50 Canadian kids books to read in fall 2024

Here are the Canadian children's books coming out in fall that we are excited to read!

Anne of the Library-on-the-Hillby Catherine Little, illustrated by Sae Kimura

In celebration ofLucy Maud Montgomery's 150th birthday, Anne of the Library-on-the-Hilltells the story of a young girl called Anne who lives in Toronto andfinds comfort in her library and reading the books of herfavourite author,Lucy Maud Montgomery. No oneis more excited than Anne when she finds out that her beloved authoris visiting her Toronto neighbourhood.

Anne of the Library-on-the-Hill is for ages 6-10and is out now.

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Catherine Little is an educator, consultant and writer. Her previous books include Endgame, Dragon's Dilemma and Twelve in a Race. She lives in Toronto.

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Sae Kimura is originally from Odawara, Japan and currently lives and works in Toronto. She previously illustrated the picture book Twelve in a Race, also written by Catherine Little.

Momma's Going to March by Jennifer Maruno, illustrated by Vivian Rosas

In this picture book designed to inspire and empower young activists, Momma's Going to Marchfeatures children joining their mothers at different peaceful protest marches.The mothers and children are advocating for equality, freedom, the environment, clean water and peace.

Momma's Going to March is for ages 3-6and is out now.

Jennifer Maruno is an educator and author. Her debut novel, When the Cherry Blossoms Fell, was shortlisted for the Hackmatack Award and the Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Readers Choice Award. She also wrote the picture book, While You Sleep, illustrated by Miki Sato. Maruno lives in Burlington, Ont.

Vivian Rosas is a queer, Mestizx/Latinx illustrator, dancer and muralist. She previously illustrated the book Better Connected by Tanya Lloyd Kyi and Julia Kyi. Rosas is based in Toronto.

Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and hsiw's Forest Powwow by Sita MacMillan, illustrated by Azby Whitecalf

Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and hsiw's Forest Powwow is the first book in a new early chapter book series that celebrates Cree culture and urban Indigenous living. When Sarah Ponakey moves to the city, she is miserable. One day, Sarah finds herself transported to a magical powwow, led by the animals of the forest. Sarah begins to realise that it doesn't matter where she lives, she can always connect with her Cree culture.

Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and hsiw's Forest Powwow is for ages 6 to 9and is out now.

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Sita MacMillan is a member of Zagime Anishinabek and is of a mixed Cree and Scottish heritage. She lives in Prince Edward Island.

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Azby Whitecalf is a Plains Cree illustrator and character designer. They previously illustrated the picture book Buffalo Wild! written by Deidre Havrelock. They live in Saskatchewan.

I Am Cherishedby Onome Ako, illustrated by Ken Daley

In the picture bookI Am Cherishedit's Kikelomo'sfirst day of school and she is excited to meet her new classmates. However during circle time some of the other children make fun of her name when she introduces herself.She tells her parents and they explain the origin of her name that it means 'a child who is cherished'in Yoruba.When Kikelomo goes to school the next day she is proud and excited to tell her classmates where her name comes from.

I Am Cherishedis for ages 4-8and is out now.

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Onome Ako is a writer and the CEO of Action Against Hunger Canada. In 2021, Ako received theCanada's Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award and more recently shereceived theRBC Canadian Women Entrepreneur Award for her impact in socialchange. Ako was born in Nigeria and lives in Toronto.

Ken Daley is an illustrator from Cambridge, Ont. His previous books includeJoseph's Big Ride,Auntie Luce's Talking PaintingsandJayden's Impossible Garden.

Birds on the Brain by Uma Krishnaswami

In Birds on the Brain, Reeni is obsessed with birds.She is desperately trying to save her city's bird count event before the mayor shuts it down. With the help of their family and the wider community, they set off on a mission to advocate for both the event and to educate people on the threats to city birds.

Birds on the Brain is for ages 9 to 12and is out now.

Uma Krishnaswami is a writer and author based in Victoria. She is also the author of the books Book Uncle and Me, Two at the Top and Out of the Way! Out of the Way!.

Today I Am edited by Jael Richardson

Edited by writer and activist, Jael Richardson, Today I Am is a collection of short stories written by emerging writers in Canada that examinethe meaning of home. From growing up on a faraway planet to being stranded on an island to a difficult school assignment, this collection reflectsthe adventurous and courageous nature of kids today.

Told through prose, verse and illustrations, Today I Am features stories by writers Jael Richardson, Marty Chan, Rosena Fung, Michael Hutchinson, Chad Lucas, Angela Misri, Mahtab Narsimhan, Danny Ramadan, Liselle Sambury and Brandon Wint.

Today I Am is for ages 10-14and is out now.

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Jael Richardson is a writer, editor and the executive director of the Festival for Literary Diversity (FOLD). Her other books include the picture book Because You Are and the nonfiction book The Stone Thrower, which was adapted into a picture book of the same name. Her debut novel, Gutter Child,was a finalist for the 2021 Amazon Canada First Novel Award.

The Weedflowerby Elizabeth Davaze, illustrated by Marianne Ferrer

InThe Weedflower, one day when playing outside in the school grounds, a young girl called Sam notices a dandelion sprouting through the concrete and rubber turf of the playground.One day, the adults at the school notice it and announce it must go. Sam and her friends do everything they can to protect their special flower.

The Weedfloweris for ages 4-8and is out now.

Elizabeth Davaze is a writer, photographer and former news journalistfromKincardine, Ont.The Weedfloweris her debut picture book.

Marianne Ferrer is an illustrator originally from Venezuela and now living in Montreal. Previous children's books that Ferrer illustrated includeWake Up, Little Pin!,111 Trees,Mel and Mo's Marvelous Balancing ActandCarmen and the House That Gaud Built.

It Bears Repeating by Tanya Tagaq, illustrated by Cee Pootoogook

It Bears Repeatingis a counting picture book for young readers,celebratingInuktitut language and art, that features the fascinating Arctic animal the polar bear. From one to 10, more polar bears make their way through the icy landscape while they play, dance and search for food. This book combines English and Inuktitut words for young readers and parents alike.

It Bears Repeating is for ages 3-7and is out now.

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Tanya Tagaq is an Inuk writer and Juno Award-winning throat singer. Her first novel, Split Tooth, set in 1970s Nunavut, won the Indigenous Voices Award for best published prose in English in 2019.

Cee Pootoogook is an Inuk artist and illustrator. He has worked in carving, stone cutting and illustrations. It Bears Repeating is his first picture book.

LISTEN | Tanya Tagaqdiscusses It Bears Repeating on The Trailbreaker:

The Trailbreaker9:22Tanya has released her first childrens book.

Tanya Tagaq joined Shannon Scott to talk about releasing her first childrens book, Bears Repeating.

Today is Orange Shirt Day by Phyllis Webstad, illustrated by Natassia Davies

Today is Orange Shirt Day is a board book for babies and toddlers that starts the conversation about the importance of Orange Shirt Day and The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This age-appropriate touch-and-feel board book helps children to understand what they can expect to see and do on Orange Shirt Day.

Today is Orange Shirt Day is for ages 0-3and is out now.

Phyllis Webstad was born on Dog Creek Reserve and is Northern Secwepemc from the Stswecem'c Xgat'tem First Nation. Based in Williams Lake, B.C., she travels around the country to tell her own orange shirt story. She won the YA/adult category of the 2021/2022 First Nation Communities Read Awards for her book Beyond the Orange Shirt Story.

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Natassia Davies is an artist, graphic designer and illustrator of Coast Salish ancestry. She has illustrated several books for children, including Little Wolf, written by Teoni Spathelfer, and White Raven, written by Teoni Spathelfer, which was shortlisted for the Indigenous Voices Awards.

LISTEN | Phyllis Webstad on the distinction between Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation:

The Early Edition6:32Setting apart Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Phyllis Webstad, the founder of the Orange Shirt Society, joins us to discuss the importance of making a distinction between Orange Shirt Day and the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Broom for Two by Jennifer Maruno, illustrated by Scot Ritchie

In the picture book Broom for Two,ayoung witch is practising for her flying test but she keeps misplacing her broom. On one such occasionshe finds her missing broom in the woods neara little rat's house, and the broom has been bent and chewed. With a broom that is no longer fit for purpose, Little Witch must overcome obstacles to pass her flying testand gets help from an unlikely friend.

Broom for Two is for ages 3-7and is out now.

Jennifer Maruno is an educator and author. Her debut novel, When the Cherry Blossoms Fell, was shortlisted for the Hackmatack Award and the Pacific Northwest Library Association Young Readers Choice Award. She also wrote the picture book, While You Sleep, illustrated by Miki Sato. Maruno lives in Burlington, Ont.

Scot Ritchie is a Vancouver author-illustrator of over 60 books including See Where We Come From!, Zander Stays, written by Maureen Fergus, Join the No-Plastic Challenge!, Follow That Map! and Lilliana and the Frogs.

Mummy & Me by Danesh Mohiuddin

In this funny and original picture book, Mummy and Wee Wolf emerge from their coffin to start their 'day' every night when the sun goes down. Wee Wolf loves his Mummy and tries to be a well-behaved monster, but isn't always successful.Mummy & Meexplores the hilarity and tender moments of a parent-child relationship.

Mummy & Me is for ages 3-6and is out now.

Danesh Mohiuddin is an illustrator and a cartoonist and has previously worked as a toy and games designer. Mohiuddin was born in India and now lives in Toronto. Mummy & Me is his first picture book.

Dad, I Miss You by Nadia Sammurtok, illustrated by Simji Park

Dad, I Miss You is a picture book that is based on authorNadia Sammurtok's family history of residential school separation. A young boy and his dad each tell their story from their own perspective after the young boy is taken from his family and sent to a residential school.Dad, I Miss Youexplores loss, reconnection and hope.

Dad, I Miss You is for ages 9-12and is out now.

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Nadia Sammurtok is an Inuk writer who lives in Iqaluit. She's written several picture books inspired by Inuit life and stories, including To My Panik,The Owl and the Two Rabbits, In My Anaana's Amautik and Siuluk: The Last Tuniq.

Simji Park is an illustrator and animator from South Korea, currently based in London, England.

Waltraut by Gabriele Goldstone

Waltraut is a middle-grade historical fiction novel, set in 1960s Winnipeg about a young girlwho is struggling to fit in at school after she and her family immigratefrom Germany. On weekends, she finds young people in a similar situation to her own when she attends German school. When her family announces they are moving to a newneighbourhood Waltraut decides she will use this opportunity as a chance to reinvent herself, although all doesn't go asplanned.

Waltraut is for ages 8 and upand is out now.

Gabriele Goldstone is a writer from Winnipeg. Her previous books for children and young adults include Crow Stone, Tainted Amber and Broken Stone.

Barnaby Unboxed! by The Fan Brothers

Set in the same world asThe Barnabus Project, Barnaby is a 'perfect pet' who is part mouse, elephant and flamingo. Barnaby is living a wonderful life after being purchased by a little girl who adores him. But one day the little girl gets an even more perfect pet and feeling unwanted Barnaby decides to run away. Barnaby Unboxed! follows Barnaby on his unexpected adventure in the city as he tries to figure out how to survive and where to call home.

Barnaby Unboxed! is for ages 5-9and is out now.

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Terry, Eric and DevinFan are brothers, writers and artists, and frequent collaborators on children's books. Some of their books include The Barnabus Project, The Darkest Dark, written by Chris Hadfield, The Night Gardener and Ocean Meets Sky.

My Grammie's House by Lana Button, illustrated by Skye Ali

In the charmingpicture book,My Grammie's House, a little girl is welcoming home the potential new owners of her grandmother's house and showing them around. She shows them all the things she loves about the house, including the shaggy rug on the floor, the perfect spot to watch her Grammie's favourite exercise show and the shady closet to hide out in during hot days. Illustrations show hints of what the house used to look like when the little girl's Grammie still lived there.

My Grammie's House is for ages 3-7and is out now.

Lana Button is a children's writer and educator based in Burlington, Ont. Her other books include Willow Finds a Way which was shortlisted for the Blue Spruce Award, The Only Lonely Fairy, The Cow Said BOO!, Raj's Rule and Percy's Perfect Friend.

Skye Ali is an illustrator based in Texas.

Bounce by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko

Bounceis a picture book by Robert Munsch and illustrated byMichael Martchenko. The book followstwo children, Ruth and Barbara,who are collected by an ambulance en-route home from school after Ruth falls and scrapes her knee. The girls get bored waiting to be seen at the hospital so they start to look around and discover an emptyhospital bed with tons of buttons just waiting to be pushed.

Bounce is for ages 3-7and is out now.

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Robert Munschis one of Canada's iconic storytellers, and has published over 80 books for children. Some of his titles include Love You Forever, Mortimer, The Paper Bag Princess and A Promise is a Promise. He was named to the Order of Canada in 2009. He lives in Guelph, Ont.

Michael Martchenko lives in Burlington, Ont., and is a Canadian artist and illustrator of several of Robert Munsch's books. Their books together include Class Trip, Mortimer, The Paper Bag Princess and many more.

LISTEN | Robert Munsch discusses his legacy on The Next Chapter:

25:02Robert Munsch on his life in stories

In Robert Munsch's first interview in a decade, he talks candidly about being diagnosed with dementia and about his life in stories. We listen to excerpts of his bestselling children's books "Love You Forever" from AudioFile and Firefly Books and "Mud Puddle" published by Annick Press. Robert reveals the inspiration and meaning behind these stories and more.

By Chance Alone: The Young Readers' Edition by Max Eisen and Kathy Kacer

In 2019, Holocaust survivor Max Eisen's memoir won Canada Reads. Defended by science journalistZiya Tong, By Chance Alone tells a moving and heart-wrenching story of luck and survival. Now, that story will be made accessible to younger readers in the new By Chance Alone: The Young Readers' Edition which tells Eisen's story after he and his family were forcibly removed from their home in Czechoslovakia and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp

By Chance Alone: The Young Readers' Edition is for ages 10-13and is out now.

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Max Eisen was a Hungarian Jew who was deported to Auschwitz in the spring of 1944. He was a passionate speaker and educator who volunteered at the Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre and the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center in Toronto. His memoir By Chance Alone was a finalist for the 2017 RBC Taylor Prize and for the 2017 Non-Fiction Vine Award for Canadian Jewish Literature. It won Canada Reads 2019, defended by Ziya Tong. Eisen died at the age of 93 on July 7, 2022.

Kathy Kacer is a Toronto-based author of fiction and nonfiction for children about the Holocaust. She is the author of over 20 books and has won the Silver Birch, Red Maple and Jewish Book Awards in Canada and the U.S.

Animals at Play in Mi'kma'ki by Mel Beaulieu

In this board book for young children,Mi'kmaw artist Mel BeaulieushowsMi'kma'ki animals in fun and whimsical scenarios such as a turtle on a skateboard anda salmon snorkeling. The illustrations are done using traditional beadwork, withAnimals at Play in Mi'kma'ki featuring11 full colour beaded illustrations.

Animals at Play in Mi'kma'ki is for ages 2-5and is out now.

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Mel Beaulieu is a writer and artist from Fredericton, focused on creating contemporary beadwork and augmented reality. They are a member of Metepenagiag First Nation.

WATCH| Artist Mel Beaulieu teaches beading workshop in P.E.I.:

Ann's Eye: Mi'kmaw beadwork artist shows off surprising twist

5 months ago

Duration 1:08

Mel Beaulieu, a member of Metepenagiag First Nation, taught a beading workshop at this year's Petapan gathering in Prince Edward Island. Their one-bead technique creates textured imagery that resembles painted artwork.

Getting Glam at Gram's by Sara Weed, illustrated by Erin Hawryluk

InGetting Glam at Gram'sAlex and their cousins love Sunday dinner at their Gram's house the whole family gets together and puts on a playful fashion show borrowed from Gram's different outfits from across the decades. Getting Glam at Gram'scelebratesgender expression and learning to be yourselfand getting glamorous!

Getting Glam at Gram's is for ages 3-8and is out now.

Sara Weed is a queer writer and educator. Weed lives in rural Ontario.

Erin Hawryluk is an Ontario-based illustrator, artist and designer.

Library Girl by Polly Horvath

InLibrary Girl11-year-old Essie has secretly lived in thepublic library her entire life, being raised by four librarianswho discovered her when she wasabandoned as a baby. Although Essie has been happy with her life so far being raised by four mothers and all the books she can read she begins to yearn for more.Essie's life takes a mysterious turn when she meets aboy at the mall one day, who looks so similar to her she thinks they could be twins.

Library Girl is for ages 10 and upand is out now.

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Polly Horvath is an author of children's books who has won the Newbery Honor and a National Book Award. She is the author of the acclaimed 2001 book Everything on a Waffle, the 2017 book The Night Garden and won the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award in 2013 for One Year in Coal Harbour. Her novel Pine Island Home was a finalist for the 2020 Governor General's Literary Prize for young people's literature text. Horvath is based in Metchosin, B.C.

Uprooted by Ruth Chan

In the debut graphic memoirUprooted, Ruth Chan leaves Toronto for Hong Kong with her family after her father gets a new job. Ruth is devastated to leave the city that she loves and although the rest of her family fit right in once they arrive, Ruth doesn't. Ruth slowly adapts and sets down roots in Hong Kong with the knowledge thathome willbe where her heart is.

Uprooted is for ages 8-12and is out now.

Ruth Chan is a writer and illustrator of comics and children's books from Toronto. Her previous children's books include Thank You, Neighbor!, Caboose by Travis Jonker and Rick the Rock of Room 214 by Julie Falatko. Chan currently lives in New York City.

How to Staycation Like a Snail by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier

In the follow-up toHow to Party Like a Snail, introverted snail is back and this time he is planning the ultimate staycation with his friend Stump. Snail finds big holidays overwhelming he much prefers the feeling of returning home at the end of the vacation. So when he and Stump decide to plan a holiday at home, he couldn't be more excited.How to Staycation Like a Snailexploresfindingjoy and adventure in your own backyard.

How to Staycation Like a Snail is for ages 4-7 and is out now.

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Naseem Hrab is a Toronto-based writer and storyteller. She is the author of How to Party Like a Snail, Otis & Peanut, Weekend Dad, which was a finalist for the 2020 Governor General's Literary Prize for young people's literature illustrated books, and The Sour Cherry Tree, which won the 2022 Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature illustrated books.

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Kelly Collier is a Toronto artist and illustrator. She is the author-illustrator of A Horse Named Steve,Team Steveand the graphic novel Steve, A Pretty Exceptional Horse.Collier is also the illustrator of numerous books including Sloth and Squirrel in a Pickle, Izzy's Tail of Trouble, Izzy's Dog Days of Summerand How to Party Like a Snail.

The Mango Monster by Derek Mascarenhas, illustrated by Meneka Repka

InThe Mango MonsterMarianne and her cousin Zoe are trying to solve themystery of who is stealingthe mangoes from their mango tree. They have waited all year for mango season, so when mangos start to disappear from the lower branches of their trees, they are determined to find out who is responsible.Could it be a mango monster?

The Mango Monster is for ages 4-7 and is out now.

Derek Mascarenhas is a Toronto writer. His previous books include the short story collection, Coconut Dreams, and the picture book, 100 Chapatis, which was illustrated by Shantala Robinson.

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Meneka Repkais Sri Lankan-Canadian illustrator and teacher. The Mango Monster is her first children's book. Repkalives in Victoria.

Courage, Every Day by Wai Mei Wong, illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman

The picture bookCourage, Every Dayexplores the concept ofcourage and what that means to children. A little girl's Papa explains to her that courage is in the big, heroic feats, but also in the smaller choices that we need to make everyday. A note at the end of the book explains how to help children develop their own sense of courage.

Courage, Every Day is for ages 5-8 and is out now.

Wai Mei Wong is a writer and a former early childhood educator. Her previous books include I Love Myself and Hello, Dark, which was shortlisted for the 2022 IODE Jean Throop Book Award. She lives in Toronto.

Kirsti Beautyman is a writer and illustrator based in England.

I Want to Read All the Books by Debbie Ridpath Ohi

In the picture bookI Want to Read All the Books, a curious little girl called Hana decides that the only way to get answers to all her questions about the world around her is through books. Before long Hana has read all the books in her house, her friends' houses and then her entire street! Her mother decides to take her to the library where Hana realises she might have to revisit her plan to read all the books.

I Want to Read All the Books is for ages 4-8 and is out now.

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Debbie Ridpath Ohi is an illustrator and writer. Her previous children's books include Where Are My Books? and Sam & Eva. She is from Toronto.

Izzy Wong's Nose for News by Marty Chan

In the middle-grade mystery,Izzy Wong's Nose for News, Grade 6 student Izzy decides to start her owninvestigative podcast. The girls' washroom floods at her school, and it looks like it was done on purpose, so Izzy sets out to solve the mystery documenting it on her new podcast as she goes.

Izzy Wong's Nose for News is for ages 9-12 and is out now.

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Marty Chan is a children's book author based in Edmonton. His other books include Willpower, Final Cut, Kung Fu Master, Haunted Hospital, Kylie the Magnificent, the Ehrich Weisz Chronicles and the Keepers of the Vault series.

What Inspires by Alison Hughes, illustrated by Ellen Rooney

What Inspires is a picture book about what can happen when you open your mind to creativity and imagination. Three young friends go to the parkand it appears as though nothing is happening. But as one seemingly small event leads to another, which leads to another, soon the children find themselves having a day filled with laughter, creativity and possibility.

What Inspires is for ages 6-8 and is out now.

Alison Hughes is a writer from Edmonton. She has written over 20 books for children and young adults, including Fly, Life Expectancy and Hit the Ground Running, which was a finalist for the Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature text. Her writing has been shortlisted for the Writers' Union Short Prose Competition for Developing Writers, longlisted for the 2011 CBC Short Story Prize andher storyFunhouse Mirrorswasshortlisted for the 2021 CBC Nonfiction Prize.

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Ellen Rooney is a designer, artist and children's book illustrator. She also illustrated the picture books Her Fearless Run by Kim Chaffee, Grandmother Schoolby Rina Singh and Dusk Explorers by Lindsay Leslie. She lives in the southern Okanagan Valley, B.C.

Barefoot Skateboarders by Rina Singh, illustrated by Sophie Casson

In the nonfiction picture book,Barefoot Skateboarders, a young boy calledRamkeshwonders what the construction project is for in his remote village in Northern India. Soon he discovers it's a skatepark and he's hooked! People from other villages hear aboutJanwaar's skatepark and visit to watch the children skateboard and perform amazing tricks.

Barefoot Skateboarders is for ages 6-8 and is out now.

Rina Singh is a Toronto-based author of children's books. Some of her other works include Grandmother School, which won the Christie Harris Illustrated Children's Literature Prize in 2021, Once, a Bird and 111 Trees, which won the Social Justice Literature Award and was a finalist for the 2022 Yellow Cedar Award. She was also nominated for the Red Cedar Award for her book Diwali: A Festival of Lights.

Sophie Casson has illustrated over 25 children's books, including The Artist and Me, a finalist for the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, Same Here!, The Prisoner and the Writer and Helen's Birds. She lives in Montreal.

The Book Witch, the Wee White Dog& the Little Free Library by Lana Shupe, illustrated by Tegan Thomas

InThe Book Witch, the Wee White Dog&the Little Free Library, a Book Witch and her small white dog are trying to find a solution to the problem of having too many books. After a pile of heavy books fall over and land on the Wee White Dog's tail, theBook Witch knows she needs to rehome some of her books. But where? This picture book celebrates the magic of little libraries and the joy they can bring to communities.

The Book Witch, the Wee White Dog &the Little Free Library is for ages 3-7 and is out now.

Lana Shupe is a writer living in Calgary. Her previous books include The Lonely Little Lighthouse and The Hippie Pirates.

Tegan Thomas is an illustrator and animator from Victoria, living in Halifax.

Fighting Words by Leonarda Carranza, illustrated byErika Rodriguez Medina

Fighting Words is a picture book about the power of words. When Ali's cousin tears pages in his favourite book, angry words burst out of him. The words then come to life and go on a rampage through the community, wreaking havoc. Ali feels terrible and sets off to catch his words and to attempt to make right his wrongs.

Fighting Words is for ages 4-7 and is out now.

Leonarda Carranza is a writer who was born in San Salvador and is currently based in Brampton, Ont. Her debut picture book, Abuelita and Me, won the International Latino Book Award. Carranza also co-edited the anthology, Tongues: On Longing and Belonging Through Language.

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Erika Rodriguez Medina is a Mexican illustrator, art instructor and book publicist living in Vancouver. She has illustrated a number of children's books including Margot and the Moon Landing, 48 Grasshopper Estatesand Adela's Mariachi Band.

One Box by Andi Vicente, illustrated by Allan Matudio

One Boxis a tender counting picture book about a migrant worker who sends a box of gifts and supplies, also known asBalikbayan boxes,back home to their family in thePhilippines. Instead of counting the days until they will see each other again, they count the ways they are going to rebuild their relationship after being separated for so long.

One Box is for ages 4-7.

When you can read it: Sept. 24, 2024

Andi Vicente is a writer and visual artist. They are based in Montreal.

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Allan Matudio is an artist born to Filipino parents in Montreal. He is the author of the graphic novel Kasama.

Beautiful Junk by Melissa Assaly, illustrated by Samantha Lucy Haslam

InBeautiful Junka child and his family arepacking up their house to move to a new home and they decide to leave all their 'junk' on the curb. The young boy is shocked and delighted to see people taking items from their curb to use in their own homes, instead of the items ending up in the landfill.Beautiful Junkis a picture book that will help encourage children to considerreusingand recycling.

Beautiful Junk is for ages 5-8.

When you can read it: Sept. 30, 2024

Melissa Assaly is a writer and an elementary school teacher from Toronto. Her previous books include The Imperfect Garden, illustrated by April dela Noche Milne.

Samantha Lucy Haslam is an animator, graphic designer and illustrator. She is based in Calgary.

Is There a Boy Like Me? by Kern Carter

In the middle-grade novel,Is There a Boy Like Me?, a boy calledLondon is feeling pressured to be the person his school friends and parents think he is. But he doesn't want to be the confident video gamer, or the genius coder, London just wants to be by himself and read his books. So one day hestarts an anonymous online comic called Is There A Boy Like Me.London's comic goes viral and a conversation ensues about what being a boy today really means.

Is There a Boy Like Me? is for ages 10-14.

When you can read it: Oct. 1, 2024

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Kern Carter is a Toronto author and freelance writer. His other books include the novella Thoughts of a Fractured Soul, the novel Beauty Scars and the YA novels Boys and Girls Screaming and And Then There Was Us. Kern also has writing credits in Forbes, the New York Times, Global Citizen, Elle Magazine and Fatherly.com.

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Mystery at the Biltmore by Colleen Nelson, illustrated by Peggy Collins

Mystery at the Biltmore is a mystery novel for children which follows novice detective,Elodie LaRue, who lives in the Upper West Sideof New York City in a building called The Biltmore. When some jewelrydisappears from a neighbour's apartment, Elodie sets out to investigate and find the culprit, with the help of her friend Oscar and her dog Carnegie.

Mystery at the Biltmore is for ages 7-10.

When you can read it: Oct. 1, 2024

Colleen Nelson is a children's and YA writer based in Winnipeg. Her other books include If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It, which she co-wrote with Kathie MacIsaac, Pulse Point, Spin, Harvey Comes Home, Harvey Holds His Own and The Umbrella House.

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Peggy Collins is a children's author and illustrator of over 35 books includingHungry for Math,In the Gardenand The Only Lonely Fairywritten by Lana Button. She is currently living in Newburgh, Ont.

It's My Brain! by Elise Gravel

Elise Gravel uses her signature monster characters to celebrate the incredible things that our brains can doin the picture bookIt's My Brain!. Gravel explores how brains work with our senses and control our bodies and how to take good care of our brains.

It's My Brain! is for ages 6-9.

When you can read it: Oct. 1, 2024

• Elise Gravel is committed to creating books that help children change the world

Elise Gravel is a Quebec author and illustrator who has written and illustrated over 50 books for children. Her books include Club Microbe, Not Me, The Bat, The Worst Book Ever, The Mushroom Fan Club, I Want a Monster! and What Is a Refugee. Gravel won the Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young People in 2022 for her body of work. She lives in Montreal.

Mad at Dad by Janie Hao

Mad at Dadis a lift-the-flap picture book that explores big feelings and managing anger in healthy ways. A little girl gets mad at her dad, but quickly realises she doesn't like the feeling of being mad, except she doesn't know how to stop it.

Mad at Dadis for ages 2-6.

When you can read it: Oct. 1, 2024

Janie Hao is an illustrator and writer. She has a degree in illustration from Sheridan College and lives in Toronto.

Getting Us to Grandma's by Nadia L. Hohn, illustrated by TeMika Grooms

InGetting Us to Grandma's, a young girl is helping her family navigate from their home inToronto to her grandmother's house in theBronx for a family wedding. Nikki and her family are taking a long road trip and Nikki loves nothing more than reading from her big map book. As they drive to the wedding, Nikki also uses the trip as a chance to trace routes to other places her relatives live such as Florida, Atlanta, Boston and England.

Getting Us to Grandma's is for ages 3-6.

• Why Nadia L. Hohn wrote a picture book about a Jamaican role model that all kids should know more about

When you can read it: Oct. 1, 2024

Nadia L. Hohn is a Toronto-based award-winning writer and educator. She is the author of numerous picture books which includes Malaika, Carnival Queen, Malaika's Costume, Malaika's Winter Carnival, Malaika's Surprise and Harriet Tubman: Freedom Fighter, illustrated by Gustavo Mazali.

• Delightful reads for young adults that'll carry you through to fall

TeMika Grooms is a writer and illustrator living in Atlanta, Georgia.

Mandeep's Cloudy Days by Kuljinder Kaur Brar, illustrated by Samrath Kaur

Mandeep's Cloudy Days is a picture book about a young girl who is deeply missing her father, who has to be away from their home during the week for his job as a truck driver. Mandeep and her dad love spending time together, performing Bhangra shows and having cha parties. When he's not around Mandeepfinds it difficult to be happy.Mandeep's Cloudy Daysexplores the complex emotions of being separated from the people we love and how we can find moments of happiness and light amongst the more difficult times.

Mandeep's Cloudy Days is for ages 4-7.

When you can read it: Oct. 1, 2024

Kuljinder Kaur Brar is a writer and an elementary school teacher. Her first picture book, My Name Is Saajin Singh, was selected for the first edition of CBC Kids Reads. She is based in Abbotsford, B.C.

• Stars of CBC Kids to celebrate 6 Canadian picture books for CBC Kids Reads

Samrath Kaur is a queer, American-born Punjabi illustrator based in Boston, MA. She illustrated the picture book My Name Is Saajin Singh, written by Kuljinder Kaur Brar.

Alina in the Deep by Shenaaz G. Nanji

Alina in the Deep is the follow-up book toAlina in a Pinch. Alina is so excited her cousin Safi is going to be visiting her in Calgary for the summer, coming from Kenya, and she can't quite believe it! She pictures her and Safi becoming instant friends and is confused when she finds it hard to connect with her. But asthe summer progresses, Alinaand Safilearn that the more they listen to one another, and spend time together, the more their friendship starts to form.

Alina in the Deep is for ages 6-8.

When you can read it: Oct. 8, 2024

Shenaaz G. Nanji is a writer who has published over 12 books for children. Her previous books include Alina in a Pinch, which was a finalist for the Silver Birch Express Award 2023 and Child of Dandelions, which was a finalist for the 2008 Governor General's Literary Award, Young People's Literature Text. Nanji was born in Kenya and now lives in Calgary.

The Animal People Choose a Leader by Richard Wagamese, illustratedby Bridget George

In the picture bookThe Animal People Choose a Leader, a group of animals, who share the same language,come together to decide who should be their leader. The different animals give their reasons why they should be considered for this revered position, and then they decide that the animals must race one another around a mountaintop lake. This tradition-steeped story reflects on respecting the land, wisdom and kindness.

The Animal People Choose a Leaderis for ages 5-9.

When you can read it: Oct. 12, 2024

Richard Wagamese was an Ojibway writer from the Wabaseemoong First Nation in Ontario. He is the author of six novels, including Indian Horse, which was a finalist on Canada Reads 2013, defended by Carol Huynh. He also wrote a collection of poetry and three memoirs.Wagamesedied in 2017 at the age of 61.

• Londoner illustrates new children's book about Indigenous water activist

Bridget George is an Anishinaabe writer and illustrator from London, Ont. She was raised on the Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, and she belongs to the bear clan. Her first picture book that she also wrote was It's a Mitig!. She has illustrated numerous children's books including Autumn Peltier, Water Warrior by Carole Lindstrom.

• New children's book rhymes English and Anishinaabemowin words to help language learners

Grampy's Chair by Rebecca Thomas, illustrated by Coco A. Lynge

The heartwarming picture book,Grampy's Chair, is told from the perspective of agrandfather's favouritechair. The chair keeps an eye on Grampy's granddaughter, affectionately referred to as My Love. Grampy's chair is the perfect spot for My Love to read and play games, and also to curl up on when sick. When Grampy passes away, his chair is moved into storage and it wonders if it will ever see My Love again.Grampy's Chairexplores grief, love and the importance of life moments taking place in ourfavourite spots.

Grampy's Chair is for ages 4-7.

When you can read it: Oct. 15, 2024

Rebecca Thomas is a Mi'kmaw poet and children's writer, registered with Lennox Island First Nation. She is a former Halifax Poet Laureate. Her previous books include I place you into the fire, Swift Fox All Along and I'm Finding My Talk. Thomas lives in K'jipuktuk, Mi'kma'ki.

• Words Matter: Rebecca Thomas on a journey to reclaim Mi'kmaw language

Coco A. Lynge is a Greenlandic-Danish Inuit artist. She lives in Denmark.

WATCH| Poet Rebecca Thomas delivered her poem We are gathered:

Watch Rebecca Thomas' poem, 'We are gathered'

3 years ago

Duration 3:24

Poet Rebecca Thomas delivered this poem during an AfterWords Literary Festival event on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

It's Okay, Just Ask by Monique Leonardo Carlos, illustrated by Salini Perera

InIt's Okay, Just Ask, a little girl and her familyare emigrating to a new country. The little girl has a lot of questions about the upcoming move, to which her mother supportively responds "it's okay, just ask!" This story is inspired byMonique Leonardo Carlos's own experience of moving her familyfrom the Philippines to Canada.

It's Okay, Just Ask is for ages 4-7.

When you can read it: Oct. 15, 2024

Monique Leonardo Carlos is a writer, a homeschooler and a former classroom teacher. She was born in the Philippines and now lives in Surrey, B.C.

• 'Women belong here. Women of colour belong here': An illustrated diary of TIFF's Share Her Journey rally

Salini Perera is an illustrator and artist. Perera was born in Sri Lanka and now lives in Toronto.

How to Know a Crow by Candace Savage, illustrated by Rachel Hudson

How to Know a Crow is a nonfiction book for children, introducing them to the wonderful world of crows. Savage introduces us to baby crow Oki, who we then follow throughout the story. Young readers will learn if crows have families, how they communicate with one another, how they play and how humans can interact with them.

How to Know a Crow is for ages 9-12.

When you can read it: Oct. 15, 2024

Candace Savage is a Saskatoon writer of several books, including Hello, Crow!. Her work for adults, A Geography of Blood, won the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Non-Fiction and in 2022 she was awarded the Writers' Trust Matt Cohen Award.

Rachel Hudson is an artist, illustrator and writer who lives in England.

Milo the Knight by Grgoire Laforce, illustrated by Charlotte Parent

In the picture bookMilo the Knight, all Milo has ever known is being a knight. Hedoesn't know that his life could be different Milo is doing what all the generations of knights before him did to be prepared if a dragon attacks. One day Milo's armour gets rusty in the rain, leaving it impossible to move. With the help of a court jester, Milo learns to shed his armour and experience what it feels like to be free.

Milo the Knight is for ages 4-8.

When you can read it: Oct. 15, 2024

Grgoire Laforce is a children's book writer from Gatineau, Que. He also wrote the picture book, The Last Drop, illustrated by Benjamin Flouw.

• 9 books to engage young readers this summer

Charlotte Parent is an illustrator and comic artist from Montreal.

Sari Sisters by Anitha Rao-Robinson, illustrated by Anoosha Syed

Sari Sisters is a picture book about two sisters, Ruhi and Kayra. Ruhi is envious of her older sister who gets to wear a sari for the first time to a family gathering. Ruhican't wait until she can also wear a sari and doesn't want to miss out on the fun. Ruhi decides she will learn how to tie and pleat one of her mother's saris, and then surprise everyone with a sari dance party.

Sari Sisters is for ages 3-7.

When you can read it: Oct. 22, 2024

Anitha Rao-Robinson is a writer, a conservationist and a former accountant.Her previous books include A Family for Faru, Broken Promises and Broken Worlds. She lives in Milton, Ont.

• This book is for anyone who knows what it's like to have a 'difficult' name

Anoosha Syed is a Pakistani-Canadian illustrator, writer and character designer for animation. She has illustrated over 40 books, including That's Not My Name!, Bilal Cooks Daal and Lost Stick.

The Shape of Lost Things by Sarah Everett

In the middle-grade novel,The Shape of Lost Things, Skye's world completely changed four years ago when her brother Finn went on the run with her dad. One day they get a call saying that Finn has been found, but the boy who returns homewho is quiet and secretive is nothing like the brother that Skye remembers. Skye tries to piece together what happenedand how to deal with all the changes that she and her family are going through.

The Shape of Lost Things is for ages 8-12.

• Sarah Everett peers into the 'push and pull' between assimilating and retaining one's cultural identity

When you can read it: Oct. 22, 2024

Sarah Everett is a writerbased in Alberta. She has written several books for children and teenagers, including The Probability of Everything which won the2023 Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature text, Some Other Now, How to Live without You and No One Here is Lonely. CBC Books named Everett a Black Canadian writer to watch in 2024.

Snow Day by Lindsay Gloade-Raining Bird, illustrated by Ashley Thimot

Snow Day is a picture book, written in rhyming verse,about an Indigenous family enjoying a winter snowstorm. This atmospheric story captures the small joys that a winter's day can bring from sitting by the fire indoors and drinking hot chocolate, to making snow angels and catching snowflakes on your tongue.

Snow Day is for ages 3-7.

When you can read it: Oct. 29, 2024

Lindsay Gloade-Raining Bird is a mixed-Cree writer and poet from Truro, N.S. Snow Day is her first children's book.

• She loved books as a kid. Now she's an author highlighting Indigenous stories, authors and joy

Ashley Thimot is an artist, illustrator and graphic designer from Bridgewater, N.S, currently living in Edmonton. Snow Day is her first children's book.

Reasons to Look at the Night Sky by Danielle Daniel

Reasons to Look at the Night Sky is a middle-grade novel, written in verse, about a space-obsessed 11-year-old girl called Luna who has always dreamed of being an astronaut when she grows up. When a substitute teacher replaces Luna's regular teacher, shebegins to see the world differently.

Reasons to Look at the Night Sky is for ages 9-12.

When you can read it: Oct. 29, 2024

Danielle Daniel is a writer and illustrator of settler and Indigenous ancestry living in the traditional territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek (Sudbury, Ont.).Her books include The Dependent, which was shortlisted for the 2017 Northern Lit Award, Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox, which won the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Awardand Daughters of the Deer, her debut novel for adults.

• Danielle Daniel draws on her ancestors' past in debut novel Daughters of the Deer

Elvis, Me, and the Postcard Winter by Leslie Gentile

In the follow-up toElvis, Me, and the Lemonade Stand Summer, it's 1979 in Vancouver Island and 12-year-old Truly is living inEagle Shores Trailer Parkwith Andy El, the Salish Elder who took her in after she was abandoned by her mother. Truly's pen pal, Elvis, gives her a secondhand guitar, which she loves. However, one day Truly's mother shows up asking for a second chance, leaving Truly unsure what to do next.

Elvis, Me, and the Postcard Winter is for ages 9-12.

When you can read it: Nov. 16, 2024

Leslie Gentile is an author and singer-songwriter of Northern Salish, Tuscarora and Scottish heritage. Based on Vancouver Island, she performs with her children in The Leslie Gentile Band. She is also the author of Elvis, Me, and the Lemonade Stand Summer and Shamus the Urban Rez Dog, P.I.

A Recipe for Rhyme and Rescue by Wanda Taylor

A Recipe for Rhyme and Rescue is a middle-grade novel about friendship, food and poetry. Darla meets with the Food Poets every week atCarol's Caf where they share poetry, with each other and the customers,that has been inspired by cooking. When it's announced thatCarol's Cafmight close Darla and the Food Poets do everything they can tosave the caf.

A Recipe for Rhyme and Rescue is for ages 8-12.

When you can read it: Dec. 31, 2024

Wanda Taylor is a writer, freelance journalist, screenwriter and college instructor. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications such as Atlantic Books Today, Black2Business magazine, Peak Magazine and anthologies across Canada, the US and the UK. Her previous books include The Grover School Pledge.

LISTEN | Wanda Taylor on teaching her new course Black Voices, Black Stories:

Information Morning - NS9:41Black Voices, Black Stories workshop helps writers get their ideas onto the page

A new course at the University of King's College is helping aspiring and seasoned writers build the bridge between having a story idea and getting it on paper. It's called Black Voices, Black Stories. Hear from award-winning writer Wanda Taylor, who teaches the course, and two of her students.