BooksReading List

40 Canadian kids books to read in spring 2023

Here are the Canadian picture books, early chapter books and middle-grade titles we are excited about this season.

CBC Books Posted: May 23, 2023 12:58 PM EDT | Last Updated: May 25, 2023

Here are the Canadian kidsbooksweare excited about this season.

City of NeighborsbyAndrea Curtis,illustrated by Katy Dockrill

On the left is a photo of a woman with blonde short hair wearing a scarf. In the middle is a book cover that shows illustrations of different people doing different things in the community. There is white and turquoise text overlay that is the book's title and author's name. On the right is a woman with shoulder length blonde hair in braids and glasses. — City of Neighbors is a picture book by writer Andrea Curtis and illustrator Katy Dockrill. (Jenna Muirhead, Groundwood Books, Katy Dockrill)

City of Neighbors is a picture book that journeys around the world to discover how people have created new ways to ensure that their cities and neighbourhoods are creative, inclusive and environmentally sustainable. This book is part of the ThinkCities series which is inspired by the urgency for new approaches to city life as a result of climate change.

City of Neighborsis for ages8 to12.

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Andrea Curtis is a Toronto-based author of books for children and adults. Her ThinkCities seriesalso includes A Forest in the City, City of WaterandCity Streets are for People. She is also the author of the young adult novel Big Water. Her adult books include Into the Blue, which wonof the Edna Staebler Award for Creative Non-Fiction, and The Stop,which was co-authored withNick Saul.

Katy Dockrill is an illustrator from Toronto. She alsoillustrated City of Waterin the ThinkCities series.

The Raven's Revenge by Kevin Sands

The Raven's Revenge is a book by Kevin Sands. (Thomas Zitnansky, Simon & Schuster)

The Raven's Revenge is the sixth novel in Kevin Sands's popularBlackthorn Key series. The Raven's Revenge finally uncovers Raven's identity after a cat and mouse gameand is the thrilling conclusion to the series.

The Raven's Revengeis for ages 10 to 14.

YA writer Kevin Sands reveals the toughest literary rejection he ever received

Kevin Sandsis a Toronto-based author of the award-winning Blackthorn Keyseries,a middle grade fantasy series about the adventures of an orphaned apothecary's apprentice.The Blackthorn Key, the series' first book,received the John Spray Mystery Award and was a finalist for the Arthur Ellis Best YA Crime Novel Award.

The Grover School Pledge by Wanda Taylor

On the the left is a book cover of a young girl holding a bunny wearing a purple hoodie with her fist pumped up. There are two other girls in the background in front of a speaking podium. On the right is a photo of woman wearing a black and white sweater smiling at the camera. — The Grover School Pledge is a book by Wanda Taylor. (HarperCollins Canada, Wanda Taylor)

In The Grover School Pledge, middle-schooler Arlaina Jefferson challenges the injustices that she sees around her at schooland teams up with other students in her school to right a systematic wrong, showing the ability of young people to make a difference.

The Grover School Pledgeis for ages 8 to 12 and will be available in June 2023.

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Wanda Taylor is an author of children and adult books, freelance journalist, screenwriter and college instructor. Her writing has appeared inpublications such as Atlantic Books Today, Black2Business magazine andPeak Magazine.

Boldly Go by Eric Walters

On the left is a book cover that shows two astronauts floating above the surface of Earth. There is yellow, white, blue text overlay that is the book's title and author's name. On the right is a photo of a man wearing a red dress shirt and black blazer. — Boldly Go is a book by Eric Walters. (Orca, Penguin Random House Canada)

Boldly Go is the second book in the Teen Astronauts series where teen astronaut Houston Williams goes into outer space as part of winning a scholarship to attend a NASA space program.Houston and his new friend and former rival, Ashley, are on their way to the International Space Station (ISS) where, along with veteran astronaut Colonel Sanderson, they will be subjected to a variety of experiments. Meanwhile, back on Earth, the politics of space travel are getting complicated, which creates the possibility for Houston to go to Mars!

Boldly Gois for ages 9 to 12.

The worst writing advice Eric Walters ever received

Eric Walters is the author of over 125 books and one of Canada's most prolific writers for young people. His books, which includes Camp X,Made 4 You, On the Lineand Run, have collectively won more than 100 awards, including the Governor General's Literary Award for The King of Jam Sandwiches. He lives in Guelph, Ont.and is a member of the Order of Canada.

Like a Hurricane by Jonathan Bcotte, illustrated by Jonathan Kaplansky

On the left is a man wearing a striped shirt and jean jacket. In the middle is a book cover that shows a teen in a green sweater looking up at the sky which has swirls that are turquoise, orange and navy blue coloured. He is releasing multi-coloured balloons into the sky. There is white, blue, and orange text overlay that is the book's title and author's name. On the right is a man wearing a white dress shirt that has grey stripes. — Like a Hurricane is a book by Jonathan Bcotte, pictured, and translated by Jonathan Kaplansky. (Alana Riley, Orca, Vro Boncompagni)

In Like a Hurricane, a gay boy explores what it means to be true to one's self. His fear of sharing his true identity creates an inner turmoil within himself that continues to rise with the force of a hurricane.

Like a Hurricaneis for ages 9 to 12.

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Jonathan Bcotte is author of a number of works for young people. The French edition of Like a Hurricane, Comme un ouragan and young adult novel Maman veut partir werenominated for aGovernor General's Literary Award. He is an elementary school teacher in Montral. He has won the Prix Ccile-Gagnon and the Prix Alvine-Blisle.

Jonathan Kaplansky is a Montral-based translator. He has translated works by Annie Ernaux, Jean-Pierre Le Glaunec, Lise Tremblay, John Porter, Hlne Dorion, Hlne Rioux, tienne Beaulieu and Simon Brault. He has a BA from Tufts University, MA in French language and literature from McGill University and MA in translation at the University of Ottawa.

The Best Way to Get Your Way by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated byChanelle Nibbelink

The Best Way to Get Your Way is a picture book written by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, left and illustrated by Chanelle Nibbelink, right. (Kids Can Press, Chanelle Nibbelink)

The Best Way to Get Your Way is a book that introduces kids to debating skills.Readers can follow along as two debaters on opposing sides tackle five hot-button issues. They go step-by-step through the debate process, from constructing an argument to rebutting an opponent. Then, the readers get to pick a side.

The Best Way to Get Your Wayis for ages 8 to 12.

Vancouver mother and daughter release new children's book highlighting positive uses of social media

Tanya Lloyd Kyi is a Vancouver-based author of more than 25 books for children and adults, including This Is Your Brain on Stereotypes, Under Pressure and Mya's Strategy to Save the World.

Chanelle Nibbelink is a Canadian American illustrator now based in Utah.

My Name is Henry Bibb by Afua Cooper

My Name is Henry Bibb is a book by Afua Cooper. (Kids Can Press, submitted by Afua Cooper)

My Name is Henry Bibb is a novel about Henry Bibb, an American slave who, after repeated attempts, escaped in 1841 to become an anti-slavery speaker, author and founder of a Black newspaper.It traces Bibb's boyhood, marriage, fatherhood and the developing awareness of his bondage and his determination to break free of it or die.

My Name is Henry Bibbis for ages 10 to 14.

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Afua Cooper is an award-winning speaker, scholar, historian, author, poet andperformer. She helps organizations improve racial and ethnic justice in the workplaceand lives in Halifax.

LISTEN | Afua Cooper talks about what it's like to be Black in Canada todayon Ideas:

Ideas0:50Historian Afua Cooper talks about what it's like to be black in Canada today and always under surveillance.

Afua Cooper is James Robinson Johnston Chair in Black Canadian Studies at Dalhousie University.

The Rainbow, the Midwife & the Birds by Raymond Yakeleya, illustrated by Samantha Gibbon, Rich Throux and Antoine Mountain

Illustrated book cover of a baby with red and blue colour blocks coming from their chest. Dene man with grey hair smiling in front of light green background. — The Rainbow, the Midwife & the Birds is a picture book by Raymond Yakeleya, pictured, and illustrated by Samantha Gibbon, Rich Throux and Antoine Mountain. (Durville & UpRoute Books)

The Rainbow, the Midwife & the Birds is an illustrated collection for young readers featuring four Dene stories. Yakeleya writes of nature, colour and spirituality from tales shared from his family and community. The interactive book features colourful illustrations for each story, Dene language translations and QR codes to an animated film and video game.

The Rainbow, the Midwife & the Birds is for ages 8 to 12.

Raymond Yakeleya is a Dene filmmaker and writer. His previous work includes the children's book The Tree by the Woodpile. He was born in Tulita, N.W.T. and is currently based in Edmonton.

Samantha Gibbon, Rich Throux and Antoine Mountain are illustrators from across Canada.

Swept Away by Natalie Hyde

Illustrated book cover of a young white girl looking a a river. White woman with brown bangs and glasses smiling. — Swept Away is a middle-grade mystery by Natalie Hyde. (DCB Books, Natalie Hyde)

Ruth Mornay is determined to find out what really happened to her 64 year-old neighbor Beatrice in the book Swept Away. While the rest of her small town are still convinced she died in an accident on the Teeswater River,Beatrice's godson, Saul, claims to have had premonitions of her death and together, Saul, Ruth and her pet chicken Dorcas gather clues to solve this mystery.

Swept Away is for ages 9 to 12.

Natalie Hyde is a children's author based in Flamborough, Ont. Her previous work includes Saving Armpit, I Owe You One, and Cryptic Canada.

The Enchanted Bridge by Zetta Elliott

Illustrated book cover of a young Black boy in a red and white t-shirt holding a ball of light. An orange and phoenix flies behind him in a dark blue sky. Smiling Black woman with a red shirt on leaning on grey stone wall. — The Enchanted Bridge is the fourth book in the middle-grade fantasy series Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott (Penguin Random House Canada, Bianca Cordova)

In the fourth book in the middle-grade fantasy series, Dragons in a Bag, a young Black boy named Jaxon is about to embark on another adventure filled with mythical creatures. In The Enchanted Bridge Jax and his friends learn about their new abilities and a secret plan. Can Jax protect the realms and all its magical creatures?

The Enchanted Bridge is for ages 8 to 12.

Zetta Elliott writes stories that centre Black characters and confront systemic racism

Zetta Elliott is a writer, teacher and poet born in Ajax, Ont., and now based in the U.S. She is the author of the children's fantasy series Dragons in a Bag and the longform poem A Place Inside of Me.

Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow

Illustrated book cover of a young boy and his dog floating in the middle of a day and night sky. White text overlaid. — Simon Sort of Says is a middle-grade novel by Erin Bow. (Scholastic, Jay Parson)

Simon Sort of Saysis a middle-grade novel that follows Simon O'Keefe. Simon isa natural storyteller who has just moved with his family to the National Quiet Zone a community where there is no internet so that radio astronomers can listen for signs of extraterrestrial life. Simon also happens to be the sole survivor of a school shooting, and is set on writing a new story and life for himself. Simon Sort of Says is an uplifting book of perseverance and healing.

Simon Sort of Says is for ages 9 to 12.

Past CBC Poetry Prize winner Erin Noteboom reflects on the science behind writing poetry

Erin Bow is an American-born physicist, poet and children's author currently based in Kitchener, Ont. Bow won the CBC Poetry Prize in 2001 for Poems for Carl Hruska and her novel Stand on the Sky wonthe Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature, text.

The Superteacher Project by Gordon Korman

Illustrated book cover of an orange robotic apple. Red background, yellow and black text overlaid. White man with horn-rimmed glasses in black shirt. — The Superteacher Project is a middle-grade novel by Gordon Korman. (Scholastic, gordonkorman.com)

The Superteacher Projectis the latest middle-grade novel from Gordon Korman. Brightling Middle School's resident prankster, Oliver Zahn, and his best friend Nathan become increasingly suspicious of their new teacher, Mr. Aidact, who has caught on to all of their rule-breaking. When Mr. Aidact turns out to be a school favourite, Oliver and Nathan are set on finding out what's really going on with him.

The Superteacher Projectis for ages 8 to 12.

Gordon Korman is a middle-grade and YA author of over 100 books. Born in Montreal, he is currently living in New York.

LISTEN | Gordon Korman speaks about the power of humour:

The Scroll of Chaos by Elsie Chapman

Illustrated book cover of a Chinese girl riding a mythological creature with horns and blue skin. Mountains and suns are in the background, yellow and red text overlaid. Chinese woman with black hair in front of brick wall. — The Scroll of Chaos is a middle-grade adventure fantasy by Elsie Chapman. (Scholastic, Michael Meskin)

The Scroll of Chaos is a middle-grade fantasy adventure novel based in mythological China. While Astrid Xu's mom is bedridden from depression, Astrid comes across an ancient Chinese scroll she hopes may save her. Unexpectedly, Astrid and her sister are transported to a realm called Zhen where an ancient evil known as Chaos is overtaking all. Alongside fantastical guides and legends, Astrid is sent on an action-packed journey.

The Scroll of Chaos is for ages 8 to 12.

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Elsie Chapman is a B.C.-born writer currently based in Tokyo. She is also the author of the YA novels such as Dualed, All the Ways Home and Caster.

Tegan and Sara: Junior High by Tegan Quin & Sara Quin, illustrated by Tillie Walden

Illustrated book cover of two white twin sisters with brown hair touching hands. Many purple objects surround them. Two white twin sisters with brown hair facing camera in fuschia shirts. — Tegan and Sara: Junior High is a middle-grade graphic novel by Tegan Quin and Sara Quin, both pictured, and illustrated by Tillie Walden. (Macmillan, Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press)

Tegan and Sara: Junior Highis a middle-grade graphic novel by Canadian sister musician duo Tegan and Sara.Thestoryis inspired by the authors' own experiences of finding one's identity, musicianship and family in their adolescence. Growing up as identical twins, Tegan and Sara move to a new home and school, and begin to come into their own as individuals.

Tegan and Sara: Junior High is for ages 10 to 14.

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Tegan Quin and Sara Quin are twin sisters and a pop music duo from Calgary. They previously published a memoir called High School.

Tillie Walden is an American cartoonist, illustrator and writer. She has published severalgraphic novels, including On a Sunbeam and Spinning.

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Singer-songwriters Tegan and Sara (The Con, Crybaby) on changing direction in your life and in your art, their frustration with how twins are depicted in the media, and what they think when they look back on their career so far. Plus, Sean Towgood (35:52) on how his show Youre My Hero gives a realistic depiction of someone living with cerebral palsy, the absurd things people say to him in grocery stores, and using comedy as a way to cope.

Cat's Cradle: The Mole King's Lair by Jo Rioux

Illusteated book cover of girl with dark hair riding a giant white dog and holding a stick in front of a purple background. White woman with brown hair and glasses with her right hand resting on her chin. — Cats Cradle: The Mole Kings Lair is the second volume of the middle-grade graphic novel series by Jo Rioux. (Macmillan, Spencer Studio Ottawa)

The second volume in the graphic novel trilogy, Cat's Cradle: The Mole King's Lair, tells the story of Suri who loves monsters and all their lore. Suri dreams of being a monster tamer and sets out with Byron a monster more similar to a giant dog to the Monster's Cradle, home of the giants.

Cat's Cradle: The Mole King's Lair is for ages 8 to 12 and will be available in June 2023.

Jo Rioux is an author-illustrator based in Ottawa. She illustrated The Daughter of Ys by M.T. Anderson and Cat's Cradle is her debut series.

Afikomen by Tziporah Cohen, illustrated by Yaara Eshet

Afikomen is a picture book by Tziporah Cohen, left, and illustrated by Yaara Eshet, right. (Wendy Hellman, Groundwood Books, Yaara Eshet)

InAfikomen,three children at a Passover seder visit ancient Egypt to help baby Moses find his way safely to thePharaoh's daughter. It also includes an author's note about the meaning of the Passover holiday and about different afikomen traditions.

Afikomenis for ages 3 to 6.

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Tziporah (Tzippy) Cohenwas born and raised in New York. She lives in Canadaand splits her time between writing and working as an oncology/palliative care psychiatrist. Her debut middle-grade novelNo Vacancywon the Jean Little First-Novel Award and was a Sydney Taylor Award honouree, Silver Birch Fiction Award finalistand a National Jewish Book Award finalist.

Yaara Eshetwas born in Israel and studied at the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem. She is currently based in Torontoand has illustrated more than 30books for readers of all ages, includingJourney Around the Sun: The Story of Halley's Cometby James Gladstone.

Malaika, Carnival Queen by Nadia L. Hohn, illustrated by Irene Luxbacher

On the left is a photo of a woman wearing pink glasses, in the middle is a book cover that shows a girl wearing a colourful large dress with feathers on her head holding a photo of her father who is a farmer harvesting apples. There are also music notes, an apple, a pear and flowers on the cover. There is purple and black text overlay that is the book's title and author's name. On the right is a photo of a woman with brown short hair. — Malaika, Carnival Queen is a picture book by Nadia L. Hohn, left, and illustrated by Irene Luxbacher, right. (Nadia L. Hohn, Groundwood Books, Yellow Butterfly Photography)

InMalaika, Carnival Queen,Malaikavisits the farm where her father had worked as a migrant worker when he came to Canada.The farm workers tell Malaika that her father had always dreamed of celebrating carnival at the orchard, just like back home. Will Malaika agree to be their Carnival Queen for the harvest festival?

Malaika, Carnival Queenis for ages 3 to 6.

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NadiaL. Hohn is a Toronto-basedaward-winning writer and educator. She is the author of numerous picture books which includesMalaika's Costume,Malaika's Winter Carnival,Malaika's SurpriseandHarriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter, illustrated by Gustavo Mazali.

Irene Luxbacher is an artist and illustrator whose projects include the I Can... series for Kids Can Press. She is also based in Toronto.

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Two Green Birdsby Geraldo Valrio

Two Green Birds is a picture book written and illustrated by Geraldo Valrio. (Groundwood Books, Jerry Hart)

InTwo Green Birds,Francisco helps his grandmother take care of two magnificent green parakeet birds in the guava tree in her backyard. Initially,the birds will not eat or drink or speak. However, when Franciscosees parakeet birds from the wild in her backyard one day, he suddenly knows what he must do to make his grandmother's parakeets be happy.

Two Green Birdsis for ages 6 to 9.

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Geraldo Valriowas born in Brazil and currently lives in Toronto.His books include Night Runners,My Book of Butterflies,At the PondandBlue Rider.

Super Small by Tiffany Stone, illustrated by Ashley Spires

On the left is a photo of the author with yellow hair, in the middle is a book cover shows a few different drawn small creatures which includes a worm, snail, bird, seahorse, cat, frog, beetle, slug, and salamander. There is also an image of a large pencil tip. There is yellow, red and blue text overlay that is the book's title and author's name. On the right is a woman with short brown hair. — Super Small is picture book by Tiffany Stone, illustrated by Ashley Spires. (Tiffany King, Greystone Books )

InSuper Small,readers will learn about some of the smallest creatures on the Earthand their superpower abilities. For example, theminute oribatid mite can lift more than 1,000 times its own weight, anda tiny type of salamander (called an axolotl) can regrow body parts.

Super Smallis for ages 4 to 8.

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Tiffany Stoneis a B.C.- based children's poet and critically acclaimed picture book author.Stone's other children's books includeFloyd the Flamingo and his Flock of Friends,RainbowShoesandTallulah Plays the Tuba.

Ashley Spiresis the author and illustrator of many books includingThe Most Magnificent Thingand the Binky The Space Catseries, both of which have animated adaptations.

The Girl Who Loved the Birds by Joseph Dandurand, illustrated by Elinor Atkins

On the left is a book cover that shows an Indigenous girl in the middle of a forest with a eagle, owl, purple flowers, and two birds flying in the background. On the right is a black and white photo of the author who is wearing sunglasses and a straw hat. — The Girl Who Loved the Birds is a picture book by Joseph Dandurand. (Nightwood Editions, Peter Arkell)

The Girl Who Loved the Birdsis the third in a series of Kwantlen legends,followingThe Sasquatch, the Fire and the Cedar BasketsandA Magical Sturgeon. It follows ayoung Kwantlen girl who shares her life with the birds of the island she calls homeandforms a lifelong bond with her feathered friends, who soon beginto return her kindness.

The Girl Who Loved the Birdsis for ages 6 to 8 and will be available in June 2023.

Joseph A. Dandurand, Catherine Graham and Tolu Oloruntoba to judge 2023 CBC Poetry Prize

Joseph Dandurandis a member of the Kwantlen First Nation. Heis the director of the Kwantlen Cultural Centre and the author of several books of poetry includingThe East Side of It All, which was shortlisted for the Griffin Poetry Prize. In 2021, Dandurand received the BC Lieutenant Governor's Award for Literary Excellence.

Elinor Atkins(Mimwqelt) is an Indigenous artist from the Kwantlen First Nation.

Garden of Lost Socks by Esi Edugyan, illustrated by Amlie Dubois

On the left is a photo of a woman with black hair smiling at the camera, in the middle is a book cover with two kids sitting on a garden's wall looking up at the sky with white text overlaid, on the right is a photo of a woman with long brown hair and glasses smiling at the camera. — Garden of Lost Socks is a picture book by Esi Edugyan, left, and illustrated by Amlie Dubois, right. (Tamara Poppitt, HarperCollins, Michelle Dupuis)

In the picture bookGarden of Lost Socks,Akosuawho is a budding Exquirologist, and a new friend find aremarkable world hidden right in her very own community.

Garden of Lost Socksis for ages 4 to 7 and will be available in August 2023.

Esi Edugyan explores race, history and identity in her epicnovel Washington Black

Esi Edugyanisa Victoria-based author ofHalf-Blood BluesandDreaming of Elsewhere.Her bookWashington Blackwas a finalist on Canada Reads 2022, shortlisted for the Rogers Writers' Trust Fiction Prize and the Man Booker Prize and won the 2018 Scotiabank Giller Prize. She lives in Victoria.

Amlie Dubois grew up in Montral and currently lives in Mauricie. She has illustrated children's books such asLapin perdu,Rien du tout!,Mingan les nuagesand copine etCopinewhichwas the French-language finalist for the 2020 Governor General's Award. She has also illustrated formagazines and television.

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Just Like Grandma by Kim Rogers, illustrated by Julie Flett

Just Like Grandma is a picture book written by Kim Rogers, left, and illustrated by Julie Flett. (HarperCollins)

Just Like Grandmatellsa story about a granddaughter and her grandmother is told. Becca loves to spend time with her grandmother and do activities such asbeading moccasins together. She wants to just be like her grandma. When they do their favourite activities with each other,Becca discovers something surprising about Grandma.

Just Like Grandma is for ages 4 to 8.

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Kim Rogers is an author of short stories, books and poems foryoung readers. She livesin Oklahoma.

Julie Flett is a Cree Mtis author, illustratorand artist. She has illustrated several picture books includingLittle You,My Heart Fillswith Happiness,BirdsongandWe Sang You Home.Her children's books have won awards and recognition: The David A. Robertson-authoredWhen We Were Alonewonthe 2017 Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature illustration.

I Am Big by Itah Sadu, illustrated by Marley Berot

I Am Big is a picture book written by Itah Sadu, left, and illustrated by Marley Berot. (Second Story Press)

In I Am Big,a young Black hockey player finds joy in his talent and confidence in the cheers of his family, his coach, and the other players.

I Am Bigis for ages 6 to 8.

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Itah Saduis an award-winning Toronto-based children's author. She is the co-owner of Toronto bookstoreA Different Booklist, which specializesin African and Caribbean Canadian literature.

Marley Berotis a Toronto-basedillustrator.Her works includes cover art forNeuron, graphic design work for the Toronto International Film Festival, logo design and book illustration.

Vee in Between by Valerie Kaiyang Wood, illustrated by Angela Poon

On the left is a woman wearing a yellow sweater smiling at the camera, in the middle is a book cover that shows a young Chinese girl smiling holding a Chinese fan in each hand. There are clouds and a moon in the background. There is white text overlay that is the book's title and author's name. On the right is a woman with bangs and her hair in a ponytail smiling at the camera. — Vee in Between is a picture book written by Valerie Kaiyang Wood, illustrated by Angela Poon. (Second Story Press )

Vee in Betweenshares the story of a young girl who was adopted from China when she was nine months old. Whenshe struggles to keep up in Chinese dance class and a woman at the grocery store makes Vee feel like she doesn't belong, her white parents don't always understand. With the help of another adoptee, Veeworks on embracing every part of herself.

Vee in Betweenis for ages6 to 8.

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Valerie Kaiyang Wood is a children's author and museum curator who currently lives in Ottawa.

Angela Poonis a Mississauga-basedillustrator and comic artist. She also illustratedFred & Marjorie: A Doctor, a Dog, and the Discovery of Insulin byDeborah Kerbel.

The Most Beautiful Thing I Have Ever Seen by Nadia Devi Umadat, illustrated by Christine Wei

On the left is a photo of a woman wearing a tweed jacket, and in the middle is a book cover that shows four girls looking up and smiling with a background filled with different types of flowers. There is brown text on the cover that is the book's title and author's name. On the right is a photo of a woman wearing a brown tank top and white pants, smiling at the camera. — The Most Beautiful Thing I Have Ever Seen is a picture book written by Nadia Devi, left, Umadat, and illustrated by Christin Wei. (Second Story Press)

The Most Beautiful Thing I Have Ever Seen is about a young girland her experience as a newcomer to a country when she and family leave their home country due to war. With time and love, her family embraces their new lifeand it is the most beautiful thing she has ever seen.

The Most Beautiful Thing I Have Ever Seen is for ages 6 to 8.

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Nadia Devi Umadatis a social worker based in Toronto.

Christine Weiis a Taiwanese artist living inVancouver.She graduated from Emily Carr University of Art and Design.

No Horses in the House! by Mireille Messier, illustrated by Anna Bron

On the left is a woman wearing pink glasses and smiling at the camera. In the middle is a turquoise book cover that a young girl in front of a easel holding a paint brush in one hand with the other hand holding a paint palette. There are open books and sheets of paper on the ground. There is one horse on the left, and two horses on the right side. On the right is a woman with long brown hair smiling at the camera. — No Horses in the House! is written by Mireille Messier, left, and illustrated by Anna Bron. (Ian Partridge, Orca Book Publishers, Andrew Whyte )

No Horses in the House!is about thefeminist and queer artist Rosa Bonheur, who loved to draw animals. In this fictionalized account of her early life in Paris, Rosa studies art at home and even brings animals into her apartment to observe and draw. In a time when girls were not allowed to be artists, she is determined to still follow her dreams of being one.

No Horses in the House!is for ages 6 to 8.

Mireille Messier and Charis Cotter win Atlantic Canada's Hackmatack Children's Choice Awards

Mireille Messieris a Montreal-born, Ottawa-raised and now Toronto-based children's writer. She has published over 30 children's books for all ages, including the nonfiction picture bookSergeant Billy: The True Story of the Goat Who Went to War.

Anna Bronwas born in Russia, came to Canada as a child and now lives in Vancouver. She works onillustrating children's books, magazines, andanimating, designing and directing commercials and short films.

The Origin of Day and Night by Paula Ikuutaq Rumbolt, illustrated by Lenny Lishchenko

The Origin of Day and Night is a picture book written by Paula Ikuutaq Rumbolt, left, and illustrated by Lenny Lishchenko. ( Paula Ikuutaq Rumbolt, Inhabit Media, Lenny Lishchenko)

The Origin of Day and Nightis an Inuit myth that shares the origin story of light and darkness.Passed orally from storyteller to storyteller for hundreds of years, this beautifully illustrated story weaves together elements of an origin story and a traditional animal tale.

The Origin of Day and Nightis for ages 6 to 8.

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Paula Ikuutaq Rumboltis from Baker Lake, Nunavut. She is currently attending Concordia University in Montreal and believes inthe importance ofconnecting with her culture.

Lenny Lishchenkois aUkrainian Canadianillustrator, graphic designer and comic maker who now lives in Mississauga, Ont.

We Love You as Much as theFox Loves Its Tail by Masiana Kelly, illustrated by Tamara Campeau

On the left is a woman wearing glasses smiling at the camera, in the middle is a picture book cover that shows a smiling baby with black hair a pink/yellow striped onesie sitting in the embrace of a white fox. There are rocks and wildflowers surrounding them. There is yellow and green text overlay that is the book's title and author's name. On the right is a woman with long hair and bangs, smiling at the camera. — We Love You as Much as a Fox Loves Its Tail is a picture book written by Masiana Kelly, left, and illustrated by Tamara Campeau. (Masiana Kelly, Inhabit Media, Tamara Campeau)

We Love You as Much as theFox Loves Its Tailis a poem thatshares all the ways in which a family will welcome their long-awaited new member. It is astory about creating a family through adoption.

We Love You as Much as theFox Loves Its Tailis for ages 3 to 5 and will be available in July 2023.

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Masiana Kellyis Inuit and Dene from Kugluktuk, Nunavut, and Fort Simpson, N.W.T. She has been an educator for over 10 years andstudied literacyand storytellingat the University of Alberta. She is also the author ofThe Dancing Trees.

Tamara Campeauis a digital illustrator. She received anassociate degree in illustration and design fromDawson College andbachelor's degree in illustration fromSheridan College.

Salma Makes a Home by Danny Ramadan, illustrated by Anna Bron

Illustrated book cover of Syrian girl dressed in red holding an umbrella in the rain with the Vancouver skyline and her parents behind her. Syrian man with beard in front of black background wearing a purple shirt with his arms crossed. — Salma Makes a Home is a picture book written by Danny Ramadan, pictured, and illustrated by Anna Bron. (Annick Press, Amanda Palmer)

Salma was introduced ina picture book about a young Syrian refugee's life in Canada in Salma the Syrian Chef. Now as an early chapter book, Salma Makes a Home follows Salma and her family as she builds a new home for them in Vancouver. As her dad joins them and she begins to make new friends, Salma reflects on her Syrian identity and sense of belonging.

Salma Makes a Home is for ages 6 to 9.

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Danny Ramadan is a Syrian-Canadian author, activist and public speaker based in Vancouver. His first book was The Clothesline Swing, which was longlisted for Canada Reads in 2018.

Anna Bron is a Vancouver-based animator and illustrator. She illustrated Salma the Syrian Chef and the middle-grade novel Harvey and the Extraordinary.

Granny Left Me a Rocket Ship by Heather Smith, illustrated by Ashley Barron

Two white women, an illustrated book cover of an older woman with brown skin and a young boy looking out a circular window to the stars. — Granny Left Me a Rocket Ship is a picture book by Heather Smith, left, and Ashley Barron. (Declan Flynn, Kids Can Press)

Granny Left Me a Rocket Ship is a picture book about grief and imagination after the loss of a grandparent. Through cut-paper illustrations, a young child and his family remember Granny through the objects she left behind for each of them. This story is a resource for children on how to talk about losing a loved one with a focus on social-emotional learning.

Granny Left Me a Rocket Shipis for ages 4 to 7 and and will be available in June2023.

Home is where the heart is and the stories are for author Heather Smith

Heather Smith is an award-winning children's author originally from Newfoundland. She won the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award in 2019 for her YA novel in verse Ebb & Flow.

Ashley Barron is a multimedia artist and children's book illustrator. She currently lives in Toronto.

The Only Astronaut by Mahak Jain, illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier

Brown woman with short dark hair a glasses in front of green/grey wall. Illustrated cover of young brown girl wearing a white helmet in front of outer space. White woman with long brown hair laughing. — The Only Astronaut is a picture book by Mahak Jain, left, and illustrated by Andrea Stegmaier. (Sarah Bodri, Kids Can Press, Andrea Stegmaier)

Avni is all about space exploration and she is set on finding a partner to travel the galaxies with in the picture book The Only Astronaut. Will she succeed? In this picture book Avni encourages imagination and learns all about friendship.

The Only Astronaut is for ages 3 to 7 and will be available in June 2023.

Mahak Jain is a poet and fiction writer for children and adults. Her previous picture books include Maya and Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes. Jain is currently based in Toronto and working on her debut short story collection, We Are Only Human.

Andrea Stegmaier is an illustrator and architect currently based in Germany.

Wednesday Wilson Connects the Dots by Bree Galbraith, illustrated by Morgan Goble

two white women smiling, illustrated book cover of a young girl with dark skin on the sidewalk putting freckles on her face with a pen and a mirror. — Wednesday Wilson Connects the Dots is a picture book by Bree Galbraith, left, and illustrated by Morgan Goble. (Bree Galbraith, Kids Can Press, Morgan Goble)

In the newest instalment of the Wednesday Wilsonpicture books, Wednesday embarks on her latest business venture: freckles. After Wednesday's former best friend Ruby defends her current best friends' freckles, Wednesday is left wondering about friendship.

Wednesday Wilson Connects the Dots is for ages 6 to 9.

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Bree Galbraith is a children's author based in Vancouver. Her other books include Usha and the Stolen Sun, Milo and George and Once Upon a Balloon.

Morgan Goble is a children's illustrator who has worked on many middle grade and picture books. She currently lives in London, Ont.

Princess Pru and the Ogre on the Hill by Maureen Fergus, illustrated by Danesh Mohiuddin

White woman with dark brown hair smiling in front of blurred green background. Illustrated book cover with white background of half a grey and purple ogre's face with a long purple eyebrow, white girl with brown hair leaning on brown rock. — Princess Pru and the Ogre on the Hill is a picture book by Maureen Fergus, pictured, and illustrated by Danesh Mohiuddin, (Maureen Fergus, OwlKids)

Princess Pru and the Ogre on the Hill is a funny story about a young princess, her two dads and the curious ogre who moves in nearby. Oggy interrupts all of Pru's royal events, like tickle games and she wonders if he needs a friend. Together they convince the townspeople and the kings that Oggy is not to be feared in this whimsical picture book about courage and inclusivity.

Princess Pru and the Ogre on the Hillis for ages 4 to 7.

Maureen Furgs is a Winnipeg-based author of many books for children. She is most known for the Buddy and Earl picture books and the early graphic novel series, Weenie featuring Frank & Beans.

Danesh Mohiuddin is a freelance illustrator, cartoonist and advertiser based in Toronto.

The Song that Called Them Home by David A. Robertson, illustrated by Maya McKibbin

Man with short brown hair, bear and black glasses smiling. Person with pink hair and light skin. Illustrated book cover of the inside of a whirlpool with two people swimming. Blue text overlaid. — The Song that Called Them Home is a picture book written by David A. Robertson, left, and illustrated by Maya McKibbin. (Amber Green, Penguin Random House Canada, Maya McKibbin)

Inspired by Indigenous legends, The Song that Called Them Homeis a fantasy-adventure about a summer day with two siblings and their Moshom (grandfather) visiting the land. As Lauren, her younger brother James and their Moshom canoe on the lake, the waves begin to thrash and James is taken by the Memekwesewak creatures. Lauren is determined to find him and bring him back.

The Song that Called Them Home is for ages 4 to 8.

David A. Robertson is a children's author and member of Norway House Cree Nation. His previous picture books On the Trapline and When We Were Alone are both recipients of the Governor General's Literary Award. He currently lives in Winnipeg.

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Maya McKibbin is a Two-Spirited Ojibwe, Yoeme and Irish illustrator, filmmaker and writer. She was nominated for the Governor General'sLiteraryAward for illustrating the picture book Swift Fox All Along by Rebecca Thomas.

Abolition is Love by Syrus Marcus Ware, illustrated by Alannah Fricker

Black and white image of a Black person with long dark locs. Illustrated book cover with turquoise background of a group of people, a young black person in an orange shirt holding a candle is at the front. — Abolition is Love is a picture book by Syrus Marcus Ware, pictured, and illustrated by Alannah Fricker. (Jalani Morgan, Penguin Random House Canada)

Abolition is Love follows a young person called Amelie as they learn about care, justice and love in the everyday. This picture book engages in conversations for young people about how to imagine different futures for themselves and their communities.

Abolition is Love is for ages 3 to 7 and will be available in August 2023.

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Syrus Marcus Ware is a Toronto-based artist, writer and activist. He is also a founding member of Black Lives Matter Toronto and a contributor to the anthology series presented by CBC Arts 21 Black Futures. His other books include I Promise and Love Is in the Hair.

Alannah Fricker is an artist, community organizer and registered social worker. Abolition is Love is her first children's book that she has illustrated.

Julie and the Mango Tree by Sad Smith, illustrated by Sayada Ramdial

Black woman with long black straight hair looking at camera. Illustrated book cover of a small Black girl biting into a mango. — Julie and the Mango Tree is a picture book written by Sad Smith, pictured, and illustrated by Sayada Ramdial. (Sad Smith, Macmillan)

Julie's favourite fruit are mangoes but she can never seem to pick a sweet one from the tree in her yard. In Julie and the Mango Tree, Julie pleads with her mango tree on a summer afternoon in this vibrantly illustrated picture book.

Julie and the Mango Tree is for ages 3 to 6and will be available in August 2023.

Sad Smith is a Canadian's children's author of Jamaican descent. Her previous book, Granny's Kitchen, is nominated for the 2023 Blue Spruce Award.

Sayada Ramdial is an illustrator from Trinidad andTobagothatis currently based in the U.S.

A is for Anne by Mo Duffy Cobb, illustrated by Ellie Arscott

Two white women smiling to camera. Illustrated book cover of white girl with red hair and yellow dress standing in a field of white flowers and grass. — A is for Anne is an alphabet book written by Mo Duffy Cobb, left, and illustrated by Ellie Arscott. (Mo Duffy Cobb, Pownal Street Press, Anne Dalton Church)

A is for Anne is a tribute to the Canadian classic Anne of Green Gables in an alphabet book for children. Evoking Lucy Maud Montgomery's themes of friendship, hope and imagination, A is for Anne illustrates the beauty of Prince Edward Island.

A is for Anne is for ages 3 and under.

Mo Duffy Cobb is an English and French teacher and writer currently based in Charlottetown.Her other books includeUnpacked, and Crescent Moon Friends.

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Ellie Arscott is a Toronto-based children's book illustrator. Her other booksincludeNight Walk and Nonna and the Girls.

Kimiko Murakami by Haley Healey, illustrated by Kimiko Fraser

Kimiko Murakami is a picture book by Haley Healey and illustrated by Kimiko Fraser. (Haley Healey, Heritage House, J King York)

Kimiko Murakami is an illustrated picture retelling the real life story of the Japanese-Canadian pioneer and internment camp survivor. Born in Steveston, B.C. and growing up on Salt Spring Island, Kimiko learned to fish and farm with her family. This book provides an introduction to the history of Japanese-Canadians sent to internment camps during the Second World War through Kimiko's tale of hope and perseverance.

Kimiko Murakami is for ages 4 to 8.

Haley Healey is a registered counsellor and author based in Nanaimo, B.C. Her other books include On Their Own Terms and Her Courage Rises.

2023 BC and Yukon Book Prizes finalists

Kimiko Fraser is a multimedia illustrator with a love of history. She currently lives in Victoria, B.C.

Dear Humans: A Letter from the Animals by Nisha Coleman, illustrated by Shanthony Exum

White woman with dark hair up smiling to camera. Illustrated book cover with a gorilla, turtle, polar bear, cat, bird and deer in a green field. — Dear Humans: A Letter from the Animals is a picture book written by Nisha Coleman, left, and illustrated by Shanthony Exum. (Jeremy Cabrera, Ruelle)

As the animals notice the earth rapidly changing, Gorilla calls them all to talk about how to save it. Dear Humans is a picture book about how the animals of the world must remind the humans to care for their planet before it's too late.

Nisha Coleman is a Montreal-based author and co-founder of Strand Stortelling School. She has previously published her memoir Busker.

Shanthony Exum is an illustrator and pop musician currently based in Montreal.

LISTEN | Nisha Coleman speaks to Duke Eatmon about Dear Humans:

Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance by Kat Zhang, illustrated by Charlene Chua

Two asian women with dark hair. In the middle an illustrated book cover of a young Asian girl with a yellow ribbon, pink background. — Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance is the fourth Amy Wu book written by Kat Zhang, left, and illustrated by Charlene Chua. (Mai Urai, Simon & Schuster Canada, Charlene Chua)

In the latest adventure from Amy Wu, Amy discovers Chinese ribbon dancing. Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance is a picture book that explores Amy's love of dance as she tries to plan the best dance party for her friends.

Amy Wu and the Ribbon Dance is for ages 4 to 8.

Kat Zhang is an American author of books for young readers. This is the fourth book in the Amy Wu series.

Charlene Chua is a children's author and illustrator based in Hamilton, Ont.

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