Reading Staycation: Travelling Across Canada Through the Pages of a Book

By Krista Jorgensen

Summer is here, and with that comes a dream for grand adventures—packing suitcases, navigating through bustling airports, or enduring long road trips. But what if the most enriching, exciting, and truly fun journey for your family could begin right from the comfort of your own home? Forget the flight delays and the hotel bookings and instead find time to embark on a reading "staycation"—a captivating exploration of Canada from the comfort of your living room, your backyard hammock, or a cozy chair in your local library. This issue celebrates the joy of reading, and we believe there's no better way to ignite that spark than through a shared national adventure.

Children will delight in the idea of exploring an iceberg off the coast of Newfoundland one day, riding a horse in the foothills of Alberta the next, and then paddling a canoe down a northern river. This kind of "travel" sparks incredible curiosity and ignites a child's imagination. By stepping into the shoes of characters from different cultures and regions, children will find 'mirrors' that reflect their own experiences and glimpse through 'windows' into the lives of others, fostering empathy and a deeper appreciation for Canada's rich tapestry of cultures. Plus, they'll pick up new vocabulary and reading comprehension skills without even realizing they are learning. 

Parents will appreciate the stress-free, budget-friendly, and incredibly flexible nature of an armchair vacation. No packing dilemmas, no lost luggage, no "are we there yets?" Reading aloud together, discussing characters, laughing at silly scenes, or wondering about historical events creates shared memories and strengthens connections. It's also a wonderful antidote to endless screen time, proving that adventure doesn't always require a power button.

Benefits of a Reading Staycation

For those of us deeply invested in stories, learning, and community, this reading staycation offers some particularly great benefits.

Writers will find that a literary staycation can be an immersive masterclass in setting and world-building. As you explore books from different regions, pay attention to how authors use specific details—the dialect, the landscape descriptions, the cultural nuances, the historical events—to make a place feel real, almost like a character itself. It's fantastic inspiration showing how a rich, authentic sense of place can elevate any narrative.

Librarians will see this as a golden ticket to promoting Canadian children’s literature. From themed displays that invite families to "Travel the Arctic by Book" or "Explore the Maritimes from Your Reading Chair," staff can curate reading lists, host "passport" stamping events for kids, or even organize virtual story times featuring books from different provinces. It's a wonderful way to showcase diverse Canadian voices and connect patrons with the wealth of resources you offer, proving that libraries are truly gateways to adventure.

Teachers will appreciate a reading staycation as a brilliant, informal way to reinforce geographic literacy, Canadian history, and cultural studies. It provides concrete, relatable context for future lessons, building a foundation of knowledge and curiosity. Students returning to school with tales of their "book travels" will be more engaged and have a richer understanding of our country, making a teacher’s job of fostering lifelong learners a little bit easier—and a lot more fun!

So, grab your imaginary compass and a stack of books. Our grand Canadian literary tour is about to begin!

To help you get started on your reading staycation, we've curated a list of children’s books for various age groups, from captivating picture books to engaging novels and insightful non-fiction. The goal isn't just to read about Canada, but to immerse children and readers of all ages in the unique spirit of each region through the eyes of its stories and people. As you explore these stories, remember that Canada is built on the ancestral lands and rich oral traditions of Indigenous peoples, whose voices and narratives continue to enrich our understanding of this country. Many of the books on our list have even been recognized by prestigious Canadian literary awards! Remember, this list is just a starting point—the true adventure lies in discovering new titles and authors that resonate with your family.

The Atlantic Provinces

With their vibrant fishing villages, rich maritime history, and stunning coastal landscapes, the Atlantic provinces offer a wealth of stories steeped in tradition and community. From the rugged shores of Newfoundland to the gentle farmlands of Prince Edward Island, the bustling port city of Halifax, and the serene rivers of New Brunswick, these books provide a captivating entry point into the unique culture and spirit of Canada's East Coast.

Newfoundland

Picture Books

• Around Newfoundland by Dawn Baker (Flanker Press)
• The Ferryland Visitor: A Mysterious Tale by Charis Cotter, illustrated by Gerald Squires (Running the Goat Books & Broadsides)
• I’s the B’y: The Beloved Folk Song, illustrated by Lauren Soloy (Greystone Kids)
• Kimmy & Mike by Dave Paddon, illustrated by Lily Snowden-Fine (Running the Goat Books & Broadsides)
• A Newfoundland Alphabet (25th Anniversary Edition) by Dawn Baker (Flanker Press)
• A Newfoundland Maple by Samantha Baker, illustrated by Dawn Baker (Flanker Press)
• Over by the Harbour: Counting in Outport Newfoundland and Labrador by Dwayne LaFitte, illustrated by Thérèse Cilia (Nimbus Publishing)
• Paint the Town Pink by Lori Doody (Running the Goat Books & Broadsides)
• Sailor: The Hangashore Newfoundland Dog by Catherine Simpson, illustrated by Joanne Snook-Hann (Breakwater Books)
• Smokeroom on the Kyle by Ted Russell, illustrated by Tara Fleming (Flanker Press)

Middle Grade/YA Novels

• The Agony of Bun O’Keefe by Heather Smith (Penguin Teen Canada)
• Barry Squires, Full Tilt by Heather Smith (Tundra Books)

• Benny on the Case by Wesley King (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)
• The Boy, the Cloud and the Very Tall Tale by Heather Smith (Orca Book Publishers)
• Keepers of the Pact by Karen Kelloway (Nimbus Publishing)
• Lore Isle by Jiin Kim (Nimbus Publishing)
• The Mystery of Ireland’s Eye by Shane Peacock (Nimbus Publishing)
• The Painting by Charis Cotter (Tundra Books)
• Screech! Ghost Stories from Old Newfoundland by Charis Cotter, illustrated by Genevieve Simms (Nimbus Publishing)
• A Terrible Tide by Suzanne Meade (Second Story Press)
• Tig by Heather Smith (Tundra Books)
• Urchin by Kate Story (Running the Goat Books & Broadsides)
• Where the Crooked Lighthouse Shines by Joshua Goudie and Craig Goud
  ie (Breakwater Books)

Non-Fiction

• Explore Newfoundland and Labrador! by Kelly Spence (Beech Street Books)

Prince Edward Island

Picture Books

• Anne of Green Gables: Stories for Young Readers by Deirdre Kessler, illustrated by Briana Corr Scott (Nimbus Publishing)

• Apples and Butterflies: A Poem for Prince Edward Island by Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Tamara Thiébaux-Heikalo (Nimbus Publishing)
• Chung Lee Loves Lobsters by Hugh MacDonald, illustrated by Glen and Perri Craig (Acorn Press)
• Dreamtime by Deirdre Kessler, illustrated by Christina Patterson (Acorn Press)
• Goodnight, Anne by Kallie George, illustrated by Geneviève Godbout (Tundra Books)
• Lobster in my Pocket by Deirdre Kessler, illustrated by Brenda Jones (Nimbus Publishing)

Middle Grade/YA Novels

• Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery (Puffin Classics)
• Butter Tart Island by Hope Dalvay (Acorn Press)
• The Coming Storm by Regina M. Hansen (Atheneum Books for Young Readers)
• Ghost Boy of MacKenzie House by Patti Larsen (Acorn Press)
• The Journal of Anxious Izzy Parker by Alma Fullerton (Second Story Press)
• L’Nu’k Ghost Stories of Prince Edward Island by Julie Pellissier-Lush, Tee Sock and Sheri Bernard (Acorn Press)
• Maud: A Novel Inspired by the Life of L.M. Montgomery by Melanie J. Fishbane (Penguin Teen Canada)
• Summer in the Land of Anne by Elizabeth Rollins Epperly, illustrated by Carolyn Epperly (Acorn Press)
• Welcome to Camp Fill-in-the-Blank by Hope Dalvay (Acorn Press)

Non-Fiction

• Explore Prince Edward Island! by Natalie Hyde (Beech Street Books)

Nova Scotia

Picture Books

• Africville by Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Eva Campbell (Groundwood Books)
• B is for Bluenose: A Nova Scotia Alphabet by Susan Tooke (Sleeping Bear Press)
• Boy of the Deeps by Ian Wallace (Groundwood Books)

• My Home Bay by Anne Laurel Carter, illustrated by Alan and Lea Daniel (Red Deer Press)
• My Nova Scotia by Lindsay Ruck, illustrated by Martyna Czub (Nimbus Publishing)
• Nova Scotia Beach Days by P.L. McCarron, illustrated by Joy Steuerwald (Baby Lullaby Souvenirs)
• She Dreams of Sable Island: A Paper Doll Book by Briana Corr Scott (Nimbus Publishing)
• Town Is by the Sea by Joanne Schwartz, illustrated by Sydney Smith (Groundwood Books)
• Up Home by Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Susan Tooke (Nimbus Publishing)
• Viola Desmond Won’t Be Budged by Jody Nyasha Warner, illustrated by Richard Rudnicki (Groundwood Books)
• Wild Trails to the Sea by Penelope Jackson, illustrated by Elena Skoreyko Wagner (Nimbus Publishing)

Middle Grade/YA Novels

• A Beginner's Guide to Goodbye by Melanie Mosher (Nimbus Publishing)
• Jacob’s Landing by Daphne Greer (Nimbus Publishing)
• Larkin on the Shore by Jean Mills (Red Deer Press)
• The Last Time I Saw Her by Alexandra Harrington (Nimbus Publishing)
• Meranda and the Legend of the Lake by Meagan Mahoney (Owlkids Books)
• The Secret Diary of Mona Hasan by Salma Hussain (Tundra Books)
• Summer with Sunil by Alison Lister (Lorimer)
• SWAN: The Girl Who Grew by Sidura Ludwig (Nimbus Publishing)
• Way to Go by Tom Ryan (Orca Book Publishers)
• Wild Ghost Chase by Deborah Toogood (Nimbus Publishing)

Non-Fiction

• Explore Nova Scotia! by Cynthia O’Brien (Beech Street Books)
• Halifax Explosion: 6 December 1917, at 9:05 in the Morning by Afua Cooper, illustrated by Rebecca Bender (Plumleaf Press)
• She is Hope for Wildlife: The Story of Wildlife Rescuer Hope Swinimer by Wanda Baxter, illustrated by Leah Boudreau (Nimbus Publishing)
• The Ultimate Nova Scotia Quiz Book by Kara Turner, illustrated by Kyle C. Bridgett (Formac) 

New Brunswick

Picture Books

• F is for Fiddlehead: A New Brunswick Alphabet by Marilyn Lohnes, illustrated by Susan Tooke (Sleeping Bear Press)
• The First Ones on the Ice by Lana Button, illustrated by Alex MacAskill (Nimbus Publishing)
• Morgan Moose Visits New Brunswick Provincial Parks by Kimothy Stewart, illustrated by Airen MacMaster (Monster House Publishing)

Middle Grade/YA Novels

• Black Water Rising by Robert Rayner (Nimbus Publishing)
• The Copycat by Wendy McLeod MacKnight (Greenwillow Books)

• The Darkhouse by Barbara Radecki (DCB Young Readers)
• Deer Island Mystery by Don Kelly (Chocolate River Publishing)
• Phantom of Fire by Shane Peacock (Nimbus Publishing)
• Three Million Acres of Flame by Valerie Sherrard (Dundurn)
• Waiting Under Water by Riel Nason (Scholastic Canada)

Non-Fiction

• Explore New Brunswick! by Rachel Seigel (Beech Street Books)

CENTRAL CANADA

Quebec and Ontario, Canada’s two most populous provinces, form the core of the country. This dynamic region is a crucial hub of Canadian life, rich in history, economic activity, and cultural diversity, offering an array of stories that reflect the nation’s past and present.

QUEBEC

Picture Books

• The Hockey Sweater by Roch Carrier, illustrated by Sheldon Cohen (Tundra Books)
• Mile End Kids Stories by Isabelle Arsenault (Tundra Books)
• Pebbles to the Sea by Marie-Andrée Arsenault, illustrated by Dominique Leroux (Groundwood Books)

Middle Grade/YA Novels

• The New Girl: A Graphic Novel by Cassandra Calin (Graphix/Scholastic)

• Nish: North and South by Isabelle Picard (Scholastic Canada)
• Nish: Northern Lights by Isabelle Picard (Scholastic Canada)
• Summer in the City by Marie-Louise Gay and David Homel (Groundwood Books)
• Wish Upon a Satellite by Sophie Labelle (Second Story Press) 

Non-Fiction

• Explore Québec! by Rachel Seigel (Beech Street Books)
• Mingan, My village, illustrated by Rogé (Fifth House Publishers)

Ontario

Picture Books

• Dad, Is It Time to Gather Mint? Celebrating the Seasons by Tyna Legault Taylor, illustrated by Michelle Dao (HighWater Press)
• From There to Here by Laurel Croza, illustrated by Matt James (Groundwood Books)
• Mii maanda ezhi-gkendmaanh / This Is How I Know by Brittany Luby, illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (Groundwood Books)
• My Day with Gong Gong by Sennah Yee, illustrated by Elaine Chen (Annick Press)
• Nuptse and Lhotse in the Land of the Great Lakes by Jocey Asnong (Rocky Mountain Books)
• Ontario ABCs by Jocey Asnong (Rocky Mountain Books)
• Skating Wild on an Inland Sea by Jean E. Pendziwol, illustrated by Todd Stewart (Groundwood Books)

Middle Grade/YA Novels

• Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold by Jessica Outram (Second Story Press)

• Camp X by Eric Walters (Puffin Canada)
• Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury (Margaret K. McElderry Books)
• Dog Tracks by Ruby Slipperjack (Fifth House Publishers)
• Firefly by Philippa Dowding (DCB Young Readers)
• The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline (DCB Young Readers)
• The Melancholy of Summer by Louisa Onome (Feiwel and Friends)
• The Root Cellar by Janet Lunn (Seal Books)
• The Sky is Falling by Kit Pearson (Puffin Canada)
• The Stones of Burren Bay by Emily De Angelis (Latitude 46 Publishing)
• Summer’s End by Joel A. Sutherland (Scholastic Canada)
• This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki, illustrated by Jillian Tamaki (Groundwood Books)
• When You Get the Chance by Tom Ryan and Robin Stevenson (Running Press)

Non-Fiction

• Explore Ontario! by Cynthia O’Brien (Beech Street Books)

The Prairie and Mountain Provinces

Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia offer sweeping landscapes, rich agricultural traditions, and a history deeply intertwined with Indigenous cultures and early European settlement.

Manitoba

Picture Books

• Dragon Fly Kites by Tomson Highway and Julie Flett (Fifth House Publishers)
• Meennunyakaa / Blueberry Patch by Jennifer Leason and Norman Chartrand (Theytus Books)

Middle Grade/YA Novels

• The Barren Grounds by David A. Robertson (Tundra Books)
• City on Strike by Harriet Zaidman (Red Deer Press)
• The Missing by Melanie Florence (Lorimer)
• Mistik Lake by Martha Brooks (Groundwood Books)
• Northern Exposures by Eric Walters (HarperTrophy Canada)
• Papergirl by Melinda McCracken with Penelope Jackson (Fernwood Publishing)
• Second Chances by Harriet Zaidman (Red Deer Press)
• Sixties Girl by MaryLou Driedger (Wandering Fox)
• The Summer of Bitter and Sweet by Jen Ferguson (Heartdrum)
• We Are the Medicine by Tasha Spillett, illustrated by Natasha Donovan (HighWater Press)
• Winter Road by Kristin Butcher (Orca Book Publishers) 

Non-Fiction

• Explore Manitoba! by Heather Hudak (Beech Street Books)

Saskatchewan

Picture Books

• L is for Land of Living Skies: A Saskatchewan Alphabet by Linda Aksmoitis, illustrated by Lorna Bennett (Sleeping Bear Press)

• Marisa and the Mountains by George M. Johnson, illustrated by Chelsea O’Byrne (Simply Read Books)
• Nuptse and Lhotse Go to the Prairies by Jocey Asnong (Rocky Mountain Books)
• Seagull Island—kiyāsko-miniscikos by Myles H. Charles and Miriam Körner (Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing)
• When the Trees Crackle with Cold: A Cree Calendar /  Pīsimwasinahikan by Bernice Johnson-Laxdal and Miriam Körner (Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing)

Middle Grade/YA Novels

• Dust by Arthur Slade (HarperCollins Publishers)
• Lost on the Prairies by MaryLou Driedger (Wandering Fox)
• Miles to Go by Beryl Young (Wandering Fox)
• Owls in the Family by Farley Mowatt (McClelland & Stewart)
• Tunnels of Tyranny by Mary Harelkin Bishop (DriverWorks Ink)
• The Scorpion Rules by Erin Bow (Margaret K. McElderry Books)
• Queen of the Godforsaken by Mix Hart (Thistledown Press) 

Non-Fiction

• Explore Saskatchewan! by Heather Hudak (Beech Street Books)

Alberta

Picture books

• A is for Alberta by Mindy Johnstone (Summerthought Publishing)
• Alberta Blue: A Prairie Sky Lullaby by Pat Hatherly, illustrated by Jesse Horne (Red Barn Books)
• C is for Chinook: An Alberta Alphabet by Dawn Welykochy, illustrated by Lorna Bennett (Sleeping Bear Press)
• Métis Like Me by Natasha Hilderman, illustrated by Risa Hugo (Tundra Books)
• Nuptse and Lhotse Go to the Rockies by Jocey Asnong (Rocky Mountain Books)
• Prairie 123s by Jocey Asnong (Rocky Mountain Books)

Middle Grade/YA Novels

• Alina in the Deep by Shenaaz G. Nanji (Second Story Press)
• Badass(ish) by Jaymie Heilman (Ronsdale Press)

• Bones by John Wilson (Orca Book Publishers)
• Bone Beds of the Badlands by Shane Peacock (Nimbus Publishing)
• Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan (Nancy Paulsen Books)
• Bus to the Badlands by Margriet Ruurs, illustrated by Claudia Dávila (Orca Book Publishers)
• Dragon on the Loose by Marty Chan (Orca Book Publishers)
• The Emir’s Falcon by Matt Hughes (Shadowpaw Press)
• Hawk by Jennifer Dance (Dundurn)
• The Hill by Karen Bass (Pajama Press)
• The Mystery of the Frozen Brains by Marty Chan (Thistledown Press)
• Peter Lee’s Notes from the Field by Angela Ann (Tundra Books)
• Rescue at Fort Edmonton by Rita Feutl (NeWest Press)
• Rescue in the Rockies by Rita Feutl (NeWest Press)
• The Rez Doctor by Gitz Crazyboy, illustrated by Veronika Barinova, Azby Whitecalf and Toben Racicot (HighWater Press)

Non-Fiction

• Dinosaurs of the Alberta Badlands by Dr. W. Scott Persons, illustrated by Julius T. Csotonyi (Harbour Publishing)
• Explore Alberta! by Natalie Hyde (Beech Street Books)
• Howdy, I’m Flores Ladue by Ayesha Clough, illustrated by Hugh Rockwood and Keegan Starlight (Red Barn Books)
• Howdy, I’m John Ware by Ayesha Clough, illustrated by Hugh Rockwood (Red Barn Books)
• Howdy, I’m Singh Hari by Kelly Kaur, illustrated by  Ravina Kaur Toor (Red Barn Books)

British Columbia

Picture Books

• A is for Anemone: A First West Coast Alphabet Book by Roy Henry Vickers and Lucky Budd (Harbour Publishing)

• Adventures in Desolation Sound by Grant Lawrence, illustrated by Ginger Ngo (Harbour Publishing)
• Counting at Kits Beach by Oliver McDonald (Kegedonce Press)
• The Heart of the River by Eileen Delehanty Pearkes, illustrated by Nichola Lytle (Rocky Mountain Books)
• Huxley’s Island Adventure by Haley Healey, illustrated by Kimiko Fraser (Heritage House Publishing)
• Maybe a Whale by Kirsten Pendreigh, illustrated by Crystal Smith (Groundwood Books)
• Nuptse and Lhotse Go to the West Coast by Jocey Asnong (Rocky Mountain Books)
• Rocky Mountain ABCs by Jocey Asnong (Rocky Mountain Books)
• Rocky Mountain 123s by Jocey Asnong (Rocky Mountain Books)
• Salmon Forest by David Suzuki and Sarah Ellis, illustrated by Sheena Lott (Greystone Books)
• The Tufted Puffins of Triangle Island by Deborah Hodge, illustrated by Karen Reczuch (Groundwood Books)
• West Coast ABCs by Jocey Asnong (Rocky Mountain Books)
• West Coast 123s by Jocey Asnong (Rocky Mountain Books)
• West Coast Wild: A Nature Alphabet by Deborah Hodge, illustrated by Karen Reczuch (Groundwood Books)

Middle Grade/YA Novels

• Becca at Sea by Deirdre Baker (Groundwood Books)
• Crash Landing by Li Charmaine Anne (Annick Press)
• Elvis, Me, and the Lemonade Stand Summer by Leslie Gentile (DCB Young Readers)
• The Fashion Committee by Susan Juby (HarperCollins Publishers)
• Ghosts of Gastown by Jessica Renwick (Yellow Dog)
• The Gulf by Adam de Souza (Tundra Books)
• Hopeless in Hope by Wanda John-Kehewin (HighWater Press)
• Like a Bird by Becky Citra (Second Story Press)
• No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen (Tundra Books)
• The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen by Susin Nielsen (Tundra Books)
• Salma Makes a Home by Danny Ramadan, illustrated by Anna Bron (Annick Press)
• Stealing Home by J. Torres, illustrated by David Namisato (Kids Can Press)
• Summer of Rocks by Jenna Greene (Wandering Fox)
• We Are All Made of Molecules by Susin Nielsen (Tundra Books)
• Weird Rules to Follow by Kim Spencer (Orca Book Publishers)

Non-Fiction

• Explore British Columbia! by Heather Hudak (Beech Street Books)
• Good Morning, Takaya by Cheryl Alexander and Alex Van Tol (Rocky Mountain Books)
• The Longest Shot: How Larry Kwong Changed the Face of Hockey by Chad Soon and George Chiang, illustrated by Amy Qi (Orca Book Publishers)
• Takaya’s Journey by Cheryl Alexander and Jenaya Copithorne (Rocky Mountain Books)

The North

The Canadian North—Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut—is a land of incredible beauty, stark landscapes, and rich Indigenous traditions. Its vast, remote territories offer unique stories of resilience, wilderness, and vibrant cultures shaped by the extreme environment.

Picture Books

• All About Sanikiluaq by Jamesie Fournier, illustrated by Amiel Sandland (Arvaaq Press)
• Berry Picking at Four Mile Bay by Barbara Adjun, illustrated by Kagan McLeod (Arvaaq Press)

• Clyde River, My Home by Louise Flaherty, illustrated by Thalita Dol (Arvaaq Press)
• The Dancing Trees by Mariana Kelly, illustrated by Michelle Simpson (Inhabit Media)
• Freddie the Flyer by Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail and Fred Carmichael, illustrated by Audrea Loreen-Wulf (Tundra Books)
• I Love to Live in Kinngait by Maika Harper, illustrated by Lenny Lishchenko (Arvaaq Press)
• Kits, Cubs, and Calves: An Arctic Summer by Suzie Napayok-Short, illustrated by Tamara Campeau (Inhabit Media)
• The Klondike Cat by Julie Lawson, illustrated by Paul Mombourquette (Kids Can Press)
• Liitia's One-Ski by Jeffrey Kheraj and Kahlan Miron, illustrated by Emma Pederson (Arvaaq Press)
• My Visit to Kimmirut by Monica Ittusardjuat, illustrated by Emma Pederson (Arvaaq Press)
• Nuptse and Lhotse in the Land of the Midnight Sun by Jocey Asnong (Rocky Mountain Books)
• A Walk on the Shoreline by Rebecca Hainnu, illustrated by Qin Leng (Inhabit Media)
• A Walk on the Tundra by Rebecca Hainnu and Anna Ziegler, illustrated by Qin Leng (Inhabit Media)

Middle Grade/YA Novels

• A Blanket of Butterflies by Richard Van Camp, illustrated by Scott B. Henderson, Donovan Yaciuk and Nickolej Villiger (HighWater Press)
• A Brush Full of Colour: The World of Ted Harrison by Margriet Ruurs and Katherine Gibson (Pajama Press)
• The Dream by R.K. McLay (Fifth House Publishers)
• Journal of a Travelling Girl by Nadine Neema (Wandering Fox)

Non-Fiction

• Explore the Northwest Territories by Rebecca Sjonger (Beech Street Books)
• Explore Nunavut! by James Bow (Beech Street Books)
• Explore the Yukon! by James Bow (Beech Street Books)

Making Your Reading Staycation a Success

To truly maximize the enjoyment and educational value of your family's reading staycation, consider incorporating a range of engaging activities.

Start by fostering a sense of adventure by creating a "Reading Passport" for each child; as you journey across Canada through books, simply stamp or draw a symbol for each visited province or territory within their passport. Enhance your child’s geographical understanding by using a map to locate each region you “visit,” discussing its unique climate and how it influences the stories you explore. To enrich the literary experience, embrace diverse book formats, from captivating picture books and graphic novels to immersive audiobooks.

Beyond the pages, delve deeper into each region's culture. Explore culinary traditions by looking up and trying recipes specific to the areas you're "visiting," such as making tourtière for Quebec, bannock for the Prairies, or fish and chips for the Maritimes. Immerse yourselves in the arts by researching local artists, musicians, and traditional crafts, and by listening to music from each region. Take advantage of technology to embark on virtual field trips to Canadian museums, national parks, and cultural institutions, providing a visual complement to your reading. Encourage creative expression by inviting children to draw scenes from the books, write their own stories inspired by a region, or even construct a diorama. 

Don't forget your local library, an invaluable resource for finding Canadian books and often hosting engaging summer reading programs.

Crucially, make time for shared reading experiences as a family; reading aloud benefits even older children, fostering connection and sparking shared discussions and interpretations. Remember to let your family's pace guide the adventure; if a particular province sparks intense interest, feel free to linger longer. The ultimate goal is enjoyment and discovery, not merely completing a checklist. For an authentic experience, seek out authors who either live in or have strong ties to the regions they write about, as their genuine voices will truly bring the places to life. Finally, after finishing a book or "visiting" a region, dedicate time to discuss your newfound knowledge, any surprises, and what you enjoyed most, prompting critical thinking and personal connections with open-ended questions.

A Call to Literary Adventure

As writers, librarians, teachers and parents, we all share a common mission: to cultivate a love of reading and learning. A reading staycation offers a unique and joyful way to achieve this, transforming summer break into an enriching journey across our incredible country. It’s an invitation for families to slow down, connect, and discover the magic that lies within the pages of a book.

So, this summer, instead of dreaming of faraway destinations, open a book and let the vastness of our beautiful country unfold before your eyes. From the majestic polar bears of the Arctic to the bustling streets of Toronto, the rugged beauty of the East Coast, and the serene quiet of the prairies, an unforgettable adventure awaits. Open up a map, gather your young explorers and prepare to discover the true fun of reading, one Canadian story at a time. Happy travels!

Krista Jorgensen is a former librarian who is currently homeschooling her two children. She lives in Calgary, Alberta.