8 picture books to inspire and engage kids this summer

The school break is an ideal opportunityto introduce kids to these Canadian picture books that touch on all the great things about summertime: family, nature, fun adventures and much more!

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

Summertime is the perfect time for kids to explore nature including taking walks in the forests near where they live, or during family camping trips.

I Hear You, Forest reminds kids that when they step into the forest with their ears and hearts open, they can hear some marvellous things. From the rustling of leaves sharing their secrets to small beetles balancing on the branches, the closer children listen, the more they can learn.

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Kallie George is a Vancouver-based writer for children whose books include the Heartwood Hotel series andAnne Arrives. Her next picture book,I Hear You, Ocean, also illustrated by Carmen Mok, will be published in fall 2022.

Carmen Mok is the Ontario-based illustrator of numerous books, includingWaiting for Sophieby Sarah Ellis,Look at Me Nowby Carol McDougall and Shanda LaRamee-Jonesand Percy's Museum by Sara O'Leary.

The Sun is a Shineby Leslie A. Davidson, illustrated by Slavka Kolesar

The Sun is a Shineis a picture book about the wonder ofweather systems across the world. By way of vibrant illustrations and poetic language,The Sun is a Shinereflects the power of the sun and through the lens of cultural diversity, geography, science and gratitude.

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Leslie A. Davidson is a retired teacher, writer and grandmother based in British Columbia. Her previous picture books include In the Red Canoe, which was shortlisted for the Shining Willow Award and has been translated into French. Davidson won the 2016CBC Creative Nonfiction Prize for her essay Adaptation.

Slavka Kolesar is a B.C.-based artist, illustrator and painter. She has illustrated books such asLa Lgende de Carcajou (which was a finalist for the Governor General's Award)and was the 2017 TD Summer Reading Club illustrator.

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

Ever pick up a shell on the beach during a beautiful summer's day? When Pigeon Pea has a lot of questions about their family background one afternoon, Auntie entrusts them with a magic cowrie shell that whisks Pigeon Pea back in time and across continents to meet, celebrate and feast with their ancestors.

The Magic Shellis for ages 6 to 8.

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Jillian Christmas is an educator, activist and community organizer who focuses on increasing anti-oppression initiatives in spoken word. She is the former artistic director of Vancouver's Verses Festival of Words.

Raised in Stoneville, N.C., Diana Mungaray grew up enthralled by the world around her. She began her artistic journey painting watercolour pine trees in her composition book, before going on to study animation and interactive design.

Out Into the Big Wide Lakeby Paul Harbridge and Jose Bisaillon

During the summer break, many kids get the chance to visit family members near and far. In Out Into the Big Wide Lake, a young girl with Down syndrome gains confidence and independence through a visit to her grandparents a story inspired by the author's sister.

It's Kate's first time visiting her grandparents on her own at their lakeside home. She's nervous but learns how to make deliveries by boat, gets to know the neighboursand even becomes fast friends with Parbuckle, her grandparents' dog. But when her grandfather takes ill, it's suddenly up to Kate to take on some newfound responsibilities.

Out Into the Big Wide Lakewas the winner of the 2022Ezra Jack Keats Award for writing and was nominated for the 2021 Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature illustrated books.

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Paul Harbridge is a Toronto-based author and illustrator originally from Muskoka, whose work is influenced by the lakes and forests he grew up around. His children's bookWhen the Moon Comeswas named a finalist for the 2017 Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature illustrated books.

Jose Bisaillon is a children's book writer and illustrator based outside Montreal. Her other books includeLeap!, written by JonArno Lawson, andThe Snow Knowsby Jennifer McGrath.

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

Summertime is an ideal time for creativity to flourish silence and stillness allows kids' imaginations to run wild.

InWhen I Listen to Silence, a child listens attentively while the trees sway back and forth as they begin to dance. Soon some bears join in the child's drumming making so much noise that they wake up a dragon! The dragon's smoky breath fills the skyand the wind forms a knight on a steed that gallops through the stars.

The child's adventure continues, as one wonderful flight of fancy leads to the next, from pirates to mermaids to whales, until they find themselves sitting silent once again among the trees.

When I Listen to Silenceis for ages 3 to 6.

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Ontario-based writer Jean E. Pendziwolis the author of the novelThe Lightkeeper's Daughtersand several children's books, includingOnce Upon a Northern Night,Me and Youand the Red CanoeandThe Red Sash.

Carmen Mok is a studio art graduate of the University of Waterloo and a craft and design graduate of Sheridan College. She has illustrated 11 children's books to date, includingLuna's Green Petby Kirsten Pendreigh, which will be published in August 2022.

In the Cloudsby Elly Mackay

InIn the Clouds, a bored and curious little girl wishes for a bit of sunshine on a cloudy day. But a friendly bird soon whisks her off for an adventure in the sky, where she can contemplate questions both scientific and philosophical in nature: how do clouds float? Or carry the rain? Where do they go when they disappear? Do they have memories? Have they ever seen another girl like her?

In the Clouds captures how even cloudy skies can inspire wonder and stimulate the imagination.

Elly MacKay is an award-winning picture-book maker based in Owen Sound, Ont. She is the author and illustrator of several books, includingButterfly Park,Red Sky at NightandIf You Hold a Seed.

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

In Martin and the River, young Martin loves to play by the sparkling river near his house under the bright sunshine. He watches the great blue herons and looks for crayfish and otters, and lies in the tall grass near the water.

But one day Martin's parents tell him they have to move away. When he visits his future home, none of the city's urban charms compare with his beloved river. But when Martin's parents show him a small stream running through the park, Martin discovers that his connection to nature can be just as special in the big city.

Martin and the Riveris for ages 3 to 6.

Jon-Erik Lappano is a children's book author from Ontario. His picture bookTokyo Digs a Gardenwon the 2016 Governor General's Literary Award for young people's literature (illustration).

Since 2005, award-winning Quebec-based artist Jose Bisaillon has illustrated more than 30 children's books and contributed to newspapers and magazines around the world.

Sun Wishesby Patricia Storms, illustrated by Milan Pavlovic

In this sequel to 2019's Moon Wishes, the sun travels across the sky lighting up our gloomiest days, celebrating a bountiful harvestand delighting in the diversity of life all around the world.

The sun's warm wishes will inspire young readers' curiosity, gratitude, and also spur them to step outside to enjoy its light all summer long (and in other seasons, too!).

Sun Wishesis for ages 3 to 6.

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Patricia Storms has worked as a short-order cook, a library technician and a graphic designer, but her favourite thing to do by far is to make books for kids. She is the author and illustrator ofThe Pirate and the PenguinandNever Let You Go. She also collaborated with her husband, Guy Storms, to writeMoon Wishes, illustrated by Milan Pavlovic.

Milan Pavlovicis a Toronto-based illustrator, graphic artist and educator. He is the illustrator of several children's books, includingThe Boy Who Invented the Popsicleby Anne Renaud,Seamus' Short Storyby Heather Hartt-Sussman andSon of Happyby Cary Fagan. His first solo picture book,Sonata for Fish and Boy, was published in 2021.