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
Cantaloupe and HoneyDo Take the Bus
(A Can Do Book)
written and illustrated by Mike Boldt
Dial Books, 2026
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 2-3
Cantaloupe and HoneyDo are taking the bus for the first time. HoneyDo can’t wait for the wild ride. “You are thinking of a roller-coaster,” Cantaloupe explains, a little nervous. Once they catch the bus (no net needed!), find a place to sit, and decide the gum stuck under the seats is not for snacking, they discover that playing tag while bus-riding is out. But having a thumb war, doing rock-paper-scissors, reading a book together, and making new friends are all in! And there just may be a wild ride awaiting them at their destination after all.
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The Quiet Hunt: A Poem for Young Foragers
written by Jean E. Pendziwol
illustrated by Risa Hugo
Groundwood Books, 2026
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 2-3
Follow the footsteps of our ancestors as they head out on the quiet hunt, looking for roots and leaves, mushrooms and berries, fruits, flowers, nuts and seeds. But foraging is about more than just food—our ancestors also helped spread seeds and spores, took only what they needed, and gave thanks to the plants and animals that sustained them. Today, in our cities and towns, the quiet hunt looks a little different. But we can still gather our tools and follow the paths our ancestors took to find what grows in our own backyards.
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Sarabeth’s Garage
written by Melanie Florence
illustrated by Nadia Alam
Tundra Books, 2026
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 2-3
Sarabeth loves cars. She loves the way the engines sometimes roar like lions and other times purr like kittens. She loves seeing sports cars that are sleek and fast like cheetahs and boxy SUVs that trundle along like elephants. And most of all, she loves to help her dad at his garage. Sarabeth’s grandmother doesn’t approve. She thinks little girls should play with dolls and wear dresses and always have clean hands. But when her car starts grumbling like a walrus instead of purring like a kitten, who will be there to help?
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Time to Leave, Laverne!
written by Lana Button
illustrated by Yong Ling Kang
Owlkids Books, 2026
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 2-3
When Laverne attends story time at the library or a playdate at the park, she arrives like a ray of sunshine. But when it’s time to leave, she twists into a thunderstorm and needs to be carried away and brought straight to her room until the storm subsides. One day, feeling worn out by Laverne’s thunderstorms, her parents decide to stay home. As Laverne plays pretend with her stuffies, she realizes that there are ways to prepare for all kinds of weather—and that she can use her stuffies as a tool to manage her big emotions.
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When You Dream Big!
written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
Orchard Books, 2026
IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 2-3
It's Dream Big Week at school! Everyone is excited to share their dreams for the future—except Charley. She has no idea what she wants for her future. But on her walk home, Charley learns that even if she doesn't know exactly what she wants to be when she grows up, she knows what KIND of person she wants to be. From bestselling creator Peter H. Reynolds, this inspirational tale serves as a reminder to readers of all ages that while we might not have all the answers to life's biggest questions, the important thing is to trust yourself and keep moving with an open heart and open mind—always forward.
Early Readers & Middle Grade Fiction
The Case of the Movie Mayhem
(A Mighty Muskrats Mystery, Book 6)
written by Michael Hutchinson
Second Story Press, 2026
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-5
School’s out for the four Cree cousins, but this is no ordinary summer—a movie is being filmed in Windy Lake First Nation. With superheroes in their backyard, the cousins can’t wait to show the actors and stunt doubles all that Windy Lake has to offer—as soon as they actually meet them, that is. On a film set, everyone has a job. Even the Muskrats, who are helping Mavis, owner of Windy Lake’s well-loved House-taurant, with the film’s catering. As Sam, Otter, Atim, and Chickadee take care of the cast and crew, a truck filled with specialty props and equipment disappears. Filming is halted—a disaster for everyone, including Mavis—and Windy Lake’s reputation is suddenly at stake. It’s up to the Mighty Muskrats to find the culprits and get the filmmaking back on track!
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Checked Out
(Orca Currents)
written by Tony Correia
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 3-4
Seth, an openly queer seventh grader, runs a successful YouTube channel called Seth Says. He carefully creates a brand around being a likeable queer kid and avoids talking about anything political. But when Pluto, a cute gay classmate, encourages Seth to read some queer fiction, he is blown away to see stories that reflect his own lived experiences, and he starts to see the value of queer activism. Seth and Pluto set up a Pride Month display to raise awareness of queer books in their school library, but as soon as the display goes up, someone checks out all the books, leaving the table empty. Seth and Pluto discover that their classmate Rebecca checked out the books to protest the “inappropriate” Pride Month display. When the school staff decline to help, Seth decides to post about his experience on his YouTube channel. But as the video racks up more views, local conservatives stage a much larger and more intimidating campaign against LGBTQIA+ materials in the school library. Now Seth has to decide whether to give in to the pressure or to keep fighting for what he has come to believe in.
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Supergirl’s Zoo-per Heroes: Krypto’s Big Break
written and illustrated by Rob Justus
DC Comics, 2026
IL: Ages 5-7 RL: Grades 1-2
Krypto, the super dog, is known for getting into all sorts of trouble. But while waiting for Supergirl to finish some important business at the Watch Tower, he accidentally sends the Justice League’s superhero costumes hurtling through space! He just couldn’t avoid the allure of some super sweaty super socks, could he? Down on earth, a group of unsuspecting zoo animals are about to get hold of the Justice League’s costumes and, thanks to some cosmic rays, their superpowers, too! Now, Supergirl and Krypto must wrangle the Justice League’s laundry from the Zoo-per Heroes. Can they beat the fastest sloth on earth, a wonder seal, the bat rhino, and a super lion while trying to keep Krypto from getting caught by an ambitious zookeeper?
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The Trouble with Leo
(PAWS, Book 5)
written by Nathan Fairbairn
illustrated by Michele Assarasakorn
G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers, 2026
IL: Ages 8-12 RL: Grades 3-4
It's been seven whole dog years of PAWS (or just one if you're a human), and business is at an all-time high! But after a regrettable run-in with Gabby's arch-nemesis, Leo, things take an unfortunate turn. The two have an argument and Leo leaves the girls with an ominous message: "You're not the only one who can walk dogs..." It's not long before the girls notice flyers advertising a new dog walking business, SCAMPS. Sure enough, Leo and friends Brandon and Nolawi are behind it. And when Gabby and Mindy take some not-so-righteous retribution on these PAWS copycats, what could just be a little healthy competition turns into an all-out turf war. In the midst of it all, Mindy gets stuck doing a group project with Brandon, bringing her face-to-face with the enemy. But is it possible they have more in common than not? As the battle between the two groups escalates, and neither side is playing fair, the girls are forced to reconsider who the true villain of this story might really be.
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Werewolves Don’t Keep Diaries
(Orca Echoes)
written by Suzanne Sutherland
illustrated by Dharmali Patel
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 2-3
Lou Chandra-Pine is tired of being teased by his older brothers and getting lectured for what his parents call "bad choices." When his birthday comes and all he gets is a dusty old book and a card with his name spelled wrong, Lou makes a secret wish as he blows out his birthday candles: to be a huge beast. That way, his family would treat him with more respect. Soon afterwards, though, his body starts doing weird things—like growing hair on his feet, sprouting extra-sharp fingernails and craving foods like raw steak. Could it be his careless wish coming true? Tired of hiding all these strange changes, and worried he might actually be dangerous, Lou decides to run away. But, with the help of a surprising ally, Lou finally discovers that he belongs in his family pack after all.
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Young Adult Fiction
Busted
(Orca Anchor)
Written by Jean Mills
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 2-3
Jonah knows the culture in the hockey dressing room needs to change. Play fights after practice are one thing, but when Jonah sees a player get seriously hurt and accidentally films the fight, he's put in a tough position. While he’s thinking about how to handle it, his sister finds the video on his phone and sends it to Drake, the team’s most volatile player, and the one who enjoys the locker room fights the most. Now Jonah is panicking. What happens if the coach or the players’ parents see the video and recognize anyone? Will it jeopardize the team’s participation in a major inter-city tournament next month? Plus, Drake is furious and is threatening to punish the person who filmed the fight. As the team continues to practice and play, everyone feels the tension, on and off the ice.
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The Free Verse Society
written by Delali Adjoa
Peachtree Teen/Candlewick, 2026
IL: Ages 14 and up RL: Grades 9-10
No one in Delray knows Jae Aƒenyo’s story—that she’s a teen mom who placed her baby for adoption—and she intends to keep it that way. After moving in with her uncle, Jae is looking for a fresh start. But an accidental run-in with the school’s delinquent, Derek Patel, is not exactly what she had in mind. She soon finds a haven in the poetry club—at least, until Derek joins.
Derek Patel is desperately clinging to his old life—where his dad was alive, his mom was healthy, and they lived in an oceanfront estate instead of a run-down pink bungalow. He’ll do anything to hide his problems from his friends, including breaking into his old house to keep up the charade that he still lives there. But the house now belongs to the school’s lit teacher, who offers him the chance to join the poetry club as a penance.
As the newest members of the club, Jae and Derek are tasked with planning the end-of-semester poetry reading. While Derek is hell-bent on keeping his broken family a secret, Jae is desperate to prove to her uncle that she’s more than a walking statistic—which means guarding her heart against Derek, who her uncle thinks is no good.
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Julia and Romano
written by Eric Walters
DCB Young Readers, 2026
IL: Ages 13 and up RL: Grades 8-9
Her mom moved them across the country for a fresh start on life after the divorce, but 16-year-old Julia Anderson sure feels like her life is over. Campbell River, the small coastal town known as the Salmon Capital of the World, is a world away from the big city, the friends, and the boyfriend Jules left behind. Then Jules meets Cody, a cute and charming guy who soon becomes a friend, then something more. Their budding romance becomes complicated, however, once Jules learns that Cody’s family, the Romanos, owns a lumber mill that’s locked in a legal battle against the environmental agency Jules’s mom leads—an issue that’s divided the community in half.
Hiding secret dates from parents and small-town gossips, Jules and Cody strive to navigate—or even deescalate—the mounting tension between their families, lest their relationship ends before they can find out how far it could go.
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No Brainer
(Orca Anchor)
written by Lea Beddia
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 2-3
Liv is happy in her joggers, sports T-shirts and no bra. She doesn't like tight jeans and doesn't feel comfortable in a bra. But one boy in her gym class, Jerry, harasses Liv with rude comments about her breasts. When she stands up to him, Liv is the one who finds herself in trouble. Even though her clothes fit the dress code, her principal insists that Liv wear a bra to gym class. It's unfair and Liv refuses to give in to the demand.
Gossip flies around the school as Liv stands up to Jerry and the school administration. Then, a "free the boobs" campaign is started to demean Liv, and she and her friend Mia decide to take a stand. They create a poster encouraging girls to wear what they want without shame, but Liv is sent to the principal’s office once again and told that her poster will be taken down before the school’s open house. But Liv isn't going to stand down. There are no school rules requiring girls to wear bras. Why can’t girls wear what they want without being shamed?
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Speak of the Devil: A Witchy Graphic Novel
(Over My Dead Body, Book 2)
written and illustrated by Sweeney Boo
HarperAlley, 2026
IL: Ages 14 and up RL: Grades 9-10
The thrilling sequel to Over My Dead Body. Months after Abigail and her friends thwarted a dark magic ritual that threatened to destroy Younwity Hidden Institute of Witchcraft, new dangers and long-buried secrets bubble to the surface.
As autumn turns to winter, a mysterious rune-dotted fissure has appeared in the school grounds, and no one from the Coven is able to seal it—no matter how powerful their magic is. Even worse, it’s believed this fissure is the source of hazardous tremors that continue to rip through the grounds, threatening the institute’s very foundation. Abigail is certain this is all her fault and hatches a plan to seal the fissure herself, but when her ritual goes sideways, she awakens a long-dormant entity hellbent on revenge. To put things right, Abigail will need to unearth the true history of Younwity Institute and, just maybe, unravel the secrets of her own forgotten past along the way.
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Non-Fiction
Children of the SS Atlantic: The Lives Lost to One of History’s Worst Maritime Disasters
(Compass: True Stories for Kids)
written by Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail
Nimbus Publishing, 2026
IL: Ages 7-10 RL: Grades 2-3
In the early hours of April 1, 1873, the steamship SS Atlantic wrecked along the coast of Nova Scotia. It was one of the deadliest maritime disasters before its fellow White Star Line ship Titanic sank almost 40 years later. More than 950 people were on board—including about 119 children and babies. In the newest addition to Nimbus’s popular Compass series, readers are introduced to the youngest of these passengers, from the teenage crew members to the children travelling with their families.
They’ll meet John Hanley, a 12-year-old steerage passenger sailing to a new life in the United States; Lillian Davidson, a 17-year-old travelling in the luxurious saloon class; Tom Hamm, a nine-year-old Nova Scotian who helped with rescue efforts; and more. Readers will relive the harrowing night of the wreck and learn about the selfless actions of the Nova Scotians who helped save 400 survivors. Children of the SS Atlantic provides fascinating insight into this Canadian disaster that has been all but lost to history, and inspires new generations to be courageous and compassionate.
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Color in Nature: Secrets of Animal Survival
(Orca Wild)
written by Stephen Aitken
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-5
Animals like rainbow-coloured parrots, red-nosed mandrills and brilliant blue peacocks use their vibrant colours to survive. Golden finches, bright blue mandarin fish and orange poison dart frogs use their colours to get noticed. Arctic foxes and octopuses change their colours to blend into their habitats. Birds, mammals, frogs, fish, reptiles and insects use a full palette of colour to defend themselves, hunt for food, attract mates, hide from predators and often to stand out from their rivals. But even with the power of colour on their side, many of these species, their habitats and food sources are under threat. We need to conserve the entire spectrum of the animal world to maintain a healthy and colourful planet for all life on Earth.
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Green Cities: How Green Infrastructure Helps Urban Centers Thrive
written by Sheila Boudreau
illustrated by Katy Dockrill
Owlkids Books, 2026
IL: Ages 10-14 RL: Grades 5-6
All around the world, cities are turning to green infrastructure to address the causes and effects of climate change and make them healthier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable places to live. In four engaging chapters, readers will learn about why people live in urban centres, what a “green city” is, examples of green architecture from cities around the world, and which roles readers can play in greening their cities now and in the future. With quotes from real climate activists and thinkers throughout, this is an accessible non-fiction introduction to how builders are making our cities more livable and sustainable by drawing on nature for inspiration.
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A Salmon Story: Protecting the Future
written by Willie Poll
illustrated by Chantelle Trainor-Matties
Owlkids Books, 2026
IL: Ages 5-8 RL: Grades 2-3
Salmon are central to their ecosystem and the lives of many Indigenous Nations, but the rapid rise of harmful practices like open net-pen fish farming has threatened these longstanding connections. Salmon have followed the same migration routes for thousands of years, but the fish farming industry has had a deadly impact on their annual journey. Open-net pen farms release harmful waste into the ocean that is lethal to the wild salmon forced to swim through it. Now, the salmon must battle against the human-made destruction of their habitat, and many Nations are advocating for change and creating calls to action to protect salmon for future generations.
As the young salmon journey from their gravel nests to the open ocean, readers learn about the life cycle of wild salmon, the effects of unsustainable fish farming, and the role of salmon as a keystone species. Boldly illustrated with gorgeous Northwest Coast formline art, rhythmic poetry combines with supportive non-fiction content to illuminate the struggles faced by wild salmon populations.
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Taking Turns with Turtles: A Rescue Story
written by Shari Becker
illustrated by Brittany Lane
Groundwood Books, 2026
IL: Ages 3-6 RL: Grades 2-3
One chilly morning in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a child and their parents wake up early to search the beach for cold-stunned turtles. When they find one, they keep it warm and safe until another rescuer can bring it to a rehabilitation centre. There, a volunteer cleans the turtle before it goes to a biologist who glues its cracked shell back together. The turtle then moves to a tank room to recover. Finally, a volunteer pilot flies the turtle south to a warmer beach. At last, a parent and child place the turtle in the ocean and watch it swim away as a crowd of cheering volunteers look on.
Sea turtles have been an important part of ocean and shoreline ecosystems for millions of years. But the changing climate is shifting migration cues, trapping some turtles in frigid waters in late autumn and early winter. Luckily, many volunteers are working together with scientists to help them. In this story, follow a months-long journey and many human helpers working together to rescue a cold-stunned turtle. Includes back matter with more information about cold-stunned turtles.