#IReadCanadian: Books For Younger Readers

I READ CANADIAN DAY, February 17, 2021, is a national day to celebrate Canadian books for young people (and everyone). This is a day dedicated to ‘reading Canadian.’ The purpose is to raise awareness of Canadian books and celebrate the richness, diversity and breadth of Canadian literature. We have a wealth of talent in our country. 

 

Here are some great titles for younger readers.

CHAPTER BOOKS

Badir and the Beaver by Shannon Stewart & Sabrina Gendron (Illustrations)

Badir and his family are new immigrants to Canada. While on a walk with his mother he spied a large rat swimming in a pond. When Badir learns that the the rat is actually a beaver, he begins to research this new to him animal. When the beaver is threatened by a local park enthusiast who is worried about the trees, Badir and his friends have to come up with a way to save the beaver and the park.

Just a Kid by Rie Charles

Meerin Hoy is just an ordinary kid who discovers that the city is planning to turn the vacant farmland across from her home into a housing development. She is determined to stop it. 

This satisfying story about a strong little girl is sure to inspire readers with courage and determination to make necessary changes in their own communities.

Ruckus by Laurie Elmquist David Parkins (Illustrations)

Ruckus is a well named Jack Terrier pup. Reece, the narrator of this book, worries about a lot of things. Will their father ever come back and live with them. Will their mother make Reece return Ruckus to the breeder. Will Ruckus ever poop out Mom's diamond earrings that he ate?

Scallywag on the Salish Sea by Sara Cassidy & Mike Deas (Illustrations)

This charming chapter book is full of rollicking fun. A young boy ends up as kitchen boy on a pirate ship. While cleaning fish he discovers all kinds of jewels and deduces that where this pollock was caught, there must be a treasure. 

Super Detectives by Cale Atkinson (series)

The comedic duo of Simon and Chester now star in their own graphic novel series. Chester plays straight man to Simon's outlandishness. The images are a treasure trove of wit. To fully appreciate all the bits of fun, you almost need to pore over the pages. Children might not get the film noir hints in this, but as a fan of the classic detective genre, I enjoyed them.

The Very, Very Far North by Dan Bar-el

Duane, the polar bear likes nothing more than sleeping, eating, exploring and making friends. He is especially talented at picking just the right name for his pals. The most important thing you need to know about them is that Duane accepts all of them for who they are, even though sometimes, they can be very annoying. 

Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier (series)

Auggie is the keeper of the Fabled Stables, home to one of a kind magical beings. One morning the earth shakes. When Auggie rushes to the stables he discovers a new stall. The back of it opens into a swamp where, unbeknownst by him, some hunters are chasing down a magical creature. This is a little bit creepy, a little bit fanciful and a whole lotta delightful.

PICTURE BOOKS

Africville by Shauntay Grant

A young girl visits the space where Africville, a thriving black community in Halifax, Nova Scotia, was destroyed by city officials in 1960. She imagines what it was like before, and then emerges out of this day dream to see her grandmother's name carved into a sundial. If you haven't read Shauntay Grant's books, you are in for a visual delight! 

Anne Arrives by Kallie George & Abigail Halpin (Illustrator) (series)

This stunningly illustrated reader pays homage to the famous Anne of Green Gables. I am impressed by how rich this version is and how is captures the essence of story so authentically.

Anonymouse by Vikki VanSickle & Anna Pirolli (Illustrations)

In this nod to Banksy, an anonymous mouse creates art for creatures in an unnamed city. Anonymouse provides a unique perspective for these animals. 

The Barnabus Project by Eric Fan, Terry Fan, Devin Fan (Illustrator)

Barnabus, half mouse and half elephant, is a genetically modified creature built for the pet market. Unfortunately, he lives under a bell jar on a shelf with other animals like himself. Deemed failures, they are scheduled to be recycled. In spite of being told it's impossible, Eric breaks his jar and frees the rest of the beasts. 

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad, S.K. Ali & Hatem Aly (Illustrator)

Faizah tells of her older sister, Asiya's first day of wearing a hijab to school. While she sees the harassment, she is proud of how her sister deals with it by following their mother's advice, "Don't carry around the hurtful words that other say. Drop them. They are not yours to keep. They belong only to those who said them." What is obvious through this book is how much Faizah loves and wants to be like Asiya. The beauty in these illustrations just wowed me.

Fairy Science by Ashley Spires

Esther is an unusual fairy. She doesn't believe in magic. Esther believes in science. She prefers "facts, data, and hard evidence to wishing on stars." She has a scientific explanation for all the enchantments the other fairies experience.

Flare by Kallie George & Geneviève Côté (Illustrations) (series)

Young Flare never cries, so the Sun, the wind, and the rain take it upon themselves to teach him how to cry. As Flare learns empathy, he also learns to cry. It turns out that his tears have magical powers.

Helen’s Birds by Sara Cassidy & Sophie Casson (Illustrations)

This is the wordless story of a friendship between Saanvi and her elderly neighbour Helen. It's a glorious bonding. They laugh, play games, and read together. Helen introduces Saanvi to the world of birds. Together they build bird houses and bird feeders. They watch eggs hatch and chicks grow.

I Lost My Talk by Rita Joe & Pauline Young (Illustrator)

This poem by Rita Joe, tells of how she lost her language, her culture, and ways of knowing the world while in residential school.

I'm Finding My Talk by Rebecca Thomas & Pauline Young (Illustrator)

I'm Finding My Talk is a poem about healing and recovering as much of that which was taken away as possible.

Mi'kmaw Animals by Alan Syliboy

This board book showcases petroglyph style illustrations different animals. Each creature paired with its name on the next page. The names are given in Mi’kmaw with a pronunciation guide and in English.

Nibi's Water Song by Sunshine Tenasco & Chief Lady Bird (Illustrator)

Nibi goes searching for clean water to drink. Her search takes her into a nearby white community where there is plenty of water. She ends up becoming an activist to get water for her Indigenous community. 

Not My Girl by Christy Jordan-Fenton, Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, Gabrielle Grimard

Following When I Was Eight, this picture book continues Margaret Pokiak-Fenton's true story as she returns from two years away at a residential school. 

Ojiichan's Gift by Chieri Uegaki & Genevieve Simms (Illustrations)

Mayumi spends two months each summer in Japan staying with her Grandfather and helping him tend his garden.

Outside Art by Madeline Kloepper

Animals look inside a window and watch an Artist at work. All of them respond to the question, what is art? Each one understands it through their own perspective of their world.

Princess Puffybottom . . . and Darryl by Susin Nielsen & Olivia Chin Mueller (Illustrator)

Poor Princess Puffybottom is one pampered cat (with two mommies) until her subjects bring Darryl, a rambunctious puppy, home. No matter what she does, Princess can not get them to get rid of him.

The Ranger by Nancy Vo (series)

Annie finds a fox who is in a bad way, rescues it, and in turn the two become friends. What we readers eventually come to understand is that friendship is not about keeping score, it's about supporting each other when we need help without any expectation of payment.

Salma the Syrian Chef by Danny Ramadan & Anna Bron (Illustrator)

This is a story about being forced to leave a land you are love. It's about what we miss when we are away from our roots, and reminds us to be thankful for the diverse, multicultural communities we are lucky to live in.

Saturday at the Garage by Nancy Hundal, Angela Pan (Illustrator)

In this nostalgic look at a different time, a young girl spends the day with her father at his garage.

The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry & Eric Fan & Terry Fan (Illustrators)

Rhyming picture books don't always work for me, but when, like this one, they do - Wow!
A scarecrow is renowned for its ferocity until a baby crow lands at its feet. What ensues is the development of a profound relationship for the scarecrow and the crow. It celebrates the power of connection and friendship. This book is so heartfelt it's difficult not to tear up.

Small in the City by Sydney Smith

Sometimes the city is overwhelming even for adults. Smith captures this in wordless graphic novel type panels and in one single page spread where the images are fractured. I love this surprise ending.

Virginia Wolf by Kyo Maclear & Isabelle Arsenault (Illustrator)

This tale of a young girl attempting to cheer up her unhappy sister is a story for all ages. Arsenault's illustrations and hand lettering of the text facilitate a profound interpretation of Maclear's words.

When We Are Kind by Monique Gray Smith & Nicole Neidhardt (Illustrations)

This simple book explains in what kindness is. Each page makes statement explaining one aspect of kindness and is accompanied by an illustration. The book talks about how we can be kind to each other, to our families, friends and neighbors, and to the planet. It continues on explaining the feelings we get when we are actively kind.

Wild Berries by Julie Flett

A young boy goes wild blueberry picking with his grandma. It feels magical: a connection to another time and place.

Monsters 101 by Cale Atkinson

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It will be released August 4th, 2020 by Penguin Random House Canada.

Cale Atkinson knows his stuff. First he wrote a scientific textbook about unicorns and here he is this time with one about monsters. 

This compendium of monster information is delightful. Like Unicorns 101, the similar format is bursting with important (and often hilarious) facts for readers who want to know more about these elusive creatures. 

It begins with a page identifying the Masters of Monstronomy: a collection of experts in the field. I suspect he must have studied with these wise ones to become such an authority himself. 

Next is a checklist for how to identify a monster. Readers can use it to see if the creatures on the next page have any of these characteristics. 

Atkinson deals with many aspects of monster life. The biology section includes common and scientific names as well as a cross section of what the inside of a monster looks like. The page on daily life explains how monsters look after themselves, dress up as humans, and have fun. A monster's diet is not really for the faint of heart. At least, this is not my idea of a delicious BLT!

The chapter on history identifies famous monsters. Later on readers will discover what monsters are afraid of and how to get along with any monsters they might meet up with. 

 In the back matter there’s a Monstronomy Diploma readers can fill in thus proving they are officially Monster Scientists. 

Cale Atkinson's knowledge of monsters is obvious in the comical colourful illustrations. A note in the title verso claims they were created with Photoshop, slime and zombie pus. 

#IMWAYR June 11, 2018

#IMWAYR time again, when readers share what they have been reading and find out what others have been up to in the past week. Kathryn hosts the adult version of this meme at Book Date. Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers host the kidlit rendition. Whatever you are looking forward to in your next great read, these are fabulous places to start your search.

I didn't manage to write a blog post last weekend because my sister was in town and we went to the Canadian Quilt Show that was in Vancouver this year. We were in awe at the quality of work that was on display and managed to make it through the entire vendors' exhibits without purchasing a thing. Of course that was only because nobody had the rulers we were looking for.

I've also been busy on some sewing projects. I'm finishing up a couple of matching linen cowboy shirts for my one of my daughter in law's birthday. Linen is a bitch to work with because it frays almost immediately. Every edge must be enclosed. I'm also trying to get a couple of matching overalls finished for my two grandchildren who turn one this week. It's hard to imaging a whole year has gone bye. I'll post pictures next week.

PICTURE BOOKS

While weeding the picture book collection of the library I was working in, I discovered the following three books by Keizaburō Tejima. All three were published in the late 1980's. I put a note in the data base asking that if they ever decide to get rid of them to call me and I will pay for them. Not only are the woodcut illustrations just stunning, the beautifully written prose is deeply philosophical.

My public library has one of Keizaburō Tejima's titles so I'm waiting for it. Then I'll see where I can find everything else he has created.
Try and find copies of these books. They will be worth you effort.

5 stars

Swan Sky by Keizaburō Tejima

The art on the cover drew me in. Then I opened the pages and got lost. It’s the story of swans getting ready to go on their annual migration but one year there is one swan who cannot go. Her family remain behind with her until they can no longer put off leaving themselves. They leave but the next day they return.The ending is not what I expected until it happened, and then I said to myself, but of course.

5 stars

Woodpecker Forest by Keizaburō Tejima, Susan Matsui (Translator)

Stunning woodcut illustrations tell the story of a young woodpecker who must learn to live by himself. His first night by himself is a coming of age tale that others take a novel to relate.

5 stars

Fox's Dream by Keizaburō Tejima

This book is just stunning.

A fox wanders through a winter forest and sees different images in the snow formations in the trees.

I had to stop and read this section of this book out loud to the other teacher who was in the library with me.

"And in a tree near the very end of the forest, the fox sees a family of ice foxes. He closes his eyes and remembers a spring when the wind was warm and the earth smelled of new grass and wildflowers. He remembers his family and the nearness of his mother. He remembers leaping with his brother and sister in the warmth of a gently sun. But when the fox opens his eyes, the forest is still covered with snow, the fox family is still made of ice, and the fox is still alone."

4 stars

When the Moon Comes by Paul Harbridge & Matt James (Illustrator)

Here we are nearing the end of spring and beginning of summer, and I found this glorious book about winter.

It’s the story of a group of children who wait for the beaver pond to freeze over. Then, on the night of a full moon they trek out to it, build a huge fire, scrape the snow off the ice, and skate. They play hockey until it gets late and then warm up at the fire before returning to their homes.

I have had then pleasure of skating on wild ice like this, although not, alas, under a full moon. It is truly spectacular to glide across this magical ice in the middle of a untamed spaces, and then warm up with hot cocoa and roasted hotdogs cooked over a roaring fire.

Matt James artwork will make you long to be there with these intrepid skaters, no matter how cold and wet you will get.

4 stars

Moo Moo in a Tutu by Tim Miller

Moo Moo and Mr Quackers are sure to delight fans of Elephant and Piggy. It’s humorous and witty, although the faces are not as expressive.

5 stars

The Boy and the Whale by Mordicai Gerstein

I would give this book 5 stars on the beauty of the illustrations alone, but it's also a compelling story about a young man who disobeys his father to save the life of a whale trapped in their fishing net.

4 stars

Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes & Gordon C. James (Illustrations)

Just Wow! This book is as beautiful and bold as everyone says it is. It's a picture book that sets you down in that barber shop with a collection of interesting characters. Barnes wordsmiths all those small details so you are there with our hero getting his fresh cut as he imagines how he will look and swells with pride.

As someone who has always had long hair, and thus, rarely getting cuts, I was delighted to learn so much about what goes into getting such a short style!

CHAPTER BOOKS

4 stars

Baby Monkey, Private Eye by Brian Selznick & David Serlin

I could have sworn I made notes on this book right after I finished it, but I can't find them anywhere. I loved it. There is so much sweetness in the illustrations. I love the patterned text that will make it simple for beginning readers to be successful. I was delighted to discover the guide at the end of the book with information about the details in the illustrations. I think I read this book at least three times before I returned it to the library.

NOVELS

5 stars

The Wild Robot Escapes by Peter Brown

I enjoyed this one as much as the first in the series. I admit that I was confounded that Roz didn't stay on the farm where she seemed to be happy, but by the time I finished this book, I understood that there were much bigger things in her future.

4 stars

Sunny by Jason Reynolds & Guy Lockard (Narrator)

I liked this one well enough, but I wonder if I would have appreciated it more if I had read it with my eyes. It isn't that Guy Lockard's narration wasn't remarkable. It was stunning and listening to the afterward comments by him and Jason Reynolds was a highlight for me.

Sunny is an interesting character to say the least. I like that he came up with the courage to follow his own dream and not one that seems to predetermined for him. Sunny is homeschooled and we learn what he studies, but I kept waiting for something about what he was reading and though I waited and waited, I don't remember anything.

3.5 stars

The Rizzlerunk Club: Best Buds Under Frogs by Leslie Patricelli

I didn't really start to appreciate this until I was at least 1/4 of the way in. Eventually I was giggling to myself at the antics of Lily and Darby. Then, while there were high jinks, the book became serious and we readers get a front row seat to see what girl bullying looks like. I appreciate that it is mostly resolved by the end of the book, although I am left wondering about Iris. I sure hope that if there is a sequel we will get to know her better.

4 stars

The Boat People by Sharon Bala & Athena Karkanis (Narrator) (adult title)

This is one of the Canada Reads books from this year. It's a powerful story of a group of Sri Lankan refugees who arrive on a boat seeking a safe haven in Canada. There are three story lines wending their way through the plot. Mahindan, a widower, is one of the refugees who has arrived with his 5 year old son. It isn't easy to read about the things he was forced to do to survive. Priya Rajasekaran is a Canadian of Sri Lankan decent whose Tamil family fled Sri Lanka near the beginning of the persecution of their people. Grace Nakamura, an adjudicator with the Immigration and Refuge Board, is reminded by her mother, Kumi, of the injustices the Japanese faced from their internment during the second world war. She makes connections to the plight of the Tamil, but Grace resists seeing it.

ADULT NONFICTION

5 stars

Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer

This book has much to teach all of us about gratitude, sharing, and reciprocity. These are all critical things if we are going to ensure our existence upon the planet. Ultimately we must defeat the Wendigo of greed and selfishness that leaves us empty, and find a new way of democratically being in the world. It’s going to be hard for many of us to start thinking of all the plants and animals as our equals, but without it we are in serious trouble.

I loved this book so much that I plan to purchase a copy to own.

CURRENTLY

I'm listening to The Penderwicks at Last by Jeanne Birdsall. I'm reading Ravensong by Lee Maracle for bookclub. I've been reading Restart by Gordon Kormon during my breaks at work, but it is to slow to get into the book this way, so I'll focus on it when I'm finished Ravensong.

UP NEXT

I've got three books that have to be returned to the library on the 15th: The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson, The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo, and Sit by Deborah Ellis. I honestly am not sure if I will get to any of them, but am ready to take recommendations for which one I should focus on.

PROGRESS ON MY READING GOALS

#MustReadIn2018 15/25 1 in progress

#MustReadNFIn2018 5/12

25 Books by Canadian Indigenous Authors 7/25 1 in progress

Goodreads Reading Challenge 198/333

#IMWAYR March 19, 2018

#IMWAYR time again, when readers share what they have been reading and find out what others have been up to in the past week. Kathryn hosts the adult version of this meme at Book Date. Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers host the kidlit rendition. Whatever you are looking forward to in your next great read, these are fabulous places to start your search.

I am finally feeling like I have won the battle with the sinus infection that's been plaguing me for a month. I'm thankful for the miracles of modern medicine and a decent health care system. As soon as I catch up on all the housework I've abandoned over the past month, I'll feel like my life is back to as normal as it ever gets around here. 

As you might be aware, I am the grandmother of two brilliant, adorable nine month old grandchildren. We share a house with one of them, so I get to spend a lot of time with my granddaughter Ada. Ada is half Korean, so I have been thinking about books for her as she grows up. This week I checked out a couple of picture books to consider before purchasing them. Both of them were about food, and both have recipes at the end!

BOARD BOOKS

4 stars

Peek-a-Who? by Nina Laden

Any book or activity where peek a boo is part of the action, is exciting for Ada. This one has a hole that shows part of something, with the beginning phrase, Peek-a.. Then when you turn the page, you see the object and a word that rhymes with boo. The owl page shows who. The cow shows moo...  At the ending it says you! and includes a mirror. This one is a hit.

4 stars

Jane Foster's Colors by Jane Foster

This one has no real gimmicks, but both of the babies enjoyed it. It is amazing how differently they show this. Everett just gazes intently at the images and enjoys turning the pages. Ada grabs at the images and wants absolute control over the page turning. Each page highlights a specific colour with animals and things that are connected to it. It is beautiful.

PICTURE BOOKS

4 stars

No Kimchi for Me! by Aram Kim

I predict a Korean feast in our future. It will include kimchi pancakes!

I like Aran Kim’s charming illustrations showing the characters as cats. I’m impressed at how human they all manage to look. I like that the grandmother (halmoni) helps the young girl to expand her culinary experiences.

5 stars

Bee-Bim Bop! by Linda Sue Park

Nice rhythmic poetry tells the story of a family preparing a young girl's favourite meal, Bee-bim Bop. Ho Baek Lee’s illustrations capture her excitement delightfully. We all see our Ada growing up to be just this little girl here.

NON FICTION PICTURE BOOKS

4 stars

Bees: A Honeyed History by Piotr Socha

I appreciate the combination of scientific, cultural, and archaeological information in this oversized book about bees. The artwork is gorgeous! I had a rudimentary knowledge about some aspects of bees. Those aspects are now much deeper, plus I know a whole lot more about bees than I knew was possible.

When I finished it, I felt ready for part one of a workshop on backyard beekeeping Sunday morning. This didn't exactly prove to be the case. I stopped off at the library on my way home to pick up an adult title on beekeeping. I hope to become less terrified of killing off any bees I should eventually decide to keep.

5 stars

Best in Snow by April Pulley Sayre

As thankful as I am that winter is over, these stunning photographs and lyrical poetry make me yearn for one more snowfall. (I concede that living where we do, this is an easy claim to make since it is highly unlikely to happen)

I don’t know enough about how photography style works to figure out how I managed to make the connection, but I opened this book and at the second page wondered if this was the same author as the Raindrops Roll book. I checked the cover and sure enough it is!

MIDDLE GRADE NOVELS

4 stars

Book Scavenger by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman & Sarah Watts (Illustrator)

Finished at last! I wish I hadn’t read this book in fits and starts. When I finally gave up on trying to read it like that, and allowed myself to fall into it, I couldn’t stop reading. I like the characters and their relationships with one another. I love all the literary references. I wish there really was a book scavenger game.

4 stars

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

Aven Green and her friends Connor and Zion are characters who are easy to admire and root for. I love that while each of them has their own challenge, it's their individual humanity that shines through. 

ADULT AND YA

4 stars

Shadowshaper by Daniel José Older & Anika Noni Rose (Narrator)

I'm not a big fan of fantasy, but I was hooked nearly from the get go with this book. It's like a parallel world where the everyday sexism, racism, gentrification, police violence and homophobia are carried over into a world where fantastical spiritual realms coexist and are visible and manipulated by a select few. I loved Sierra Santiago and her friends and am looking forward to reading more about them. 

4 stars

Thud! by Terry Pratchett & Stephen Briggs (Narrator)

This wasn't one of my favourite Terry Pratchett books although it's full of endearing moments and resonates with his satirical humour.  All of his work opens a mirror so we see ourselves more clearly. Also, just as a note, not being a favourite has nothing to do with lack of quality. It's just that I adore all his witch novels!

In this one, Duke Samuel Vimes, Commander of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch, has to deal with racism between trolls and dwarfs, and vampires and werewolves, both on and off the police force. When an important dwarf appears to be murdered by a troll, Vimes has to solve the case before war breaks out. He also has to be home to read to his young son at 6:00 PM precisely, each and every day.

CURRENTLY

I'm savouring This Accident of Being Lost: Songs and Stories by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson because honestly, her writing just blows my mind! It's both a window into another way of knowing the world, and inspires me to try and find words to write about my own. It is due back at the library on Wednesday and since I'm only half way through it, I doubt I will be finished. It's a book I know I will purchase, but still want to finish first! I'm listening to Almost Home by Joan Bauer. I've started reading, with my eyes, Ellie, Engineer by Jackson Pearce. I've also begun reading The Bee Book, a DK title by numerous authors to learn more about beekeeping before the final workshop next Sunday.

UP NEXT

I plan to start Thousand Star Hotel by Bao Phi when I'm finished This Accident of Being Lost. I'll listen to whatever comes available next. I picked up We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and didn't realize it was such a tiny book so that won't take long. I'm hoping to start Oil's Deep State: How the petroleum industry undermines democracy and stops action on global warming - in Alberta and Ottaway by Kevin Taft, but doubt I will get to it next week. In theory both of these are books for our next book club meeting.

PROGRESS ON MY READING GOALS

#MustReadIn2018 8/25

#MustReadNFIn2018 2/12

25 Books by Canadian Indigenous Authors 4/25 1 in process

Goodreads Reading Challenge 96/333