41 Canadian picture books to watch for in fall 2021

Here are the Canadian picture books weare looking forward to this season.

The House Next Door by Claudine Crangle

The House Next Dooris a picture book about the life of an old house. Using mixed media such as paint, fabric and cardboard, The House Next Dooruses wit, images and language to tell the story of a sturdy little house and how winds of change, represented by new homes,forever change the neighbourhood dynamic.

The House Next Door is ages 3 to 6.

When you can read it: Aug. 1, 2021

Claudine Crangle is a Toronto-based author and multidisciplinary artist whose previous picture books include Priscilla Pack Rat and Woolfred Cannot Eat Dandelions.

A Kid is a Kid isa Kid by Sara O'Leary, illustrated by Qin Leng

A Kid is a Kidis a Kidlooks at life being the new kid at school. Through vibrant illustrations, the picture book explores themes of tolerance,acceptance and belongingat the playground, in class and in life.

A Kid is a Kid is a Kid is for ages 3 to 6.

When you can read it: Aug. 3, 2021

Sara O'Leary is a writer from Quebec. She is the author of the novel The Ghost in the House and the children's books Owls Are Good at Keeping Secrets, illustrated by Jacob Grant, A Family Is a Family Is a Family, illustrated by Qin Leng, and This Is Sadie, illustrated by Julie Morstad.

Leng lives and works as a designer and illustrator in Toronto.

Hold That Thought! by Bree Galbraith, illustrated by Lynn Scurfield

Hold That Thought!isa humorous picture book featuring Finn, a person with an exciting idea. Finnshares the idea with theirfriends and it grows and grows. But when a bully puts down the idea, it starts to shrink. But Finn still believes in theiridea, andwith the help of theirfriends, it starts to grow all over again.Hold That Thought!is about the power of ideas, creativity and community.

Hold That Thought! is for ages 4 to 8.

When you can read it: Aug. 15, 2021

Bree Galbraith is a Vancouver children's book author whosepicture books include Usha and the Stolen Sun, Milo and Georgie and Once Upon a Balloon.

Lynn Scurfieldis anartist and illustrator from Ontario. She also illustrated the picture bookAll the Ways Homeby Elsie Chapman.

White Raven by Teoni Spathelfer, illustrated by Natassia Davies

White Ravenis a picture book aboutLittle Wolf, a woman who moves from her home in the city to her ancestral island. The move is inspired by a desireto show herfamily their roots and culture. Little Wolf's mother, White Raven, soon arrives to tell the family stories of her own childhood, whichwasn't always a happyone. White Ravenis a story of reconnecting with the past in order to move forward into the future.

White Ravenis for ages 4 to 8.

When you can read it: Aug. 17, 2021

Teoni Spathelfer is a radio journalist and author who is a member of the Heiltsuk Nation from coastal British Columbia.

Natassia Davies is a Victoria-based artist and graphic designer and is of Coast Salish ancestry.

The Deepest Dig by Mark David Smith, illustrated by Lily Snowden-Fine

The Deepest Digis a picture book about a backyard treasure and the boy determined to dig it up. Cadenfinds something in his backyard after a heavy rain and decides to dig deeper, literally, to see what it is. When he discovers the bones of a woolly mammoth, the find drawsthe attention of the community,bringinghis family together in the process.

The Deepest Dig is for ages 3 to 7.

When you can read it: Aug. 15, 2021

Mark David Smith is the Canadian author of Caravaggio: Signed in Blood.

Lily Snowden-Fine is a Vancouver artist who is the illustrator of the Curious Questions About Your Favorite Pets series, and has illustrated for the Globe and Mail and the New York Times.

My Art, My World by Rita Winkler, withMark Winkler & Helen Winkler

Rita Winkler isa young artistliving with Down syndrome and in the picture bookMy Art, My World, she invites young readers into the world as she sees it full of colour and happiness. Using her art and witty perspective, Rita walks us through her everyday life at work and play, showing us her passion for life, music and beauty though herartful images.

My Art, My World is for ages 6 to 9.

When you can read it:Oct. 19,2021

Rita Winkler is a Calgary-born, Toronto-based author and artist who was born with Down syndrome. Helen Winkler and Mark Winkler are Rita's mother and uncle, respectively.

Busy, Busy Birds by Geraldo Valrio

Busy, Busy Birdsis a board book about birds going about their busy day and lives. Playful text and images depict the feathered creaturesat play and in flight.

Busy, Busy Birds is for ages 0 to 3.

When you can read it: Sept. 1, 2021

Geraldo Valrio, born in Brazil,lives in Toronto. He started his career in children's publishing in 1995 with A Cobra Zola and in 2004 he illustrated Do You Have a Hat? Some of hisother books include Friends; Blue Rider; Turn On the Night; My Book of Birds; Moose, Goose, Animals on the Loose and Jump, Leap, Count Sheep.

Hockey with Dad by Willie Sellars, illustrated by Kevin Easthope

Hockey with Dad, a picture book by author Willie Sellars, is the follow-up to his bookDipnetting with Dad.Featuring illustrations by Kevin Easthope,Hockey with Dadis the continuing adventures of Little Brother whoplayshockeywithin his Secwpemc community. It's the championship game,andBig Sister and herhockey team are ready to win. But when their goalie gets injured, it's time for Little Brother to step up andmake his father and community proud.

Hockey with Dad is for ages 4 to 7.

When you can read it: Sept. 10, 2021

Sellars was born and raised in Williams Lake, B.C., and is the Chief of the Williams Lake First Nation. Sellars published his first children's book, Dipnetting with Dad, in 2014, which won a Moonbeam Children's Book Award.

Easthope is a B.C.-based illustrator. His artistic work spans a variety of mediums including oil painting, graphite and graphic design.

Song for the Snow by Jon-Erik Lappano, illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler

In the picture book Song for the Snow, author Jon-Erik Lappano and illustrator Byron Eggenschwilerdeliver a fable-like tale about old traditions, new connections to nature and how hope can establish a bright future. In the town where Freya lives, snow hasn't been seen for a long time. There'sa song thather own grandmother used to sing that made the snowfall but when Freya tries to sing it, nothing happens. But when she shares the song with others, the weather feels like it is going to change once more.

Song for the Snow is for ages 3 to 6.

When you can read it: Sept. 1, 2021

Lappano is a children's book author from Ontario. His picture book, Tokyo Digs a Garden, won the 2016 Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature illustration.

Eggenschwiler is an illustrator who has contributed to publications like the New York Times, New Yorker and GQ. He also illustrated the books Operatic by Kyo Maclear and Coyote Tales by Thomas King.

My Mad Hair Day by Nathalie Dion

In My Mad Hair Day,a little girl has huge hairand doesn't know what to do with it. Malieis having hair issues and nothing seems to work to tame it. Drawing from personal experience, author-illustrator Nathalie Dionhighlights all the hairychallenges that curly haired girls can have.

My Mad Hair Day is for ages 3 to 6.

When you can read it: Sept. 1, 2021

Dion is an author and illustrator based in Montreal. She also illustrated the picture books The Biggest Puddle in the World by Mark Lee and I Found Hope in a Cherry Tree by Jean E. Pendziwol.

My City Speaks by Darren Lebeuf, illustrated by Ashley Barron

My City Speaksis a picture book centred around ayoung girl, who is visually impaired and is exploring the city she lives in. Along with her father, the pair use their senses to take in all the city has to offer,from the market, a concert and the playground.

My City Speaks is for ages 3 to 7.

When you can read it: Sept. 7, 2021

Darren Lebeuf is a Vancouver-based award-winning photographer and writer. He is the author of My Forest is Green and My Ocean is Blue.

Ashley Barron is a Toronto-based illustrator specializing in cut-paper collages. Her work has appeared in children's books, newspapers, set designs and shop windows.

Lost Things by Carey Sookocheff

In Lost Things,things are lost and things are found. The picture bookinvites readers to think about different perspectives and viewpoints when it comes to things we lose andrecover.Lost Thingsimplores us to think about the fact wecan't always control what happens, but we can manage how werespond.

Lost Things is for ages 3 to 6.

When you can read it: Sept. 7, 2021

Carey Sookocheff is an author and illustrator based in Ontario. She also illustrated Sprout, Seed, Sprout by Annika Dunklee and the Buddy and Earl series by Maureen Fergus.

Buffalo Wild!by Deidre Havrelock, illustrated by Azby Whitecalf

Buffalo Wild!features a magical night aboutbuffalo and a boy.Declan and hiskokumlove stories and art ofBuffalo and he really wants to see one. One night, a herd of the animals stampede down from the sky and a wonderful adventure awaits.

Buffalo Wild! is for ages 4 to 7.

When you can read it: Sept. 7, 2021

Deidre Havrelock is a member of the Saddle Lake Cree Nation in Alberta. She was raised in Edmonton.Buffalo Wild!is her first picture book.

Azby Whitecalf is a Plains Cree illustrator and character designer residing in Saskatchewan.

I Hear You, Forest by Kallie George, illustrated by Carmen Mok

The picture book I Hear You, Forestsurrounds young readers with the sights and sounds of the forest on a bright day. A child in the forest listens closely to the sounds that nature and the animals make. The soothing surroundings help the child learn more about the world around her.

I Hear You, Forestis for ages 3 to 7.

When you can read it: Sept. 7, 2021

Kallie George is a Vancouver-based writer for children whose books include the Heartwood Hotel series and Anne Arrives.

Carmen Mok has illustrated numerous books, including Waiting for Sophie by Sarah Ellis, Look at Me Now by Carol McDougall and Shanda LaRamee-Jones and Ride the Big Machines in Winter.

My Dog Banana by Roxane Brouillard, illustrated by Giulia Sagramola

My Dog Bananais a funny picture book about a boy who takes his pet dogout for a wallonly this dog looks just like a banana. Curious onlookers stop and stare at the sight and the boy insists that what they are looking at is in fact adog named Banana.

My Dog Banana is for ages 4 to 8.

When you can read it: Sept. 21, 2021

Roxane Brouillard is a Quebec author who divides her time between writing and working in a library. My Dog Banana is her debut book.

Giulia Sagramola is a Barcelona illustrator, cartoonist and designer. My Dog Banana is her first picture book.

Slowpoke the Bell Island Mine Horse by Heather Smith, illustrated by Genevieve Simms

Set in Conception Bay, on the northern Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador, the picture book Slowpoke the Bell Island Mine Horseis the story of a boy, a mine and a tragic accident that cost his father his life years ago. The boy is forced to become a miner like his late father, and an encounter with a wonderfulhorse named Slowpoke changes his life forever.

Slowpoke the Bell Island Mine Horse is for ages 4 to 8.

When you can read it: Nov. 2, 2021

Heather T. Smith is Waterloo, Ont.-based author. Her novel-in-verse Ebb & Flow was a finalist for the 2018 Governor General's Literary Award for children's literature text and won the 2019 TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, a $50,000 prize that recognizes the best Canadian children's book of the year.

Genevieve Simms is an illustrator from Toronto. Her work has appeared in Quill & Quire, the Walrus, Readers' Digest Canada, the Globe and Mail and McSweeney's.

I Can Fix It! by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko

The storytelling team of Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko are back with the picture book I Can Fix It!. Taylor is a six-year-old girl and carries her baby blanket with her everywhere. But when her brother borrows it to mop up a mess, the blanket is stained and he desperately hopes Taylor never finds out. But she does, and it takes her mother to make everything all better.

I Can Fix It!is for ages 3 to 8.

When you can read it: Sept. 7, 2021

Munsch is one of Canada's iconic storytellers. Originally from the United States, he moved to Canada to work as a nursery school teacher and began telling stories there. He went on to become a bestselling children's author. His titles include Love You Forever, Mortimer, The Paper Bag Princess, A Promise is a Promise and many more. He was named to the Order of Canada in 2009.

Martchenko is a Canadian artist and illustrator of several of Robert Munsch's books. Their books together include Mortimer, The Paper Bag Princess and many more.

Bailey the Bat and the Tangled Moose by Grant Lawrence, illustrated by Nomie Gionet Landry

Bailey the Bat and the Tangled Mooseis about a bat named Bailey who just can't seem to sleep. The picture book sees Bailey sneak out from home and seek adventure in the forest. But when Baileyencounters a moose who is tangled up in a fence, Bailey must summon thecourage to save the day.

Bailey the Bat and the Tangled Moose is for ages 6 to 8.

When you can read it: Sept. 14, 2021

Grant Lawrence is a Vancouver-based CBC personality, singer and the author of three books for adults: Adventures In Solitude, The Lonely End of the Rink and Dirty Windshields. His first two titles won the Bill Duthie Booksellers Choice Award at the BC Book Prizes, marking the first time that the same author has won this prize twice.

Nomie Gionet Landry is a doctor, artist and illustrator based in Moncton.

Jordan and Max, Showtime by Suzanne Sutherland, illustrated by Michelle Simpson

Jordan and Max, Showtime is an early chapter book about a boy who is having trouble at school. On his first day of school, Jordan just can't seem to fit in and prefers to stay under the radar. But when Jordan has to team up with a loud-mouthed boy named Max, Jordan just can't keep from standing out. And with Max's help, he might not have to any longer.

Jordan and Max, Showtime is for ages 6 to 8.

When you can read it: Sept. 14, 2021

Suzanne Sutherland is a Toronto children's book author and editor of books for young people.

Michelle Simpson is an Ontario artist and freelance illustrator with a focus on children's publications.

Bear Wants to Sing by Cary Fagan, illustrated by Dena Seiferling

This follow-up to the picture book King Mouse sees a bear who wants to sing and the rest of the animals who don't seem to want him to. Picture bookBear Wants to Singfeatures a bear, a ukulele in the woods andSnake, Crow and Tortoise who keep taking his turn to perform.Bear Wants to Singis a musical tale of empathy and understanding others.

Bear Wants to Sing is for ages 3 to 7.

When you can read it: Sept. 14, 2021

Cary Fagan is an Ontario author of books for adults and children. His children's books include the popular Kaspar Snit novels, the two-volume Master Melville's Medicine Show and the picture book Mr. Zinger's Hat. He is also the author of the novel A Bird's Eyeand the short story collection My Life Among the Apes. In 2014, Fagan received the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People for his body of work.

Dena Seiferling is a Canadian illustrator of children's books and needle-felt artist based in Calgary.

The Cow Said Boo! by Lana Button, illustrated by Alice Carter

The Cow Said Boo!is about astuffed-up cow, a rogue bedsheetand a chantable refrain. Thisread-aloud book features a cow with such a bad cold that every "moo" comes out as "boo!" a situation sureto be humourous for younger readers.

The Cow Said Boo! is for ages 4 to 7.

When you can read it: Sept. 14, 2021

Lana Button is a children's book author from Ontario. Her other books include My Teacher's Not Here! and What if Bunny is Not a Bully?

Alice Carter is an Ottawa artist, illustratorand storyteller with a passion for sharing her whimsical imagination.

Time is a Flower by Julie Morstad

Time is a Floweris a picture book that playfully explores the nature of time. Time as a concept can be tricky to understand, but this book visually looks at thetickingof a clock, numbers and words on a calendar to help children better understand.

Time is a Flower is for ages 3 and 7.

When you can read it: Sept. 21, 2021

Julie Morstad is an artist based in Vancouver. Her other books include Today, How To and This is Sadie, written by Sara O'Leary. She won the 2018 Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award for her work in Bloom, a picture book about the life of Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaprelli written by Kyo Maclear.

Jigging for Halibut with Tsinii by Sara Florence Davidson & Robert Davidson, illustrated by Janine Gibbons

This picturebook reflectsthe Haida Sk'ad'a Principles as it looks at Haida artist Robert Davidson's own experiences with Tsinii, orgrandfather.Jigging for Halibut with Tsinii is a culturallook at a young boy, his grandfather and a day spent fishing using traditional methods.

Jigging for Halibut with Tsinii is for ages 6 to 8.

When you can read it: Sept. 28, 2021

Sara Florence Davidson is a Haida/Settler author and assistant professor in Indigenous education at Simon Fraser University.

Robert Davidson is one of the most respected and important contemporary artists in Canada. A Northwest Coast native of Haida descent, he is a master carver of totem poles and masks and works in a variety of other media as a printmaker, painterand jeweller.

Janine Gibbons, a Haida Raven of the Double-Fin Killer Whale Clan, Brown Bear House, is a multi-disciplinary artist andillustrator. She has illustrated three books in the Sealaska Heritage's Baby Raven Reads series, including Raven Makes the Aleutians.

It Fell from the Sky by The Fan Brothers

It Fell from the Skyis the latest picture book by the award-winning team The Fan Brothers. It Fell from the Skyis a quirky picture book about an insect community and the strange unidentified object that falls from the sky one day. When Spider creates a wondrous display around the object, he's convinced that it belongs to him and starts charging money to see it. But when the insects stop coming by, Spider wonders if he's done the right thing.

It Fell from the Sky is for ages 4 to 8.

When you can read it: Sept. 28, 2021

• Devin Fan from The Fan Brothers explores love, nature and not looking back in this original poem

Eric Fan and Terry Fan are brothers and frequent collaborators on children's books. Their books include The Night Gardener and Ocean Meets Sky. They also illustrated The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield.

Devin Fan is an artist, poet and youth worker.The Barnabus Projectwas his first children's book and marked the first time all three brothers have written and illustrated a picture book together.

The Fan Brothers won the2020 Governor General's Literary Prize for young people's literature illustrated booksforThe Barnabus Project.

Dee and Apostrofee by Judith Henderson, illustrated by Ohara Hale

Dee and Apostrofeeis a picture book featuring quirky fun with language and punctuation. Whenthe letter D is mad at Apostrofee, humour ensues as the two converse with each other, all while children learn more about grammar.

Dee and Apostrofee is for ages 4 to 7.

When you can read it: Oct. 5, 2021

Judith Henderson is a Canadian children's composer, producer and author. She is also the author of the Big Words Small Stories series.

Ohara Hale is a multi-disciplinary artist based in Montreal.

The Bee by Becky Han, illustrated by Tindur Peturs

The Beeis a picture book based onan award-winning song by Inuksinger-songwriter Becky Han. The book is the story of a buzzing bee and the wildadventures had following the creature on its journey.

The Bee is for ages 6 to 8.

When you can read it: Oct. 5, 2021

Han is an Inuk singer-songwriter who grew up in the community of Ikpiarjuk in Nunavut. The Beeis based on her award-winning song Qaariaq.

Tindur Peturs is an animator and illustrator, born and raised in Iceland, who moved to Canada to study animation and Canadian culture.

Our Table by Peter H. Reynolds

Our Tableis a picture book that honours families and the special time that they share together. In a fast-paced world,Our Tableis a gentle reminderthat family, love and shared mealscan be regarded as the important things in life.

Our Table is for ages 4 to 8.

When you can read it: Nov. 2, 2021

Peter H. Reynolds is children's book writer and illustrator originally from Ontario and now lives in the United States. His other books include The Dot, I Am Human, Happy Dreamer, The Word Collector and Say Something!

Everybody! by Elise Gravel

Everybody! is a book for children that explores empathy,unity and thinking about others. Using quirky monster characters,Everybody! looks at the range of emotions we all have and why it is important to feel valued and loved.

Everybody! is for ages 3 to 8.

When you can read it: Oct. 5, 2021

Elise Gravel is a Quebec author and illustrator. She is the author of several books for children, including The Bat, The Worst Book Ever, The Mushroom Fan Club, I Want a Monster! and What Is a Refugee?

Windy Days by Deborah Kerbel, illustrated by Miki Sato

In Windy Days, author Deborah Kerbelcaptures the magic of early childhood awe and wonder with rhyming couplets as light as a breath of fresh air. Illustrator Miki Sato's collage art featuresdetailed use of hand-stitching and textural materials depictingtheexcitement and play ofwindy fall days.

Windy Daysis for ages 2 to 5.

When you can read it: Oct. 5, 2021

Kerbel is a children's book author from Ontario. Her other books include the picture books Before You Were Born and Sun Dog, both illustrated by Suzanne Del Rizzo, the middle-grade books Feathered and Bye-Bye Evil Eye and the YA books Mackenzie, Lost and Found and Girl on the Other Side.

Sato is a Japanese Canadian illustrator originally from Ottawa. Her work hasappeared in Today's Parent, Reader's Digest and the Walrus.

Little Narwhal, Not Alone by Tiffany Stone, illustrated by Ashlyn Anstee

Little Narwhal, Not Aloneis a picture book based on a true story involving a little lost narwhal and what he encounters along his journey.The story is aboutlittle narwhal who finds himself far from home, too far to return on his own. The other animals he meets don't look like him at all,but he still tries to fit into his new surroundings as best he can.Little Narwhal, Not Alonefeatures themes of belonging, community and acceptance.

Little Narwhal, Not Alone is for ages 4 to 8.

When you can read it: Oct. 12, 2021

Tiffany Stone is a children's poet and picture book author based in British Columbia. She was inspired to write Little Narwhal, Not Alone by her lifelong affinity with the North and by her volunteer work with new immigrants.

Ashlyn Anstee is a Los Angeles illustrator who spent her summers on the Canadian west coast.

Little Moar and the Moon by Roselynn Akulukjuk, illustrated by Jazmine Gubbe

Little Moar and the Moonis a picture book about fear and facing the unknown. Moar loves the fall season but when the days grow shorter and colder, he becomes a bit more concerned and fearful lookonthe moon's eerie face. Moar wants to get home after school before it gets dark but there are so many fun things to do!

Little Moar and the Moon is for ages 6 to 8.

When you can read it: Oct. 12, 2021

Roselynn Akulukjuk is an author and filmmaker who was born in Nunavut. Roselynn wrote and directed her first film, the live-action and puppetry short The Owl and the Lemming, on which her book by the same title is based.

Jazmine Gubbe is an illustrator from Ontario currently working in the animation industry.

The Loudest Bark by Gail MarleneSchwartz &Lucie Gagnon, illustrated by Amlie Ayotte

The Loudest Barkis a picture book about Samuel, someone whoknows that their real name is Simone, but life at home is in a bit of a transition. WhenChloe the costume designer and her dogs moveinto the neighbourhood, things feel like they are changing forever.

The Loudest Barkis for ages 4 to 10.

When you can read it: Oct. 15, 2021

Quebec co-authors Lucie Gagnon and Gail Marlene Schwartz are passionate about children's books. Their previous books include Clementine in Quarantine.

Amlie Ayotte is an illustrator and animator living in the Montreal area in Quebec.

Chaiwala! by Priti Birla Maheshwari, illustrated by Ashley Barron

Chaiwala!is a picture book inspired by the author's childhoodvisitsto India. Chaiwala!is about a young girl and her mother at the train station. They are waiting in line fora hot cup of chai, and the young girl takes note of all the delicious smells and sights around her.

Chaiwala! is for ages 3 to 7.

When you can read it: Oct. 15, 2021

Priti Birla Maheshwari is an Ontario-based author and educator who was born in New Delhi, India. Chaiwala! is her first picture book.

Ashley Barron is a Toronto-based artist and illustrator.

The Sour Cherry Tree by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Nahid Kazemi

The Sour Cherry Treeis a look at the loss of a loved one through the eyes of a child. Based on author Naseem Hrab's own memories, thispicture book looks at grief, love and cultureto explore death and dying.

The Sour Cherry Tree is for ages 4 to 8.

When you can read it: Oct. 15, 2021

Hrab is a Toronto-based writer and storyteller. She is also the author of Ira Crumb Makes a Pretty Good Friend and Ira Crumb Feels the Feelings. Her picture book Weekend Dadwas a finalist for the 2020 Governor General's Literary Prize for young people's literature illustrated books.

Nahid Kazemi is an artist, illustrator, graphic designer and author from Montreal. Her other books include I'm Glad That You're Happy, The Orange House and Over the Rooftops, Under the Moon by JonArno Lawson.

Sour Cakes by Karen Krossing, illustrated by Anna Kwan

The picture book Sour Cakesis about two verysiblings with two verydifferent moods. They just can't seem to get along but when one suggests they bake cakes together, the pair learn to celebrate their differences and each other.

Sour Cakes is for ages 3 to 7.

When you can read it: Oct. 15, 2021

Karen Krossing is a Toronto author of novels and short stories for kids and teens. She also conducts writing workshops, readings and book talks. Sour Cakesis her first picture book.

Anna Kwan is an illustrator from Toronto. She studied illustration at OCAD University.

Welcome to the Cypher by Khodi Dill, illustrated by Awuradwoa Afful

Welcome to the Cypher is a picture book of music and fun hip-hopwordplay. This read-aloud book features children learning confidence and self-expression as they rap together in a group.

Welcome to the Cypher is for ages 4 to 7.

When you can read it: Oct. 12, 2021

Khodi Dillis a Bahamian Canadian educator and writer of everything from rap songs to children's literature based in Saskatoon.

Awuradwoa Afful is a Ghanaian Canadian designer, illustratorand animator based in Toronto.

Thunder and the Noise Storms by Jeffrey Ansloos &Shezza Ansloos, illustrated by Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley

In the picture book Thunder and the Noise Storms, children learn about the restorative powers of the natural world. Thunder often finds that the world around him can be too loud. When his grandfather asks him what he hears while on a nature walk one day, Thunder learns how the many different sounds of the natural world can have calming and empoweringeffects.

Thunder and the Noise Storms is for ages 4 to 7.

When you can read it: Oct. 12, 2021

Jeffery Ansloos is a Cree educator and psychologist. He is also the author of The Medicine of Peace.

Shezza Ansloos is a Cree writer, educator, artistand speaker. She is the author of two children's books, I Loved Her and The Fire Walker. Ansloos is also asinger-songwriter and visual artist.

Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley is an Anishinaabe artist and illustrator from Wasauksing First Nation. He is a self-taught artist who works in the Woodland art style of the Anishinaabe people.

The Case of the Shrinking Friend by Eric Hogan &Tara Hungerford

The Case of the Shrinking Friendis the latest book in the adventures ofScout and Daisyfrom the TV show Scout and the Gumboot Kids. The Case of the Shrinking Friendis a nature mystery that features a winter hike, a shrinking snowman and mindful exploration of their natural world.

The Case of the Shrinking Friend is for ages 4 to 7.

When you can read it: Oct. 21, 2021

Eric Hogan and Tara Hungerford are a Vancouver husband-and-wife team who run Imagine Create Media and are the creators of children's television series The Gumboot Kids.

A Very Silly Alphabet by Jeannie Hillman, illustrated by Sarah Shortliffe

A Very Silly Alphabetis a poetic picture book featuring 26 read-aloud poems, each one representing a letter of the alphabet. Withbright,silly characters and lyrics,A Very Silly Alphabethighlights the fact that reading and learning can be fun.

A Very Silly Alphabet is for ages 4 to 8.

When you can read it: Oct. 26, 2021

Jeannie Hillman is an author of children's books based in Nova Scotia.

Sarah Shortliffe is an artist,born and raised in the Maritimes.

The Dancing Trees by Masiana Kelly, illustrated by Michelle Simpson

The picture book The Dancing Treesis a tale of Thomas, wholoves to tell big stories. Taking the challenge to spend a night alone in the forest, Thomas heads into the wilderness and has a magicalencounter withdancing foresttrees that he will never forget.

The Dancing Trees is for ages 6 to 8.

When you can read it: Nov. 2, 2021

Masiana Kelly is an Inuk/Dene writer based in Kugluktuk,the westernmost community in Nunavut.

Michelle Simpson is an Ontario illustrator and designer based out of Niagara Falls, Ont.

The Big Bath House by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Gracey Zhang

The Big Bath Houseis a picture book that celebrates family, culture and bodies of all shapes and sizes. A Japanese girl along with her aunties and grandmother relax and connect at a traditional bath house. Everyone is in the bath and The Big Bath Househighlights the rituals leading up to the baths: hair washing, back scrubbingandthetraditionalwood barrel drumroll.

The Big Bath Houseis for ages 4 to 8.

When you can read it: Nov. 16, 2021

Kyo Maclear is an essayist, novelist and author of children's books. Her books have been translated into 15 languages, won a Governor General's Literary Award and been nominated for the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award, among others. She is also the author of thememoir Birds Art Life.

Gracey Zhang is an author and illustrator from Vancouver, now based in New York. Lala's Words, her debut picture book, was published in 2021.