The Bear Fairy

Written by Paul Coccia
Illustrated by Fred Blunt
Tundra Books
978-1-77488-558-1 
40 pp.
Ages 3–7 

Releases February 17, 2026

 

Adorable is an adjective I usually use for puppies and kittens, beautiful babies, and sweet children. But now I can use it for bear fairies. Or, at least, the Bear Fairy of Paul Coccia's debut picture book. He may not be the dainty fairy of many tales, but he twinkles with his own brilliance.

From The Bear Fairy, written by Paul Coccia, illustrated by Fred Blunt

Spencer is a red-curled and bespectacled boy who is determined to catch a fairy. He constructs a fairy door in a tree, a daisy chain, and even a box-and-stick trap. His blue-haired friend Mariah is convinced that fairies are only attracted to beautiful little girls like her. 

Surprisingly, it's a littered potato chip bag that ultimately draws a fairy. More surprising is that it is a bear fairy with pink wings and wearing a pink dress. Though he wishes to leave—the chip bag is empty after all—Spencer convinces the Bear Fairy to stay so the boy can show him to Mariah. They spend a day of playing in the park, racing remote cars, and watching TV, with plenty of. snacks. The Bear Fairy may be lots of fun, but he also has his own quirks which Spencer must accommodate, like his tardiness when getting ready.

. . . I'm still sprucing up—

90 percent of being a fairy 

is in the looks, you know. 

It's not all magic dust and 

fluttering around! (pg. 25)

From The Bear Fairy, written by Paul Coccia, illustrated by Fred Blunt

 But when Spencer presents the Bear Fairy to Mariah, herself festooned in a pink dress with pink wings, the girl declares that he's not any of the things expected of a fairy. Worse, she insists emphatically that he's a crummy old fairy because he's pudgy, hairy, and not beautiful.

From The Bear Fairy, written by Paul Coccia, illustrated by Fred Blunt

Spencer will not allow her to slander his fairy and defends the Bear Fairy as the perfect fairy he is.

 

Paul Coccia has a knack for giving us important stories, but always with a lightness that helps soften less than fortunate circumstances. However, his earlier books have all be been for middle grade readers (e.g., On the Line [written with Eric Walters], 2022; I Got You Babe, 2023; Leon Levels Up, 2024) and young adult novels (e.g., Cub, 2019; The Player, 2021; Recommended Reading, 2025). Now, young readers, and those who read to them, can experience that same mastery in storytelling with The Bear Fairy. Not only do we get a story of stereotypes—yes, there are fairy stereotypes—and accepting others as they are, we get humour, cheeky puns, and adorableness. Paul Coccia has given the Bear Fairy, Spencer, and Mariah voices that make them true in their characters. They offer hope that all may be accepted, eventually.

From The Bear Fairy, written by Paul Coccia, illustrated by Fred Blunt

Fred Blunt, a Welsh illustrator, must have a touch of the whimsy himself judging by the art credit that identifies his work as created "with cheap paper, pencils, tatty brushes, ink and a computer." His materials may be downplayed, but his art is nothing but lofty and animated like the Bear  Fairy himself. Fred Blunt keeps the bear fairy cheeky, while Spencer and Mariah are both ordinary and off-the-wall, and creates upbeat landscapes both indoors and outside. There's the colour of wonder, and the lines and shapes of jocularity and fun.

 

I'm glad I met the Bear Fairy, just as Spencer surely is. So what if his fairy is pudgy and hairy? He's also fluffy and cuddly and beautiful. (Those are Spencer's assertions, and I concur.) He's perfect just as he is. And I thank Paul Coccia for introducing us to the Bear Fairy who exemplifies all of us. We are as we are, sometimes seen as the best and sometimes seen as less than perfect. And if we don't fit some stereotype because of our gender, age, appearance, or abilities, then that's on those who reinforce those impressions. We're perfect for those who accept us as we are.

Sophie Shares the Stars

Written by Heather Smith

Illustrated by Catherine Petit

Orca Book Publishers

978-1-4598-4015-7

32 pp.

Ages 3–5

September 2025 

 

Sophie has lived with her Michael since she was three years old. (She is eight now.) It's obvious that she adores her adopted father and he her. In fact, he's given her the universe both as a ceiling display and as a deeply felt sentiment.

My Michael says, "You are the whole universe."

I think that means he can't live without me. (pg. 3) 

From Sophie Shares the Stars, written by Heather Smith, illustrated by Catherine Petit

The life they have together is filled with love. They spend time talking, playing, and going to beach, and, when she messes up, he helps do better. But when her father, affectionately called My Michael, becomes ill, things change. It doesn't change between them but around them. Sophie tries to help him as he helped her when she had been ill. But Michael's illness is not a flu or a cold or a broken leg or anything with a visible nature. He has one of the myriads of invisible illnesses that most people do not see. Not surprising that their neighbour, Mr. Donaldson, declares that he saw Michael the day before and he didn't look sick. The child never knows what to say—and she shouldn't have to explain for her father—and always changes the subject.

From Sophie Shares the Stars, written by Heather Smith, illustrated by Catherine Petit

But the one thing Sophie can do is share her universe with him. By removing some of the glow-in-the-dark stars from her ceiling and creating the Big Dipper on the wall behind her Michael's bed, she shares the stars with him. Her Michael has good days and bad, but she's always there to hope he'll feel better, to make sure he knows he's loved, and to see him as the Michael is.

From Sophie Shares the Stars, written by Heather Smith, illustrated by Catherine Petit

Sophie Shares the Stars is a touching story about a familial relationship, but it tackles more by including adoption and an invisible illness. In her "Author's Note," Heather Smith speaks to her personal connection with the story, but, even without that knowledge, I know that she would have treated the topics with sensitivity and understanding, never with judgement. Anyone with an invisible illness, particularly those which are chronic or a mental illness, can attest to the frustration and isolation that comes with dealing with the illness and with others. If those others cannot see a cast, an open wound, or bandages, many will not understand the complex symptoms with which the ill person is suffering. I appreciate that Heather Smith never reveals Sophie's Michael's illness, but it really is irrelevant to the story. It is invisible and that's all that needs to be said. Because the story is about Sophie and her relationship with her Michael, and how they became a family, and grow stronger each day as a family, regardless of the challenge of his illness.

 

Montreal illustrator Catherine Petit uses pencil and digital tools to create the upbeat artwork that is all about the relationship between father and daughter. This child is well loved, bursts with energy and wonder, and shares her goodness with her father, knowing that he would choose her again. His open arms, and his dedication to bringing her joy and safety, are visible in every illustration, even when he's not feeling his best. And her devotion to him is palpable. She may be his universe, but Catherine Petit lets us see her smile, her eyes, and her concerned hugs and soothing caresses that he is hers.

 

I know this picture book is aimed at young children, and those who have been fostered or adopted will appreciate how a new family can be created when a birth family is not available to care for a child. But Sophie Shares the Stars will also be a reminder to all readers that there are those who live with invisible illnesses who many appear unimpaired—"appear" is the operative word—but whose lives and those who love them are significantly impacted, even when symptoms wax and wane. Thankfully for both Sophie and her Michael, they are there for the other to make life not just bearable but bright.

Oakley's Great Canadian Adventure (The Secret Lives of Squirrels)

Written and illustrated by Nancy Rose

Nimbus Publishing

978-1-77471-468-3

32 pp.

Ages 4–9

October 2025 

 

Nancy Rose has been telling stories with her red squirrel friends for almost a decade, with Oakley appearing about five years ago to help teach concepts of letters and numbers (Oakley the Squirrel: The Search for Z: A Nutty Alphabet Book [2021] and Oakley the Squirrel: Camping 1, 2, 3!: A Nutty Numbers Book [2023]). Now Oakley is ready to take on the country of Canada and see what it has to offer.

From Oakley's Great Canadian Adventure, written and illustrated by Nancy Rose

In defined double-page presentations of an illustration based on a photographed diorama opposite a page of text titled with the province or territory visited, a quaint verse about Oakley's experience, and an info box of additional details, Nancy Rose takes her sciurine friend cross-country. Readers are taken from east to west and then north to ensure all areas are represented.

From Oakley's Great Canadian Adventure, written and illustrated by Nancy Rose

Oakley visits tourist attractions like the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove, Hopewell Rocks in New Brunswick, and the Badlands of Drumheller. He builds an igloo in Nunavut, goes on a polar bear tour in Churchill, and hikes the trail in Cathedral Grove in British Columbia. He sees and does a lot, and young readers will learn about the diversity of landforms, flora, fauna, weather, and adventures to be had across Canada. But also important are the notes Nancy Rose always adds about the Indigenous Peoples of the province or territory, and some history of the land and its people. As an introduction to Canada, Oakley's Great Canadian Adventure is rich in content and curious in its presentation.

From Oakley's Great Canadian Adventure, written and illustrated by Nancy Rose

Often called "the squirrel lady" because of her viral photos of squirrels, Nancy Rose has segued that venture into telling stories with her elaborate outdoor dioramas. She creates them with found materials and entices her friend Oakley—earlier it was Mr. Peanuts from The Secret Lives of Squirrels (2016)—with peanuts. By blending her crafting and photography interests with the natural world, Nancy Rose has given us a series of whimsical stories and concept books that will attract young readers and, here in Oakley's Great Canadian Adventure, teach them about our country.

From Oakley's Great Canadian Adventure, written and illustrated by Nancy Rose

  

Standoff (Kidnapped From Ukraine, #2)

Written by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch

Scholastic
978-1-5461-0454-4
288 pp.
Ages 8–13
October 2025

 

As it had been for me reading Under Attack, the first book in Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch's Kidnapped From Ukraine series, delving into Standoff was a challenge. I knew to expect a sensitive but authentic story about the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but I also knew that it would be emotionally demanding of me because of my heritage. It was. But it was also eloquent and inspiring and well worth the read.

 

In the earlier Under Attack, readers are introduced to the Popkov family: dad Ivan who worked at the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, mom Yaroslava who worked at a nail salon, and twelve-year-old twin sisters Dariia and Rada. When the first attack occurs in February of 2022, Dariia and her mom are separated from Rada and their dad. The first book covers Dariia's perspective and experiences, while Standoff is told from Rada's point of view from the onset of the first attack. While Dariia and their mom find shelter at a salon and other commercial buildings, Rada and her dad head to the steel plant with its extensive bunkers, and from which he will join up with the Territorial Defense . With the wise words, "Be brave but not stupid" (pg. 42), her dad leaves Rada in the care of the Yanin family: Mr. Yanin, an engineer; his son Viktor, a classmate of Rada's; and his nine-year-old daughter Alina. (Mrs. Yanin was killed in the attack on their apartment building.)

 

Each day is a scramble for food, clothing, water, heat and more. Still, the make-shift family connects with another family when Rada meets Lesia Stepanova. Lesia is sheltering in another bunker at the plant with both her grandmothers (Baba and Babushka), her sister-in-law Maiia, and Lesia's baby nephew Oleh. Lesia's mother is also in the Territorial Defense, while Lesia's older brother is in Moscow on a business trip. After they attempt to evacuate Mariupol during a ceasefire—which the Russians failed to observe—they add nine-year-old Mychailo Voron and a woman named Svetlana Boyko to their little group.

 

Their lives become a series of routines to help them get through each day, whether it is doing lessons, or toileting, or preparing and sharing their meager provisions. Hope comes with the promise of a ceasefire—more than once—though the Russians are quick to apprehend and attempt to transport Ukrainians to Russia. It's only when the Red Cross, the UN, and other international observers and aid are involved that those efforts are stymied.

 

Life is tenuous. On the inside of the plant, Rada and her new family struggle and worry and grieve. Outside, their challenges are both the same and different: worried for their loved ones, grappling with a lack of resources, terrified of being injured or killed, and never knowing whom they could trust. 

 

The attack and war on Ukraine has sadly been part of the news cycle for almost four years, but for many it is a story from "over there." Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch's stories, both Under Attack and Standoff, take a distant conflict and make it personal. This isn't happening faraway to people we don't know. It's happening to children, to the elderly, to parents, and to shopkeepers, neighbours, and people we care about. We feel their horror, recognize their anxieties, grasp their grief, and acknowledge their needs to hold on to whatever might offer comfort, whether a cat or a Motanka doll. Whether it's a middle grader reading this book and stunned by the horrific circumstances that Rada and her families, born and made, endure, or an older reader who understands the cruelty of others and the grief of loss, Standoff will hit hard. But Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch knows how to tell a story of immense tragedy by pairing it with resilience, affection, and hope. Even the title of the third book in the series, which releases in April, tells us that there is more to the twins' stories and, even with more hardships and loss, they endure. 

 

For an authentic and very personal perspective on the war in Ukraine, Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch offers a story of Ukrainians from Mariupol and what they saw and felt when the Russians attacked. She even offers more background in her "Author's Note" and the Q & A with which she appends Standoff, helping young people gain greater understanding about the events and the history behind the Russian invasion. We can only hope that with awareness comes understanding, and with time there will be a favourable resolution for the people of Ukraine.  

 

 • • • • • • •

 

Under Attack (January, 2025)

Standoff (October, 2025)

Still Alive (April, 2026)
 

Sometimes I Feel That Way Too

Written by Hannah Beach

Illustrated by Rebecca Bender

Plumleaf Press 

978-1-069093561

36 pp.

Ages 4–8

January 2026 

 

Giving voice to your feelings is not always easy and it is especially challenging for children who don't always have the words to do so. Hannah Beach, an emotional health and play-based learning consultant, gives both an appropriate and playful means by which children might express those feelings, especially with Rebecca Bender's lively artwork to give them context.

From Sometimes I Feel That Way Too, written by Hannah Beach, illustrated by Rebecca Bender

A child awakens and sees their teddy bear snuggled up against the dog, and declares that, "Sometimes I feel that way too." In a series of double-page spreads, this child goes through their day, sensing how a balloon might be excited, or how a lone tree leaf in autumn might feel sad, or how all the boots lined up at school feel like they belong. In each case, he expresses the circumstances in which he might feel the same way. At school, at home, or on a walk in the rain, at play, at learning, or eating, this little boy feels a lot and can always find something that mirrors his feelings. Sometimes they're joyous and exuberant emotions like the popping of popcorn, but sometimes they're less so like when they feel lonely, angry or disappointed. In each case, the child sees something in their everyday life that reflects that feeling.

From Sometimes I Feel That Way Too, written by Hannah Beach, illustrated by Rebecca Bender

The words Hannah Beach uses, via her little character, are words that young children will understand, as are the feelings. Whether it's a snail tucked up in their shell, or a lonesome orange that doesn't get picked for a snack, or a stacking block game that topples, it's all seen from this child's point of view. Illustrator Rebecca Bender does the same, emphasizing what the child sees and feels. Her artwork, created with a soft blend of gouache, watercolour, pencil, collage, and digital media, emphasizes the child who appears throughout the day, inside a school or home and outside, displaying a full range of emotions. We see that range in his face, in his eyes, in his body language, and in his smile. Rebecca Bender makes us see all the feelings he's feeling. Just as she has consistently done in all her books—including her award-winning Giraffe and Bird series (see Giraffe and Bird Together Again [2018]) and How Do You Feel? (2016)—Rebecca Bender gives us a lightness to a big message. 

From Sometimes I Feel That Way Too, written by Hannah Beach, illustrated by Rebecca Bender

If you're a teacher or a parent who wants to help a child express their emotions in their own terms, Sometimes I Feel That Way Too would provide a perfect starting point. Children could find their own examples of what looks sad or lonely, angry or disappointing from within their own activities and experiences. Feelings are very personal, so it only makes sense to connect them to a child's own daily life. And, when they communicate those feelings in their own way—this child likes to draw the items that mirror his emotions—those who care for them will be better equipped to help.

From Sometimes I Feel That Way Too, written by Hannah Beach, illustrated by Rebecca Bender

To Be With You

Words by Dave Gunning

Illustrated by Meaghan Smith

Nimbus Publishing

978-1-77471-405-8

32 pp.

Ages 3–7

September 2025 

 

Based on Canadian singer-songwriter Dave Gunning's song of the same title, To Be With You is a love song. It's the love of a dog for their child, and the unbreakable bond that connects them every moment of every day and every night.

From To Be With You, words by Dave Gunning, art by Meaghan Smith

In very simple rhyming text that young children will adore and repeat easily, the song (listen to it here) speaks to different dogs spending time with their children: playing, sleeping, eating together, going for walks, and touching. Its refrain, "All I want is to be with you," repeats over and over again, though the children and dogs vary. There's a girl in a wheelchair hugging a dog as big as herself, and a dachshund excited for a walk with their child who wears yellow rain gear. There's a girl with a leg brace running through a wildflower meadow with a large floppy dog, and a husky-like dog chasing bubbles that a small boy is blowing. All children are here as are all the dogs that bring them companionship, love, and safety. And Dave Gunning's words make it clear that,

All I want is to be with you

All day long and all night too

All I want is to be with you

All I want is to be with you 

From To Be With You, words by Dave Gunning, art by Meaghan Smith

Much of the sweetness in To Be With You comes from Meaghan Smith's illustrations. She may also be an East Coast singer-songwriter, but her art is what defines this book. (The first book I've reviewed that included her art was It Snowed (2025) which she wrote and illustrated.) She brings great softness and affection to her art. Most notably, though, we notice that we rarely see the child's full face. The emphasis is on each dog, speaking to the child about what they are feeling, demonstrating exuberance, love, and togetherness with every flick of a tail, tongue hanging out, and eyes wide open anticipating their next moment together. Meaghan Smith makes the story, and Dave Gunning's words, about the dog, and it's a joyous perspective.

From To Be With You, words by Dave Gunning, art by Meaghan Smith

For the child who loves their dog, and who loves them right back, To Be With You will become a lovely accompaniment to a bedtime routine, a walk in the park, or a wind-down song before a nap. Moreover, the words could just as easily be a love song between a parent and child—do listen to the song (link here again) because its melody is very catchy—and could become a new lullaby to share  in your home.

How to Be Brave Like a Snail

Written by Naseem Hrab

Illustrated by Kelly Collier

Owlkids Books

978-1-77147-672-0

40 pp.

Ages 4–7

October 2025 

 

Naseem Hrab's Snail has taught young readers a lot, but mostly he has taught them to appreciate the ways of the vulnerable and how to fit in with his self-confident friends. And now the little gastropod is looking to face his fears and be courageous.

From How to Be Brave Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier

Snail recognizes that there are some things that demonstrate his bravery. He's not afraid of all loud noises or of taking a tour of his backyard or of lullaby karaoke. What he does have a hard time with is asking for help, making mistakes, and believing in himself. When his friends begin planning to participate in a paper airplane contest, he can't bear the thought of losing. Knowing how deeply Snail feels, his friend Stump offers to help him with making the creases and with practising. 

From How to Be Brave Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier

Both Snail and Stump participate in the contest, and, though it isn't clear who won, Snail is given a ribbon for the neatest creases. He's delighted. But Stump, who gets no recognition, is overwhelmed with prickly feelings. With Snail's help and a clever paper plane idea, Stump is able to accept his feelings and dealing with them in a constructive way.

 

I've always liked the ways of Snail and Stump. They are unassuming and thoughtful. They are neither loud nor self-absorbed, insolent nor self-important. They are true friends to each other and accepting of others, even if they don't want to be like them. They are good. But being true to yourself sometimes means acknowledging your vulnerabilities and finding your own ways to cope. Both Snail and Stump have feelings that threaten to stop them from doing or feeling. So they could overcome those emotions or accept them. Through their friendship and concern for each other, they are able to accept and overcome them.

From How to Be Brave Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier

This is a sensitive issue for many children, especially those who are on the quiet side and more apt to feel vulnerable compared to their stronger and more boisterous peers. They tend to be overlooked and even discount themselves. I like that Naseem Hrab, author of a wonderful collection of picture books like Ira Crumb Feel the Feelings (2018), Weekend Dad (2020), and Otis & Peanut (2023), has more than acknowledged these children. She has given them a voice to share those vulnerabilities and even a novel coping strategy to help disperse them. (The "Classroom Discussion and Activity Guide" at Owlkids Books offers more help to do so with young readers.) 

 

As with the earlier two Snail and Stump books, the illustrations were created by Kelly Collier, the author-illustrator of books like A Horse Named Steve (2017) and The Imposter (2023). All Kelly Collier's characters, from Snail and Stump to Bear, Rabbit, and Rabbit, are easily recognizable though she adds playfulness to their looks. Whether it's Snail's eyebrows, that help him show emotions, or the way Stump covers his eyes with his twig arms when he cries, Kelly Collier has made them and their emotions recognizable and natural.

 

Feelings are very big things. Whether it's fear or anger, disappointment or sadness, they can overwhelm. Dealing with those big feelings when you're little can seem impossible. But, with a quick read of How to Be Brave Like a Snail (and maybe How to Party Like a Snail [2022] and How to Staycation Like a Snail [2024]), and undertaking a creative paper plane activity, those challenging feelings can be kept in check so they don't overwhelm or sabotage the good ones.

 

 • • • • • • •

 

How to Party Like a Snail (2022)

How to Staycation Like a Snail (2024)

How to Be Brave Like a Snail (2025)

 

 • • • • • • • 

Upcoming Releases for Winter and Spring 2026

As always, there is a plethora of titles coming out in the first six months of 2026, and I want to read all of them. Of course, that won't be possible, but I'm still looking forward to reading as many as possible (depending also on which books publishers and authors are generous enough to share with me.😊) And, though I won't be able to get to even a fraction of these upcoming books for children and teens, there are some titles that have definitely caught my attention. So, from this promising listing, I have highlighted some of the bright spots and quirkiness that have intrigued me. 

 

Surely the wackiest title: My Best Friend Is a Butternut Squash by Heather Smith, illus. by Kass Reich (Tundra Books)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The title that makes me want to ask more: Absolutely No Body Parts by Valerie Sherrard (DCB Young Readers) (I'm tempted to complete the title with, ". . .  were found at the scene" or ". . . were used for research.)

 

 

 

 

 

A highly-anticipated YA sequel: Ordeal at Orleans by Andrew Varga (Imbrifex Books), which is the fifth book in the Jump in Time series

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A short story anthology sure to please: Go by Deborah Ellis (Groundwood Books), since I loved Sit (2017) and Step (2022)

 

Title with the best pun: Whale, That Was Unexpected by Casey Lyall, illus. by Kathryn Durst (Tundra Books)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most terrifying title: The Saw Mouth by Cale Plett (Delacorte Press)

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

Potentially emotional read: Last Year With Maddy by Anna Rosner (Yellow Dog) (I don't know who Maddy is, but it sure sounds like it could be a teary read)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book for sports fans (with great illustrations): Soccerology:
Unbelievable Facts and Stories About the Beautiful Game by Kevin Sylvester (Annick Press)

 

A book to inspire: When You Dream Big! by Peter H. Reynolds (Orchard Books)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A stirring conclusion to a middle-grade trilogy: Still Alive by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch (Scholastic Press), the final book in her Kidnapped From Ukraine 

 

 

 

Story that is an homage to Shakespeare: Julia and Romano by Eric Walters (DCB Young Readers)

 

 

 

 

These books are just a fraction of the wonderful books that 2026 has to offer. I know that there will be plenty that can be added to your TBR list, no matter your favourite author or illustrator or genre or series or theme or . . . you get the picture. And isn't it nice to know that you'll be supporting Canadian authors and illustrators?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture Books

10 Shocking Facts About Capybaras by Mélanie Watt (Scholastic Canada)

Busy Little Bee: A High-Contrast Baby Book by Stephanie Meyers (Flowerpot Press)  

Chicka Chicka Peep Peep by Julien Chung (Beach Lane Books) >>> A Chicka Chicka Book

Hello Baby, It's Me, Alfie by Maggie Hutchings, illus. by Dawn Lo (Tundra) 

How Do You Earn? by Cinders McLeod (Nancy Paulsen Books) >>> A Moneybunny Book 

It's a Mitig! by Bridget George (Douglas & McIntyre) 

More Hands by Jenny Molendyk Divleli (Ketebe Publishing)

My Love for You Is Always by Gillian Sze, illus. by Michelle Lee (Philomel Books) 

Nuka Goes to Daycare by Tricia Jairam, illus. by Amiel Sandland (Arvaaq Press)

A Ramadan Night by Nadine Presley, illus. by Asma Enayeh (Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)

Sometimes I Feel That Way Too by Hannah Beach, illus. by Rebecca Bender (Plumleaf Press)

Snug as a Bug: A High-Contrast Baby Book by Stephanie Meyers (Flowerpot Press) 

When Bryn’s Ear Went Quiet by Nancy Hundal, illus. by Ellen Rooney (Owlkids Books)
Your Truck by Jon Klassen (Candlewick) >>> Your Things series 

 

Early Readers and Middle-Grade Fiction

Cracking Up by Samantha Bee (Farrar, Straus and Giroux) 

 

Non-Fiction

The Curious Life of Cecilia Payne: Discovering the Stuff of Stars by Laura Alary, illus. by Yas Imamura (Eerdmans Books for Young Readers) 

Left-Handed: Getting a Grip on Handedness by Maria Birmingham, illus. by Catherine Chan (Owlkids Books)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture Books

The Battle of the Germs by Mireia Castillo, illus. by Jacinta Martinez (BookLand Press)

The Bear Fairy by Paul Coccia, illus. by Fred Blunt (Tundra Books) 

Cantaloupe and HoneyDo Take the Bus by Mike Boldt (Dial Books)

The Dragon's Eyes by Megan Chew (Plumleaf Press)

Drew's Secret Talent by D. D. Sheppard, illus. by Pheilm Martin (Breakwater Books)

Ellis on Guard by Sal Sawler, illus. by Nandita Ratan (Second Story Press)

Gus Upstairs by Carey Sookochef (Owlkids Books) 

Hamburger Soup by Samantha Beynon, illus. by  Kelsey Fitzgerald (Harbour Publishing)

Here Come the Aunties! by Cynthia Leitich Smith, illus. by Aphelandra (Heartdrum)

I'm Busy by Michael Black, illus. by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers) >>>  newest title in The I'm Series

Marching North by Yolanda T. Marshall, illus. by Lavrova Daria (Chalkboard Publishing)

My Language Is a Garden by E. G. Alaraj, illus. by Rachel Wada (Orca Book Publishers)

My Subway Runs by James Gladstone, illus. by Pierre Pratt (Groundwood Books) 

Puffin Circus 1 2 3 by Lori Doody (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides) 

Samina Goes to a Wedding: Celebrations from a Bangladeshi Marriage by Farida Zaman (Owlkids Books)

Sarabeth's Garage by Melanie Florence, illus. by Nadia Alam (Tundra)

The Story Hunter by Barbara Reid (North Winds Press) 

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Sheepy by Lucy Ruth Cummins, illus. by Pete Oswald  >>> A Sleepy Sheepy Story (Flamingo Books)

We All Love by Julie Flett (Greystone Kids)

We Are Who We Are: An Ode to Indigenous Heroes Past and Present by Wab Kinew, illus. by Janine Gibbons (Tundra Books)

We Can't Wait to Hold You by Richard Van Camp (Orca Book Publishers)

 

Early Readers and Middle-Grade Fiction

Briarwood by Natalie Hyde (DCB Young Readers) 

Do Not Go Out At Night by François Gravel and Martine Latulippe, trans. by David Warriner (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Shivers 8

Fantastic Frog and the Amazing Tad Lad by Brandon Reese (Tundra) >>> Book 1 of new graphic novel series

Forever Rogue by Lisa McMann (G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers)  >>> The Forgotten Five, Book 7

Hypergifted by Gordon Korman (Scholastic Canada) 

Kaboom! Volume 1: Blast Off by Jay Odjick, illus. by KC Oster (Scholastic Canada) >>> graphic novel

The King's Dragon by Scott Chantler (Papercutz) >>> Three Thieves 4

Meg and Greg: Moose on the Loose by Elspeth Rae and Rowena Rae, illus. by Elisa Gutiérrez (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Meg and Grey 7

Planting Sunshine by Andrée Poulin, illus. by Enzo Lord Mariano (Groundwood Books) 

Supergirl's Zoo-per Heroes: Krypto's Big Break by Rob Justus (DC Comics) >>> graphic novel

The Winter Vault by Michael Bedard, illus. by Bjoern Arthurs (Orca Book Publishers)

 

Young Adult

Busted by Jean Mills (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Anchor

Checked Out by Tony Correia (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Currents

The Cursed Queen's Daughter by Elly Blake (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) >>> Thirstwood 2

The Curse of Heartwood Academy by Marty Chan (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Soundings

Daybreak, Vol. 2: A WEBTOON Unscrolled Graphic Novel, created by Moosopp (WEBTOON Unscrolled)

No Brainer by Lea Beddia (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Anchor

Visions From the Fire by Wanda John-Kehewin, illus. by nicole marie burton (HighWater Press) >>> Dreams 2  

 

Non-Fiction

The Cedar Mother by Hetxw'ms Gyetxw Brett D. Huson, illus. by Natasha Donovan (HighWater Press) >>> Mothers of Xsan 8

Color in Nature: Secrets of Animal Survival by Stephen Aitken (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Wild 19

Gone Forever?: Places to See (and Save) Before They Disappear by Erin Silver, illus. by Xulin Wang (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Think 20

One Cosmic Rock: The Story of the Asteroid that Changed Our World by Karen Krossing, illus. by Julia Vasileva (Owlkids Books)

Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story by Joanne Robertson with Shirley (Fletcher) Horn (Second Story Press)

Sticking to the Facts: 10 Ways to Fight Misinformation by Gregor Craigie, illus. by Bithi Sutradhar (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Take Action 3

 

  

 

  

 

 

Picture Books

5 Extraordinarily Zany Munsch Stories by Robert Munsch, illus. by Michael Martchenko (Annick Press) >>> Munsch Funny Pack 3

Before You Came by Anne Renaud, illus.by Nahid Kazemi (Peanut Butter Press) 

Busy Little Mouse by Eugenie Fernandes, illus. by Kim Fernandes (Firefly Books) 

Canada: We Are the Story by Richard Wagamese, illus. by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (Tundra)

chi miigwech, big thank you by astra márta, illus. by Jordan Stranger (Orca Book Publishers) >>> also in bilingual edition (English and Anishinaabemowin)

Cozy Canada: A Tasty Adventure by Maggie Zeng (HarperCollins) >>> colouring book

Every Space Between by Naseem Hrab, illus. by John Martz (Groundwood Books) 

Fly in the Chai by Zenia Wadhwani, illus. by Chaaya Prabhat (Tundra) 

Gotcha Day by Deborah Kerbel, illus. by Udayana Lugo (Orca Book Publishers)

Grandma, Cho Cho and Me by Morgan Christie, illus. by Paulica Santos (Groundwood Books)

How Abigail Found Her Voice by Anne Renaud, illus. by François Thisdale (Fitzhenry & Whiteside)

How to Read a Very Serious Book by Mireille Messier, illus. by Kelly Collier (Owlkids Books)

If You Make a Mosom Tea by Tonya Simpson, illus. by Emily Côté (Orca Book Publishers) 

A Little Camper Love by Rayna Meakin (Heritage House)

Mama Loves It by Raffi, illus. by Patricia Pessoa (Knopf Books for Young Readers)

Music of the Bells by Anitha Rao-Robinson, illus. by Chaaya Prabhat (Viking Books for Young Readers)

The Quiet Hunt: A Poem for Young Foragers by Jean E. Pendziwol, illus. by Risa Hugo (Groundwood Books)

Ruthie by Esmé Shapiro (Tundra) 

Sleepy Little Mouse by Eugenie Fernandes, illus. by Kim Fernandes (Firefly Books)

Springtime in Kitkatla by Kim Spencer, illus. by Karlene Harvey (Orca Book Publishers)

thankful / miigwechiwendam by astra márta, illus. by Jordan Stranger (Orca Book Publishers) >>> bilingual edition (English and Anishinaabemowin) 

There’s a Unicorn in Your Ear by Megan Pomper, illus. by Christina Leist (Owlkids Books)

Time to Leave, Laverne! by Lana Button, illus. by Yong Ling Kang (Owlkids Books)

Tiny Hiker by Natasha Zimmers, illus. by Jaimie MacGibbon (Orca Book Publishers) 

When the Clouds Came by Sarah Yi-Mei Tsiang, illus. by Elaine Chen (Orca Book Publishers)

When You Dream Big! by Peter H. Reynolds (Orchard Books)

Zoey's Cheer-me-up Chest by Anne Renaud, illus. by Gabrielle Grimard (Peanut Butter Press) 

 

Early Readers and Middle-Grade Fiction

The Case of the Movie Mayhem by Michael Hutchinson (Second Story Press) >>> A Mighty Muskrats Mystery 6 

Fern and Newt and the Lost Loot by Mireille Messier, illus. by Catarina Oliveira (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Echoes

Izzy Wong’s Drama Disaster by Marty Chan (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Izzy Wong 2

My Biggest Passion! by Gabriel Anctil, illus. by Emilie Pepin (Auzou Canada) >>> The Soccer Team 1 

The Next Big Pigs by Ryan Uytdewilligen, illus. by Charlotte Cho (Wandering Fox)

PAWS: The Trouble with Leo by Nathan Fairbairn, illus. by Michele Assarasakorn (G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers) >>> Book 5 in graphic novel series PAWS 

The Setback by Lynn Leitch (Pajama Press)

Shy Cat and the Stuff-the-Bus Challenge by Dian Day, illus. by Amanda White (Second Story Press)

Team Spirit! by Gabriel Anctil, illus. by Emilie Pepin (Auzou Canada) >>> The Soccer Team 2  

The Water You're Swimming In by Rachel Schwartz Fagan (Orca Book Publishers)

Werewolves Don't Keep Diaries by Suzanne Sutherland, illus. by Dharmali Patel (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Echoes

 

Young Adult

 Broken Realm by Jenna Greene (Shadowpaw Press)

A Deadly Inheritance by Kelley Armstrong (Tundra Books)

The Free Verse Society by Delali Adjoa (Peachtree Teen)

Here For A Good Time by Kim Spencer (Tundra Books)

Julia and Romano by Eric Walters (DCB Young Readers)

The Last Witch: Blood & Betrayal by Conor McCreery, illus. by V. V. Glass (BOOM!Box)

Queendom Come by Jordan H. Bartlett (CamCat Books)

Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions by Ahmad Saber (Atheneum / Caitlyn Dlouhy Books)

Speak of the Devil: A Witchy Graphic Novel by Sweeney Boo (HarperAlley) >>> Book 2 of Over My Dead Body series

To Deal with Kings by M. K. Lobb (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) >>> Thieves and Kings 2 

 

Non-Fiction

Building Homes for All: Technology for a Fair and Green Planet by Elaine Kachala , illus. by Catherine Chan (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Think 21

Built Like a Bug: How Insects Inspire Everyday Inventions by Anjali Joshi, illus. by Kathleen Ng (Annick Press)

Children of the SS Atlantic: The Lives Lost to One of History's Worst Maritime Disasters by Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail (Nimbus Publishing)

Last Known Address: The Stumbling Stones of Europe by Kathy Kacer (Second Story Press) >>> The Holocaust Remembrance Series for Young Readers 21 

A Salmon Story: Protecting the Future by Willie Poll, illus. by Chantelle Trainor-Matties (Owlkids Books)

Taking Turns with Turtles: A Rescue Story by Shari Becker, illus. by Brittany Lane (Groundwood Books)

Time for School: How Humans Learn by Leah Payne, illus. by Paige Jung (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Timeline 13

The Unbeatable Sonya Ballantyne by Sonya Ballantyne, illus. by Rhael McGregor (HighWater Press) 

What Do We Know About Dragons? by Ben Hubbard, illus. by Andrew Thomson (Penguin Workshop) 

Whose Nest Is Best?: A Book of Bird Homes by Lyndsay Wasko (Tiger Tales)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture Books

Along Came an Aardvark by Vi Hughes, illus. by Lydia Ramsey (Plumleaf Press)

The Alphabet of Unloved Beasts by Kelly Ward-Wills, illus. by Jazmine Gubbe (Eye of Newt Books) 

Ayah and the Big World Outside by Souad Shehab and Julie Sedivy, illus. by Barkha Lohia (Orca Book Publishers)

A Baby on My Back by Ceporah Mearns, illus. by Tindur Peturs (Inhabit Media)

Beautiful Black Boy by Sophia Robinson, illus. by Ken Daley (Orchard Books)

The Best Gift Ever / Kishchi li miiyeur prayzoon by Wilfred Burton, illus. by Natalie Laurin, trans. by Norman Fleury (Heritage House) >>> written in English and Michif 

Billie Builds a RoboCorn by José Avelino Gilles Corbett Lourenço, illus. by James Braithwaite (Tundra)

Camping Is a Terrible Idea by Kirsten Pendreigh, illus. by Tiffany Everett (Firefly Books)

The Cloud That Stuck by Karen Krossing, illus. by Dorothy Leung (Charlesbridge)

Fly Away Home by Betty Quan, illus. by Akin Duzakin (Groundwood Books)

A Friend Is a Friend Is a Friend by Sara O'Leary, illus. by Qin Leng (Groundwood Books) 

A Garden of Berries and Crows by Rosalie Nyce, illus. by Marie-Ève Turgeon (Orca Book Publishers)

Kohkom's First Drum by Monique Gray Smith. illus. by Karlene Harvey (Orca Book Publishers) >>> also available in bilingual edition (English and Plains Cree)

The Legend of the Disappearing Dogs by Lisi Kavik-Mickiyuk, illus. by Margaret Lawrence (Inhabit Media)

A Little Halwa and a Big Family by Farid Bazger, illus. by Saha Abdallah (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides)

The Mountain That Wouldn’t Move by Sandra Dumais (Owlkids Books)

Now I See Fall by Mac Barnett, illus. by Jon Klassen (Tundra) 

Now I See Spring by Mac Barnett, illus. by Jon Klassen (Tundra) 

Now I See Summer by Mac Barnett, illus. by Jon Klassen (Tundra) 

Now I See Winter by Mac Barnett, illus. by Jon Klassen (Tundra)

One, Two, I Love You by Julie Thompson (Orca Book Publishers)

Let’s Eat!: Foods from Here, There and Everywhere by Rina Singh, illus. by Flo Leung (Orca Book Publishers)

Raven and Friends: A Roy Henry Vickers Colouring Book for Kids by Roy Henry Vickers (Harbour Publishing)  

Rocky Mountain 123s by Josey Asnong (Rocky Mountain Books)

Rocky Mountain ABCs by Josey Asnong (Rocky Mountain Books) 

The Octopus by Guojing (Two Lions)

A Salwar Kameez for Ambika by Arti Pandey, illus. by Avneet Sandhu (Owlkids Books)

Savor the Day by Shari Green, illus. by Gabby Grant (Sleeping Bear Press)

The Sea We Call Home by Dominique Demers, illus. by Gabrielle Grimard (Pajama Press)

Swimming Season by Jaimie MacGibbon (Quirk Books)

Wait Like a Seed by Erin Alladin, illus. by Tara Anderson (Pajama Press)

 

 

Early Readers and Middle-Grade Fiction

The Bins Breakout by Stephanie Cooke, illus. by Whitney Gardner (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers) >>> The Racc Pack 3

Dawn on the Coast: A Graphic Novel, adapted by Arley Nopra, illus. by Arley Nopra, written by Ann M. Martin (Graphix) >>> The Baby-sitters Club 19

Fast Break by Anjali Joshi (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Currents

The Healer and the Phoenix by Linda Trinh, illus. by Quynh Anh Nguyen (Annick Press) >>> Legendary Allies 1

The Hip-Hop Challenge by Julie Couture, illus. by Mathieu Benoit (Auzou Canada) >>> Sparkle Academy 3

A Home for Lucy by Mike Levitt (Lorimer)

Jurassic Jeff: Phone Home by Royden Lepp (Random House Graphic) >>> Jurassic Jeff 3, graphic novel

Last Stand by David Starr (Lorimer) 

Last Year With Maddy by Anna Rosner (Yellow Dog)

Little Bee: The Buzz About the Party by Danny Neville, illus. by Colleen McKeown (Annick Press)

Ready, Cassette, Go! by Jarett Sitter (Annick Press) >>> graphic novel

Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher, and Wâpos’s Friendship Garden by Sita MacMillan, illus. by Azby Whitecalf (Annick Press) >>> Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher 3

Still Alive by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch (Scholastic Press) >>> Kidnapped From Ukraine 3 

This Book Stinks! by Danielle Saint-Onge and Jeff Szpirglas, illus. by Alyssa Waterbury (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Echoes

The Three Wolves by Eric Walters, illus. by Olga Barinova (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Echoes

 

  

Young Adult

Between Classes by Angelot Ndongmo (Lorimer)

The Blind Date Agreement by Jessica Cunsolo (Wattpad Books)

Delta Oblivion by Elizabeth J.M. Walker (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Soundings 

Finding Family by Kamilah Haywood (Lorimer) 

Fuse by Jae Waller (ECW Press) >>> The Call of the Rift 5

Infinite Shores by Pascale Lacelle (Margaret K. McElderry Books) >>> The Drowned Gods Trilogy 3

Kat vs. Dogs by Jocelyn Shipley (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Anchor

Maybe Tomorrow I'll Know by Alex Ritany (Norton Young Readers) 

The Moth Dreamer by Amy Lynn Farrell (HighWater Press) 

No More Fridays by Lesley Choyce (Roseway Publishing) 

Supergirl: Being Super by Mariko Tamaki, illus. by Joelle Jones (DC Comics) 

Trust No One by Karen Bass (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Soundings 

 

Non-Fiction

Beyond Earth: How Space Exploration Affects Life at Home by Yolanda Ridge and Oliver Ridge (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Footprints 36

Choose Happy: Give a Smile a Try by Elizabeth MacLeod, illus. by Julie McLaughlin (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Feel Good, Do Good 1

Discovering and Understanding The Algonquians by Michel Noël and Jean-Louis Fontaine (Auzou Canada)

Fiddlehead Forest by Jana Curll (Greystone Kids) >>> Little Habitats 2

Green Cities: How Green Infrastructure Helps Urban Centers Thrive by Sheila Boudreau, illus. by Katy Dockrill (Owlkids Books)

The Man In Motion: How Rick Hansen’s World Tour Helped Break Down Barriers for People with Disabilities by Lorna Schultz Nicholson and Rick Hansen, illus. by Emma FitzGerald (Owlkids Books)

One Goal: How Soccer Can Help Save the Planet by Heather Camlot, illus. by Drew Shannon (Groundwood Books)

Ruth Masters: An Environmental Activist by Haley Healey, illus. by Kimiko Fraser (Heritage House) >>> Trailblazing Canadians

Soccerology: Unbelievable Facts and Stories About the Beautiful Game by Kevin Sylvester (Annick Press)

So She Went Ahead: 50 Trailblazing Women of the Canadian Prairies by Haley Healey, ills. by Kimiko Fraser (Heritage House)

Spilt Aspie: A Clockwork of Asperger Syndrome by Corentin Hunter (Midtown Press)

West Coast Wild Seashore Hide and Seek by Deborah Hodge, illus. by Karen Reczuch (Groundwood Books) >>> West Coast Wild 7

Why Trust a Scientist?: Shared Knowledge for a Bright Future by Kate MacDonald, illus. by Teddy Kang (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Think 22

 

  

 

 

 

 

Picture Books

A Door Is to Open by Kyo Maclear, illus. by Julie Morstad (Tundra Books)

Double-Up Day! by Kari-Lynn Winters, illus. by Dave Whamond (Pajama Press)

I Hear You, Ocean by Kallie George, illus. by Carmen Mok (Greystone Kids)

I Told a Little Lie by Judith Henderson (Candlewick)

I Will Not Walk to School by Naseem Hrab, illus. by Kelly Collier (Kids Can Press) 

Jia Has a Dog Problem by Stephanie Ellen Sy, illus. by Isabella Kung (Kokila)

Monster Mender by Christine Baldacchino, illus. by Ilona Iske (Groundwood Books)

Nahliya and the Lady by Treslyn Vassel, illus. by Sahle Robinson (Plumleaf Press)

The New Player by Alain M. Bergeron, illus. by Caroline Soucy (Auzou Canada) >>> The Hockey Team 4

The Outermost Mouse by Lauren Wolk, illus. by Kristen Adam (Dutton Books for Young Readers)

Pipa:m̓: The Touch of the Frog by Joseph Dandurand, illus. by Elinor Atkins (Nightwood Editions)

Philomena and the Big Bad Mimi by Geneviève Jannelle, illus. by Jasmine Mirra Turcotte (Kids Can Press)

Ribbon Rescue by Robert Munsch, illus. by Shaikara David (North Winds Press) >>> revised edition, with new illustrations 

Soccer Crazy by Gilles Tibo, illus. by Bruno St-Aubin (Scholastic Canada)

Stella and Sam ABC by Marie-Louise Gay (Groundwood Books)

Still Friends by Troy Wilson, illus. by Mike Deas (Orca Book Publishers) 

Tom's Wild Ride by Isabelle Arsenault (Tundra Books)

When I'm a Moshom by David A. Robertson, illus. by Corrie Hill (Tundra Books) >>> companion book to On the Trapline

When We Go Home by Heather Beaumont, illus. by Nátali de Mello (Kids Can Press)

Woolly Dog Warms His Family by Andrea Fritz (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Coast Salish Tales 4

Worm on the Job by Maureen Fergus, illus. by Paul Hammond (Kids Can Press)

 

Early Readers and Middle-Grade Fiction

Asha and Baz Meet Sylvia Earle by Caroline Fernandez, illus. by Dharmali Patel (Common Deer Press)

Beast Ballerz by Wesley King, illus. by Steve Wolfhard (Tundra Books) >>> Beast Ballerz 1

The Bottle Witch of Brimley by Linda DeMeulemeester, illus. by Meaghan Carter (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Shivers 9

Collision by Eric Walters and Danson Mutinda (Orca Book Publishers)

Eva to the Max by Rebecca Caprara (Dial Books)

First Crush by Cassandra Calin (Graphix) >> The New Girl 2, graphic novel

How to Save a Library by Colleen Nelson (Pajama Press) 

Jazz Davies Skips a Beat by Melanie Florence (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Lo and Jazz 2

Lying, Stealing, and Other Ways to Save the Planet by Curtis Campbell (Annick Press) 

Mini Golf Fun! by Tasha Hilderman, illus. by Kaly Quarles (Random House Books for Young Readers) >>> Step into Reading 

Mystery at the Biltmore: The Farouk Forgery by Colleen Nelson (Pajama Press) >>> Mystery at the Biltmore 4 

The Other Side of Perfect by Melanie Florence and Richard Scrimger (Scholastic Canada)

The Search for Gluscap by Brandon Mitchell, illus. by Veronika Barinova, lettered by Kielamel Sibal (HighWater Press) >>> Adventures of the Pugulatmu’j 2 

The Unbelievable True Story of Uutak by Atuat Shouldice, illus. by Amiel Sandland (Inhabit Media)

Wanted: Your House by Monique Polak (Kids Can Press)

 

Young Adult

Lake Life by Tanya Boteju (Quill Tree Books)

Our Little Secret by Edward Kay and Mikael Klassen-Kay (DCB Young Readers) 

The Saw Mouth by Cale Plett (Delacorte Press)

 

Non-Fiction

All About Us: 20 True Tales of Courage and Disability by Hannalora Leavitt, illus. by Stef Wong (Orca Book Publishers)

Amazing 2SLGBTQIA+ People in Atlantic Canada: Stories of Activism, Education, and Pride by Rebecca Rose, illus. by James Bentley (Nimbus Publishing

Bat Planet: The Mysterious Life of the Creatures of the Night by Neil Griffin (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Wild 20

The Dream of an Education: How Phymean Noun Built a School by Susan Hughes, illus. by Tida Kheav (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Biography 4

Honor by Nataliia Mariichyn, Leon Buchwald, and Susan McClelland (Astra Young Readers)

Let Me Be Honest: 28 Young Artists on Surviving an Uncertain World, edited by Michaela Allen and P. Anneka Lynch (Annick Press)

One Ocean: 7 Ways to Save the Seas by Mark Leiren-Young, illus. by Bithi Sutradhar (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Take Action 4

She Was the Story Girl: How L. M. Montgomery Learned to Never Give Up! by Joann Hamilton-Barry (Nimbus Publishing)

Why Communities Need Engineers: Helping Humans Live Together by Helen Liang, illus. by Arden Taylor (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Timeline 14

 

 

 

Picture Books

Being Different by Miali Coley-Sudlovenick, illus. by Alex Aldrich Barrett (Inhabit Media)

Bollywood Beat! by Anita Yasuda, illus. by Devika Oza (Kids Can Press)

Boozhoo! / Hello! by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, trans. by Mary Ann Corbiere (Groundwood Books)

Cat Shapes by Aidan Cassie (Kids Can Press)

Flying High on PEI: Prince Edward Island and Canada's First Transatlantic Flight by  Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail, illus. by Jennifer DesRoche (Acorn Press)

Good Families Don't by Robert Munsch, illus. by Joy Ang (Tundra Books) >>> new illustrations

The Great Gathering Place by Naomi McIlwraith, illus. by Onedove (Kids Can Press)

Guinea Pigs Don't Wear Pants by Chris Paul Farias (Rebel Goose Books) 

I Built a Rocket Ship by Anna Lazowski, illus. by Jennica Lounsbury (Kids Can Press)

I Sure Do by Charles Demers, illus. by Dorothy Leung (Tradewind Books) 

I Think We're Upside Down! by Marcus Cutler (G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers)

I Used to Be a Dinosaur by Casey Lyall, illus. by Laurie Keller (Greenwillow Books)

Little Days: A Song by The Bombadils, illus. by Veronica Chih Ming Frank (Acorn Press)

My Best Friend Is a Butternut Squash by Heather Smith, illus. by Kass Reich (Tundra Books)

The Old Man, The Dog, and the Boy by Kevin Qamaniq-Mason, illus. by Vinícius Xavier (Inhabit Media)

Simply Winnie by Winnie Harlow, illus. by Sawyer Cloud (Penguin Workshop)

Strawberry Sundaes by Sarabeth Holden, illus. by Emma Pedersen (Inhabit Media)

Sunshine in the Monsoons by Tina Athaide, illus. by Archana Sreenivasan (HarperCollins)

Today We'll Be Eaten by Alan Barillaro (Rocky Pond Books)

Whale, That Was Unexpected by Casey Lyall, illus. by Kathryn Durst (Tundra Books)

The Wise Pickle by Sarah Howden, illus. by Sabina Hahn (Tundra Books)

 

Early Readers and Middle-Grade Fiction

Absolutely No Body Parts by Valerie Sherrard (DCB Young Readers)

The Band of Bigs by Casey Lyall, illus. by Sara Faber (Greenwillow Books) >>> A League of Littles 2, graphic novel

The Book of Jupiter by Robin Stevenson (Kids Can Press)

Cammie's Family Secret by Laura Best (Nimbus Publishing) >>> Cammie Turple 4

The Class Thief by Alain M. Bergeron, illus. by Manuella Côte (Auzou Canada) >>> Hector Parrow, Clever Detective 1

Dreamfurs: A Tale of Two Journeys by Malaika Ongwae (BookLand Press)

Eleven Out of Ten by Stacey Matson (Scholastic Canada)

False Starts by Carl Brundtland, illus. by Claudia Dávila (Kids Can Press) >>> A Nansi Graphic Novel 2

Go by Deborah Ellis (Groundwood Books) >>> Onward series, Book 3

Lydia Cooper Is a Lie by Meaghan McIsaac (Aladdin) 

The Odyssey: A Modern Retelling by Liv Albert (DK Children)

Pirates of the Silver Coast by Scott Chantler (Papercutz) >>> Three Thieves 5 

The Science Fair Sabotage by Bunmi Laditan, illus. by Elisa Rocchi (WaterBrook Children's) >>> David's Diary 2

The Summer Camp Disaster by Bunmi Laditan, illus. by Elisa Rocchi (WaterBrook Children's) >>> David's Diary 1 

Trapped! by Julie Couture, illus. by Manuella Côte (Auzou Canada) >>> Cassandra 3

Unexpected Guest by Dominic Pelletier (BookLand Press)

Whale Fall by Elysia Rourke (Nancy Paulsen Books)

Young Adult

Among Ghosts by Rachel Hartman (Penguin Teen Canada)

The Romance Rewind by Sarah Everett (G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers)

The Sleuth of Ferren City by S.M. Beiko (ECW Press) >>> The Brindlewatch Quintet 3

Thornbird by E. Kennedy (Delacorte Press)

The Vacation Shift by Lily Chu (Quill Tree Books)

 

Non-Fiction

All the Water on Earth by Rochelle Strauss, illus. by Madelyn Goodnight (Kids Can Press) >>> CitizenKid

The Burrowing Owls of the Prairie Grasslands by Deborah Hodge, illus. by Karen Reczuch (Groundwood Books) >>> Wild By Nature 2

Looking at the Sky: How Dr. Janusz Korczak Fought for Children’s Rights by Amanda West Lewis, illus. by Abigail Rajunov (Kids Can Press) >>> graphic novel 

Summer Brings Berries, illus. by Roy Henry Vickers, text by Lucky Budd (Harbour Publishing)

 

 

 

Picture Books

Dear Classroom 1B by Lynn Leitch, illus. by Christine Battuz (Scholastic Canada)

Dear Prophet Muhammad: A Letter to the Beloved by Jenny Molendyk Divleli (Ketebe Publishing)

Eon: My Pet Tardigrade by Cybèle Young with Nell Jocelyn (Tundra Books) 

The Explorers by Dee Hahn, illus. by Ashlyn Anstee Makade Asin (Dial Books) 

The House with Nobody in It by Jon Klassen (Candlewick) 

Love, Panda by Elaine Su, illus. by Charlene Chua (Orchard Books)

Makade Asin / Black Stone by Darcy Whitecrow and Cail Judy, illus. by Maya McKibbin, trans. by Pamela Johnson (Groundwood Books) 

Mother Boo: Poems from Spookytown by Vikki VanSickle, illus. by Jennica Lounsbury (Tundra Books) >>> poetry 

Muriel and the Mystery by Charlotte Parent (Tundra Books)

The Only Way to Dance by Cristina Quintero, illus. by Eugenia Mello (Tundra Books) 

Our Spectacular Sukkah by Sidura Ludwig, illus. by Sophia Vincent Guy (Candlewick) 

The Scariest House on the Street by Joel A. Sutherland, illus. by Terry Pearson (North Winds Press) 

Stray by Cale Atkinson (Tundra Books)

Early Readers and Middle-Grade Fiction

About a Home Child by Caroline Fernandez (DCB Young Readers) 

The Cow in the Dark at Night by Jess Hannigan (Quill Tree Books) 

The Elk Whistle Warrior Society by Rick Revelle (Dundurn) 

Fangs of Fear by Dom Pelletier (Scholastic Canada) >>> The Lunch Club 9

Froggy: Autumn Antics! by Paige Walshe (Flying Eye Books) >>> Froggy 2 graphic novel

Reach for the Stars! by Julie Couture (Auzou Canada) >>> Friends for Life 2

Scaredy Squirrel Scared Silly by Melanie Watt (Tundra Books) >>> Scaredy's Nutty Adventures 4 

The Shadow on the Wreck by Claire Hatcher-Smith (Tundra Books) >>> The Mizzy Mysteries 2 

The Skeleton and the Cat by Brandon James Scott (HarperCollins) 

Sleepless by Gordon Korman (Scholastic) 

The Third Period Comeback by E. K. Johnston (Dutton Books for Young Readers) 

Unlikely Friends by Monica Arnaldo (Scholastic ) >>> Diary of Dinoghost 1 (Branches series)

We Must Save Halloween!: 13 chapters to open before Halloween by Magali Laurent, illus. by Sabrina Gendron (Auzou Canada)

 

Young Adult

Everything Comes Back to You by Jackie Khalilieh (Tundra Books) 

Frostbite: A Graphic Novel by Ian Boothby, illus. by Pia Guerra (Graphix) 

Ordeal at Orleans by Andrew Varga (Imbrifex Books)>>> A Jump in Time Novel 5 

Whenever You Are by Martine Leavitt (Groundwood Books) 

  

Non-Fiction

Discovering and Understanding The Haida by Michel Noël and Sylvie Roberge, illus. by Marie de Monti (Auzou Canada)

Let's Meet the Ancient Egyptians by Ben Hubbard and Dan Gartman (DK Kids) 

What Do We Know About Fairies? by Ben Hubbard, illus. by Laurie A. Conley (Penguin Workshop) 

 

 

 

 

n.b. If I've missed any books that are set for release in the next six months, or you want me to include something coming up later in 2026, just drop a comment below with details (title, author +/- illustrator, publisher, and type of book). I'll be happy to include it.  And, if I've made any errors—of course I did—in spelling or book details, please let me know. I am more than happy to correct my mistakes.