's Literary Award for Pick-Up Sticksand the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award forOdd Man Out.

Nancy Vo was born on the prairies and now lives in Vancouver. She studied fine arts and architecture, and now works as a facility planner and a picture-book maker. She is the author and illustrator of the first two books in theCrow Storiestrilogy.

When I Listen to Silence by Jean E. Pendziwol, illustrated by Carmen Mok

When I Listen to Silenceis a story of the power of silence when navigating your world. A girl looks out her window and discovers a space with breathing trees, dancing bears and a smoky dragon. It takes a bit of imagination and a dash of silence to save the day.

When I Listen to Silenceis for ages 3to6.

When you can read it:April1, 2022

• How going for a walk solves most of Jean E. Pendziwol's writing problems

Jean E. Pendziwolisan author from Ontario.She is the author of the novelThe Lightkeeper's Daughtersand the children's booksOnce Upon a Northern Night,Me and You and the Red CanoeandThe Red Sash.

Carmen Mok is an illustrator. She has illustrated numerous books, includingRide the Big Machines in Winter: Waiting for Sophieby Sarah Ellis andLook at Me Nowby Carol McDougall and Shanda LaRamee-Jones.

Abuelita and Me by Leonarda Carranza, illustrated by Rafael Mayani

Abuelita and Meis a picture book about a girl and her beloved abuelita. One day while travelling across the city, the girl and her grandmother encounter racist actions directed at them. But the duo are empowered to be strong and stare down negativity.Abuelita and Meis about how believing in yourself can defeat even the most negative of people around you.

Abuelita and Meis for ages 4to 7.

When you can read it:April12, 2022

Leonarda Carranzais a writer who wasraised in Tkaronto, and born in Cuscatln (El Salvador) to a mixed-race family of Afro-Indigenous ancestry. She holds a Ph.D. in social justice education from the University of Toronto. She is the winner of Briarpatch Magazine's Writing in the Margins contest, and Room's 2018 ShortForms contest. Carranza lives in Brampton, Ont., part of the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit.

Rafael Mayaniis a Mexican artist based in Vancouver. He draws inspiration from the vibrant colours and shapes of Mexico and the natural beauty of Canadian landscapes.

Pink is for Everybody by Ella Russell, illustrated by Udayana Lugo

Pink is for Everybodyis a picture book about colour, love and acceptance. When a diverse group of children find a pink treasure chest, the collection of pink-coloured items inside set them on a playful adventure fuelled by fun and imagination.

Pink is for Everybodyis for ages 4to8.

When you can read it:April15, 2022

Ella Russellgrew up in a house that had a box full of costumes for rainy-day play. The box allowed them to become anybody they wanted from a swashbuckling pirate to a proper palace-dweller. Russelllives in Toronto, with two cheeky but lovable furballs named Saffron and Juniper.

Udayana Lugoworked as a designer of products, interiors and graphics before her love of drawing and children's books led her to become a children's book illustrator. Lugowas born in Russia, grew up in Mexico City, and now lives in Richmond, B.C.,with her husband and two kids.

In the Clouds by Elly MacKay

In the Cloudsis a tale for children about dreams, clouds and a world of imagination.When alittle girl wishes for a bit of sunshine on a cloudy day,a friendly bird flies her off to a skyward adventure to learn more about the scientific magic that is rain, clouds and nature.

In the Cloudsis for ages 4to8.

When you can read it:April19, 2022

Elly MacKayis an Ontario author and illustrator. Her previous work includesButterfly Park,If You Hold a Seed, Shadow Chasers, Waltz of the SnowflakesandThe Tallest Treehouse.

Mermaid Lullabyby Briana Corr Scott

Mermaid Lullabyis a picture book that evokes a sense of underwater wonder in its depiction of mermaids. The story is a lullaby about mer-moms and their mer-babies at bedtime.

Mermaid Lullabyis for ages 4to8.

When you can read it:April 26, 2022

Briana Corr Scottpaints and writes from her home studio in Dartmouth, N.S., where she lives with her husband and three children. Her paintings and stories capture the beauty of the natural world, particularly the overlooked details found in the weeds and flowers found along the Nova Scotia coast. She is also the author ofWildflower,The Book of Selkie, andShe Dreams of Sable Island.

Abalone Woman by Teoni Spathelfer, illustrated by Natassia Davies

Abalone Womanis the third book in the Little Wolf series for young readers.InAbalone Woman, Little Wolf has a bad dream but it remindsher to learn more about Indigenous culture and the importance of passing on knowledge to the new generation. WhenLittle Wolf encounters injustice in her community, she turns to her family for the strengthto fight back.

Abalone Womanis for ages 4to8.

When you can read it:April 26, 2022

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.

Ben the Sea Lion by Roy Henry Vickers

Ben the Sea Lionwas inspired by an adventure from Tsimshian storyteller and artist Roy Henry Vickers' own childhood in the Indigenous village of Kitkatla, on B.C.'s north coast. When Uncle Johnny accidentally catches an orphaned sea lion pup in his fishing net, young Roy and his cousin Bussy nurse it back to health. They name the pup Ben, short for Teeben the Tsimshian word for sea lion. But eventually Ben must return to the wild, leaving his human friends to remember him fondly.

Ben the Sea Lionis for ages 3to 5.

• Artist Roy Henry Vickers on making art andbeating addiction

When you can read it:April 30, 2022

Roy Henry Vickersis a B.C.-based carver, painter and printmaker. He is the co-author of the popular children's Northwest Coast Legends series:Raven Brings the Lightin 2014,Cloudwalkerin 2015,Orca Chiefin 2016 andPeace Dancerin 2017.

Sun Wishes by Patricia Storms, illustrated by Milan Pavlovi

The duo behind 2019's bedtime story Moon Wishes now turns to a daytime tale. This colourful picture book is a celebration of the sun as it shines around the world, lighting up the gloomiest skies, celebrating the harvest and delighting in the diversity of life all over the globe.

Sun Wishesis for ages 3to6.

When you can read it:May1, 2022

Patricia Stormshas worked as a short-order cook, a library technician, and a graphic designer, but her favourite thing to do by far is to make books for kids! She wrote and illustratedThe Pirate and the Penguinand the much-lovedNever Let You Go. She is the author ofThe Dog's Gardener, illustrated by Nathalie Dion, and collaborated with her husband, Guy Storms, to writeMoon Wishes, illustrated by Milan Pavlovi.

Milan Pavlovi is a Toronto-based illustrator, graphic artist and educator. He is the illustrator of several children's books in Canada, includingThe Boy Who Invented the PopsiclebyAnne Renaud.

Lizzy and the Cloud by Eric Fan and Terry Fan

Lizzy and the Cloudis a picture book about a girl named Lizzy and the pet cloud named Milo that she loves and cares for. But as Milo continues to grow and grow, the time is fast approaching when Lizzy has to let her pet go free.

Lizzy and the Cloudis for ages 3 to 8.

When you can read it:May 3, 2022

• The Fan brothers: Books we'd love to illustrate

Eric Fan and Terry Fan are brothers and frequent collaborators on children's books. Theirbooks includeThe Night GardenerandOcean Meets Sky.They also illustratedThe Darkest Darkby astronaut and author Chris Hadfield.

Runs with the Stars by Darcy Whitecrow and Heather M. O'Connor, illustrated by Lenny Lishchenko

Runs with the Starsis a picture book featuring theOjibwe Horses that used to roam the forests of northwestern Ontario. The horses once ran wild and free, but when Grandfather was a boy, they almost disappeared. Now he is the caretaker of his own small herd, keeping the breed alive for future generations and teaching his grandchild about the loving bond between human and animals.

Runs with the Stars is for ages 6 to 8.

When you can read it:May 3, 2022

Author Darcy Whitecrow is Ojibwe and Dakota;heis a member of the Seine River First Nation band in Northwestern Ontario, where he lives. Whitecrow practices traditional lifestyles like trapping, fishing, and ricing, as well as traditional spirituality in both the Midewiwin and Sundance traditions.

Heather M. O'Connor is a children's author and freelance writer based in Peterborough, Ont. She first learned about Ojibwe Horses while writing for the Ontario Parks blog and quickly became obsessed.

Lenny Lishchenko is an Ontario illustrator, graphic designerand comics maker who will never give up the chance to draw a good birch tree. Ukrainian-born and Canadian-raised, she's interested in telling stories that people remember years later in the early mornings, when everything is quiet and still.

Tanna's Lemming by Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley, illustrated by Tamara Campeau

Inspired by a true story, in this follow-up to Tanna's Owl, Tanna finds a small grey lemming far too cute to turn over to the scientist who had sent kids out to gather lemmings for his research. Instead, Tanna deems Fluffi to be a family member and attempts to raise the lemming in her home. But when Fluffi strays from its cozy bed behind the stove and into Tanna's mother's things, Tanna is forced to consider whether she has really done what is best for the creature.

Tanna's Lemmingis for ages 6to8.

When you can read it:May10, 2022

Born in an Arctic wilderness camp and of Inuit ancestry, Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley is a scholar specializing in world religions and cultures. Her numerous articles and books concerning Inuit magic and lore have earned her a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Of Scottish-Mohawk ancestry, Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley is a folklorist and fantasist, specializing in mythology, magic, and Inuit lore. He has won an award for writing short science fiction ("Green Angel"), but his focus is on fiction and nonfiction for a young audience.

Tamara Campeauis a Montreal-basedartistwho works digitally to create her painterly storytelling illustrations. Her work has a strong sense of lighting, naturalistic colours, and dynamic composition. She is strongly inspired by wildlife, children, and the environments in which they reside.

Where Do Your Feelings Live? by Catherine Hernandez, illustrated by Myriam Chery

Where Do Your Feelings Live?is the latest book by Canadian author Catherine Hernandez. Young readers are encouraged to show compassion to themselves, their families and their communities, and to imagine where inside themselves they keep their feelings.

Where Do Your Feelings Live?is for ages 4to7.

When you can read it:May17, 2022

• Canada Reads2022 contenders face off March 28-31

Catherine Hernandezis a Canadian writer, author and playwright. Her 2017 novel,Scarborough, was a shortlistedfinalist for the 2017 Toronto Book Award, the 2018 Trillium Book Award andthe 2018 Edmund White Award.Scarboroughwas also adapted to screen as a feature film andpremiered at TIFF in2021.Malia Bakeris defendingScarboroughonCanada Reads2022.

Myriam Chery is a Quebec artist and illustrator.

Sitting Shiva by Erin Silver, illustrated by Michelle Theodore

Sitting Shivais a picture book that reflects on loss and grief. When a child loses her mother, friends and family gather to sit shiva,a seven-day period of mourning for the death of a family member observed in Jewish homes. The child learns more about love and healing during the process.

Sitting Shivais for ages 3 to 5.

When you can read it:May 17, 2022

Erin Silver is a Toronto-based journalist, author and blogger.

Michelle Theodoreis an Edmonton artist and illustrator.

Nature is an Artist by Jennifer Lavallee, illustrated by Natalia Colombo Brown

This picture book is for kids who love to draw and create, featuring craft ideas that also foster an appreciation for nature. In the book, a group of children get out into nature.As they witness beautiful landscapes and unusual creatures, they're inspired to create their own work of art. Nature is an Artist encourages kids to appreciate the art in their own outdoor environment.

Nature is an Artistis for ages 3to8.

When you can read it:May17, 2022

Jennifer Lavalleeis an authorfrom the Canadian prairies where she lives with her busy family of five. An avid reader and crafter, Jennifer grew up experiencing all the wonder and beauty of nature, including the soaring Rocky Mountains, curious Alberta Badlandsand lush boreal forests of the north.Nature is an Artistis her first book.

Natalia Colombois a Brazilian illustrator and graphic designer whose picture books have been published in multiple languages around the world. Her book,Cerca,was awarded the first International Compostela Prize for Picture Books.

Wildflower by Melanie Brown, illustrated by Sara Gillingham

In Wildflower, a daisy growing in a garden is told by a rose that she's just a weed. Daisy begins comparing herself to the other plants in the garden she's not tall like Sunflower, nor sweet like Strawberry and not even fragrant like Rose. But another strange and beautiful plant offers Daisy another perspective, making her realize that others don't get to decide who she is it's up to her to define herself.

Wildfloweris for ages 3to8.

When you can read it:May 24, 2022

Melanie Brownhas worked as both an elementary school teacher and an interior designer, and lives in Vancouver with her family and sweet silver labrador retriever named Rosie.Wildfloweris her first book.

Sara Gillinghamis an award-winning children's book author and illustrator, art director, and designer who has helped publish many bestselling books. Gillingham has written and illustrated more than 25 titles for children, includingHow to Grow a Friend,Snuggle the Baby, the Empowerment series, and the bestselling In Myseries. She lives in Vancouver with her family.

I's the B'yillustrated by Lauren Soloy

I's the B'yis an illustrated picture book based on the classic Canadian folksong of the same name. Thesong, whichoriginated in Newfoundland, comes to life throughillustrations ofbobbing boats, leaping humpback whales, violin-playing fish, dancing people, starry skiesand stormy seas.

I's the B'yis for ages 3to8.

When you can read it:May 31, 2022

Lauren Soloy is an author and illustrator who lives in a140-year-old house in the wilds of Nova Scotia. Her debut picture book,When Emily Was Small, was published in 2020 and was nominated for a 2021 Atlantic Book Award.

Tpw and the Magic Hat by Buffy Sainte-Marie, illustrated by Michelle Alynn Clement

Tpw and the Magic Hatis a chapter book byIndigenous icon Buffy Sainte-Marie involvingoral histories and traditions. Set on a prairie reserve, Tpw receives a mysterious gift from Kokhom a magical hat that comes with its own set of surprises.Tpwgoes on atrip featuring trickster characters and adventure.

Tpw and the Magic Hatis for ages 6to 9.

When you can read it:June7, 2022

• How Canadian music critic Andrea Warner wrote the definitive Buffy Sainte-Marie biography

Cree singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie's long career includes an expansive catalogue of music, art and work in activism. Hey Little Rockabye,published in 2020,was her first children's picture book.

Michelle Alynn Clement is an award-winning book designer and illustrator from Vancouver.

Una Huna?: Ukpik Learns to Sew by Susan Aglukark, illustrated by Amiel Sandland & Rebecca Brook

This picture book from Inuk singer-songwriter Susan Aglukark follows Ukpik, whose mom is keen to teach her how to make mitts from caribou skin. But Ukpik can't stop thinking about the bright and beautiful beads her mother traded the Captain for on his last visit. Her mom knows it's more important that she learn the skills to make her own clothes in the cold Arctic climate but she does have a surprise for Ukpik that will let her enjoy something beautiful while also doing something practical.

Una Huna?: Ukpik Learns to Sewis for ages 3 to 5.

When you can read it:June7, 2022

• Susan Aglukark's picture book series will honour the resilience of the Inuit

Susan Aglukark is an Inuk musician and author of children's books. Her picture bookUna Huna? What is This?was published in 2018.

Amiel Sandland is an illustrator living in the Toronto area. He studied illustration at Seneca College, eventually specializing in comic arts and character design.

Rebecca Brook is a Toronto-based artist working in the animation industry. While primarily a digital artist, she also works in traditional mediums such as oil paints and charcoal.

My Lala by Thomas King, illustrated by Charlene Chua

My Lalais a picture book with themes of love, joy and confidence. A girl named Lala wants to own the world... and when she discovers a box full of shiny red dots and uses them to label things in the home, she just might get her wish!

My Lalais for ages 3 to 7.

When you can read it:June7, 2022

• Thomas King on why humour and tragedy are inseparable

Thomas King is a Canadian-American writer of Cherokee andGreekancestry.He delivered the 2003 Massey Lectures,The Truth about Stories. His books includeTruth & Bright Water;Green Grass, Running Water, whichwasonCanada Reads2004;The Inconvenient Indian,which was onCanada Reads2015;andThe Back of the Turtle,which won theGovernor General's Literary Award for fiction in 2014. He also writes the DreadfulWater mystery series.

Charlene Chua is a Singapore-born Canadian author and illustrator. She has illustrated several picture books, includingThe PencilbySusan AvingaqandMaren Vsetula,Shubh Diwali!by Chitra SoundarandAmy Wu and the Perfect Baoby Kat Zhang.