We Recommend: April 2026

Reviews of eleven new Canadian books by Wesley King, Beatrice Blue, Danny Neville, Heather Camlot and more!

Picture Books | Middle Grade | YA/Teen | Non-Fiction

Picture Books

The Boy and the Flame
written and illustrated by Beatrice Blue
Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2026
978-0-7112-9118-8 (hc) $24.00
978-0-7112-9119-5 (ebook) $19.99
for Kindergarten to Grade 2

Picture Book | Accepting Change | Possibilities | Overcoming Anxiety 

Lucien always feels secure within the sanctuary of his room at home. The bed, the pillows, the coziness... it is his ideal comfort zone. But alas, encountering just about anything unfamiliar causes him anxiety, be it the first day of school, trying new food or forming new friendships. "He worried about everything that would bring new things, really. Maybe if he just stayed inside, nothing would ever, ever change again."

One evening, a strong wind extinguishes the flame in his home's fireplace. Only a single glowing ember remains. It mysteriously becomes a luminous figure named Seraphin, who encourages the young boy to accompany him on a captivating odyssey. Under this flame's guidance, Lucien experiences the wonders of spring, summer and fall, meeting a variety of creatures as the seasons unfold.  When the  journey ends, Lucien realizes that change can, indeed, make life beautiful. With a broadened outlook, he is now prepared to welcome any new adventures and opportunities which may come his way.

Beatrice Blue has crafted a compelling story about how steady reassurance and support can transform a child's fear into confidence. Her animation-style illustrations, created with traditional media and scanned at 1826 Film Lab, teem with numerous figures and bright colours.  

If only one's anxieties could be resolved so seamlessly in real life!

Senta Ross is a former elementary teacher and teacher-librarian in Kitchener, Ontario. 

How to Read a Very Serious Book
written by Mireille Messier
illustrated by Kelly Collier
Owlkids Books, 2026
978-1-77147-658-4 (hc) $22.95
for Kindergarten to Grade 3

Picture Book | Pleasures of Reading | Humour

Did you know that reading a very serious book is very serious business? This charming picture book offers a variety of excellent tips on how to let others know that one is in the midst of reading a book of some great consequence. Throughout the pages, an offstage narrator provides advice to two children regarding the requirements needed for looking and acting like earnest readers of scholarly tomes to curious onlookers:  An essential studious appearance (stick-on moustaches and glasses with a pencil tucked behind your ear), conspicuous reading locations (buses, libraries, schoolyards and parks), and actions reflecting deepness in thought (nodding, chin stroking, raising an eyebrow). Also a necessity:  One must always turn each page with a flourish, all the while uttering enthusiastic comments such as "HOW BRILLIANT!" and "UTTERLY SPLENDID!"

Mireille Messier has written an entertaining account of reading books, specifically those with numerous words in small print and bland covers.  Readers will be immediately captivated by the text's conversational style and Kelly Collier's humorous, cartoon-like illustrations.  The comic-book-style panels will delight readers as they examine the quirky antics of a young boy and girl mastering the art of serious book reading.

A surprise ending provides this serious message:  It's more important to read what one enjoys, whether it be intellectual... or not.

Senta Ross is a former elementary teacher and teacher-librarian in Kitchener, Ontario.

The Legend of the Disappearing Dogs
written by Lisi Kavik-Mickiyuk
illustrated by Margaret Lawrence
Inhabit Media, 2026
978-1-7722-7636-7 (pb) $16.95
for Grades 1 to 3

Picture Book | Traditional Tale | Inuit Legend | Sled Dogs | Bilingual

This gorgeous picture book retells an Inuit legend about sled dogs in the Far North. It recounts their importance to the survival of the Inuit People. It shares the relationship between the puppies and the Inuit children who nurtured and play-hunted with them before they trained for sledding. And it shares a long-ago tale about the disappearance of one family’s sled dogs on a unique hill near their community—a hill now called Qalinguluk, meaning “a place where you can sometimes hear dogs growling.”

The Legend of the Disappearing Dogs is a story steeped in place and community. It’s told in an engaging, traditional storytelling style, and the voice of author and Sanikiluaq Elder Lisi Kavik-Mickiyuk is comforting and conversational. The text is written in both English and Inuttitut, the dialect spoken by the author, which honours the experience of Inuttitut speakers while offering a pronunciation key for non-Inuttitut speakers. Watercolour illustrations by long-time Sanikiluaq resident Margaret Lawrence employ soft hues and rich textures to transport the reader to this Arctic landscape and immerse them in life on the land. Lean in and listen, and perhaps you too will hear the ghostly growls of the disappearing dogs who haunt this hillside.

Karen Krossing is an author for kids and teens.

Middle Grade

Beast Ballerz 
(Beast Ballerz, Book 1)
written by Wesley King
illustrated by Steve Wolfhard
Tundra Books, 2026
978-1-77488-645-8 (hc) $24.99
978-1-7748-8646-5 (ebook) $11.99
978-1-0490-0032-9 (audiobook) $24.99
for Grades 4 to 6

Fiction |  Fantasy  |  Friendship  |  Basketball  |  Monsters  | Teamwork  |  Humour  |  Sports  |  Friendship

Eleven-year-old Baxter Brooks is a seemingly normal kid who loves basketball, but his life takes an unexpected turn when he starts growing massive amounts of hair overnight. The Bax Beard is cool, but the hair doesn’t stop there—when a small role in the school play leads to Bax wolfing out, he’s sent to Prodigium Academy. Prodigium is home to all the monsters that were rejected from the other schools, but Bax doesn’t care about that when he finds out that he has a chance to play ball again. Beast ball is pretty similar to basketball, just more chaotic. Unfortunately, the Prodigium Pugs have a 93-year losing streak, not to mention the haunting of an Extremely Inconvenient Phantom that wants the Pugs to give up. It will take a lot of teamwork for the Pugs to actually win a game, but luckily, Bax knows a lot about basketball and being part of a team. Winning will take playing to each player’s specific traits as a monster—including Bax, once he finds the courage to let out his werewolf. 

The first book in a new middle-grade series by Wesley King, Beast Ballerz, is a fun story with lots of humour and kid appeal. Main character Bax is a mega basketball fan who is insecure about embracing the werewolf in him after an incident at his old school leads to him getting expelled, scaring a cat and losing his best friend. Life at Prodigium Academy is scary and exciting, and playing beast ball is even more so. Kids will love the quirky story and how relatable Bax is, with Steve Wolfhard’s illustrations a funny addition to the chapters. 

Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and reluctant readers, Beast Ballerz is a laugh-out-loud story about basketball, embracing differences and what makes us unique. 

Em Hunter works in marketing for children’s books. They live in Barrie with a very fluffy cat. 

Little Bee: The Buzz About the Party 
written by Danny Neville
illustrated by Colleen McKeown
Annick Press, 2026
978-1-83402-046-4 (hc) $25.99
978-1-83402-047-1 (pb) $11.99
978-1-83402-048-8 (ebook) $9.99
for Grades 1 to 3

Fiction | Mother’s Day | Alternative Family | 2SLGBTQIA+

Beatrice, Bee for short, is an insect-loving third grader who enjoys planning parties with best pals Tiam and Sarah, her “Winged Wonders Gang.” Their teacher’s announcement of a classroom competition to come up with the best party idea sets all the students abuzz. Bee’s excitement turns to uneasiness when the theme is revealed to be a Mother’s Day celebration. Bee worries her two dads won’t be invited or welcome.

Learning about her classmates' varied family compositions, the empathetic child discovers she is not the only one feeling left out: Santiago lives with his grandparents, Chloe has a mom and a step mom, and Ms. Tam’s mother died many years ago. On a trip to the Nature Museum, Bee observes a multitude of worker bees caring for the babies in the hive. The thoughtful child has the winning realization that Mother’s Day honours “anyone who mothers you,” and finds a creative way to include everyone. 

Bee’s warmth, enthusiasm, and genuine concern for others shine through the friendly first-person narration. Bug facts and analogies are woven seamlessly into the accessible story. With pride and confidence, Bee shares her own birth story by likening her egg donor and surrogate to queen bees.  

Colleen McKeown’s expressive black-and-white illustrations capture eventful moments from Bee’s busy days at school, including bravely standing up to a mean-girl bully, and happily standing beside her dads and all her classmates, plus their loved ones, in a group party photograph. 

Bee’s realistic and heartfelt narrative voice makes this a buzzworthy early chapter book series to celebrate.

Linda Ludke is a librarian in London, Ontario.

YA/Teen

Lying, Stealing, and Other Ways to Save the Planet
written by Curtis Campbell
Annick Press, 2026
978-1-83402-051-8 (hc) $28.99
978-1-83402-052-5 (pb) $19.99
978-1-83402-053-2 (ebook) $13.99
for Grades 9 to 12

Fiction | Friendship | Investigative Journalism | Activism | 2SLGBTQIA+ | Environmentalism

Teenage investigative reporter John O’Neil has left in his wake a trail of blackmailed bullies ever since he transferred his passion for reporting into exacting extortion in an effort to help support his recently widowed grandmother. John used to be the co-editor of the independent, uncensored newsletter the Mason Observer alongside his best friend Rachel, but a fresh betrayal leaves the future of the newspaper uncertain after an exposé on hazing ends in disaster. Despite his desire for revenge, John must pause his plans for retribution when he discovers that the conservation habitat of the endangered, blue-bellied sapsucker is under attack. Following in the footsteps of his grandparents—dedicated conservationists—John realizes he must band together with friends and foes alike to prevent the expansion of the local country club.

John’s sworn enemy comes in the form of Lance McPhee, the notoriously homophobic soccer team captain and heir to the local country club. After compiling an eclectic assortment of allies that consists of his ex-best friend, a rugby-playing mathlete, an ever-eager intern and the school’s bird-watching club, who dabble in conspiracy theories, John embarks upon a mission to save the blue-bellied sapsuckers and destroy his adversary once and for all.

Curtis Campbell imbues his characters with an irreverent wittiness that teens will be sure to recognize from their peers. Despite the protagonist’s penchant for blackmail, the teamwork required to embark upon his odyssey to save the blue-bellied sapsuckers serves as a poignant reminder that faithful friends are the ultimate saving power.

Kayla O’Brien is a graduate of Queen’s University law school who obtained her B.A.H. and M.A. in English Literature.

Our Little Secret
written by Edward Kay and Mikhael Klassen-Kay
DCB Young Readers, 2026
978-1-77086-836-6 (pb) $16.95
978-1-77086-837-3 (ebook) $15.99
for Grades 8 to 12

Fiction | Murder | 2SLGBTQIA+ | Sexual Abuse | Grooming | High School | Shakespeare |  Macbeth 

One morning in May, the body of teacher Clifford Lowell is found in the greenhouse at Ridgeview Alternative School. Lowell was a 30-something-year-old teacher of Comparative Literature with a reputation for being, at best, creepy and, at worst, a predator. Students Nick, Jordan and Chloe are all there the morning the body is found, and all three know more than they’re letting on. In one way or another, Lowell’s actions have affected each of the teens and could even have jeopardized their futures. But, unfortunately for Lowell, together they planned the perfect murder—and they might just get away with it.

A dark and mature story involving sexual abuse and murder with a high school production of Macbeth as the backdrop, Our Little Secret is written by a father and son duo. Author Edward Kay is a Toronto screenwriter, author and journalist, and debut author Mikhael Klassen-Kay is a writer and actor. Like the main character Jordan, Mikhael Klassen-Kay is trans and autistic, which adds to the authenticity of the character. Inspired by real stories of grooming and sexual abuse, I wish that no young reader will relate to the story. Knowing that that’s not possible, I hope that it helps anyone who can relate feel seen. 

While not a traditional murder mystery since the reader knows who the murderers are from the beginning, Our Little Secret is still filled with twists, turns and mystery that will keep teens on the edge of their seats until the last page. 

Em Hunter works in digital marketing in the publishing industry. They live in Barrie with a very fluffy cat. 

 

Non-Fiction

One Goal: How Soccer Can Help Save the Planet
written by Heather Camlot
illustrated by Shannon Drew
Groundwood Books, 2026
978-1-77946-009-7 (hc) $21.99
978-1-77946-010-3 (ebook) $16.99
for Grades 4 to 6

Non-Fiction | Soccer | Environmental Conservation and Protection | Environmental Degradation | Citizen Participation

Thousands love the game of soccer, unaware of how large sporting events permanently damage our environment. Many aspects of the game produce high levels of greenhouse gases, thus endangering oceans, forests and all living creatures. While presenting alarming statistics that reveal the destructive aspects of the sport, the focus is on innovations to counteract them. Many international teams have committed to the UN Sports for Climate Action organization, with the goal of drastically reducing carbon emissions, making the game environmentally sustainable. Each double-page spread emphasizes a different facet of the game )e).g., stadium construction, electrical power, ground maintenance, transportation, uniforms, etc.). For each topic, a substantial segment of easily absorbed text melds with bold, colourful animated illustrations depicting diverse populations and the technical innovations described.

Cutting-edge solutions feature drag and drop stadiums that replace the wasteful construction of new buildings, composting food waste to use in local gardens, re-using thousands of gallons of water from groundskeeping maintenance and toilet usage, using greener recycled materials for uniforms, changes to travel and accommodation arrangements and replacing plastic stadium seats with those made from recycled fishing nets. Back matter includes ideas to encourage youngsters to be proactive, a glossary and an extensive resource list.

With the World Cup Series approaching, this is a timely and mostly optimistic read that highlights many new ideas. Providing eye-opening insights into the impact of sports events that go far beyond a good game, this title is an excellent addition for school and public libraries.

Aileen Wortley is a retired children’s librarian from Toronto.

So She Went Ahead: 50 Trailblazing Women of the Canadian Prairies
written by Haley Healey
illustrated by Kimiko Fraser
Heritage House Publishing, 2026
978-1-77203-572-8 (hc) $22.95
for Grades 6 and up

Non-Fiction | Equality and Social Norms | Canadiana, Ingenuity and Women’s Rights | Diversity and Inclusion | Critical Thought, Self-Awareness and Empowerment 

So She Went Ahead: 50 Trailblazing Women of the Canadian Prairies, written by bestselling British Columbia-based author Haley Healy and illustrated by British Columbia-based historian-in-training Kimiko Fraser, is an engaging and inspirational collection of biographies of determined, diverse and dynamic women who lived life according to their own rules and goals.

The fourth in her Trailblazing Canadians series, Healy’s stirring tribute is a lively compilation of the often-underreported trials and tribulations, and barrier-breaking successes and accomplishments of 50 powerful women who lived in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba and who refused to let “No!” stop them. Through the stories of these remarkable females — including suffragette Henrietta Muir Edwards, who co-founded the National Council of Women of Canada in 1893; Violet King Henry, Canada’s first black lawyer; Indigenous inventor of the Jolly Jumper, Susan Olivia Poole; painter Janet Mitchell; prospector Kathleen Rice; and jazz queen Judi Singh — Healey celebrates the achievements of women who came face to face with obstacles and inequality, shattered stereotypes, challenged and redefined societal norms and found fulfilment (and sometimes fame) despite the times in which they lived. 

Each eye-opening, fact-filled biography is laid out as a double-page spread (except for a handful, which run three or four pages), with the portrait on the left and the text on the right, making it an accessible and inviting educational experience for readers of all neurotypes. And listed under each oval-shaped portrait is what the trailblazer did, her birth and death dates and where in the Prairies she lived.

Fraser’s stunning portraits deftly capture not only the faces, clothes and historical details of these courageous women, but also their very essence — their motivation, energy and daring that helped shape both their community and their country. Her striking, colourful illustrations masterfully complement the age-appropriate text, bringing history to life and giving these women the attention and recognition they so aptly deserve.

At 119 pages, with a handy table of contents that neatly categorizes the women into 11 different groups, such as Healthcare Workers, Scientists, Journalists and Culture Champions, and Politicians and Legal Experts, and a four-page selected bibliography, So She Went Ahead is a must-read and an invaluable resource for schools, and personal and public libraries everywhere. This book will leave an indelible mark and ignite meaningful thought and discussion, emboldening the trailblazer living within each of us. Very highly recommended.

Jennifer D. Foster is a Toronto-based freelance editor, writer and mentor, and her company is Planet Word. She has been a judge for the Fred Kerner Book Award twice and is an annual reviewer for the Whistler Independent Book Awards.

Time for School: How Humans Learn
(Orca Timeline)
written by Leah Payne
illustrated by Paige Jung
Orca Book Publishers, 2026
978-1-4598-4150-5 (hc) $29.95
978-1-4598-4152-9 (ebook) $23.99
for Grades 4 to 8

Non-Fiction | Education | Learning | Schools

In this very informative book about schools, author Leah Payne discusses how children in the past learned, challenges facing classrooms today, and what future classrooms and learning opportunities might look like. Divided into five chapters, she delves into who gets to learn, what curriculums look like, where and when learning takes place, and the different teaching methods that are employed to teach children. Payne covers topics such as residential schools, the history of segregation, alternatives to traditional classrooms and how nature schools and Indigenous land-based education work. She also discusses how views on teaching and learning have changed over the years, and how public schools have moved towards methods that take into account students’ different learning styles and developmental needs. References are also made to girls who have had an impact on education including Ruby Bridges, Shannen Koostachin, Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai.   

Paige Jung’s illustrations, using digital, gouache and acrylic mediums, add colour and interest and create a welcoming space so students are not overwhelmed by the text. A glossary of terms is included at the back of the book as well as a list of resources for students who wish to do further research into schools and education. This title is an excellent resource to include in school and classroom libraries.

Sandra O’Brien is a former teacher and editor.