Hannah’s Collections – written and illustrated by Marthe Jocelyn Problem solving picture book published by Tundra Books
When Hannah’s teacher invites her students to bring a collection to school, Hannah finds it difficult to choose just one of her collections.
“Hannah loved to collect things. She found new treasures wherever she went.”
Striking collage illustrations take us to Hannah’s bedroom where we discover her captivating collections of stamps from around the world, sea shells, leaves, small figures, foreign coins, leftover keys and more. Soon we are admiring the 153 buttons she has grouped together by size, shape and color. Next we see the popsicle sticks she has arranged in patterns and her diverse collection of figures, standing in a line from tall to small. Hannah’s Collections will have strong appeal for any child who enjoys collecting and will most certainly encourage young children to count, compare, match and group their own treasures. Hannah’s solution to the challenge of choosing one collection to share is a fine demonstration of problem solving.
Great for classroom use, Hannah’s Collections will provide many opportunities for children to consider how items are alike and different and the many different ways we can sort a group. It could also be used to elicit a discussion about problem solving.
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre has today announced the creation of a new membership level: Professional Creators. Effective immediately, published authors, illustrators and professional storytellers, will be offered memberships for a discounted (annual) rate of $35.00.
All members receive a one-year subscription to the quarterly magazine Canadian Children’s Book News and a copy of Best Books for Kids & Teens, the CCBC’s annual selection guide. Members also receive an invitation to the Annual General Meeting each June and invitations to special events hosted by the CCBC throughout the year.
In addition, Professional Creator members will have the opportunity to be listed in the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Author, Illustrator, and Storyteller Directory.
The Baabaasheep Quartet – written and illustrated by Leslie Elizabeth Watts Picture book published by Fitzhenry & Whiteside;
When four sheep retire and move to the city, they adopt a rather cosmopolitan life style – decorating a high rise apartment, attending the opera and dining out. But, they can’t seem to find a way to find new friends. Sadly, they just don’t seem to fit in with city dwellers. Part time gardening jobs are fine until the flower bed looks altogether too delicious. Even their hoof-made baby sweaters have two extra legs! One day, to their delight, they learn of an upcoming Baabaasheep Quartet contest. They feel certain that entering the contest will help them to find friends. The Baabaasheep Quartet practices every day and every where in preparation for the big event. Sure enough, their fine singing voices allow this fun tale to end on a happy note.
From that day on, the Baabaasheep Quartet was a great success…They never encountered any other singing sheep. But wherever they went, whenever they sang, they never again worried about fitting in.
Ages 4-8
Winner of the 2006 Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award for Illustration
2006 Saskatchewan Young Readers’ Choice Shining Willow Award Nominee
Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Award Honorable Mention in the Children’s Picture Book Category
Shining Willow nominee 2006
Canadian Children’s Book Centre Our Choice, 2006
Salmon Creek written by Annette LeBox and illustrated by Karen Reczuch
Picture books published by Groundwood Books
A wonderful resource for children interested in our natural world and students studying Pacific salmon, Salmon Creek is a beautifully illustrated picture book about one Coho salmon: Sumi. Beginning when Sumi first feels and hears the creek around her, “Sumi was blind, but she could hear the wind whispering through the cedars. She could hear the creek stones lifting and falling as the salmon mothers built their nests. And if she pressed against the curve of her egg, she could hear her salmon mother singing. Home is the scent of cedar and creek. Home is the journey’s end.” Richly detailed illustrations show us the wildlife that frequents the banks of the stream (bears, raccoons, heron, ducks, and eagles) and Sumi’s growth and travels from alevin to fry, smolt and finally a fully grown fish, ready to spawn.
The afterward includes illustrations of and information about the life cycle of the Coho salmon, a commentary regarding threats to wild salmon, additional resources, a glossary and suggestions for how kids can help.
Weaving together the story of a young black bear cub with that of chinook salmon, Fraser Bear: A Cub’s Life is both informative and engaging. The story begins in January when two sleepy young bear cubs seek nourishment from their mother. Many miles away, chinook salmon begin their journey from the Aleutian Islands to Fraser Bear’s birthplace in the Rocky Mountains. We watch as the young bear grows and matures, experiencing the snowy forest for the first time, seeking food, meeting an angry male bear, enjoying tasty blueberries and discovering a river filled with spawning salmon.
“One day, the mother leads her cubs to the river’s rocky shore. Fraser stares. the water is alive! it squirms. It wriggles, Fraser has never seen water like this before.”
Brimming with factual information, Fraser Bear is beautifully illustrated and will be enjoyed by youngsters aged five and up. Additional notes provide information about black bears and bear safety as well as chinook salmon. A glossary and map also support the text.
Note: Fraser Bear began life as “Fraser the Bear,” a plush souvenir for travellers on the Rocky Mountaineer. The tour company is a supporter of the Pacific Salmon Foundation.
The Subway Mouse -written and illustrated by Barbara Reid
Barbara Reid is an award winning author/illustrator who is well known for her amazing Plasticine illustrations. In 2004 she received the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz award for The Subway Mouse. This is an endearing tale of love and adventure.
Nib is a young mouse who lives in a busy subway station. At nighttime, when the station is quiet, Nib loves to listen to stories about Tunnel’s End. “Tunnel’s End was also beautiful. The air was sweet. A brave mouse could find the tastiest foods, the softest nests.” One day, after having his nest destroyed by his cousins and tired of living in the noise and dust of the station, Nib sets off on the adventure of a lifetime. Before long, he meets Lola and soon the two friends are on a quest for fresh air, clear skies and freedom. The journey to Tunnel’s End is not without danger; gangs of mice resent the young intruders and there is a considerable distance to travel. Breath-taking Plasticine illustrations include many found objects and make this a book that is sure to inspire young artists. Highly recommended for young readers aged four to nine years – especially those who will be riding on a subway train sometime soon.
We Share Everything! written by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko Picture book about kindergarten and sharing published by Scholastic
While not strickly speaking an “anti-bullying” resource, We Share Everything! is a story about getting along – with a pink twist. A perfect book to use in a kindergarten class to celebrate Pink Shirt Day.
Amanda and Jeremiah’s first day of kindergarten is filled with clashes. When Amanda selects a story from the bookshelf, Jeremiah demands that she give it to him. Their noisy conflict draws the attention of an enthusiastic kindergarten teacher who gushes, “This is kindergarten. In kindergarten we share. We share everything.” As the day progresses, the kindergarten teacher shares these same pearls of wisdom through conflicts with building blocks and paint spatters. She remains unflappable until the youngsters take heed of her advice and decide to share their clothes. “The teacher came back and said, “Oh Jeremiah and Amanda. You’re sharing, and you’re learnning how to act in kindergarten, and you’re being very grown-up, and Jeremiah, I really like your… PINK PANTS! Jeremiah, where did you get those pink pants?” A fun look at sharing and getting along, best for children aged four to six.
The Boy Who Loved Bananas – written by George Elliott and illustrated by Andrej Krystoforski
This is pure fun for storytime. When Matthew visits the Metro Zoo, he loves to watch the monkeys. He wonders why they eat so many bananas. As an experiment, Matthew decides that he will eat only bananas – morning, noon and night. He persists for days and days until, ‘Kablooey!’ Matthew changes into a playful monkey. Wanting their little boy back, Matthew’s parents try everything. Alas, Matthew likes things the way they are and soon has his classmates and principal chomping bananas. At last, after admiring an African elephant at the zoo, Matthew decides he would like to change his menu – to peanuts! The Boy Who Loved Bananas won Ontario’s 2006 Blue Spruce Award. It is boisterous fun for children aged three to seven years.
I love the idea of making this story an inspiration for young writers. If they had the chance, what would they choose to eat and what might happen if they did?
Gummytoes – written and illustrated by Sean Cassidy
Gummytoes is a tree frog who can change the colour of his skin and leap great distances. He longs to be admired so he steps into the limelight and amazes the neighbourhood children with his antics. The squealing youngsters respond by grabbing him and putting him into their terrarium. Before long Gummytoes discovers that being the centre of attention is not all he had hoped. He is lucky. He is able to use his special qualities to escape and make his way home.
This is a story that will encourage readers to consider the impact of capturing creatures for display. In addition to entertaining youngsters, Gummytoes provides factual information about gray tree frogs. The book could be used to prompt discussions about animals that use camouflage, nocturnal animals, natural habitats of tree frogs and wild creatures living in urban areas.
Suitable for children aged 4-8
Gummytoes was shortlisted for the 2006 Syrca Shining Willow ( in the Best Picture Book category) and the 2005 OLA Blue Spruce (also in the Best Picture Book category). It was also a Canadian Children’s Book Centre Our Choice selection in 2005.
Leon’s Song – written by Stephanie Simpson McClellan and illustrated by Dianna Bonder “If you saw Leon dozing in the sun, you might think age had made him all quiet and peaceful inside. You might think he was content to spend his day resting and remembering. But you’d be wrong…As old as Leon was, his heart was young with yearning.”
Leon is an old frog who dreams of doing something important. Although he lacks beauty, power and physical strength, Leon wishes most for a beautiful singing voice. When a dark, threatening shadow appears in the pond, Leon’s world is about to change. Fortunately his special talent is unveiled and the pond is profoundly transformed. A beautifully illustrated, thoughtful tale.
I share Leon’s Song with children every summer. I use it as part of a frog theme in a kindergarten program but the story goes well beyond frogs and pond life. It is a joyous celebration of self acceptance, finding one’s voice and making a difference.
Best suited to children ages 5 to 8
Stephanie Simpson McClellan’s Ponds in Winter K-4 Teaching Unit
Out on the Ice in the Middle of the Bay
written by Peter Cumming and illustrated by Alice Priestly
Despite warnings that she must not go outside alone, young Leah leaves the safety of her far North home and sets out to explore an enormous iceberg. “Leah walked away from her house, past the church, down to the beach, and out on the ice towards the iceberg that looked like a magical island of snow.” Just as Leah begins her adventure, a small polar bear cub is drawn to the same intriguing iceberg. As the moon rises, girl and bear cub meet in the middle of the frozen bay. Meanwhile, Leah’s father and the bear cub’s mother race desperately to locate their offspring.
Out on the Ice in the Middle of the Bay is filled with suspense as Leah explores the cold and dangerous world outside. It prompts the reader to consider not only the ways that Leah and the cub are alike but also how Leah’s father and the polar bear mother are similar.
32 pages, this is special read aloud for children aged 4 to 8
I recently received an email from a mom. She was concerned about playground dynamics and she went on to explain that her daughter was having a tough time with another girl. Her daughter’s “friend” was dictating the play experience – deciding which children could be involved and each child’s “role.” I was absolutely delighted to have a book recommendation for her: You’re Mean, Lily Jean. Selected: First and Best by Toronto Public Libraries in 2009 and nominated for a Blue Spruce Award,
You’re Mean, Lily Jean tells the story of a new girl who moves into the neighbourhood. Lily Jean is the same age as Sandy and is domineering and a braggart. She joins Sandy and her younger sister Carly for a couple of playdates. Lily Jean does not want Carly to be a part of their imaginary games and each time the three girls play together, Lily Jean dictates what they will play and how they will play. She gives the younger sister, Carly, the less desirable “parts” in their imaginary world. Lily Jean and Sandy are the king and queen, Carly is told to be the dog. Lily and Sandy are cowgirls, Carly is told to be the cow. “She did not want to moo or eat grass, but Lily Jean said she had to if she wanted to play. So she did.”
Lily Jean’s smug appearance and Carly’s bitter disappointment are depicted beautifully by Ms. Denton. Readers will cheer for Carly when Sandy decides she would prefer to play with her younger sister than with an overbearing bully.
You’re Mean Lily Jean is best suited to children four and up. It offers many opportunities for children to consider each girl’s perspective and ways to resolve difficult social situations.
The Penguin and the Pea – written and illustrated by Janet Perlman
Here is a delightful twist on a familiar tale. Poor Prince Penguin is lonely and filled with despair – will he ever find a penguin princess suitable for marriage? It seems unlikely until a stormy evening when a drenched young penguin arrives at the castle. She claims to be a princess seeking shelter. Prince Penguin is enchanted – the Queen is unconvinced. Will the ‘princess’ pass the test and ensure a happy ending?
The Penguin and the Pea is a fun take on a familiar story. Children will enjoy comparing this with other versions of The Princess and the Pea. Also fun for penguin theme.
Lessons From Mother Earth
Written by Elaine McLeod and illustrated by Colleen Wood Lessons from Mother Earth tells the story of a young girl who learns from her grandmother. They leave a small cabin and, with her grandmother’s guidance, the young girl discovers the bounty of fresh food provided by Mother Earth. Lamb’s-quarters, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, rosehips, dandelions and mushrooms are all part of the bounty.
Good Morning Sam – written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
I sincerely hope you are familiar with Sam and Stella. The (younger) brother and sister are featured in the wonderful books that make up Marie-Louise Gay’s Stella series.
In Good Morning, Sam , Sam is front and centre as he begins his day. As always, Ms. Gay’s depiction of the siblings’ relationship is tender and sweet – Sam strives for independence until he needs his big sister’s help. Simply illustrated and told, this story will captivate young children and their families.
Sandy’s Incredible Shrinking Footprint written by Carole Carpenter and Femida Handy, illustrated by Adrianna Steel-Card
Sandy’s Incredible Shrinking Footprint tells the story of a young girl who, while visiting her grandpa, happily runs to a nearby beach. She loves to explore the seashore and is shocked to find a pile of garbage others left near a fire pit. She is disgusted by the waste and works to collect the candy wrappers, pop cans and mustard bottles. Before long, she meets an old woman who roams the beach and collects the litter others have left behind. The woman encourages the girl to consider, “The footprint of your life – the mark you leave on the world.”
This breezy, empowering picture book includes colourful collage illustrations made from natural and recycled materials. Suitable for children aged six and up.
Old Bird – written by Irene Morck and illustrated by Muriel Wood
When Papa buys Bird, a gentle mare who will transport Archie and Arnfeld to and from school, he has no idea the impact the horse will have on his farm. Bird follows the children as they do their chores and insists on being allowed into the barn. Bird opens latches and asserts herself until Papa decides she must be sold. Just before the auction, Bird again has her way. This time she shows the family just how she can contribute to the farm. Old Bird is a truly lovely story, beautifully illustrated, that reminds us old does not mean incompetent or worthless.
You may also be interested in our page titled “Diversity.” We highlight picture books and chapter books that celebrate and inform us about human diversity including learning disabilities, physical disabilities, allergies, single parent families, interracial families, same sex parents, aging, death and more.
Sir Cassie to the Rescue – written by Linda Smith and illustrated by Karen Patkau
When Cassie reads a story about knights, the lure of the story prompts her to build a castle in her living room and enlist her brother to be a damsel. Her brother resists this role but does agree to be a fierce dragon. The entire family becomes involved in the make-believe fun until the queen announces a noontime feast has been prepared and it is time to clean up the castle.
A cheerfully illustrated picture book, Sir Cassie to the Rescue celebrates make believe and play and will be enjoyed by children aged 4 to 8.
Stella, Fairy of the Forest – written & illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
Picture book published by Groundwood Books
Marie-Louise Gay’s picture books about Sam and Stella are marvelous. This, their third adventure, Stella, Fairy of the Forest begins when Sam asks Stella about fairies. Stella knows just where to find some. She leads Sam on a pleasant walk through gorgeous meadows, across a sparkling stream and into a magical forest.
This Stella and Sam story is truly lovely especially in its treatment of the siblings’ relationship. Sam, who is nervous, clearly looks up to his confident older sister and Stella is more than happy to share her knowledge of the outdoors and all things magical with her younger brother.
Ms. Gay’s distinctive illustrations have a luminous quality, particularly her depictions of the delightful red-head heroine, Stella. Don’t miss it!
32 pages and suitable for children aged three and up. Stella, Fairy of the Forest is well- suited to circle time and could be used as part of a preschool or kindergarten Family or Forest theme.
Lucy’s Secret – written and illustrated by Mireille Levert Picture Book published by Groundwood Books
When Lucy visits Anna Zinnia’s garden, she is enchanted by all she sees; beautiful flowers and busy insects. When Anna Zinnia reveals a box of seeds, she tells Lucy, ‘In each seed lies a hidden, baby flower.’ Lucy plants the seeds and then waits and waits for the young plants to appear.
Lucy’s Secret is richly illustrated and simply told. It will be a lovely accompaniment for your springtime seed planting and gardening activities.
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Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume
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Hannah’s Collections – written and illustrated by Marthe Jocelyn
practices every day and every where in preparation for the big event. Sure enough, their fine singing voices allow this fun tale to end on a happy note. 
is a beautifully illustrated picture book about one Coho salmon: Sumi. Beginning when Sumi first feels and hears the creek around her, “Sumi was blind, but she could hear the wind whispering through the cedars. She could hear the creek stones lifting and falling as the salmon mothers built their nests. And if she pressed against the curve of her egg, she could hear her salmon mother singing. Home is the scent of cedar and creek. Home is the journey’s end.” Richly detailed illustrations show us the wildlife that frequents the banks of the stream (bears, raccoons, heron, ducks, and eagles) and Sumi’s growth and travels from alevin to fry, smolt and finally a fully grown fish, ready to spawn. 
is both informative and engaging. The story begins in January when two sleepy young bear cubs seek nourishment from their mother. Many miles away, chinook salmon begin their journey from the Aleutian Islands to Fraser Bear’s birthplace in the Rocky Mountains. We watch as the young bear grows and matures, experiencing the snowy forest for the first time, seeking food, meeting an angry male bear, enjoying tasty blueberries and discovering a river filled with spawning salmon.
This is an endearing tale of love and adventure. 
is a story about getting along – with a pink twist. A perfect book to use in a kindergarten class to celebrate Pink Shirt Day. 
won Ontario’s 2006 Blue Spruce Award. It is boisterous fun for children aged three to seven years.
discovers that being the centre of attention is not all he had hoped. He is lucky. He is able to use his special qualities to escape and make his way home.
with children every summer. I use it as part of a frog theme in a kindergarten program but the story goes well beyond frogs and pond life. It is a joyous celebration of self acceptance, finding one’s voice and making a difference. 
is filled with suspense as Leah explores the cold and dangerous world outside. It prompts the reader to consider not only the ways that Leah and the cub are alike but also how Leah’s father and the polar bear mother are similar. 
. Selected: 
is a fun take on a familiar story. Children will enjoy comparing this with other versions of The Princess and the Pea. Also fun for penguin theme.
tells the story of a young girl who learns from her grandmother. They leave a small cabin and, with her grandmother’s guidance, the young girl discovers the bounty of fresh food provided by Mother Earth. Lamb’s-quarters, raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, rosehips, dandelions and mushrooms are all part of the bounty.
, Sam is front and centre as he begins his day. As always, Ms. Gay’s depiction of the siblings’ relationship is tender and sweet – Sam strives for independence until he needs his big sister’s help. Simply illustrated and told, this story will captivate young children and their families. 
tells the story of a young girl who, while visiting her grandpa, happily runs to a nearby beach. She loves to explore the seashore and is shocked to find a pile of garbage others left near a fire pit. She is disgusted by the waste and works to collect the candy wrappers, pop cans and mustard bottles. Before long, she meets an old woman who roams the beach and collects the litter others have left behind. The woman encourages the girl to consider, “The footprint of your life – the mark you leave on the world.”
is a truly lovely story, beautifully illustrated, that reminds us old does not mean incompetent or worthless. 
celebrates make believe and play and will be enjoyed by children aged 4 to 8.
begins when Sam asks Stella about fairies. Stella knows just where to find some. She leads Sam on a pleasant walk through gorgeous meadows, across a sparkling stream and into a magical forest.
is richly illustrated and simply told. It will be a lovely accompaniment for your springtime seed planting and gardening activities.
