When You Dream Big!

Written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Orchard Books

978-1-339-00035-0

40 pp.

Ages 4–8

March 2026 

 

All of us will remember being asked what we'd like to be when we grow up. It's a rite of passage to be asked, to answer with something practical or unlikely, and then to change our minds. Knowing what you want to be when you grow older is a challenge. Ah, but dreaming big may be the start of a grand future. 

From When You Dream Big! written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

When their teacher, Miss Rayna, plans a Dream Big Week, during which her students would share their dream jobs by writing them on colourful wings, Charley is stumped. Her classmates are enthusiastic about their ideas of going to mars, becoming an actor, or building a bridge across the ocean. They want to be engineers, astronauts, and artists. But Charley has no idea.  

From When You Dream Big! written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

As she ponders and stresses about dreaming big, Charley becomes immobilized with anxiety. It's only when she focuses on her feet—"Ten toes — all pointing in the right direction" (pg. 20)—that she feels grounded enough to go on. The next morning, she awakens inspired by her dreams. She may not know what she wants to do when she grows up, but she know who she wants to be.

 

When You Dream Big! is less about doing than it is about being. Having dreams about your future job is normal, whether you're seven or twenty-seven. The dream can guide you in your education and your interests, and it can propel you to work hard. But dreaming about the future can be as much about who you will be as a person as what job you will have. Will you be adventurous? Will you be more assertive? Will you be responsible and caring? Peter H. Reynolds gives us a character who feels anxiety about the big dreams she's supposed to have and shows us that she's always had the right stuff to dream big, even if it is different than the dreams of her classmates. Even better, Peter H. Reynolds's Charley helps her classmates to dream big about who they can be, not just what they will do. 

From When You Dream Big! written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

When I read Peter H. Reynolds's books, I always feel like someone has taken my hand. It's the hand of understanding, of compassion, and of guidance. He does this with his uplifting words and his heartfelt art. His text resonates with the voice of children who worry about their abilities or ideas, who compare themselves to others, and who feel joy when supported. Those same feelings come through in Peter H. Reynolds's pen and watercolour illustrations. Beyond the classroom posters of positive messages, he uses colour tellingly. His golds and purples are as reassuring as his words, and he spreads joy and reveals distraction and worry with colour and an effective use of line. His characters are fabulously diverse, and convincing in themselves. (Colby, a boy in a "Be You" shirt wants to make people smile more, while Josh wants to sleep a lot.) 

 

There is no one way to dream big, and Charley and her classmates and Miss Rayna all learn that this is true. With this epiphany comes relief, encouragement, and even creativity. So, when you dream big, good stuff can happen, even if it's not the dream coming true. (But maybe it will.)

Best Friend, Worst Bully: Based on a True Story

Written and illustrated by Mei Yu

Union Square Kids

978-1-4549-5993-9

144 pp.

Ages 7–10

April 2026 

 

This is the story of friends, or it was until it wasn't. But that's the thing about friendships: they are dynamic. They change with circumstances both self-controlled and unplanned. It's why they are the source of much joy but also carry the potential for despair, as a young Mei Yu learns.  

From Best Friend, Worst Bully, written and illustrated by Mei Yu

Mei Yu wants to be best friends with Maggie forever. Along with Sophie, Maggie's best friend before Mei came along, Mei is hopeful that she'll have lifelong friends. But when Maggie moves away, Mei and Sophie become new friends, hanging out at Mei's house—though Mei is super embarrassed by her mother's heavily accented English that makes everything sound a little weird—shopping together, and more. Still, when Ella and Rola, two older girls in their split class, become jealous of Mei's drawing ability, they approach Sophie, convincing her that she can be cool like them if she does what she's told in dealing with Mei.

 

And though she's reluctant at first, Sophie is pleased to be more popular with the older girls and rudely snubs Mei. Mei's Happy Meter—one of the graphic meters she uses to depict her emotions—shatters. She discusses it with her sidekick Meiow as she's too scared to talk to anyone else about the bullying. But even though she feels completely alone, Eve and Izzy, two girls from another class, tell her they've had the same experiences with Ella and Rola, particularly their "bathroom game." After inviting Mei to be their friend, they advise her to just ignore Sophie and her fellow bullies. 

From Best Friend, Worst Bully, written and illustrated by Mei Yu

But then Sophie and her "friends" escalate their bullying, phoning Mei's home and leaving horrible messages. Determined to deal with the bullies, Mei uses her artistic talents to express her feelings, and expose Sophie, Ella, and Rola in her own way. 

From Best Friend, Worst Bully, written and illustrated by Mei Yu

I'm sad to think about all the kids out there targeted by bullies. For Mei and her friends, they are picked on for being talented, or tall, wearing glasses or liking hearts. The reasons bullies attack others are countless and meaningless. But when they involve more people, steal friends away, intrude on your home life, cause fear and sleepless nights, it's not "just" bullying. It is persecution. And for Mei Yu, main character and author-illustrator who debuted with her Silver Birch Express award-winning Lost and Found, that bullying is overwhelming and very realistic. And thank you, Mei Yu, for not giving us an unimaginable ending where all is right between Mei and Sophie. There was still forgiveness, but it is sheltered in the safety that Mei has in her art, in her new friends, and in her family. And in her understanding of what bullying is all about.

. . . and then I realized that bullies are silly! They can pick on anyone because of anything! (pg. 120)

Mei Yu's story is based on her own experiences, and her advice, to be strong and be yourself, will resonate with young readers, many of whom will have experienced or witnessed bullying. Coupled with Mei Yu's charming artwork—check out her YouTube channel for videos on her drawing—Best Friend, Worst Bully will speak to young readers with empathy for the bullying they have seen and with colour and cheer for the friendships they enjoy. Best Friend, Worst Bully is the best outcome coming from the worst situation.

Jon Klassen Wins the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award

Jon Klassen is an author-illustrator whose debut picture book, I Want My Hat Back, garnered him numerous awards and much acclaim. With each new title, including those he illustrated for others, the praise for his unique style of art and storytelling through illustration has grown. This week, Jon Klassen was awarded the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the international children's literary award. 

Photo credit: Carson Ellis

 

This award administered by the Swedish Arts Council honours the late Swedish writer Astrid Lindgren (1907-2002) who wrote over 30 books for children, including the ever-popular Pippi Longstocking. "The statutes of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award stipulate that laureates shall be authors, illustrators, storytellers or reading promoters whose work or activity for children and young adults is 'of the highest artistic quality' and 'conveys the deeply humanistic spirit associated with Astrid Lindgren.'" (From https://alma.se/en/the-award/astrid-lindgren/in-the-spirit-of-astrid-lindgren) At five million Swedish kronor, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award is the largest book award of its kind.

 

I Want My Hat Back (Candlewick, 2011) (board book edition reviewed in 2019)

This Is Not My Hat (Candlewick, 2012)

We Found a Hat (Candlewick, 2016)

The Rock from the Sky (Candlewick, 2021)

The Skull (Candlewick, 2023)

 

The breadth of Jon Klassen's storytelling through words and illustrations is best described as powerfully minimalist. He tells little but suggests much. In each of the books he wrote and illustrated, Jon Klassen mesmerizes with the power of story. 

 

I was delighted to interview Jon Klassen in 2021 about his book The Rock from the Sky and I'd like to share that discussion here. His commentary on the story and his artwork is fascinating, and gives readers insight into his creativity and his singularity of finesse.

 

Do check out the full details about Jon Klassen as the 2026 laureate of the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, including a recording of the announcements at the Bologna Children's Book Fair, quotes from the jury, and even a recording of the phone call Jon Klassen received. The award will be presented by H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden this May in Stockholm.

 

Heartiest congratulations 

to the newest laureate of 

the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award

 Jon Klassen 

A Friend is a Friend is a Friend

Written by Sara O'Leary

Illustrated by Qin Leng 

Groundwood Books

978-1-77946-026-4

32 pp.

Ages 3–6

April 2026 

 

A concern for many children entering a new situation, whether a new school, a new sports activity, or even a new neighbourhood, is whether they'll make any new friends. For this child, heading off to camp, the worry is very real, but she's hopeful of learning some new strategies from her peers.

From A Friend is a Friend is a Friend, written by Sara O'Leary, illustrated by Qin Leng

Without ever asking a question—or does she?—a little girl gets different perspectives from other children. As the diverse and colourfully dressed children play on a massive tree, they are quoted about their friends and the basis for those friendships. The first piece of advice is about asking questions because that's how you learn if you have things in common with others. It might be a birthday, a favourite colour, or the need for quiet.

From A Friend is a Friend is a Friend, written by Sara O'Leary, illustrated by Qin Leng

The variety of their experiences is rich, as are the friends they have. For one child, their best friend is their grandfather because they share stories. It could be a friend who supports you or one that you appreciate for the type of person they are. There are children who don't speak the same language but understand each other just the same. There is a child whose friend was a he and is now a she and that's okay since they still like doing the same things. There is a shy child, lifelong friends, and one who has an invisible friend. There are so many children, and they all make friends differently and make different friends. The richness of their experiences is only matched by the individuality of their friendships.

From A Friend is a Friend is a Friend, written by Sara O'Leary, illustrated by Qin Leng

Sara O'Leary, author of A Family is a Family is a Family (2016) and A Kid is a Kid is a Kid (2021), gets to the heart of friendships by showing children that there is no right way to make a friend and be a friend. Her message is one of joy in the diversity of who we are and how we make friends. Without telling kids how they can make friends, she allows children to express their own feelings about their processes, giving them voice. (All responses by children to the unasked question of making friends are placed in quotation marks.) By giving them voice, Sara O'Leary lets young readers take what they want from the guidance of their peers, perhaps to help them make their own friends. And, with the wisdom of a compassionate adult, she reminds readers that, "It turns out that the best way to make a friend is to be one." (pg. 29)

From A Friend is a Friend is a Friend, written by Sara O'Leary, illustrated by Qin Leng

A Friend is a Friend is a Friend has been illustrated by Qin Leng, as in the earlier books in this collection. Qin Leng's art, created with ink, marker, and watercolour, are distinct, both light in marks and bright in mood. She does well with stories with young children, giving them innocence, playfulness, and wonder. By making all the children unique in their demeanours and expressions, and by keeping them joyful and natural in the familiarity of play, Qin Leng helps reflect Sara O'Leary's emphasis on diversity and individuality.

  

There will always be those children who make friends very easily, never worrying about how to do it or if they can do it. But there are others for whom it is an uncertainly and even a fear, and A Friend is a Friend is a Friend will help them. Best of all, it's a sweet story without being a contrived teaching tool. And if your little one is heading to summer camp, or to kindergarten or a new school this fall, or you're planning on moving house, A Friend is a Friend is a Friend will reassure those for whom finding a friend may be more of a challenge. It reminds them that they can do it.

 • • • • • • •

 

A Family is a Family is a Family (2016)

A Kid is a Kid is a Kid (2021)

A Friend is a Friend is a Friend (2026)

2026 Willow Award nominees announced

Established in 2001, the Willow Awards, also known as the Saskatchewan Young Readers' Choice Awards (SYRCA), encourage reading of Canadian books for young people. Readers can participate in the reading programs through their schools and public libraries, selecting their favourite from one of the following categories: Shining Willow, Diamond Willow, and Snow Willow. 
 

This year's lists of nominated titles were announced recently, and readers will have the next year to read them and then vote, before a gala that will announce the winners next spring.
 

Here are the 2026 nominees for the Shining Willow, Diamond Willow and Snow Willow awards.

 

The Shining Willow Award winner is selected from those books written for the youngest readers, those in Kindergarten to Grade 3.

At the Rescue Cat Café

Written by Anna Humphrey
Illustrated by Kari Rust 

Owlkids Books 

 

Call Me Gray

Written by Andrew Larsen and Bells Larsen
Illustrated by Tallulah Fontaine
Kids Can Press 

 

Frostfire

Written and illustrated by Elly Mackay

Tundra Books 

 

The Love Song of Mr. Byrd

Written by Philippa Dowding

Illustrated by Carolyn Clarke 

DCB Young Readers

 

Oma's Bag

Written by Michelle Wang
Illustrated by Sam Nunez 

Arsenal Pulp Press 

 

Paisley & Peck: Jurassic Farm 

Written by J. Torres

Illustrated by Mike Deas

Owlkids Books 

 

Raven's Ribbons

Written by Tasha Spillett
Illustrated by Daniel Ramirez 

Owlkids Books 

 

Rez Kid

Written by Andrea Landry
Illustrated by Isabelle Fassler
Kids Can Press 

 

Sand Cakes

Written by Kallie George

Illustrated by Devon Halzwarth

Tundra Books 

 

Who Needs the Dark? The Many Ways Living Things Depend on Darkness
Written by Laura Alary

Illustrated by Risa Hugo

Owlkids Books 

The Diamond Willow Award winner is selected from those books written for readers of Grades 4 to 6.

 

After the Wallpaper Music

Written by Jean Mills 

Pajama Press 

 

The City of Lost Cats

Written by Tanya Lloyd Kyi

Tundra Books 

 

Closer to Far Away

Written by Kristin Butcher

Red Deer Press 

 

Death by Whoopee Cushion

Written by Vicki Grant 

Tundra Books 

 

How to Save a Library

Written by Colleen Nelson

Pajama Press 

 

The Longest Shot: How Larry Kwong Changed the Face of Hockey
Written by Chad Soon & George Chiang
Illustrated by Amy Qi

Orca Book Publishers 

 

Robot Island

Written by Cary Fagan 

Tundra Books 

 

Swan: The Girl Who Grew

Written by Sidura Ludwig 

Nimbus Publishing 

 

Time Surfers

Written by Kevin Sylvester 

HarperCollins 

 

Touching Grass

Written by  Kristy Jackson

Illustrated by Rhael McGregor

HarperCollins Canada 

The Snow Willow Award winner is selected from those books written for readers in Grades 7 to 9.

Among Ghosts

Written by Rachel Hartman

Penguin Teen Canada

 

The End of Always

Written by Rebecca Phillips

Second Story Press 

 

A Fondness for the Reckless

Written by Jennifer Jacoby-Smith

YNWP 

 

The Mystery of the Haunted Dance Hall

Written by Charis Cotter 

Penguin Random House 

 

Never Stop Skating

Written by Jesse A. Murray

Off the Field Publishing 

 

No Purchase Necessary

Written by Maria Marianayagam
HarperCollins

 

Red Flags and Butterflies

Written by Sheryl Azzam

DCB Young Readers

 

Tig

Written by Heather Smith 

Tundra Books 

 

We Bury Nothing

Written by Kate Blair

DCB Young Readers

 

You Started It

Written by Jackie Kalileh

Penguin Random House

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Congratulations to all nominees!