Reviews of 40+ new Canadian books by Robert Munsch, Kathy Kacer, J. Torres, Lana Button,and more!

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

Picture Books

Fox and the Mystery Letter
written and illustrated by Alex G. Griffiths
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 2025
978-1-83600-110-2 (hc) $24.00
978-1-83600-111-9 (ebook) $19.99
for Preschool and up
 
Picture Book | Friendship | Mystery | Letter Writing | Forgiveness

Fox lives by himself in a quiet house in the forest, which is just how he likes it. That is, until one day when a mysterious letter arrives for him. It's signed by “an old friend,” and although he tries very hard not to leave, Fox’s curiosity about the note eventually compels him out the door. He is determined to return to the comfort of his home as soon as he finds the first clue, but Fox packs a bag of essentials just in case. With one clue leading to the next, he continues on his journey, encountering a collection of intriguing characters along the way. He treks through the forest, catches a ferry across the lake, and finally reaches his island destination, all while trying to figure out who the mystery letter is from.

Smoke signals, hidden maps, secret letters… this book is sure to pique the curiosity of even the most adamant homebody. There are lots of hidden gems inside the pages, both for kids and the adults who read to them. Young readers will have a blast searching through the beautifully detailed artwork, finding all sorts of treasures buried in each spread. Educators will surely love to have a copy on their bookshelves, an excellent anchor text for mapping skills or letter-writing units. The connection to social-emotional learning is also a powerful component, helping kids deal with the fallout of disagreements, working through schoolyard squabbles, and remembering the importance of friendship. 

Danny Neville is an educator, children’s author, and editor-in-chief of The Teaching Librarian magazine.

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The Inquisitive Raven
written by Richard Wagamese
illustrated by Bridget George
Douglas & McIntyre, 2025
978-1-77162-449-7 (hc) $24.95
for Kindergarten to Grade 4

Picture Book | Nature | Self-Esteem | Indigenous Teachings

Reuben the Raven is extremely inquisitive. Some might even say nosy—he has an insatiable appetite for learning. Reuben listens, learns, and thoughtfully studies all the animals in the forest, watching their actions and soaking up their stories. One day, he spots Migizi, the graceful bald eagle, sailing across the sky. It's a sight so majestic that not only is Reuben captivated, but he notices all the forest animals watching in silent awe. If he could soar like Migizi, would they look at him the same way? Determined, Reuben studies the eagle’s every movement and practices for days in solitude. But when he unveils his first big flight… things don’t quite go as planned. His raven body, noble though it is, simply isn’t made for eagle-style soaring. He plummets through the trees and lands in a heap on the forest floor. Thankfully, his wise grandfather is there to check on him. With gentle words, he reminds Reuben that he doesn't need to pretend to be someone else. Migizi and the other animals already respect him for being exactly who he is.

Volume Two of the Richard Wagamese Storybook Collection, The Inquisitive Raven is every bit as magical as the first volume, The Animal People Choose a Leader. This book delights in a child's curiosity and natural sense of wonder. It’s stunningly beautiful—not just in its tender storytelling, but in the earthy, luminous illustrations by Bridget George. Having these books by the late storyteller Richard Wagamese, paired with George’s soulful artwork, feels like holding a piece of the forest’s heart. It’s a magnificent, powerful book that readers of all ages will return to again and again.

Highly recommended for home, school, and public libraries.

Colette Poitras is a member of the Métis Nation of Alberta, holds a Master's degree in Library and Information Science and is the Indigenous Public Library Services Advisor for the Government of Alberta.

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I Will Not Be Scared
written by Jean-François Sénéchal
illustrated by Simone Rea
translated by Nick Frost and Catherine Ostiguy
Milky Way Picture Books, 2025
978-1-990252-37-2 (hc) $23.99
for Kindergarten to Grade 4

Picture Book | Being Afraid | Bullying | War

It is bedtime, and Mother Bunny asks, “You’re not sleeping, bunny?” “No, I’m thinking” is the response. Much is discovered in their conversation. They have come from a place where they saw the horrors of war to a new place that is safe. Yet Bunny witnessed something violent and upsetting at school and is now afraid. In a dialogue that is simple, direct and reassuring, Bunny doesn’t quite know how to process the incident or how to talk about it. Patiently, Mother Bunny replies with the refrain, “Don’t worry. You can tell me when you are ready.” Step by step, the story comes out, and Bunny’s worst fears are allayed.

This powerful story is accompanied by stunning illustrations by Italian artist Simone Rea. Large spreads (three-quarters of a double page with text on the left) are rendered in gouache. Red dominates the background and furnishings of the bedroom, as well as the flashbacks of war and the playground—scenes that are counterposed to each other. Mother Bunny is in a simple yellow nightgown and Bunny is in olive green pajamas. Both are viewed in profile throughout, with their large eyes conveying emotion. Anthropomorphized animals replace humans in the backstory scenes. 

Mother Bunny never minimizes Bunny’s feelings or reluctance to talk, but gently guides the conversation so that Bunny feels safe enough to share what they saw and even come up with an empowering solution.

Author Jean-François Sénéchal delivers a sensitive, thoughtful, and impactful story. It lingers long after reading. Highly recommended.

Theo Heras is an author and former children’s librarian living in Toronto.

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Labrador Skies
written by Kayla Williams
illustrated by Kayla Williams and Thamires Paredes
Inhabit Media, 2025
978-1-77227-588-9 (hc) $22.95
for Preschool to Kindergarten

Picture Book | Inuit and Indigenous Identity & Culture | Canadiana & the Natural World | Family, Friendship & Connections | Indigenous and Inuit Voices & Storytelling

Labrador Skies is a visually stunning, heartwarming and accessible lyrical story of the “Big Land” and its breathtaking natural beauty, told one evening by an Inuit mother to her sweet slumbering child.

At 24 pages, this tender, touching tale takes readers on a memorable journey of discovery, from seeing the Auroras (also known as the Northern Lights) “as they dance in the sky” and feeling the winds blow softly falling snow in the silent forests, to watching hunters roam at night on snowmobiles and dog sleds, to seeing friends and neighbours wearing their handmade parkas and “skin boots,” lovingly crafted for shelter and warmth.

The engaging rhyming text is laid out over 11 double-page spreads, with the sensations, sounds and sights of Labrador expertly captured for young readers by the vibrant and detailed illustrations of both artists, adding exceptional complementary depth. 

Created digitally with hand-painted textures and traditional watercolour-inspired techniques, the stellar collaborative effort of the two artists allowed Brazilian illustrator Paredes to focus on aptly recreating various nature scenes and on portraying the values, customs, activities, and traditional ways of life of the people of Labrador. And Williams, who’s from Nunatsiavut Inuit and Scottish/French lineage, focused more on the skies and how the unique northern light reflects off the clouds, snow and water, making the glowing, transcendent skies of the Canadian North feel truly “alive.” She layered light blooms, subtle gradients and soft washes of colour to capture the lively, otherworldly quality of Labrador light.

Labrador Skies is a celebration of Inuit identity and a must-have resource for schools, libraries and personal reading collections everywhere. It is a beautiful, thoughtful, stirring and rhythmic ode to Northern Canada, skilfully transporting readers to this magical land and evoking an intimate sense of awe and wonder, where we find we are all intrinsically interconnected to one another—and to Mother Earth. 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.

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The Last Last
written by Wendy J. Whittingham
illustrated by Brianna McCarthy
Groundwood Books, 2025
978-1-77306-865-7 (hc) $21.99
978-1-77306-866-4 (ebook) $16.99
for Preschool to Grade 1

Picture Book | Immigration | Identity

A young girl is overwhelmed with the reality of moving from her island home. Her mom and grannie are rushing about, and she doesn’t know what to pack. She moves from concerns about packing to going on a walk and doing things for the last time. All the senses are engaged on this walk, and Whittingham’s choices take me back to my visit to my family’s hometown in rural Jamaica—tasting sugar cane, chickens running free, and rattling shak-shak tree pods. The family is seen on a plane, and we see the girl on the final leg of the journey to her new home, where she experiences a first in her new country.

Mixed-media artist Brianna McCarthy has captured the vibrant vegetation and the rural houses of Jamaica with an intense colour palette. I love the detailed hairstyles—especially the little girl’s twists that she sports on the plane ride. Details in the illustrations add to the distinct sense of place in both settings.

Whittingham’s experience of moving from Jamaica to Canada inspired this simple yet impactful picture book. The Last Last is recommended for lessons on identity and immigration, and as a cozy vehicle to spark discussions about big moves. 

Tara Truscott is a teacher-librarian with the York Region District School Board. 

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Lena the Chicken (But Really a Dinosaur!)
written by Linda Bailey  
illustrated by K-Fai Steele
Tundra Books, 2025
978-1-77488-013-5 (hc) $24.99
978-1-77488-014-2 (ebook) $11.99
for Preschool to Grade 2
 
Picture Book | Humour | Chickens | Dinosaurs | Being Yourself

Lena is NOT a chicken. She is absolutely a dinosaur! And that makes her both bold and different. She becomes frustrated when the chickens in her coop won’t stand up for themselves or are scared of kittens and empty boxes. One day, though, a sneaky, skinny weasel shows up at the edge of the woods. As the weasel gets closer each time, the chickens panic, but Lena keeps an eye on him. When the weasel finally tries breaking into the coop, “something ancient, something primal” rises up through her until her growl is the equivalent to that of one thousand dinosaurs. The earth shakes, the coop partially collapses, and the weasel is trapped. The chickens celebrate Lena, believing she is now really a dinosaur.
 
Bailey’s story is well-paced and fun, a mix of narrative and speech that moves us along nicely to a perfectly satisfying ending while also begging to be read aloud. Steele’s pencil and watercolour illustrations are fabulous, complementing the text in wonderful ways while adding their own humour. The appearance of the weasel is particularly hilarious. After Lena saves the day, she finds new respect for the chickens when they finally show interest in learning self-defence skills and in standing up for themselves, something that Lena can teach them. At the end, the chickens are especially excited that they too—‘Holy hen house!’—are dinosaurs.
 
Ken Kilback is a writer and retired primary teacher in Vancouver.

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Maya Inside
written by Alison Hughes
illustrated by Brady Sato    
Orca Book Publishers, 2025
978-1-4598-3916-8 (hc) $21.95
978-1-4598-3918-2 (ebook) $17.99
for Preschool to Kindergarten

Picture Book | Anxiety | Loneliness | School | Friendship | Imagination

The world isn’t necessarily a safe place, and little Maya has found this out firsthand. When one child hurts her feelings and another accuses her of being weird, Maya decides to retreat into a cardboard box. She wears her box everywhere and is always confined within the safety of its walls. Despite the fact that she fills her box with imagination and curiosity, Maya is alone. One day, as she watches the children playing freely outside (boxless!), she wonders what it might be like to join them.

Alison Hughes has written a book for all the shy, sensitive children who find themselves seeking the safety of isolation. As a story, Maya Inside validates the very real anxieties children may have while at the same time suggesting that it’s not all bad out there on the other side of the box. For young readers who don’t experience these feelings, it offers an opportunity to empathize with those who do. Digital artwork by Brady Sato brings Maya’s emotional journey to life. Their soft and thoughtful illustrations create a magic of their own inside Maya’s box. Throughout, the symbolism of flight is laced through the artwork—paper airplanes, a book on flight, a bird mobile. Eventually, Maya is shown peeking outside her box to see a real bird flying free before she herself decides to climb out.

This is a lovely, contemplative picture book for young children—both those living inside and outside the box.

Ildiko Sumegi is a reviewer from Ottawa.

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Memory Stones
written by Kathy Kacer
illustrated by Hayley Lowe
Second Story Press, 2025
978-1-77260-421-4 (hc) $21.95
978-1-77260-422-1 (ebook) $14.99
for Grades 1 to 3

Picture Book | Intergenerational Relationship | Bereavement | Jewish Traditions | Memory Stones

Sophie and her grandmother thoroughly enjoy spending time together. Going to the ice cream parlour, playing in the park, skipping stones across a stream, growing vegetables in a garden... every interaction is special. When Granny dies, Sophie misses her profoundly. Visiting the cemetery where Granny lies buried does not ease her sadness. When Sophie brings Granny's favourite flowers to her grave, she is disappointed to discover that they fade much too soon. Her mother then relates to her the tradition of placing stones on the grave as a message to the angels that the loved one is remembered and cared for. Although the young girl embraces the idea of angels visiting cemeteries, she disapproves of the stones. "They're hard and gray and sharp and ugly. They may last a long time, but they aren't nearly as nice as flowers!"

After much thought, Sophie comes up with her own plan to create a meaningful memory to honour her beloved Granny and to mark the times they shared... something that would last forever.

Kathy Kacer has woven a poignant story around a child's initial experience with grief and loss. Comforting words such as "Your aching heart shows just how much you loved her" will resonate with young readers as they navigate the ebb and flow of their own experiences and emotions. Not only is the Author's Note about the customs of different countries, cultures, and religions regarding what to leave on a grave informative, but it also underscores the importance of commemorating a loved one in some significant manner. 

Hayley Lowe's perceptive illustrations, created with pencil/graphite sticks and Procreate, ably juxtapose the joyful experiences shared between a grandmother and grandchild with the solemn, reflective atmosphere that follows a loss of great consequence.  

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

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One Can
written by Lana Button and Eric Walters
illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant
Groundwood Books, 2025
978-1-77306-734-6 (hc) $21.99
978-1-77306-735-3 (ebook) $16.99
for all ages

Picture Book | Food Insecurity | Poverty | Giving and Receiving | Compassion

Wishing to participate in the school food drive, a young child is excited to donate a can of his favourite Zoodelicious noodles. His teacher explains that any food items, as well as donated mittens hanging from the mitten tree, will be given to people in need. The following day, in the classroom, students place their cans on a unique carpet consisting of 100 squares. Excitement builds as the squares fill with donated cans. Ten... twenty... and on it goes until there is only a single empty square remaining. As the child places his Zoodelicious on square 100, the class cheers as the teacher places a special snowflake sticker on top of his donation, signalling that the class has achieved its goal of collecting 100 cans. "I wonder if it's a long drive to get to the people in need," ponders the child. "And I wonder which lucky one of them will get my can of Zoodelicious!" He receives his answers a few days later when his mother arrives home with a new pair of red mittens and groceries, including the same can of Zoodelicious bearing the familiar snowflake sticker.  "Mom, are we the people in need?" the child asks.

Lana Button and Eric Walters have written a timely story concerning a topic relevant to countless families and classrooms across Canada. Told from the perspective of a young child who becomes aware that his family receives assistance, he then wishes to extend help to others by donating his very own favourite mittens to the mitten tree. Enriching the text are Isabelle Malenfant's digital illustrations, eloquent in their simplicity.

Layers and lessons involving giving and receiving abound within this memorable publication, which cannot help but touch every reader.

Senta Ross 

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The Perfect Paper Airplane
written by Robert Muncsch  
illustrated by Michael Martchenko
North Winds Press/Scholastic Canada, 2025
978-1-0397-1517-2 (hc) $21.99
978-1-0397-1518-9 (pb) $8.99
for Preschool to Grade 2
 
Picture Book | Humour | Creativity | Paper Airplanes 
 
When Kevin’s parents each make a paper airplane that zooms around the kitchen, he says he’ll make one even better. Unfortunately, his attempts just go ‘schlorb’ into his mom’s coffee and dad’s cereal. Many additional attempts by Kevin end up crashing into the backyard pond. It’s only while waiting for the school bus that his newest paper airplane flies high into the sky until he’s no longer able to see it. Accepting that the plane is now gone, he’s surprised to see it later flying past the bus, through his classroom, around his dad’s lobster fishing boat, and even back at school the following Monday. In the classroom, Kevin meets the new student who has also constructed an amazing paper airplane.
 
Readers will once again love Munsch’s characteristic use of irreverent humour, repetition, and silliness. Kevin’s determination not only to make a paper airplane successfully fly but also to improve upon what his parents can do will spark the hopes of every child. His elation at constructing the perfect one is matched only by his nonchalant acceptance that it’s gone forever and by his shock when it keeps showing up again. 

Martchenko’s wonderful illustrations are filled with his love for detail and humour. When his dad’s boat comes in while being harangued by Kevin’s plane, the lobsters’ opportunistic escape during the chaos is particularly funny. By the time Kevin meets the new student at the end, his other classmates are already frantically determined to create their own perfect paper airplanes.
 
Ken Kilback

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Prudence: The Brave Little Bird
written by Véronique Alarie and Gabrielle Lisa Collard
translated by Emma Davis
illustrated by Catherine Petit
Pajama Press, 2025
978-1-77278-355-1 (hc) $22.95
for Kindergarten to Grade 3

Picture Book | Determination | Courage | Aspirations | Adventure 

Although Prudence broke her wing as a baby bird and has never been able to fly, she holds dreams of becoming an astronaut. Together with her younger sister, Promise, she often gazes at the stars and fantasizes about herself travelling far into space. After learning that a comet would soon be crossing the sky, she is determined to watch it from the top of The Great Mountain. On foot and alone, she embarks on a most gruelling hike, encountering several frightening challenges. Through it all, Prudence's perseverance and bravery are unwavering.

Joined by her sister at the summit, she revels in the comet's trail of bright, pink stardust. "For an instant, there was no way for Prudence or Promise to tell where the Earth began and where the sky ended. The brave little birds, admiring the glittering night, agreed to climb the mountain again someday...next time together. Then, under a shower of diamond bright stars, the sisters fell asleep together, dreaming of the sky." 

Choosing to donate their royalties to the Charles-Bruneau Foundation, Véronique Alarie and Gabrielle Lisa Collard have written this poignant story as a tribute to young cancer patients and their supportive siblings who accompany them on their journey: "It is a testament to solidarity and affection for all the little fighters who, from their hospital beds, climb mountains until they lose their feathers, as well as to their valiant brothers and sisters who also lose a little of their childhood and innocence."
   
Catherine Petit's vibrant illustrations, rendered primarily in shades of bright blue and purple, visually represent the courage and hope permeating throughout. 

Senta Ross

 
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Sem’s Map
written by Rebecca Thomas
illustrated by Azby Whitecalf
Nimbus Publishing, 2025
978-1-77471-419-5 (hc) $22.95
978-1-77471-496-6 (pb) $14.95
for Preschool to Grade 2

Picture Book | Maps | Turtle Island | North America | Indigenous Peoples

The story begins with a map of North America, as it is commonly taught in schools across the country. Sem is confused by this—while the map looks similar to Turtle Island, the name and all of the gridlines are unfamiliar to him. They feel foreign and lack the descriptive meanings that he is used to.

Later that night, Sem asks his grandmother, Kiju, why this is. She explains that not everyone has heard the stories of the land or the Indigenous place names. After some discussion, the teacher humbly acknowledges that he doesn’t know as much about the history of the land they live and work on. Sem is overjoyed when Kiju is invited to the classroom to share the maps and stories he knows.

At the end of the book, a map of Turtle Island is included, featuring Indigenous place names in their original languages, along with an author’s note reflecting on her personal history with maps and the importance of reclaiming place names in ways that honour the land.

This is a wonderful, gentle, decolonized approach to understanding land, maps, and different ways of learning about geography and worldviews. Whitecalf’s bright and expressive illustrations bring the story to life on every page. This is a great addition to any library.

Colette Poitras

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Sketch
written and illustrated by Jacques Goldstyn
translated by Helen Mixter
Greystone Kids, 2025 
978-1-77840-277-7 (hc) $24.95
978-1-77840-278-4 (ebook) $19.99
for Grades 1 to 4

Picture Book | Art | Friendship | Self-Esteem | Perseverance

Sketch is an inimitable, effervescent kid who makes a mark on his staid town in this fable-like tale about the importance of art and artists. Full of energy and a little bit wild, this creative free spirit “wasn’t drawn quite like anyone else.” True to his name, Sketch appears as a lively, scribbly black-and-white line drawing, blurry around the edges. In a monotone, regimented world where people walk in straight lines and shops sell metronomes, Sketch shimmies to his own syncopated beat. 

While his loving parents nurture his arty endeavours, Sketch’s imaginative expressions aren’t as welcomed at school, where he is pegged as a troublemaker and admonished to “stop trying to be so original.” Happiest in art class, Sketch is encouraged by Madame Beauregard, a teacher who recognizes his innate talent: “I love what you do. It's so special. There will always be people who try to discourage you. Don't listen to them. Persevere.” 

In high school, the maverick finds friends who appreciate, accept and celebrate individuality. Banding together, the art collective of Sketch, Flow, Muddy, and Doodle resolve to hone their craft despite the naysayers and brighten their community: “We have to draw ourselves in. The world needs us.”  

Governor General’s Literary Award-winning author/illustrator Jacques Goldstyn has crafted an original portrait of an artist who follows their own path and has the courage to be unapologetically themselves. 

Linda Ludke is a librarian in London, Ontario. 

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The Wandering Feather
written by Lisa Frenette
illustrated by August Swinson
Owlkids Books, 2025
978-1-77147-628-7 (hc) $22.95
978-1-77147-758-1 (ebook) $12.99
for Kindergarten to Grade 3

Picture Book | Culture | Nature | Indigenous

The reader is invited to follow the journey of a feather, shaken free from a red-tailed hawk as it dives for a mouse. What follows is quite an adventure: the feather floats through the air, lands in a squirrel’s nest, rests on a woman’s hat, adorns an ornamental sandcastle, and finally arrives at its forever home—nestled with two other feathers in a little girl’s homemade dream catcher.

An author’s note at the end of the story highlights the historical significance of the dream catcher within Ojibwe Nation, its continued relevance among many Indigenous Nations today, and the importance and meaning of feathers from birds such as the hawk.

The writing keeps the reader engaged, following along and anticipating where the feather will end up next. The bright, cheerful illustrations beautifully capture the motion and magic of the feather’s journey. Taken together, this is a lovely story that cultivates inclusivity, a sense of belonging, and cultural significance that caregivers and children will want to return to again and again.

Recommended for home, school, and public libraries.

Colette Poitras

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Yaya and the Dan-Tats
written by Camellia Koo
illustrated by Phoebe Xiao 
Annick Press, 2025
978-1-83402-022-8 (hc) $24.99
for Kindergarten to Grade 3

Picture Book | Family | Intergenerational Connections | Belonging | Emotions | Community

Yaya and the Dan-Tats is a fun and tender intergenerational story about the bond between a girl and her grandfather. The girl’s Yaya has recently moved into a nursing home, and she visits him every Saturday. Although Yaya only speaks Chinese, they bond over their love for each other and their favourite delicious treats—dan-tats! However, during this particular visit, Yaya takes the box of dan-tats from the girl’s hands and rushes away in his wheelchair very mischievously! The girl tries to find her Yaya in the nursing home by following the dan-tat crumbs on the floor and by interacting with the other elders. Throughout the story, Yaya shares the dan-tats with his friends, and the girl learns more about the elders who are friends with her grandfather. While Yaya shares the dan-tats, the girl worries that he has forgotten about sharing one with her, as that is their special tradition. When the girl finally gets Yaya back into his room, she discovers that there is one dan-tat left which they share and enjoy together!

This heartwarming, vibrant and colourful book captures the love between a girl and her grandfather. It also reminds readers of the importance of learning about people in one’s community, such as Yaya’s nursing home. Through the intricate details, readers are invited into the rooms and lives of the other elders. They learn about Ms. Chan, whose sister lives across the hall and is known as the other Ms. Chan. Also, there is Ms. Tam, who is always knitting and has many supplies in her room and Mr. Kwan, who loves reading the newspaper. Mr. Lee, who is a basketball fan, has a special jersey on his wall. It is interesting to learn about the East Asian elders who are Yaya’s friends and neighbours. This book fosters respect, empathy and community. It also helps young people, in a gentle way, make sense of the changes people in their families might be going through.

Rabia Khokhar is an elementary teacher in Toronto and a PhD student at the University of Toronto’s Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE). She is passionate about issues of equity and representation in children’s literature.

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Middle Grade

All the Things We Found
written by Joanne Levy
Orca Book Publishers, 2025
978-1-4598-3953-3 (pb) $14.95
978-1-4598-3955-7 (ebook) $11.99
for Grades 4 and up

Fiction | Death | Grieving | Death of a Sibling | Friendship | Family

In Ruthie’s favourite book series, The Unicorns of Faravelle Forest, everything is magical. Nothing is better than re-enacting the books with her best friend, Jenna, and her best pup, Izzy, especially when, at home, she’s finally getting used to a new normal. With her parents divorced, Ruthie is adjusting to having a stepdad—known to her as Stepbrad—and two new (annoying) stepbrothers, and trying not to think too much about what life was like before everything changed. Then her mom makes a big announcement—she’s having a baby—and Ruthie can’t help but worry that her new normal will be ruined all over again. 

Joanne Levy’s work is charming and whimsical, even as it explores youthful frustration. The story embodies the mind of a young girl faced with ever-changing realities and challenges.

This stand-alone light read is packed with life lessons and family love, wrapped up in the everyday thoughts of a preteen, and flavoured with a sprinkling of unicorns. Anyone who’s felt the weight of change in their life, who’s watched family split and change, or who appreciates the magic of unicorns and the comfort they bring, will find something to relate to in this book. 

Written for middle-grade students, this book is a reminder that change is inevitable and constant, but a person can be resilient enough to weather the storm and write a positive conclusion to their story. 

Sara Rigotti is a student at the University of Ottawa and a board member of the Writers’ Community of Durham Region.

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The Bloodstone Thief
written by Sabina Khan
Scholastic Press, 2025
978-1-338-82939-6 (hc) $26.99
978-1-338-82941-9 (ebook) $19.99
for Grades 4 to 8

Fiction | Fantasy | Identity | Family | Culture

Laila Habib is relieved to know she has only one year left in Texas before she and her family can return home to Mumbai. Unfortunately, what should be a celebratory last birthday in Texas turns into a disaster for Laila. Her mother announces she’s extended her work contract and, in turn, their stay. To make matters worse, that night, Laila accidentally releases a vindictive jinn who kidnaps her father. With her mother and grandmother believing Laila’s dad is on a business trip, Laila is left on her own to find her father in what she was raised to believe was a mythical land—Qaf.

The Bloodstone Thief is a fast-paced adventure that celebrates culture and identity. The protagonist’s authentic voice and quick wit add humour to this heartfelt coming-of-age fantasy. Readers will explore a colourful hero’s quest inspired by Islamic mythology, featuring an array of engaging characters—from disgruntled cousins to magic carpets. The unveiling of family secrets and plot twists makes for an engaging read.

Khan draws young readers into a beautiful, fantastical world while exploring themes of courage, determination, and belonging. The Bloodstone Thief is a story of discovering one’s inner magic and purpose. The novel sets the stage for more adventures with Laila as she balances her regular life with magical quests in Qaf. This is a great exploration of a newcomer experience through the eyes of a young, strong female protagonist.

Mellissa Connolly is an English teacher specializing in alternative education.

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Breaking the Ice
written by Natalie Blitt
Scholastic Inc., 2025
979-8-225-00399-9 (pb) $12.99
979-8-225-02906-7 (ebook) $9.99
for Grades 3 to 7

Fiction | Sports and Hockey | Friendship | Forgiveness | Prejudice

While Harper loves her job whipping up delicious new hot chocolate recipes at the snack shack at her local ice rink, it isn't the same as being on the ice playing hockey. Harper can barely remember a time in her life when she wasn't playing hockey, either with her older brothers on their backyard rink or in this very arena, captaining their girls' hockey team. But that all changed after the accident. The accident in which she gave her best friend, Bea, a concussion. The accident which made her afraid that she was too competitive to control herself on the ice. But when she and Jason D'Andre, a famous figure skater and new boy in town, strike up a friendship and both are asked to participate in a mentorship program, Harper reluctantly is drawn back into the world of hockey.  And with Jason, Bea, and her plucky mentee Bronte cheering her on, Harper begins to forgive herself, rediscover her passion, and find the courage to get back out on the ice.

This book explores a number of themes that will resonate with young athletes, specifically, as well as more universal themes of healing, self-acceptance and finding the strength to forgive oneself and let go of guilt. Harper's guidance and advice to Bronte through the mentorship program, along with Jason's observations as he opens up about his experiences as a young figure skater, will give readers an intriguing look at the culture of professional sports.  

As Harper’s friends try to get her to see that one accident does not define her as a person or as a hockey player, Blitt also invites readers to recognize that truth. Harper's loving, close-knit family, her friendship with Bea, and the sweet, tender budding relationship between Harper and Jason are heartwarming elements of the story.

Lisa Doucet is the Manager of Woozles in Halifax.

* * *

I Won't Feel This Way Forever
written by Kim Spencer
Orca Book Publishers, 2025
978-1-4598-3820-8 (pb) $14.95
978-1-4598-4318-9 (ebook) $11.99
for Grades 4 and up

Fiction | Family | Death | Grief | Indigenous Culture | Friendship | Identity

It has been a strange year for Mia as she adjusted to the loss of her best friend, Lara, and to the way that their relationship changed so dramatically. So she is relieved now that the school year is ending. But Mia's summer doesn't turn out as she would have hoped. Although she enjoys learning how to jar fish with her aunts and cousins, everything changes when Grandma needs to go to a hospital in Vancouver. There, she is diagnosed with cancer. Mia, her mother and Aunties go to Vancouver to be with Grandma. After surgery and seemingly endless weeks of waiting for Grandma to get better, they learn that the surgery didn't succeed in removing all the cancer. Mia, her mother, and all of her aunts, uncles, and cousins band together during all of this to support one another. Now, faced with a loss that looms larger than anything else she could ever imagine, nothing else matters to Mia.

In short chapters and straightforward prose, Mia's first-person account of the events of this momentous summer is genuine and heartfelt. She simply and candidly portrays her close-knit family, who all pitch in to help in whatever ways they can. As readers learn about the trials that Mia's grandmother endured throughout her life, they will marvel, as Mia does, at the strength and stoicism of her beloved grandma.

Author Kim Spencer depicts Mia's relationship with her grandmother and the deep bond among all her family members with keen insight and warmth. Mia recognizes the many ways in which the Indigenous customs, culture, and traditions she has grown up with set her apart from people like her former best friend, Lara, but also provide a source of comfort during sad times.

A beautiful, heartfelt story of a family pulling together in the most challenging of times.

Lisa Doucet 

* * *

Jurassic Farm
(Paisley & Peck, Book 1) 
written by J. Torres
illustrated by Mike Deas
OwlKids Books, 2025
978-1-77147-640-9 (hc) $19.95
978-1-77147-759-8 (ebook) $12.99
for Grades 1 to 4
 
Graphic Novel | Barnyard Animals | Self-Discovery
 
Paisley, a very confident young pig, enjoys the finer things in life. He dreams of becoming a food critic when he grows up, tasting delicious meals from the finest restaurants and food trucks around. His best friend Peck, however, isn’t quite sure about his future as the barnyard alarm clock, particularly as a cockerel who isn’t fond of early mornings. With encouragement from Turnip the mouse, the friends discover that chickens evolved from dinosaurs, which prompts Peck into testing out a series of Jurassic identities that seriously disrupt life on the farm. 
 
Young readers will enjoy the funny banter between various barnyard characters, particularly the quips from the surly swine family. With colourful, creative panel layouts and plenty of hilarious facial expressions, the illustrations help bring this journey of self-discovery to life. This book shows us what can happen when identity diverges from expectations. Bravery and determination, along with a few solid and supportive friendships, can make all the difference. 

Although Peck’s headfirst dive into his new dino identity goes slightly overboard at first, his friends are there to help him sort through his options and gently nudge him in the right direction. Paisley and Peck set an excellent example for kids trying to figure out their path in life and for those who encourage them along the way. 

Danny Neville

* * *

My Sister the Werebeast
written and illustrated by Alina Tysoe
First Second, 2025
978-1-2508-9669-8 (hc) $33.99
978-1-2508-9668-1 (pb) $20.99 
978-1-2504-5141-5 (ebook) $13.99
for Grades 3 to 6

Graphic Novel | Fantasy | Siblings | Adventure | Magic | Supernatural | Responsibility

In the prologue of My Sister the Werebeast, a quirky and heart-warming new graphic novel by Alina Tysoe, readers learn that hundreds of years ago, the world belonged to magicians. Now long gone, they grew arrogant and fought each other in a hundred-year war, leaving others to rise from the ashes of the old world to build a new one—without magic. It’s here, in a sleepy city called Whisper Cove, that readers meet Mira and Rosie and their sister, Peanut, an adorable preschooler with vibrant blue hair and a mischievous grin. 

At first glance, Whisper Cove looks like a community readers might recognize, with rows of houses, an outdoor market, and a high school. However, with great attention to the smallest of details, Tysoe quickly reveals small idiosyncrasies in her colourful illustrations—unfamiliar and whimsical creatures, ancient contraptions, and traces of a mysterious past can be spotted in each chapter.

At more than 300 pages, My Sister the Werebeast is an epic journey in which Mira and Rosie find themselves in charge of Peanut while their parents are on an expedition of their own, hoping to discover ancient ruins. This in itself would be no small task; however, there’s something strange happening to Peanut. She’s super strong, can set things on fire, and can even fly. That doesn’t even include the menacing blue creature she becomes when experiencing big emotions! Mira and Rosie need to find the source of Peanut’s power, and figure out how to keep it under control—all while trying to reach their goal of getting into the Adventure Academy. It becomes quickly evident that this is too much responsibility for two teenagers. 

Fast-paced from its very first page, My Sister the Werebeast combines the supernatural with playful and relatable sibling antics. Told through humorous dialogue spoken by vibrant characters, it’s deeply funny, while also navigating more difficult themes like responsibility, anxiety, and loyalty. It excels through Tysoe’s world-building, immersing young readers in a world quite different from their own while offering many opportunities to forge meaningful connections to their lived experiences. 

Jessica Rose is a writer, reviewer and editor in Hamilton, Ontario.

* * *

Nightmare Jones
written by Shannon Bramer
illustrated by Cindy Derby
Groundwood Books, 2025
978-1-77306-946-3 (hc) $16.99
978-1-77306-947-0 (ebook) $14.99
for Grades 4 to 7

Poetry | Monsters | Horror | Ghost Stories 

All manner of terrifying, grotesque, and generally horrid monsters and things appear in the 28 poems that complete this collection by award-winning poet Shannon Bramer. In a brief preface, the author confesses that she keeps a catalogue of her monsters. Mainly in free verse, the poems take the middle-grade reader into dark and eerie places that may delight as much as frighten. Lead poem, “Nightmare Jones” begins: “Nightmare Jones comes to town / with a bit of blood on his shoe…”  “Chatterbox” has a drawer full of teeth but doesn’t brush his own. There’s a “Ghost in the Mirror,” and “Dollhouse Spiders,” and worms and a witch’s garden, among the ghoulish places. Bramer’s use of language and placement of words create vivid images. “Always Here” begins:

He rocks in my chair 
         creeks on the stairs
our old tabby     Trinket             jumps
         high in the air

“The Scariest Word I Know” is one of shortest and most haunting and unsettling poems of all:

The scariest word I know is home.
The saddest word I know is home.
The only word I know is home.
I lost home.
I forgive home.
I miss home. And then I don’t.

Home, let me go.

Accompanying these nightmarish and enigmatic poems are equally quirky and outlandish illustrations by Cindy Derby, executed in powdered graphite, watercolour, gouache, colour-burst powder, and pastels. Colour burst is quite apt. Like Rorschach inkblots, the illustrations suggest imagery, impressions, but with the addition of wild splashes of colour. This is especially evident in “Four Seasons in a Witch’s Garden.” Loose brush strokes suggest much. The Chatterbox’s teeth are lined up at the bottom of the page in a grotesque row. The dollhouse spider’s manse is straight out of a horror movie, with a very large and scary spider presiding over it all.

For those who love the feeling of a chill down their spine, this is the collection that will deliver. It is imaginative, uncanny, thrilling, and oddly fun to read.

Theo Heras

* * *

A Promise to Protect
written by Nikki Bergstresser
Heritage House, 2025
978-1-7720-3543-8 (pb) $14.95
for Grades 3 to 7

Fiction | Activism and Social Justice | Death | Self-Esteem

Thirteen-year-old Sidney lives in the picturesque town of Cedar Grove with her parents, younger brother Riley, and her beloved Aunt Jess. When Aunt Jess dies suddenly, Sidney struggles to cope with her grief, and she discovers a re-zoning plan to clear-cut old-growth forest. Just when all seems lost, Sidney learns that help can come from unexpected places. Following in her Aunt Jess’ footsteps, Sidney, Riley, her best friend Piper, and an unexpected ally work together to rally the town to save their forest. 

A Promise to Protect explores how someone can turn their grief into something good and help a loved one’s memory live on. It also examines the importance of friendship, family, and community connections, and how these pieces can come together to create impactful change. A Promise to Protect shows readers that, although they may be young, they have the power to do great things with far-reaching impact, and that the road to success isn’t always straightforward or easy. And that sometimes patience and understanding can go a long way.

Sidney is a bright young person, but does come across as being older in the narration. However, A Promise to Protect is good for readers who want to make the world a better place, but don’t believe they are worthy of being heard because they are young. 

Meagan Richards started her library career in public libraries and quickly developed a soft spot for junior and YA literature through collection development and programming. She continues to read YA titles regularly in her spare time.

* * *

Time Surfers
written and illustrated by Kevin Sylvester
HarperCollins Canada, 2025
978-1-4434-7506-8 (hc) $24.99
978-1-4434-7507-5 (ebook) $11.99
for Grades 3 to 7

Fiction | Grief | Healing | Family | Independence | Time Travel | History

Kevin Sylvester, award-winning author and illustrator of numerous popular titles—including the 2024 Silver Birch Fiction Award-winner Apartment 713—delivers another captivating middle-grade adventure with Time Surfers. The story follows John Fisher, a single father and veteran “time surfer,” and his son as they embark on missions to recover lost cultural treasures from history. Haunted by the mysterious death of his wife, John must balance the dangers of time travel with the challenges of parenting, especially as his son begins to assert his independence.

When a routine mission goes awry, father and son are thrust into perilous situations that demand clever problem-solving, teamwork, and tough choices. The evolving family dynamic is authentic and touching, with the son’s journey toward independence feeling natural and compelling. Suspenseful plot twists and ethical dilemmas are woven seamlessly into the fast-paced narrative, emphasizing the importance of preserving history without slowing the action.

Short chapters, crisp dialogue, and well-placed illustrations keep the story moving, making it highly engaging for readers who enjoy action, adventure, and creative problem-solving. The book supports discussions about history, ethics, and teamwork, but at its heart, it is an imaginative, edge-of-your-seat adventure that young readers will devour. 

As the first entry in a promising series, Time Surfers introduces high-stakes, memorable characters and a framework that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next instalment.

Rachel Seigel has worked in the children’s book world for 25 years and has a passion for children’s and YA books. She is currently the Sales and Distribution Manager at Page Two Books.

* * *

YA/Teen

Bad in the Blood 
written by Matteo L. Cerilli
Tundra Books, 2025
978-1-7748-8233-7 (hc) $26.99
978-1-7748-8234-4 (ebook) $11.99
978-1-7748-8238-2 (audiobook) $26.99
for Grades 9 and up

Fiction | Family | Fantasy | Crime | Noir | Detective | 2SLGBTQIA+ | Coming of Age | Magic | Faerie 

Threats at a wild fey dancing club, murder and mayhem in the rough dockyards, a school that trains fey children to resist their magic, and the long shadow of the massacre at the Summer Fayre. These are just a few of the challenges for stepsiblings Hawthorne Stregoni and Gristle Senan Maxim Jr., orphans with infamous parents. Hawthorne can barely keep her fiery magic in check, and Gristle is tired of looking out for her. They are oddballs and outcasts in a society that fears and pathologizes difference. When they are pulled into a dangerous investigation which dredges up their past personal tragedy, the outcome will determine the future for fey and humans alike. Gristle reluctantly takes up the family trade to work as a private detective, juggling the interests of family, law enforcement, politicians, and the charismatic fey who owns the Dogfoot Club. Layer upon layer of secrets and deceptions are revealed, until almost everything Hawthorne and Gristle believed about their lives has been disrupted. 

The sheer commitment, ambition, and imagination of this lively novel are impressive. Matteo L. Cerilli thrusts readers into the complex culture of Dale and its surrounding territories without bland explanations. World-building happens organically as the noir-tinged mystery/fantasy slowly unfurls. The city of Puck’s Port and its inhabitants feel real, with customs and history infused into every element of the plot and characters. The fey are required to hide their true selves and face daily prejudice and intimidation—a powerful and apposite statement about the challenges for transgender, queer, and neurodivergent people in our own time.

Kris Rothstein is an editor, cultural critic and literary agent in Vancouver, BC. 

* * *

The Dark Cove Theatre Society
written by Sierra Marilyn Riley
Annick Press, 2025
978-1-83402-008-2 (hc) $25.99
978-1-83402-009-9 (pb) $19.99
978-1-83402-010-5 (ebook) $14.99
for Grades 9 and up

Fiction | Boarding School | Theatre | 2SLGBTQIA+ | Mental Illness
 
Coming into a new year at the exclusive Dark Cove Arts Academy, 16-year-old Violet Costantino has the odds stacked against her. Her scholarship took a significant hit, and she was the subject of unwanted school-wide attention after her mid-monologue panic attack the year before. So this year, Violet’s goal is to keep her head down, switch to playwriting instead of performing, and make it to the end without any more attention. But the school has other plans, as she is cast as one of the leads in the annual Halloween play alongside her ex-crush, Hunter Kinsey, and her archnemesis, Frankie Lin. Surprisingly, rehearsals go well, but lurking in the shadows are rumours of the Dark Cove Theatre Society curse. As strange coincidences and ghostly incidents occur, Violet becomes convinced that she will be this year’s victim—and that the school, behind its ivy-clad walls, holds more secrets than she realized.

Sierra Marilyn Riley crafts a modern queer gothic classic, set in an isolated boarding school on an island off the coast of British Columbia. Written from the perspective of the main character, Riley melds the modern world and all its teenage trials into the undertones of a (possibly) haunted, century-old school.

This standalone novel will enthrall and delight theatre lovers and gothic literary fans alike. With the typical format of a novel interspersed with commentary footnotes, theatre scripts, and appendices, the pages of this novel are filled with interpersonal thoughts, pop and classic culture references, and ghosts. It’s an ideal story for the nervous fledgling actor, the self-realizing queer individual, and the average supernatural investigator. Written for a young adult audience, this novel is a beacon of confidence, both on the stage and off.

Sara Rigotti

* * *

A Dark Forgetting
written by Kristen Ciccarelli
Wednesday Books, 2025
978-1-250-40794-8 (pb) $21.00
for Grades 9 and up

Fiction | Fantasy | Sacrifice | Memory and Identity | Grief | Love | Power | Choice and Consequence

Seventeen-year-old Emeline Lark has long tried to escape the superstitions of Edgewood, her forest-shrouded hometown where magic and memory intertwine. But when her beloved grandfather disappears, leaving behind a mysterious token, Emeline returns to the woods to find him. There she encounters Hawthorne Fell, the enigmatic tithe collector who enforces the forest’s ancient bargains. When Emeline discovers her grandfather has become a tithe to the feared Wood King, she strikes her own dangerous deal—sacrificing her voice to save him. As haunting visions overtake her each time she sings, Emeline must unravel the truth behind the forest’s curse, her family’s past, and the price of love itself.

Kristen Ciccarelli, author of the award-winning Iskari series, delivers a dark romantic fantasy steeped in atmosphere and mystery. The music motif—songs as conduits of memory and power—adds emotional resonance, while the recurring visions weave a compelling undercurrent of suspense that ties together beautifully by the novel’s end. The slow world-building enriches the mythic setting and gives weight to the themes of love, loss, and agency, but the pacing may test some readers’ patience. For those expecting high-action fantasy, the story’s rewards come gradually, and the tension unfolds more slowly than some readers might like. 

Emeline is a sympathetic and determined heroine whose courage anchors the novel. Her evolving romance with Hawthorne—duty-bound and morally conflicted—adds emotional tension and raises questions about love, loyalty, and the cost of doing what’s right.

With its lyrical prose, brooding atmosphere, and focus on emotional rather than physical stakes, A Dark Forgetting will captivate readers drawn to Holly Black’s Folk of the Air series and other lush tales of fae bargains, forbidden love, and the high cost of magic.

Rachel Seigel

* * *

He's So Possessed With Me
written by Corey Liu
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2025
978-0-31657-184-5 (hc) $25.99
978-0-31657-186-9 (ebook) $16.99
for Grades 9 and up

Fiction | Horror | Fantasy | Friendship | 2SLGBTQIA+ | Humour | Love

Colin likes things the way they are; he just wants to quietly finish high school and watch Sailor Moon with his best friend, Ren. As the two friends near the end of the school year, something terrible happens that shakes Colin’s world. Ren falls in love. Colin’s left trying to pick up the pieces as his friend starts to become someone unrecognizable, someone who has lost his love of colour and sparkle, and everything that made him the guy Colin once knew. With the help of some unexpected allies, Colin must step out of his own head to try to save his best friend from an unspeakable evil.

Corey Liu’s debut novel explores problematic relationships through campy horror. His humour and accessible writing style will leave the reader cheering for Colin and fearing for Ren from the moment things start to go sideways. Colin’s self-deprecating, self-conscious view of the world is challenged by characters who have a more realistic understanding of the value he brings, mirroring real-life teen relationships beautifully. 

Through the lens of horror, Liu addresses Colin’s fears of being alone, unloved, and outgrown by those around him. It is remarkably relatable, including the way that he is challenged with trying to support a friend who is an abusive relationship, albeit with a supernatural being. The way that Liu explores the nuance of romantic relationships—be it gay, bisexual, lesbian, or straight—is rich and does not fall into stereotypes about love and sexuality.

Ashley Pamenter is a volunteer with the Ontario Library Association’s Forest of Reading program. She also co-hosts the virtual author visit series for the Cobourg Public Library. In her day job, she is the National Senior Manager for Programs and Outdoor Experiences at Girl Guides of Canada (Guides du Canada). 

* * *

I’m Here: YA Stories of Identity
edited by Beverley Brenna
Red Deer Press, 2025
978-0-88995-774-9 (pb) $21.95
for Grades 7 and up

Fiction | Short Stories | Diverse Perspectives | Identity Exploration | Emotions and Feelings  

The complexities of identity are often front of mind for teen readers. They are at a vulnerable moment in their lives where every decision they make about how they present themselves to the world feels like it’s on display for all to see. Beverley Brenna seeks to explore the nuances of this topic in I’m Here: YA Stories of Identity. This collection brings together 19 short stories designed to help the reader to think “more deeply about identity and what that word actually means.” Unlike other collections that focus on a single facet of identity, each story explores the nuance that comes with conversations about how someone can identify. Some stories explore gender, others race, and others look at how identity can play a role in the relationships two people share. 

Throughout I’m Here, readers can explore slice-of-life moments with relatable characters and experience them through the lens of different genres and writing styles. From horror to humour, silly to serious, mythological to magical realism, any reader can find a story for themselves in this collection. It’s a true testament to the topic that Brenna did not limit readers to one way of experiencing short stories but opened them to mini moments of depth in each one. Brenna keeps the layers coming by bringing together authors with varied lived experiences themselves. These authors infused their past careers, passions, and realities into each story, leaving readers wanting more after each tale.     
 
Ashley Pamenter

* * *

Love on Planet A
written by Christina Minaki
Lorimer, 2025
978-1-4594-2038-0 (hc) $27.99
978-1-4594-2037-3 (pb) $19.95
978-1-4594-2039-7 (ebook) $9.99
for Grades 7 and up

Fiction | Ableism | Activism | Friendship | Romance | Coming of Age

Lydia, the novel's main character, is a passionate young woman. She cares deeply about trees and the environment in general. Another topic close to her heart is how society treats those with disabilities. Therefore, Lydia is determined to fight both climate change and ableism. 

Fortunately, Lydia has friends and family who support her completely and help her mentally, emotionally and physically. Her dad and her Aunt Sophie are pillars of strength for Lydia, and friends like Holly, Dorian, and Luke stand by her, even when things get tough.

Lydia also deals with typical teen issues. The novel is set against a backdrop of high school and rehearsing Fiddler on the Roof, the school’s drama presentation. The ups and downs of love are part of the plot, too. Can you love your best friend but just be friends? What happens to friendship when someone else comes along for one or both partners?  

This Lorimer novel has a 3.7 reading level and is ideal for young adult readers who want teen content at an easier reading level. They will find much to admire as Lydia works to manage her disability while also fighting to make the world around her a better place for everyone.

Ann Ketcheson is a retired teacher-librarian and high school teacher of English and French who lives in Ottawa.

* * *

Quiet Crossings
written and illustrated by Vivi Partridge 
Conundrum Press, 2025
978-1-772-62113-6 (pb) $20.00
for Grades 7 and up

Graphic Novel | Fantasy | 2SLGBTQIA+ | Loss | Grief 

Teenager Selena is spending her summer working at a small inn for room and board. Standing on the edge of the world, the inn serves as a cross point before visitors board the ferry for the great unknown. No one has ever come back from the great unknown, and no one knows what’s really there. Selena spends her days working and fixing the truck that could take her back home to the city. As the summer progresses, Selena makes connections with those around her while the reality of the great unknown looms over her. 

Thought-provoking and uniquely told, Quiet Crossings is an exploration of grief, loss and the different types of journeys we embark on. The small mushroom spirits that witness the story provide a sense of whimsy and humour that contrasts with the heavier themes. The story features a diverse cast of characters, and Charon communicates with ASL, with text translation.  

A fantasy story and an allegory for life and loss, Quiet Crossings is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that readers won’t want to end.

Em Hunter has worked in publishing for over a decade—including four years at the CCBC. They live in Toronto with their very fluffy cat. 

* * *

Separated from Santo: The True Story of an Italian-Canadian Internee During the Second World War
written by Brian Barazzuol
illustrated by Cam Drysdale
Heritage House, 2025
978-1-7720-3562-9 (pb) $24.95 
for Grades 7 and up

Graphic Novel | History | Family | World War II | Displacement | Italian Canadians | Isolation | Mental Health | Remembrance 

Separated from Santo begins in the present day, at a coffee shop, where author Brian Barazzuol and his friend Cam Drysdale meet for coffee. It’s here that Barazzuol shares the story of his great-grandparents, Santo and Alice Pasqualini, who were separated during the Second World War when Santo was arrested and sent to an internment camp. 

“This would make an outstanding graphic novel,” said Drysdale, an animator who has worked on various productions, including X-Men, Inspector Gadget, and Dennis the Menace. Drysdale began sketching Santo, Alice, and the internment camps as Barazzuol watched his family’s story come to life. 

Moving back and forth through time, Separated from Santo follows Santo and Alice as they leave their home in Italy, escaping Mussolini’s fascist regime. Together, they root themselves in East Vancouver, opening a bakery and welcoming two children. However, their happiness is brief. Santo became one of approximately 600 Italian Canadians who were detained and interned in work camps, and the trauma of the separation led to Alice’s hospitalization for deteriorating mental health. With nowhere else to go, their children, Lena and Lino, are sent to live with other families.

Told through Drysdale’s sepia illustrations, Separated from Santo also benefits from primary documents gathered through Barazzuol’s research. Santo and Alice’s marriage certificate, family photos, and a portrait of Santo drawn by a fellow internee in Kananaskis, Alberta, are included, as well as several letters and Santo’s release papers. These artifacts will deepen young readers’ understanding of a turbulent time in Canadian history while also encouraging them to reflect on their own family stories. Other helpful text features include a glossary, bibliography, and—most powerfully—a 2024 interview between Barazzuol and his great-uncle, Lino Pasqualini, Santo’s son. 

While Separated from Santo is a story about the unfair treatment of Italian Canadians told through one individual who was horribly mistreated, it equally centres the often missing narrative of women and children on the home front. Exploring themes such as mental health and the lasting impact of trauma, Separated from Santo offers many opportunities for young readers to draw comparisons between the past and the present. Though Santo passed away many years before Barazzuol had the opportunity to know him, his story will undoubtedly continue to educate a young generation of readers. 

Jessica Rose

* * *

Wavelength 
written by Cale Plett
Groundwood Books, 2025
978-1-77946-029-5 (pb) $18.99
978-1-77946-030-1 (ebook) $16.99
for Grades 9 and up

Fiction | 2SLGBTQIA+ | Music |  Gender Fluidity | Friendship | Romance | Fame

On the run from an airtight contract with Channel, Sasha, one half of the duo Admirer, is determined to live a normal life in an unknown town. This is their chance to reinvent themselves and live authentically, and to distance themselves from the mess their brother Augustus is in. Then they meet Quinn, Cyprus, and Lillian, members of the band Wavelength, and the music draws them back in. But new friendships with three of the most genuine people they've ever met, as well as a budding romance, just remind Sasha that their lies are mounting up, and Channel will catch up with them eventually.

Right from the start, Plett draws characters that are wonderfully complex and heart-warming. On the flip side of Sasha’s endeavour to break away from the heteronormative, binary construct that the Channel forces on them is Lillian’s struggle to recover from a breakup she may have forced on herself.

Complicating things is the fact that Emilia, her ex, was part of the band, leaving a gap that needs to be filled. When Quinn befriends Sasha and brings them into the group, the fit is undeniable, but it feels like deja vu as Lillian and Sasha start falling for each other, potentially putting the band in flux again.

As the book progresses, witnessing the arc of Sasha’s blossoming into who they are inside is wondrous. It actually hurts that they have to hide their past from their new friends to protect them when, in other ways, they’re living the most authentic life they've ever had.

Plett carefully balances this joy of discovery and self-exploration with the tension of the shoe that the Channel is about to drop. But when Sasha does have to reconcile with their past, it still feels like a sucker punch to the gut.

A worthwhile and important addition to any high school rainbow reads section.

Amy Mathers is the founder of the Amy Mathers Teen Book Award.

* * *

We Bury Nothing
written by Kate Blair
DCB Young Readers, 2025
978-1-77086-802-1 (pb) $16.95
978-1-77086-803-8 (ebook) $15.99 
for Grades 8 and up

Fiction | World War II | Death | 2SLGBTQIA+

Kate Blair’s novel We Bury Nothing follows two main characters who lived over 80 years apart. The first of which is Erich Stein, a young German soldier who is captured by the Allies in 1943. He is then imprisoned at Camp 43 in Canada. While at the camp, Erich begins to reflect and untangle the truths about Germany and the loyalty he felt to Hitler as a soldier.

Keira Martin is a 17-year-old student who was chosen for an internship at a museum that is built on the site of the former prison Camp 43. Keira begins her research project, which revolves around solving the murder of Erich Stein. Kiera sees this internship as an opportunity to win a scholarship given by Peter Hopper. However, this academic pursuit becomes deadly when her research intern dies tragically, and Keira connects her death to the death of Erich. This garners the attention of Peter Hopper, who, Kiera learns, is not just a benevolent donor. As Kiera discovers Hopper has used his authority and influence to push his anti-2SLGBTQIA+ beliefs, which parallel the fascist bigotry that was present in Erich’s Nazi Germany. Keira solves Erich’s death while asserting herself and standing up for her friends. Kiera and her friends take a stand against anti-2SLGBTQIA+ discrimination so history will not repeat itself. 

Kate Blair has built a mystery around the seldom-discussed facts of Canadian history during WWII. She ties current issues of extremist right-wing thinking and shows us that, like her characters, it takes just one voice to stand up and say no more to bigotry. 

Christine O’Sullivan is a secondary school teacher-librarian in Brantford, Ontario.

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When Life Gives You Demons 
written by Jennifer Honeybourn
Swoon Reads, 2025
978-1-25015-823-9 (pb) $17.99
978-1-25015-822-2 (ebook) $13.99
for Grades 7 and up

Fiction | Friendship | First Love | Demons | Exorcism | Protecting Family

Shelby's life is pretty average—crushing on Spencer, the guy who tutors her, hanging out with her best friend Vanessa, and, oh yeah, training and exorcising demons with her priest Uncle Roy in her free time. Perhaps Shelby's life isn't so average as she hides this big secret from her friends and tries to help Uncle Roy protect Seattle from the opening of a portal to hell and an influx of demons. But Shelby isn't the only one with secrets, and the ones of those around her are life-changing. 

Lovely and page-turning, Honeybourn brings a good dose of humour to supernatural situations. While some students might imagine their teachers are possessed, Shelby actually has one who is, and it’s her job to help remedy the situation. Through this guise of demon hunting, Shelby deals with abandonment, develops confidence in herself and her abilities, and is authentic with her friends and loved ones.

What is truly endearing about Shelby’s story is the characters and relationships it includes. From a gentle first love situation that ends up reminding Shelby she can trust and confide in others, to her best friendship with Vanessa, who is there for her no matter what, to her complex relationship with her guardian/mentor Uncle Roy, who is her safety net from being without family.

Despite the challenges she faces, Shelby remains a plucky character who, at times, shows a wisdom beyond her years. She takes what Uncle Roy throws at her and is confident she can do more. On top of intense exorcism training, Shelby juggles school and a bit of a social life, all the while keeping an eye out for Uncle Roy’s well-being.

A fun and enjoyable read, Shelby is a character who will find her way into readers' hearts.

Amy Mathers 

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Non-Fiction

Adventures in Math: How to Level Up Your Math Game
written by Carleigh Wu
illustrated by Sean Simpson
Kids Can Press, 2025
978-1-5253-1132-1 (hc) $21.99 
978-1-5253-1308-0 (ebook) $15.99
for Grades 4 to 8

Non-Fiction | Mathematics | Resilience

Carleigh Wu's Adventures in Math is a much-needed pep talk for anyone who doubts their math ability. Using evidence-based techniques and encouraging language, this book demystifies mathematics and builds confidence for those willing to put in the effort. Wu employs growth mindset principles, likening the process of doing math to an adventure through the jungle. Each chapter begins with an obstacle, from navigating a raging river to getting through dense fog, underscoring that nothing is insurmountable—in the jungle or in math. She includes relatable stories from successful mathematicians about their struggles, encouraging readers to "zoom out" and see the larger picture, which often makes a problem easier to solve. Wu also champions learning from mistakes, the benefits of debriefing, and the power of teamwork. Chapters conclude with engaging questions to challenge students to think differently.

Sean Simpson's expressive illustrations make the book relatable and more appealing to younger readers. While Adventures in Math is a must-read for anyone intimidated by numbers, this reviewer notes that it may be difficult to get the children who need to read this book to pick it up on their own. This book is best used as a coaching tool for educators, teachers, and parents seeking a fresh approach to tackling math problems. With the right perspective, readers will see that math can be an exhilarating adventure filled with logic, creativity, and the power to solve any problem. Highly recommended for school and public library collections.

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

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Birds Life Size: Up Close and Personal with 47 Bird Species
written by Chris Earley
Firefly Books, 2025
978-0-2281-0487-2 (hc) $29.95
for Grades 4 to 7

Non-Fiction | Birds | Habitats | Species | Habits  

This appealing, informative title introduces the reader to the extraordinarily wide-ranging world of wild birds. A large, colourful book, it demonstrates the dramatic diversity within the bird population, revealing the unique features of 47 specific varieties. Species range from common to obscure, but all reside in North America for at least part of the year. Chris Earley, a biologist, ably conveys multiple intriguing facts on habitat, diet and breeding habits. Even more astonishing are descriptions of behavioural adaptations to environmental conditions and physical accommodations that aid survival, such as adapted beaks, feathers, eyes, and feet.

Whether it’s the Trumpeter Swan, North America’s heaviest flying bird with enormous feet perfect for incubating their large clutches of eggs or the tiny Calliope Hummingbird, the weight of three paperclips that lays eggs the size of blueberries, the facts provided are awe-inspiring. With one double-page spread per bird variety, the layout is attractive and easy to browse, with information boxes and abundant colourful stock photos, some being life-size.

The pages describing specific birds are interspersed with sections discussing the scientific value of bird classification and measurement. There are also sections to encourage children to study birds, become bird watchers and find simple ways they can help birdlife. 

Replete with hundreds of fascinating facts and colourful pictures, this title is great for casual browsing or in-depth study. An essential purchase for school, public and individual collections that is bound to spark enthusiasm in young readers. 

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

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Burst Your Bubble! Outsmart the Algorithms and See What You're Missing
written by Joyce Grant
illustrated by Jan Dolby
Owlkids Books, 2025
978-1-77147-712-3 (hc) $22.95
978-1-77147-761-1 (ebook) $12.99
for Grades 3 to 7

Non-Fiction | Social Media | Information Filtering and Bias | Media Literacy | Diversity, Inclusion and Critical Thought

Burst Your Bubble! is a fascinating, accessible, clever and timely adventure through the world of information bubbles, social media and internet algorithms. It examines the importance of: welcoming new and different information, experiences and people; expanding your restricted worldview; and breaking out of your oh-so-limited bubble (or “cave”).

Award-winning author Joyce Grant has a knack for taking complex topics and distilling them into digestible bites of information that resonate with young readers and make learning fun. Burst Your Bubble! is no exception. Readers find out exactly what information bubbles are, what algorithms are, who creates them and why they were invented; what influences real-life and virtual bubbles; and why and how to burst a personal information bubble. Penned in a highly engaging tone, Burst Your Bubble! provides myriad insights into the hazards of limited information, shares the importance of “creative discovery,” and offers many practical tips and sound advice on how to shift away from finite viewpoints and embrace diversity.

Fact-packed sidebars provide additional context and intriguing facts, while creative activities and exercises help young readers to understand current concepts and terms (such as “confirmation bias” and “information silo”), “retrain” their brain and broaden their perspective. 

Internationally published artist Jan Dolby has excelled in creating original, playful and colourful worlds on each page, deftly enhancing the text and enticing further reading and learning. Dolby’s visuals are relatable, energetic and age-appropriate, and expertly complement the information laid out on the captivating double-page spreads.

At 44 pages and complete with a handy table of contents, a glossary, an index, a conclusion, an author’s note and a helpful resources list, this original must-read guide is an indispensable addition to any home, school or public library and will undoubtedly spark meaningful conversation after every read. 

Prepare to emerge from your narrow comfort zone, burst your own personal bubble of information and, in turn, be enlightened, inspired, rewarded and delighted! As Grant so aptly states in her conclusion: “Will we remain inside the comfort of our caves, or will we burst out, to bravely seek the wonders we’ve been missing? It’s up to us!” Very highly recommended.

Jennifer D. Foster

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Feeling Your Feelings: The Head-To-Toe Science of Emotions
written by Tanya Lloyd Kyi
illustrated by Phil Nicholls
Kids Can Press, 2025
978-1-5253-1127-7 (hc) $19.99
978-1-5253-1351-6 (ebook) $15.99 
for Grades 4-8

Non-Fiction | Emotions | Physiology | Human Body

Tanya Lloyd Kyi’s latest book is a guide to how our bodies process emotions. It takes readers on a fascinating journey from head to toe, revealing how our emotions are not just abstract mental states but tangible, physiological experiences deeply rooted in our bodies. The book's greatest strength is its ability to blend hard science with relatable, everyday examples, illustrating concepts like the "fight or flight" response, the chemistry of love, and the physical toll of stress in a way that resonates with young readers. Kyi also offers practical ways to manage common physiological responses to emotions, such as knocking knees and rapid breathing. Readers will find themselves equipped with a new vocabulary to describe their feelings and a newfound respect for their body's intricate wisdom.

Phil Nicholls’s amusing cartoon images help keep the book's content approachable for adolescents who are becoming more self-aware and experiencing strong emotions. The illustrations help readers not just understand the “how” of their emotions but also bring a lightness and humour to the topic, encouraging them to accept and sit with all their feelings.

Feeling Your Feelings is recommended for public libraries and for readers who would like to better understand their emotions. It's a powerful reminder that our feelings are a fundamental part of our human experience, and by listening to what our bodies are telling us, we can navigate the world with greater clarity and compassion. 

Krista Jorgensen

* * *

The Gland Factory: A Tour of Your Body’s Goops, Juices, and Hormones
written by Rachel Poliquin
illustrated by Clayton Hanmer
Greystone Kids, 2025
978-1-77840-098-8 (hc) $26.95
978-1-77840-099-5 (ebook) $21.99
for Grades 5 to 8

Non-Fiction | Human Body | Biology | Humour

Get ready for another weird and wonderful trip inside the human body from the creative duo who brought you The Museum of Odd Body Leftovers. The Gland Factory offers an up-close and personal tour of the many marvellous glands that send messages (endocrine glands) and secrete goop (exocrine glands) to help keep our bodies healthy and regulated. A chatty gland factory boss and deputy host this friendly, informative, and funny visit through the Mouth Machine, Snot Shower, and Message Delivery Systems—to name a few. When they discover sneaky germs have invaded, the Germ Alert triggers the Infection Detection Immune System to contain the attack.

Poliquin uses an engaging factory metaphor to describe our unacknowledged gland system, accompanied by comic-style chatter from the tour guides. The direct address invites young readers in, and sidebars and a glossary provide clarity. Hanmer’s detailed, colourful illustrations add humour and insight, and readers will enjoy spotting the germs’ sneaky graffiti and witnessing the attempted invasion. The Gland Factory is age-appropriate, fun and wonderfully clever. Back matter also includes a Gland Factory survey, further reading, and an index.

An industriously entertaining and juicy STEM book for middle-grade readers.

Karen Krossing is an author for kids and teens.

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If You Go Walking
written by Erin Alladin
illustrated by Miki Sato
Pajama Press, 2025
978-1-77278-351-3 (hc) $22.95
for Preschool to Grade 2

Non-Fiction Picture Book | Natural World | Seasons | Curiosity
 
A curious child ponders the mysteries of nature in this lyrical non-fiction picture book. Walking through a park trail in the fall, the bespectacled boy collects questions as easily and eagerly as others might collect pebbles. Musings like “How long can moss go without a drink?” “Do trees feel cold and warmth?” “Can I teach the songbirds not to be afraid of me?” appear in blue text boxes scattered throughout the textured, dynamic scenes.  

A keen observer, the child narrator makes meaningful connections and comparisons using sensory-rich language. In winter, chickadees ward off the cold with plumped-up feathers, just as he does in his puffy jacket: “I know all that fluff traps warm air around us. And keeps us cozy.” Different types of snow are poetically described, from “feathery-tickly-melt-on-your-cheek” to “scrunchy-squeaky-under-your-boot.” 

Miki Sato’s signature collage artwork combines paper, felt and embroidery silk to create a stunning three-dimensional world to explore. Children will enjoy taking repeated leisurely “wandery-wondery walks” throughout the pages and throughout their own outdoor environments. There are more questions than answers, and an author’s endnote encourages readers to actively participate in the investigative process. Science begins with questions, and this thought-provoking STEAM title invites wonder and discovery.

Linda Ludke

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If You Meet a Barfing Bird: How Not to Help Animals
written by Etta Kaner
illustrated by Heather Wilson
Orca Book Publishers, 2025
978-1-4598-3819-2 (hc) $21.95
978-1-4598-4131-4 (ebook) $17.99
for Preschool to Kindergarten

Non-Fiction | Animal Habits | Human and Animal Relationships | Animal Behaviours

Using humour appropriate for young children, this factual picture book demonstrates the unique and often bizarre behaviours certain animals have adopted to help them survive. Preposterous and lighthearted warnings about interfering with nature segue into an informational paragraph detailing these adaptations. With the message to respect and show kindness to animals, children nevertheless learn that intervening in nature can be harmful.

The author uses an interactive, repetitive format starting with a warning such as “if you meet a pooping hippopotamus, DEFINITELY DON’T scoop.” This prompts an explanation of how hippos use their poop to mark their territory. The readers learn other gems, such as not to give a bear an alarm call because it’s dangerous, avoid giving a hairy seaweed crab a haircut because its hair is camouflage, and not to offer a naked mole rat a sweater, as he won’t be able to tell the difference between his own colony and intruders!

Each animal’s behaviour is described over two facing pages. The quirky, playful illustrations that very much capture the flavour of the text are bright and colourful. They show dumbfounded multicultural children whose good intentions have gone awry and irritated animals who don’t like human interference!! Two pages of back matter provide additional information about featured animals such as loggerhead turtles, slow loris and red-lipped batfish.

This is a light read on animal survival that adults and children can share as a laughter-inducing, factual read-aloud. A pleasing combination of fun and information.

Aileen Wortley

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I’m Longer Than You! An Epic Contest of Measurement
written and illustrated by Carolyn Fisher
Kids Can Press, 2025
978-1-5253-1294-6 (hc) $21.99
978-1-5253-1307-3 (ebook) $13.99 
for Kindergarten to Grade 3

Non-Fiction Picture Book | Measurement | Comparison

Carolyn Fisher’s latest non-fiction picture book is a playful and engaging introduction to measurement and comparison for primary school students. The story opens with a towering supersaurus and a magnificent blue whale locked in a debate over who is truly the longest. An inchworm arrives on the scene, offering to measure the colossal creatures. This seemingly simple task becomes an adventure as the inchworm works its way down the length of the blue whale. Fisher uses this opportunity to introduce inches as a unit of measure, all while maintaining a lively and humorous tone. The plot takes a clever turn when the inchworm must pause its task to pupate and transform into a moth, making way for a new crew of helpers. A centipede takes up the challenge, measuring the supersaurus in centimetres, and a dragonfly enters the story to teach readers how to convert between the two units.

Beyond the entertaining plot, Fisher’s writing and illustrations are a perfect pairing. The colourful illustrations are both whimsical and scientifically accurate, capturing the book's humour while providing a true-to-life depiction of each creature. The book even features a helpful decision tree that guides young readers in choosing the right unit of measurement. The story culminates in a satisfying twist: both animals are the same length, leading to a well-deserved, epic lunch. Readers will appreciate the back matter, which includes additional facts about the creatures and about measurement.

This book is highly recommended for primary school classrooms, libraries, and family collections. Young readers will delight in the humorous plot, and teachers will find it an invaluable read-aloud for introducing concepts of measurement and facts about living things. 

Krista Jorgensen

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Soup’s On Around the World
(Taste the World)
written by Denyse Waissbluth
illustrated by Chelsea O’Byrne
Greystone Kids, 2025
978-1-77840-167-1 (hc) $24.95
for Kindergarten to Grade 3

Non-Fiction Picture Book | Soup | Global Community | Traditions | Food | Similarities and Differences

Soup’s On Around the World is an engaging book that celebrates the different ways people make and enjoy soup worldwide. The book invites readers into diverse cultures and communities, and into their soup customs and traditions. Each page takes readers on a journey where, through an inclusive and respectful way, they learn about the similarities and differences between soup. 

Readers learn that some soups, like Tom Yum, a Thai soup, are spicy, while Gazpacho, a soup from Spain, is eaten cold. Some soups mark important events, like Soup Joumou, which is eaten on Haitian independence day, and others, like Sekahedelmäkeitto, are served for dessert in the Finnish tradition. The Three Sisters Soup from North America recognizes and honours generations of Indigenous knowledge and relationship with the land, while chicken noodle soup brings comfort to all. Throughout the book, as readers learn about different soups, they also get a glimpse into the various ingredients and methods used to make them. Each soup is special and unique in its own way. 

This is an important and tender book that shows and models how food, like soup, can connect people across the world. This intentional choice helps unpack a shared universal experience. As well, in the book, communities across the world are depicted with love, care and attention. In doing so, the importance of empathy, interconnectedness and respect is reinforced. The information in the book is interesting, insightful, and fun. The soft, gentle, and colourful illustrations bring the book to life, showing a beautiful and diverse global community. 

At the back of the book, the author shares the ‘story of soup’ and provides readers with more details. The author and illustrator also share their own special soup recipes. This book will be loved and cherished by readers, as “soup brings people together. It tells a story about history, culture, community, tradition and change.” 

Rabia Khokhar