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
The Great Gathering Place
written by Naomi McIlwraith
illustrated by Onedove
Kids Can Press, 2026
IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 1-3
This poetic picture book begins with an invitation: “Let's go to the Great Gathering Place. Come, I'll take you in my big red canoe.” Readers travel along the river to a special place on the shore, where we'll meet and visit with people for hours and days, talking about good things and bad, rejoicing in our good fortune and celebrating our achievements. We'll speak to our ancestors. We'll build a fire and feast. We'll give thanks for our lives. And we'll pledge to always be gentle, generous and kind - and to always love our friends and relatives.
This stirring and lyrical story by Métis author Naomi McIlwraith, based on her poem of the same name, is a moving tribute to Indigenous values and the meeting places that are special to each of us. Luminous illustrations by Cree and Métis artist Onedove evoke a sense of the sacred with each colourful spread. This is a beautiful picture book that honours the importance of gratitude, generosity, kindness and love for both nature and people, and could serve as a gentle discussion starter on these topics. It's also a reminder that the places where we gather are special and deserve our protection. It provides an excellent introduction to Indigenous concepts and teachings. Cree words and phrases are featured in the text and are supported by a glossary and pronunciation guide.
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Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants
written and illustrated by Chris Paul Farias
Rebel Goose Books, 2026
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 1-3
Guinea Pigs Don’t Wear Pants is a whimsically joyful and empowering children’s book that celebrates individuality across the rainbow-hued spectrum. With playful rhymes and exuberant illustrations, author-illustrator Chris Paul (Rainbows) Farias celebrates the freedom to express yourself and the beauty of being exactly who you are.
Readers are invited to imagine a world where animals are hilariously limited in what they can do while humans are gloriously free to saunter, flaunt, and wear just what they want. From lipsticked llamas to tumbling giraffes, each page bursts with colourful chaos and loving affirmation.
At its heart, this is the book Chris wished they’d had as a kid growing up in a small town—one that gently opens the door to conversations about self-expression, gender, and being true to yourself.
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I Sure Do
written by Charles Demers
illustrated by Dorothy Leung
Tradewind Books, 2026
IL: Ages 3-5 RL: Kindergarten-Grade 2
A joyous and playful celebration of language, laughter, and unconditional love! I Sure Do is a heartwarming picture book that captures the boundless, silly, and steadfast affection a parent has for their child. This story promises giggles and snuggles in equal measure. It’s a tender reminder that through every season and every hour, a parent’s love grows stronger. Perfect for bedtime reads, I Sure Do is a sweet and enduring testament to the greatest love of all.
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Lou and Lewis
written and illustrated by Julia Vasileva
Clavis Publishing, 2026
IL: 6-8 RL: Grades 1-3
Grandpa Lewis is becoming more forgetful. His granddaughter Lou, who often spends time with him, wants to help him remember as much as possible. That’s why she draws a giant lighthouse on the wall, filled with photos of everyone. Bit by bit, Grandpa’s memory fades, until one day, he no longer recognizes her. But her love for him never changes.
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Strawberry Sundaes
written by Sarabeth Holden
illustrated by Emma Pedersen
Inhabit Media, 2026
IL: Ages 3-5 RL: Kindergarten-Grade 1
Just like his favourite veggie-eating dino, the stegosaurus, Sim can’t get enough of delicious greens—but his absolute favourite treat is freshly picked strawberries.
When Sim and his family head out of the city to pick some delicious strawberries, he gets to hear how his mom picked berries where she grew up, in the Arctic! With Sim’s prehistoric imagination to help him, he and his sister quickly learn that while they may pick berries differently than their mom’s family did, there is much that stays the same.
Whether picked from the tundra or from a farmer’s field, whether blueberries, crowberries, or strawberries, and whether served with a side of bannock or a side of ice cream, berry picking gets families out on the land together, gathering the delicious fruits of the season.
And there is nothing more delicious than that!
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The Wise Pickle
written by Sara Howden
illustrated by Sabina Hahn
Tundra Books, 2026
IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 1-3
A pickle arrives out of nowhere.
“I have lived a lot of life,” it says.
As the pickle slowly withers in the hot sun, the local animals ask it questions. Questions like “Do you ever get bored?” and “Are you hungry?” and “Why are we here?”
The pickle has all the answers.
Except one: what happens next?
A truly weird and wonderful book, The Wise Pickle will charm readers big and small with its combination of subtle humour, pathos and ridiculousness, all perfectly captured in Sabina Hahn’s delightful illustrations.
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Early Readers & Middle Grade Fiction
The Band of Bigs
(The League of Littles, Book 2)
written by Casey Lyall
illustrated by Sara Faber
Greenwillow Books, 2026
IL: Ages 8-12 RL: Grades 3-7
When an eldest sibling is locked out of the house by his younger twin brothers during his very first time babysitting, four Band of Bigs agents—including a new recruit—are on the case. But their job is complicated by three League of Littles agents defending the younger siblings inside. When siblings go head-to-head, things are bound to get a little messy. Okay, maybe a lot messy.
Full of hilarious hijinks, friendship, pets, and cookies, this graphic novel is sure to delight young middle graders. The short page count, humour, and fast-paced action make it an excellent choice for newly independent readers and fans of Babymouse, Lunch Lady, and The Bad Guys.
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Go
(Onward)
written by Deborah Ellis
Groundwood Books, 2026
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-7
From Deborah Ellis, the bestselling author of Sit and Step, comes a new short story collection about the moments when the adult world disappoints, and it’s time to pick up … and Go.
Brodie’s parents and brother expect him to step up for Team Family, even when Team Family has no intention of returning the favour. Joanie is left to take a city bus for the first time with her impossibly cranky grandmother and learns to stand up for what she wants. Alone in a foreign country, without money, shelter or papers, Liberi steals an expensive purse from a tourist and then figures out what to do with his feelings of guilt. Bastien, the foster kid no one wants, discovers his own inner strength when a wildfire ravages the town. And Kelsey and his brother find themselves robbing graves in the middle of the night, but for the best possible reason.
When the grownups turn their backs, the kids in these stories find a way to go forward. Sometimes it takes a little magical thinking. Sometimes a small act of bravery. Sometimes extending a hand to someone else. But always a realization that there is somewhere to go, if you pay attention, take action and refuse to give in to the dark.
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Jazz Davies Skips a Beat
written by Melanie Florence
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-7
Jazz’s life recently has been... a lot. After her mom left her dad for her yoga instructor (what a cliché), Jazz and her dad had to create a new normal. So, when Jazz saw a chance to be one of her school’s It Girls, she went all in, leaving her best friend Lo behind.
But being a popular girl doesn’t feel like she’d hoped. Even though it’s fun to be admired, she isn’t sure the It Girls actually care about her. They’re always pressuring her to look and act a certain way—and worse, they want her to start dating, even though there aren’t any boys she likes that way.
When Jazz is unexpectedly paired with music geek Ren in history class, Jazz gets this feeling... like butterflies. But Ren’s a girl. Jazz is totally fine with other people being gay and queer, but she never thought she was. And what would happen if the It Girls found out? Confused by her feelings and not sure who to talk to, Jazz finds herself missing her old friend Lo and wondering if she’ll ever feel like she can talk to her mom again. Mixed up in a sea of emotions and expectations, Jazz needs to figure out who she wants to be and whether or not being popular is worth it after all.
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Looking at the Sky: How Dr. Janusz Korczak Fought for Children’s Rights
written by Amanda West Lewis
illustrated by Abigail Rajunov
Kids Can Press, 20206
IL: Ages 8-12 RL: Grades 3-7
A poignant graphic novel inspired by the pre–World War II Warsaw orphanage run by children’s rights advocate Dr. Janusz Korczak.
It’s 1923 in Warsaw. Seven-year-old Izaak’s parents have died, and his older sisters can’t care for him. So, Izaak goes to live in a Jewish orphanage run by Janusz Korczak, a prominent doctor and writer. Izaak is unhappy about leaving home, and he misses his sisters. But now he has enough to eat. He goes to school for the first time. And Dr. Korczak’s unconventional ideas about children’s rights slowly open his eyes to his own worth and his life’s future possibilities.
Through Amanda West Lewis’s spare but resonant text and Abigail Rajunov’s limited colour palette, this unforgettable graphic novel brings to life an important piece of pre-war Polish Jewish history. It also pays tribute to the inspiring Janusz Korczak, a renowned writer and thinker whose advocacy for children’s rights was influential around the world. Korczak is a benevolent and even playful presence in the story, who reads his books to the children and allows them to settle disputes in a children’s court. The character of Izaak was inspired by several real-life children who lived at the orphanage. Told with heart and honesty – Izaak escapes the Nazis, but the others, unfortunately, do not – and paying close attention to historical details, it’s an excellent lesson in how one person can change the lives of others. This book can spark discussions with children about their rights and how they can help make the world a better place. It also includes an author’s note, glossary and resources.
Luz Sees the Light
written and illustrated by Claudia Dávila
Kids Can Press, 2026
IL: Ages 8-12 RL: Grades 3-7
An award-winning eco-focused graphic novel series gets an update and a new look!
Change is in the air. Power outages are increasing, and gas prices are soaring. At first, 12-year-old Luz sulks, not thrilled by the prospect of having to walk to the mall instead of getting a drive. But Luz doesn't mope for long. Soon she begins to understand that she must change with the times. With food prices also rising, Luz decides to help create a more self-sustaining community by transforming a run-down city lot into a garden where she and her neighbours can grow their own fruits and vegetables. But when she solicits help from her friends, they doubt it will work. Can Luz pull off her plan and help make a small change in the world?
This award-winning graphic novel by Claudia Dávila is part of the Luz Goes Green series, about a girl who helps the environment one small step at a time. It's an engaging read that also presents the issues of energy conservation in a way that's relatable to preteens. Luz offers a locally oriented model of how children can make a difference, such as becoming aware of how much energy they use, questioning how much they actually need, considering alternative modes of transportation, and seeking ways to live more sustainably. This book makes a useful resource for environmental science lessons, with an emphasis on living sustainably. There's a DIY plan to make compost for a garden at the back of the book. Originally published in 2011, this revised edition includes updated art and content to reflect current climate issues.
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Peggy and the Ghost
written and illustrated by Briana Corr Scott
Nimbus Publishing, 2026
IL: Ages 6-11 RL: Grades 1-6
Full-colour illustrated early chapter book set in 1950s Peggy's Cove, following two best friends who try to help a Ghost Girl uncover her past.
Peggy was named for the fishing village where she lived with her Mama and Papa. She loved sharing her name with this beautiful place, which sat between the sparkling sea and the ever-changing sky.
From the celebrated author-illustrator of I Lost a Day, While You Were Sleeping, and Wildflower comes a brand-new adventure that reads like a classic, set in the picturesque coastal community of Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, in the 1950s.
Peggy and her best friend, Georgie, spend their childhood exploring the wild barrens of their tight-knit fishing village, searching for sea treasures, building boats out of driftwood, and swimming in Clam Pond. One morning after a big storm, Peggy meets a strange girl who cannot remember who she is or where she came from. Oh, and she just happens to be a ghost.
It's up to Peggy and Georgie, and some helpful—and not-so-helpful—neighbours, to solve the mystery of the Ghost Girl and help her return home. On the way they'll uncover mysterious sea chests, old sea captains' yarns, and fish huts bursting with flotsam.
Beautifully illustrated in a nostalgic mid-century colour palette, this early chapter book is an immersive, atmospheric adventure that celebrates friendship and family in all their forms, as well as the rugged beauty of Peggy's Cove.
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The World’s End
(The Misewa Saga, Book 6)
written by David A. Robertson
Tundra Books, 2026
IL: Ages 10-18 RL: Grades 5-12
Eli must embrace his unique heritage and make an impossible decision about his future, and the future of Misewa, in this thrilling last adventure in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series, now available in paperback.
Eli, Morgan and Emily manage to free themselves from captivity as the battle between the humans, animal beings and Bird Warriors rages on. But there's another, more personal battle, as Eli and an unlikely ally fight to save Mahihkan's life through a previously forbidden portal. When the Sleeping Giant rumbles to life, the stakes hit an all-time high, and Eli has to reach deep within himself to summon the power so that he can protect Misewa against the dangers of colonization . . . forever.
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Young Adult Fiction
The Hanging Bones
written by Elle Tesch
Feiwel & Friends, 2026
IL: Ages 13-18 RL: Grades 8-12
Some monsters are born. Some are made. All can be killed.
Once every few years, the Scavenge Moon rises. From beyond its pale glow steps the Breimar Stag, an otherworldly creature with eyes of burning gold. Any reckless adventurer who chooses to join the hunt for the stag only has until the Scavenge Moon sets to claim their prize—if they catch it, they are granted the death of any person of their choice. And if no one catches it, the stag will claim one of the hunters' souls instead.
Katrin has lived on the border of the forest her whole life, raised on tales of the Folk that dwell within. As a gamekeeper for the baron who rules over the region, she is saddled with the onerous task of escorting the entitled nobles who descend upon her home for the Breimar Hunt. None of them respect the forest or its legends, and Katrin is only too happy to let them risk their foolish necks for what they see as a cheap thrill.
When her beloved cousin becomes the latest target of the baron's lecherous appetites, Katrin knows only his death will keep her family safe, and the only way she can claim his life is to win the hunt herself. But something hungry has begun to stir in the woods, something even older and more powerful than the stag. As the horrifying, mutilated bodies pile up, Katrin begins to question where the true danger lies.
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The Sleuth of Ferren City
(The Brindlewatch Quintet, Book 3)
written by S.M. Beiko
ECW Press, 2026
IL: Ages 13-17 RL: Grades 8-12
In the third installment of the Brindlewatch Quintet, a novel adventure awaits in the bright lights of the big city
Monsters are real. Well, monstros are, anyway — an emerging group of citizens trying to find their place in Brindlewatch, ever since the Camillites made a splash in the small town of Quixx, and the Jettites climbed out of their subterranean city beneath Lake Mallion. The Far Cities are bristling with newcomers looking for a fresh start in this brand-new world, but is it as safe for them as they think?
Sable, a Camillite who still lives on Mount Quixx, isn’t so sure. She sees the world through the distorted lens of the novels she steals from Professor Bedouin’s observatory and is slow to trust the strangers in the world beyond the page. She is a side-character in her own story, and she wants to keep it that way.
But a desperate letter begging for help rewrites Sable as the protagonist sleuth of her favorite novels, and hot on the trail trying to find her vanished friend, Sable uncovers more than she bargained for in the bright lights of the big city: a famous author with the ability to make every monstro’s dream come true, a dastardly underworld targeting vulnerable monstros, and a sweet bookseller who may be at the heart of the mystery.
And on the airwaves, a broadcast like no other promises a bold new world for everyone. Will Sable find her voice and save those terrified of speaking up, before it’s too late?
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Storm Breaker
written by Nisha J. Tuli
Entangled Publishing, 2026
IL: Ages 16-18 RL: Grades 11-12
WELCOME TO AMERY ACADEMY.
SURVIVE THE TRIALS.
HIDE YOUR POWER.
DON’T FALL FOR THE ENEMY.
For nineteen-year-old Poet Graves, obedience has always been survival.
Raised among the ruling elite of New Manhattan and trapped in an arranged future she never chose, Poet arrives at Amery Academy knowing exactly what’s expected of her: stay quiet, stay loyal, and never let anyone discover the dangerous secret hiding beneath her skin.
Because the storms ravaging the wasteland beyond the city walls don’t fear Poet.
They obey her.
Then she meets Rook—a mysterious outsider from the enemy faction her people were raised to hate.
He’s dangerous.
Forbidden.
And the first person who makes Poet want something more than survival.
But Amery’s brutal trials are designed to expose weakness, and someone is hunting the truth about Poet’s power. If she loses control, she could destroy everything—including herself.
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Non-Fiction
The Burrowing Owls of the Prairie Grasslands
(Wild by Nature)
written by Deborah Hodge
illustrated by Karen Reczuch
Groundwood Books, 2026
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-2
It’s spring in Grasslands National Park and burrowing owls are returning from a winter away to lay their eggs in this rare and protected habitat.
Lush illustrations celebrate the magnificent wild prairie of Grasslands National Park in southern Saskatchewan and feature the remarkable burrowing owls — the only owls in the world to live underground! Meet the owls as they prepare a burrow and lay their eggs. See tiny fuzzy owlets hatch and grow before flying south to Mexico and Texas for the winter.
Sadly, these little owls who were once common in the grasslands of western and midwestern North America are now endangered. As the wild prairies were farmed and developed, far fewer places were left for the owls to nest and raise their young.
Today, biologists, Indigenous groups, landowners and conservationists are working hard to restore the vital grasslands and help this precarious species recover.
Includes an author’s note about successful burrowing owl recovery programs and other wild animals of Grasslands National Park.
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The Dream of an Education: How Phymean Noun Built a School
written by Susan Hughes
illustrated by Tida Kheav
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-7
As a young child, Phymean Noun dreamed of learning to read and write. But growing up during the Khmer Rouge reign of terror in Cambodia in the 1970s made that dream impossible.
Formal education was not only forbidden at that time but also could result in a death sentence. When the Khmer Rouge government was eventually overthrown, Phymean was finally able to go to school and fulfill the promise she made to herself as a young girl.
Years later, when Phymean was working in Phnom Penh, she met several unhoused and hungry child laborers who were unable to get an education because they had to work to feed their families. Like Phymean, their greatest dream was to go to school. Phymean knew she had to help. She left a stable job and salary behind to start the People Improvement Organization (PIO) in 2002, an NGO that educated, fed and also housed children in need. Since its founding, PIO has helped 8,000 children accomplish their dream of receiving an education.
Let’s Meet the Ancient Egyptians
written by Ben Hubbard
illustrated by Dan Gartman
DK Books, 2026
IL: Ages 5-7 RL: Grades 1-2
Take a tour through the vast past of Ancient Egypt as you follow the adventures of one family through time.
Travel with one family through 3,000 years of jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring history, discovering how ancient people worked, played, fought, and feasted, and featuring some of the huge historical figures that marked their lives.
Experience the sights, smells, and sounds of the Nile River as you hunt for food with fisherman’s daughter Mery. Flip the page and suddenly feel the heat of the blistering desert as her descendant – soldier Hori – prepares for battle. Then jump through time to join Hemira and her father in heaving stones to build the epic Great Pyramid. Each new character has their own unique story, as they encounter mummies, pharaohs, gods, and much more!
From the earliest people farming the land, right up to the modern Egyptian researchers cataloging the past, uncover the first-hand story of the civilization that shaped the world (and left us lots of buried treasure). With plenty of tiny details to spot and characters that let you see the world through their eyes, Let’s Meet the Ancient Egyptians immerses you in history on every page.
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Why Communities Need Engineers: Helping Humans Live Together
written by Helen Liang
illustrated by Arden Taylor
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-7
Community is essential for humans. But living together comes with challenges—challenges often solved by engineers!
Access to clean drinking water? Engineers did that. Managing garbage? Engineers too. Safe and comfortable places to live with electricity and running water? You got it, engineers. Engineers are also behind the communication and transportation networks that keep our communities operating smoothly. Oh, and advances in healthcare? You can thank engineers for those too.
Engineers have been shaping our world by designing and building amazing structures and machines for thousands of years. From ancient civilizations to modern metropolises, engineering inventions have been essential to human survival and prosperity. In Why Communities Need Engineers, young readers will discover how engineers have shaped life as we know it and how they make safer, greener and more livable communities.
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