IBBY Canada has announced the finalists for the 2025 Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award. Awarded annually, the Cleaver is presented to a Canadian illustrator in recognition of outstanding artistic talent in a Canadian picture book. This year's 10 finalists were selected from 134 titles submitted by 40 publishers.
“The illustrators of the 10 finalist books depict stories that stir the imagination, tackle big topics, and teach us new things. They show us the world, real and imagined, in the past, present, and future. As you read these outstanding books, see and feel the depth of colour in every spread and look for surprise details that help lead you from page to page. Readers of all ages will be inspired by the varied art styles on display.” — 2025 Cleaver jury
The 10 finalists are:
Aujourd’hui, promis !, illustrations and text by Josée Bisaillon (Éditions Fonfon)
Everybelly, illustrations and text by Thao Lam (Groundwood Books)
Grandes oreilles, illustrations and text by Julie Delporte (Éditions de la Pastèque)
Little Moments in a Big Universe, illustrations and text by Todd Stewart (Owlkids Books)
My Street Remembers, illustrations by Cathie Jamieson, text by Karen Krossing (Groundwood Books)
Qallupilluit: The Takers of Children, illustrations by Megan Kyak-Monteith, text by Neil Christopher and Louise Flaherty (Inhabit Media)
Ra! Ta! Ma! Cue!, illustrations and text by Howie Shia (Annick Press)
Rez Kid, illustrations by Isabella Fassler, text by Andrea Landry (Kids Can Press)
The Thing About Birds, illustrations and text by Christy Obalek (Heritage House Publishing)
You Can’t Tame a Tiger, illustrated by Julien Chung, text by Stephanie Ellen Ey (Owlkids Books)
The winner and honour books will be announced at IBBY Canada's upcoming Annual Meeting of Members on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
For more information, visit ibby-canada.org.