These instances of horror showcase Klassen’s ability to push the boundaries of children’s literature, creating a tale that not only entertains but also challenges readers’ emotions and expectations. The evocative yet simplistic writing style further conveys sense of dread throughout the story and makes this book great for younger readers interested in exploring scarier genres. … More The Skull by Jon Klassen
This graphic novel is not only a brilliant addition to the horror genre, but a sincere attempt to capture the complexities of modern Indigenous life. … More Bad Medicine by Christopher Twin
While telling a tale of friendship between two very different unicorns, this book molds its subtle wisdom into metaphors that can guide young readers as they learn to confront the dark clouds they may find over their own heads. … More Weather Together by Jessica Sima
The pages are layered with colours that contrast with each other and stand out in a beautiful way, drawing the eye immediately across the pages. I was captivated by the illustrations of the Memekwesewak, who are drawn as little white creatures with pink mischievous faces and intricate designs circling their bodies. … More The Song That Called Them Home by David A. Robertson, illus. by Maya McKibbin
The book also introduces fascinating scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging manner. It encourages young readers to observe the world around them, ask questions and foster their inquisitive minds. With informative yet comprehensible sentences, the text accommodates for both reading aloud and independent reading. … More What Will I Discover by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illus. Rachel Qiuqi
Watt seems to recognize that Scaredy might be a relatable figure to readers and includes a positive moral for those who see themselves as the nervous protagonist. Scaredy learns that slowly stepping out of his comfort zone provides a positive experience. … More Scaredy Squirrel in a Nutshell by Melanie Watt
Lewis Carroll may have asked Alice to wonder: “How doth the Little Crocodile…?” but readers don’t need to ponder that poem any longer, because Eva Montanari’s little crocodile shares everything he experiences and hears as he goes about his daily life. … More What Does Little Crocodile Say At The Park? by Eva Montanari
Anne, with her affinity for puffed sleeves, extraordinary imagination, and zest for life with her lovely family and kindred spirits, is as inviting and exciting as ever in Anne Dares. This is a perfect chapter book for those new to and familiar with Anne of Green Gables. … More Anne Dares adapted by Kallie George, illus. Abigail Halpin
P.T. Barnum claimed that clowns are the pegs on which the circus is hung, which must mean that the future of any great circus is the birth of a baby clown. In Baby Clown, Kara LaReau’s amusing story of the first, rather noisy, days of the Dingling Circus heir, will delight readers. He cries, wails and sobs, and nobody can calm him down. Boffo and Frieda, his beleaguered parents who never remove their clown makeup, tend to his every whim, but to no avail. New parents will likely recognize the futile attempts of this frazzled duo with weary amusement. LaReau handles the situation with both humour and empathy, as we learn that only thunderous applause will appease this little one. … More Baby Clown by Kara LaReau, illus. by Matthew Cordell
Carole Boston Weatherford’s Beauty Mark: A Verse Novel of Marilyn Monroe covers Marilyn’s expansive influence, but attempts to do so through Norma Jeane, the real woman behind the so-called blonde bombshell. … More Beauty Mark: A Verse Novel of Marilyn Monroe by Carole Boston Weatherford
YOUNG ADULTING 