Welcome to our revamped Bookmark column! Instead of themed book lists, we’re dedicating this space to showcasing the latest and soon-to-be-released Canadian books for young readers. It’s our way of championing the amazing work Canadian publishers are putting into the hands of kids and teens everywhere.
Picture Books
EON: My Pet Tardigrade
written by Cybèle Young
illustrated by Nell Jocelyn
Tundra Books, 2026
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-3
Who ambles and plods like a bear and is the tiniest tickle in the palm of a hand? Eon, that’s who! Eon is a tardigrade (also known as a water bear or a moss piglet). When an inquisitive girl discovers him while looking through her microscope, she’s captivated — and decides she wants to take care of him. But what does a tardigrade need? A table, a chair or maybe a rug? What about a swing, a ferris wheel or a rocket? Using paper, scissors and her imagination, this aspiring young artist and scientist creates mini habitats for Eon and learns the secrets of this fascinatingly resilient creature along the way.
Featuring intricate paper sculpture from Cybele Young and cut paper art from collaborator Nell Jocelyn, this playful and touching tale of a tardigrade is a loving reminder that sometimes the best way of caring for someone is letting go . . .
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I Think We're Upside Down!
written and illustrated by Marcus Cutler
G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 2026
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-3
A hilarious interactive picture book from the author of The Crayon Stub about a rabbit and a raccoon who find themselves in a story turned upside down.
Raccoon’s new basketball just arrived. Time to shoot hoops with his friend Rabbit! But when the basketball falls UP instead of DOWN, they have to figure out how to make things right. To do that, the two friends will need a little creativity and a LOT of help from the reader in this fourth-wall-breaking picture book full of twists, turns, and surprises!
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The Cow in the Dark at Night
written and illustrated by Jess Hannigan
Quill Tree Books, 2026
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-3
It is nighttime and the cow is loose. In this vibrant and silly picture book, curiosity leads to some strange encounters indeed…
The cow has always wondered what goes on when the sun goes down. Tonight, she will discover it all. Adventures, nocturnal friends, every exciting thing waiting out there in the dark new world.
But these night people may have other things in mind… It’s a good thing that the moon is very bright tonight.
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The Only Way to Dance
written by Cristina Quintero
illustrated by Eugenia Mello
Tundra Books, 2026
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-3
What's the only way to dance?
You'll need a beat. Any beat will do.
You'll need a space. Maybe a bright clean stage made of perfectly matched boards or a mossy forest floor.
You'll probably want music. A full orchestra, some trumpets or violins, or the buzz and blare of a busy street.
You might dance with a group, moving together to tell a story. You might dance with family to celebrate something special. You might dance on your own to show who you are.
What's the only way to dance?
Your way!
This beautiful celebration of all kinds of dance will delight readers big and small. No matter how YOU like to dance, this book is for you!
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The Tangled Turtle Rescue
written and illustrated by Alma Fullerton
Nimbus Publishing, 2026
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-3
When Oaklynn and her cousins set out on a pedal boat with storm clouds brewing, they expect a splash of excitement, not a race against time to save a leatherback sea turtle tangled in fishing gear. Together, they vow to save the gentle giant before the storm hits and they’re forced to leave for their own safety.
Readers will root for these young nature lovers as they work together to rescue an endangered leatherback sea turtle. The book includes fascinating facts about leatherbacks and a call to protect our oceans.
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'Twas the Night Before Shinny: A Pond Hockey Tale
written by Lorna Schultz Nicholson
illustrated by Erica J. Chen
Sleeping Bear Press, 2026
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-3
Fans of hockey and winter sports will love this fun-loving picture book starring a cast of woodland creatures who get into a rollicking game of shinny, a simplified outdoor version of hockey.
It's a cold snowy night and the neighborhood children are tucked up in bed, dreaming sweet dreams of hockey glory. While the children are sleeping, woodland animals gather at a pond, eager for a game of shinny. Blue Jay, the referee, sorts the players into two teams, blows his whistle, and the game begins! Chipmunk sports announcers provide running commentary on the brisk action. But what should be a friendly competition soon turns into a loud squawking argument. Can anyone ease the tension and get the players back on the ice? Help comes from a surprising and legendary source! Back matter includes a glossary of fun hockey words.
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What’s That In the Wall?
written and illustrated by C.M. Walton
Clavis Publishing, 2026
IL: Ages 5-9 RL: Grades 1-3
Mysterious sounds wake me up every night. Something’s in the wall—that’s just not right! Is it a donkey or robot? An athlete? A snake? What’s going on here, for goodness’ sake?! Mom and Dad think I’m making it up . . . Maybe you’ll believe me?
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Early Readers & Middle Grade Fiction
Brianna Banana, New Cheese Girl
(Orca Echoes)
written by Lana Button
illustrated by Suharu Ogawa
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
Il: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 2-3
For the first time in the history of her Grade 3 life, Brianna walks into Room 109 without one thought about Helper of the Day.
What a surprise when she sees her name on the board! And guess what? There’s an opening for her to join the Cheese Girls too! All she has to do is pick Kinsley to go with her to deliver the library books. But does Brianna have what it takes to be a Cheese Girl? Or does she even want to be one? Maybe spending time with a real friend is better than being included in a club.
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Fangs of Fear
(The Lunch Club, Book 9)
written and illustrated by Dom Pelletier
illustrated bu Dina Ginzburg
Scholastic Canada, 2026
IL: Ages 7-10 RL: Grades 2-3
The Lunch Club goes international, interplanetary, AND back in time in their latest adventure!
Leo, Tia, and Mr. Peabody pack their bags, off to a super assembly of all the super-secret clubs from around the world, including: the Ugly Slipper Knitting Group, the Stinky Cheese Collective, and the Imaginary Paleontology Society. The assembly is hosted by the Guild of Black Pudding Admirers – but there’s something very odd about its pale, pointy-toothed chairman. Is he … a vampire?
But Count Forelock isn’t the only frightful foe Leo and Tia are about to face. A sticky villain from the past is back, along with a galactic threat so big, the Earth itself is at risk!
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How to Wrestle a Kraken
(The Quests of Tiny Wilde, Book 3)
written by Any Tolson
Nimbus Publishing, 2026
IL: Ages 8-12 RL: Grades 3-4
With two quests under his belt, 12-year-old giant Tiny Wilde should be feeling like a seasoned hero. But instead of showing off his new super strength, he struggles to snap even the weakest bricks in half. So when he spies a mysterious light off the coast of Wonderville on a midnight flight with his dragon, he's eager to follow it on a new adventure. With a key to an unknown lock, a quirky curse, and a sort-of prophecy delivered at the worst possible moment, Tiny's sure his next quest has begun.
But it turns out he's not even the hero. So, who is?
The hero doesn't matter to wellness mogul Claudia Crustido. Known for her Mythic-inspired line of bogus wellness products, Claudia wants humans to believe that they, too, can be immortal. She doesn't care if she must cruelly take advantage of Mythical beings to do it, as long as it helps grow her business empire. And, as Tiny soon finds out, Claudia will do anything to silence the people who try to stop her.
Despite challenging family dynamics, Tiny's determined to protect the Mythics of Wonderville. Joined by an estranged relative and an old friend thought to be lost forever, Tiny and his trusted allies Nalia and Sadie must battle their way across the island—and through the water around it—in this thrilling third book in The Quests of Tiny Wilde series.
Includes an illustrated map to follow Tiny's journey and a recipe for delicious Krak 'n Cheese.
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Remember Me, Daphne
Written and illustrated by Celia Krampien
Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2026
IL: Ages 8-12 RL: Grades 3-4
Some spirits never leave.
When a new family moves into the creepy old house across the street, sixth-grader Flora finds her wish for a best-best friend has come true. Her new neighbor Mac is sweet and charismatic. With Mac by her side, Flora feels like the upcoming school year will be a fresh start for her—no more anxious or klutzy Flora!
But despite their new friendship, not all is perfect. Mac fits in better with their classmates than Flora ever did. Mac’s family seems to be holding back a big secret, something about a mysterious ex-best friend named Daphne who Mac won’t ever talk about. And Mac’s little brother, Danny, gives Flora the creeps. Strange things keep happening whenever he’s around.
Is Flora’s mind playing tricks? Or could it be that Mac’s house is as haunted as it looks?
Superman's Good Guy Gang: Follow the Leader
Written and illustrated by Rob Justus
DC Comics, 2026
IL: Ages 5-7 RL: Grades 1-2
Now that Superman, Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern have formed their super flashy club, Superman naturally declares himself the leader of the gang. Wait a minute! Who does this kid think he is? Every child, grown-up, grandparent, and runaway grizzly knows that Green Lantern should be in charge. Excuse me. Is that so? Puh-lease! Hawkgirl is the oldest and wisest of the three, so she should be the club president. What's this? There's a new super-powered kid in town who calls himself Mister Terrific and claims he's even more powerful than the other three?!
Well, looks like the only way to choose a leader is to have a superhero competition! Four super-powered kids go toe-to-toe in writer and artist Rob Justus's hilarious and heartfelt sequel to the fan-favourite graphic novel Superman's Good Guy Gang! This group of friends is about to risk everything to prove who's the best superhero... what could possibly go wrong? Let the games begin!
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The Storytime Extravaganza
(Little Bee, Book 2)
written by Danny Neville
illustrated by Colleen McKeown
Annick Press, 2026
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 2-3
Tiam, one of Bee’s best friends, loves butterflies, art supplies, and sparkly nail polish. These things bring him so much joy—so why does a kid in their school give him such a hard time about it? For the first time in his life, Tiam is unsure about himself. Bee and Sarah enlist the help of her Uncle Andy, a.k.a. the drag queen Peppa Mint, to support Tiam in feeling safe and comfortable in expressing himself exactly the way he wants to. But not everyone is happy with a drag queen coming to the school . . .
In the second book of the Little Bee series, themes of gender identity and expression are explored in an accessible way, focusing on how to remain your truest self, despite peer pressure and bullying. Bee learns how to be a supportive friend and ally, and the book ends in a joyful, celebratory way with a drag queen storytime, shining a spotlight on butterflies as the main bug focus in this title.
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Not Myself Today
(Orca Currents)
Written by Mahtab Narsimhan
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 2-3
Spoiled eighth-grader Riya Khatau hates her new public school.
Her classmates have bad hair, no style and aren't well-off like her other friends. But she was kicked out of her private school, so she’s stuck at public school for the rest of the year. At least she has Char and Nikki, her new friends who come from wealthy families too. Together they pick on their classmates, especially Saanvi, whose confidence and popularity confuses Riya since Saanvi only dresses in dollar-store clothes.
When their class visits an exhibit of ancient eastern artifacts, Saanvi has enough of Riya's bullying and angrily wishes Riya could trade places with her. To both of their surprise, the magic of an ancient artifact causes them to swap bodies. Now Riya gets a taste of how her snobbish friends treat others. But she also experiences Saanvi’s warm extended family and the deep connection they have to their Indian culture, which Riya has never had. Can Riya apologize to Saanvi and work with her to switch their bodies back?
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Young Adult Fiction
Frostbite: A Graphic Novel
written by Ian Boothby
illustrated by Pia Guerra
Scholastic Canada, 2026
IL: Ages 12-18 RL: Grades 7-8
When it's so cold, it bites! Teen influencers Jen and Dante post wild videos of themselves doing extreme sports. But when they jump out of a helicopter to ski down a mountain, the stunt goes way wrong. Dante's ankle gets slashed, and the helicopter crew -- who were supposed to be waiting at the bottom of the mountain -- are nowhere to be found. As the confused teens seek answers from some locals, they all find themselves flesh-to-fang, trapped in an isolated cabin surrounded by frost vampires!
Their only hope for survival is to make it to sunrise...
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Ordeal at Orleans
(A Jump in Time Novel, Book 5)
Written by Andrew Varga
Imbrifex Books, 2026
IL: Ages 12-18 RL: Grades 7-8
1429: A city under siege. A future in the balance.
When another glitch in time threatens the fabric of history, 18-year-old Dan Renfrew and his partner Sam Cahill jump into the past again. They land in medieval France, just before Joan of Arc's miraculous lifting of the Siege of Orléans. But this is a world dominated by religious intolerance and fear, where one wrong step could lead to torture or death at the hands of Catholic priests. And when accusations begin to surface, Dan and Sam find themselves in an impossible race against time. To survive--and keep history intact--they must outwit fanatics, dodge soldiers, and endure the chaos of 1429. One wrong move could cost them their lives . . . and rewrite the future forever.
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A Dangerous Game
(Orca Anchor)
Written by Sigmund Brower
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
IL: Ages 12-18 RL: Grades 1-2
Rain is on the most boring vacation in existence: a sailboat trip with his parents. No video games, no friends, just floating and listening to adults talk. That is until he accidentally falls overboard in the middle of the night while everyone is asleep. As the boat sails off, Rain swims for his life and makes it to a nearby island owned by a billionaire who is obsessed with the thrill of the hunt. Unfortunately for Rain, the island’s owner has grown bored of his usual prey. He wants to hunt something smarter, something that can reason...something like Rain. And Rain has no choice but to play along.
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The Truth About Maura
(Orca Soundings)
Written by Melinda Di Lorenzo
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
IL: Ages 12-18 RL: Grades 2-3
Sixteen-year-old Maura Ellard has just followed through on one of the biggest, hardest decisions of her life: terminating an unexpected and unwanted pregnancy.
She doesn’t regret it. But when she walks out of the clinic, she’s seen by a classmate and her whole life changes. Before she can even get back to school, everyone knows what she did. Her freshly ex-boyfriend is furious. Her best friend avoids her. The only person who doesn’t seem to care is Dane, the new boy at school, who sees her as a person and knows her choices are none of his business. But then a rumor sweeps through the school that Maura was the victim of an assault and everyone is suddenly on her side. Maura knows she doesn't owe anyone an explanation, but how will she get it all to stop?
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Non-Fiction
Discovering and Understanding the Haida
Written by Michel Noël and Sylvie Roberge
Illustrated by Marie de Monti
Auzou Publishing, 2026
IL: Ages 7-12 RL: Grades 2-3
Discover the rich culture of the Haida with this accessible non-fiction book with both photos and illustrations throughout. Living primarily on the Queen Charlotte Islands in British Columbia, the Haida are known, among other things, for their famous totem poles and impressive canoes built from giant red cedar trunks. Discover a fascinating nation that has demonstrated courage, tenacity, and ingenuity over the years!
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