Stella and Sam ABC

Written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay

Groundwood Books

978-1-77946-067-7

34 pp.

Ages 0–3

May 2026 

 

This is not just another alphabet book. It's Stella and Sam, Marie-Louise Gay's wonderful siblings from countless books including Read Me a Story, Stella (2013), Stella, Princess of the Sky (2004), and Good Night Sam (2003). Together they share, explore, learn, and bond. Now they're helping others learn the alphabet through their relationship and joyous romps through play.

From Stella and Sam ABC, written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay

From apple picking to 

moon-watching to 

exploring the jungle, 

every day is a new adventure 

for Stella and Sam. 

Do you want to join them? Let's turn 

the page!

With that first page, Marie-Louise Gay invites us to watch the two children as they play through the seasons. In winter, there's angel-making, ice-skating, and night-time dreaming ... with owls hooting. In the summer, there's fishing and vegetable gardening. And there's always fun in the house like hiding and seeking, reading, rolling and somersaulting, as well as yawning together (Sam and Fred the dog) before falling asleep. These children do so much that I suspect Marie-Louise Gay could write multiple alphabet books for Stella and Sam.

From Stella and Sam ABC, written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay

Whether together or off on their own, everything they do gives us new letters to learn, new words to identify, and new qualities to fall in love with. Stella and Sam are filled with joy, whether it's watching the moon, bathing with rubber duckies, or slurping some tasty treat. There are nouns and verbs, sounds and more. Marie-Louise Gay shows us that these kids are into everything, both remarkable and ordinary.

From Stella and Sam ABC, written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay

Young children will definitely learn the alphabet as they read along with Stella and Sam ABC, but they'll also be learning to read. The words are simple and will be meaningful to children. Stella and Sam's activities and actions will all be familiar, and easily replicated which will strengthen young children's learning. And because Marie-Louise Gay always gives us more to love in her art, like hiding rabbits, a stray sock, or a hitchhiking snail, children will be pointing and finding and laughing as they learn.

 

It's so lovely to visit with Stella and Sam again. Even though Marie-Louise Gay has continued to give young readers fabulous picture books (e.g., Short Stories for Little Monsters, 2017); The Three Brothers, 2020; and I'm Not Sydney!, 2022) even early chapter books, I've missed Stella and Sam (and Fred too). They are sweet and true. They are delightful to watch in their relationship and in their play. They are different and yet similar in their dispositions—their parents or guardians must be extraordinary—and I want more of Stella and Sam. Please. After all, there is still so much of their world to explore—exploring is the x word, as you were probably wondering—and to see through their eyes and their hearts.

It's a Mitig!

Written and illustrated by Bridget George

D & M Kids (Douglas & McIntyre)

978-1-771-624817

32 pp.

Ages 3–5

January 2026 

 

Giizis is rising, the day is brand new.

Let's learn some words nature's gathered for you. (pg. 3)

 

So begins Bridget George's It's a Mitig!, a picture book originally published in 2020 and now available as a board book, perfect for a concept book for teaching Ojibwe (Anishinaabemowin) words. 

 

With the rising of the sun (giizis), readers are taken from place to place to meet a variety of animals and plants. From the ashigan (bass) to the gaag (porcupine), Bridget George introduces Ojibwe words. She never uses the words "sun" or "bass" or "porcupine" but the children to whom the text is read will put the visual and textual clues together and determine what these new words mean. And, because she uses short rhyming verse, Bridget George makes the text playful and easy to remember. Moreover, her text is always informative and clear in evoking the name of each subject. For example, the text for a bird tells the reader that, "This animal whistles and lives in a tree. Building a nest, it's a bineshiinh." (pg. 11) Bineshiinh is obviously the Ojibwe word for "bird."

From It's a Mitig!, written and illustrated by Bridget George

Though Bridget George's digital illustrations in The Animals Choose a Leader (written by Richard Wagamese, 2024) and  The Inquisitive Raven (also by Richard Wagamese, 2025) are of a Woodland style, her artwork in It's a Mitig! is less defined as of an Indigenous art style. However, this Anishinaabe author-illustrator continues to embed readers fully in the natural world of trees and acorns, rivers and fish. By pairing new words with familiar natural elements like the moon (dibiki-giizis) or a river (ziibi), Bridget George teaches twelve Ojibwe names with informative and bright art.

From It's a Mitig!, written and illustrated by Bridget George

While the original book includes a glossary page with a pronunciation guide, these are not included in this edition of It's a Mitig! But, for a concept book, they are not really necessary. This is a board book, so most likely read by an older reader to a young child. Those to whom the book is read will pick up on the words by listening and looking at the pictures, not by reading them themselves. And they will learn these words. Whether these children are Anishinaabe or not, there will be learning of new words, and it will happen with colour, bright shapes, and descriptive rhyme.

From It's a Mitig!, written and illustrated by Bridget George

Every Leaf on Every Tree

Written and illustrated by Lauren Soloy

Nimbus Publishing

 978-1-77471-423-2

20 pp.

Ages 0–3

June 2025 

 

How great is a parent's love for their child? For this rabbit, that love is vast, mighty, boundless, and endless. For this family, that love is everything.

From Every Leaf on Every Tree, written and illustrated by Lauren Soloy

In a poetic love song to their baby, this rabbit declares the extent of love they feel. Referring to the wonderful elements of their natural world, that love is extolled profusely. 

And every petal 

     on every flower

And every second 

     in every hour 

It's in the grass and the flowers, the ocean and the sand, and in butterflies, birds, and stars. But it's also in the personal touch and tickle. When a parent loves a child, that love is truly reflected in everything.

From Every Leaf on Every Tree, written and illustrated by Lauren Soloy

Every Leaf on Every Tree is a board book and aimed at the very youngest of our children, and so it will be a lovely baby gift for expectant parents. Lauren Soloy, who is best known to me as an illustrator of books such as Kathy Stinson's A Tulip in Winter, has an impressive collection of picture books in her bibliography. But with Every Leaf on Every Tree, she has become an author-illustrator to me, and one that can put words to her art in a heartfelt way. Every Leaf on Every Tree reads like a love song to a child who may or may not be too young to understand the depth of that affection. Regardless, the reading of this book can begin when a child is still a baby and progress to ages one and two and older and even until they are reading it for themselves. And they will always appreciate the comfort of knowing the magnitude of that closeness.

From Every Leaf on Every Tree, written and illustrated by Lauren Soloy

In addition to the text, Lauren Soloy also illustrated Every Leaf on Every Tree. While it's not always possible as a reader to identify the media the illustrator uses, I found that it was especially challenging to identify Lauren Soloy's medium. The art appears to include paint and pencil, perhaps digital rendering, and even cut-paper. Regardless, Lauren Soloy gives us a picture book in which parent and child are part of each other and a larger world of immense beauty and scope. In their own little world, they are everything. In the world at large, they are one.

Folk Art Animal Sounds

Artwork by Barry Colpitts

Words by Carol McDougall and Shanda LaRamee-Jones

Nimbus Publishing

978-1-77471-334-1

26 pp.

Ages 0-2

October 2024

 

Like their earlier board books Maud Lewis 1 2 3 and Maud Lewis Colours, authors Carol McDougall and Shanda LaRamee-Jones base their concept books on the art of the East Coast, bringing culture and colour to teaching numbers, colours or, as here, animal sounds. This time the illustrations are the art of Nova Scotian folk artist and carver Barry Colpitts.

From Folk Art Animal Sounds, artwork by Barry Colpitts, text by Carol McDougall and Shanda LaRamee-Jones

Thirteen animals are depicted in simple double-spreads that focus on a carving, the animal's name, and the sound it makes. The animals include the rooster, pig, fox, goose, cat, fish, eagle, cheetah, sheep, peacock, bear, dog, and whale. While the text is rudimentary–it is a concept book–there are a few less familiar sounds like those for the fox, peacock, and whale. And though the sounds themselves are depicted in large and boldly coloured letters, the stars of the book are the folk carvings of Barry Colpitts.

From Folk Art Animal Sounds, artwork by Barry Colpitts, text by Carol McDougall and Shanda LaRamee-Jones

Barry Colpitts's sculptures are joyous in their colours and shapes. The animals are easily recognizable and adorably cute, especially when he adds secondary animals to their backs. For example, the dalmatian has a cat on its back which in turn has a bird on its back. Barry Colpitts keeps the colours of the animals both realistic and fanciful, helping young children to both recognize the creatures and be amused by them.

From Folk Art Animal Sounds, artwork by Barry Colpitts, text by Carol McDougall and Shanda LaRamee-Jones

Folk Art Animal Sounds is a unique concept book, teaching young children the sounds that animals make. The text is simple and will be easily repeated and then read by preschoolers.  But, beyond the animal sounds, Folk Art Animal Sounds builds on the folk art collection of Barry Colpitts and exposes very young kids to a traditional art form. The book is as beautiful as any coffee table book about art, and I suspect art lovers will enjoy it as much as the children learning the utterances of familiar animals.

Lemming's First Christmas

Written by Jamesie Fournier

Illustrated by Tim Mack

Inhabit Media

978-1-77227-543-8

28 pp.

Ages 0-5

October 2024

 

Avinngaq (lemming in Inuktitut) lives under a house and hears children singing, "Santa Claus is coming to town." When she asks Qimmiq (a sled dog), he tells her that Santa Claus puts presents under the tree. That just leads to more questions because Avinngaq doesn't know what a tree is. And so begins Avinngaq's quest to ensure Santa Claus visits her.

From Lemming's First Christmas, written by Jamesie Fournier, illustrated by Tim Mack

Qimmiq has a simple explanation about a tree–"It grows out of the ground, and you decorate it"–and he goes with Avinngaq to find one. The other Arctic animals bring forth what they suggest might be a tree. From Natsiq (a ringed seal) who brings some seaweed, and Tuktu (a caribou) who brings a purple saxifrage, Qimmiq can only tell what is not a tree. Other animals include Tiriganiaq (an Arctic fox) and Ukaliq (an Arctic hare) but it's not until Avinngaq rests on a piece of driftwood that Qimmiq confirms she's found a tree.

From Lemming's First Christmas, written by Jamesie Fournier, illustrated by Tim Mack

So, the friends decorate the driftwood with the seaweed, the purple saxifrage, arctic willow, and berries, sing, "Santa Claus is coming to town" and are delighted to find presents under the tree the next morning.

From Lemming's First Christmas, written by Jamesie Fournier, illustrated by Tim Mack

For our very youngest children, Lemming's First Christmas would be a bright beginning to the holiday season. Of course, they'll start singing the song too and it could get tiresome for the next seven weeks but maybe you could break that up with a reading or two of Lemming's First Christmas and some discussions about Arctic animals and plants, about cultural traditions, and even the magic of the holiday season. Jamesie Fournier, a writer in Iqaluit, keeps the story positive and simple, which is perfect for an early picture book–it has thicker pages and a reinforced cover–while introducing them to the Arctic and its plant and animal species, and teaching them a few words of Inuktitut. (A double-spread at the back posts the Inuktitut names and their pronunciations along with illustrations of the animals depicted.) It's very sweet and all the more so for Tim Mack's illustrations. I've reviewed several books which Tim Mack has illustrated (It's Time For Bed and What's My Superpower?) and his cartoon style of digital art will resonate with very young readers. His characters are cute and recognizable, and even if unfamiliar with an Arctic environment, children will recognize the play of shadows at night, the magic of snow and stars, and the quest for answers from those we know.

From Lemming's First Christmas, written by Jamesie Fournier, illustrated by Tim Mack

Get into the holiday season in a gentle way with Lemming's First Christmas. It's an easy introduction for those who may become overwhelmed with the customs of the holiday and let them see it from the perspective of a group of animals who interpret a tradition in their own way and make it a very sweet first Arctic Christmas.

 

 

Sleepy Bird (new board book edition)

In March of 2018, I reviewed Sleepy Bird, Jeremy Tankard's newest book in his Grumpy Bird series. This book has now be released as a board book, perfect for the youngest of children whom you may be trying to get to bed. The book is as delightful now as it was when I first reviewed it so I wanted to bring it to the attention of parents and teachers and maybe the very young who are starting to read. Sleepy Bird may become their go-to laugh before bed.

 

Written and illustrated by Jeremy Tankard

Scholastic Press

978-1-4431-4632-6

32 pp.

Ages 3-5

August 2024

It's late.  Why isn't Bird sleeping?!

From Sleepy Bird by Jeremy Tankard

Bird is not sleepy, or so he thinks.  He wants to play and party and seeks out each of his animal friends to keep him company.  Each one tells him it's bedtime and recommends a sleep aid like hugging a blankie (that's from Fox), or reading a bedtime story (Beaver), snuggling with a stuffie (Rabbit), singing a lullaby (Raccoon) or counting sheep (obviously from Sheep).  But he poohpoohs their suggestions, storming off like he often does (remember, he was Grumpy Bird in his first book).

From Sleepy Bird by Jeremy Tankard

But, after a little while, he is reduced to tears and questioning empathically "WHY SHOULD I GO TO SLEEP?"  His friends, ever faithful, come running and support their dear friend with all the recommendations they'd made earlier, helping their feathered companion find a way to dreamland.

From Sleepy Bird by Jeremy Tankard

What parent doesn't know the child who will not go to sleep?  In fact, they will recognize the crankiness, protestations, and eventual winding down of a little one, and their own ploys used to help a child fall into slumber.  Undoubtedly they will also recognize some comments made by Bird's friends, especially "I thought he'd NEVER fall asleep," as proclaimed by Fox.  But it's Bird's responses that always have me laughing. (I think, Jeremy Tankard, there's a Funny Bird in your future.) Bird's replies to his friends, ever escalating in their intensity, include "Blankie shmankie", "Are you TRYING to give me nightmares?" and to Sheep's suggestion of counting sheep: "HOW CAN YOU GET SLEEPY COUNTING TO ONE?"

But, as clever as the text is and as pertinent as its theme, Sleepy Bird will grab readers and non-readers with its bold and colourful illustrations.  Jeremy Tankard's wacky characters are as familiar now as Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit and Mo Willems's Elephant and Piggie and we love everything about them: their vibrant colours, coarse lines and clean shapes as well as their expressive poses and faces. What is more is that Jeremy Tankard's landscapes of splatterings of flowers, rocks, and trees amidst enormous ground-level stars and a moon provide a surreal contrast to a very commonplace story i.e. putting a reluctant child to bed.

So, the next time you have to help little ones find their way to rest, grab those blankies and stuffies and read Sleepy Bird.  I can't assure you that they'll go to sleep but you'll at least enjoy the attempt until they decide for themselves that sleep is best.

• • • • • • •

 

Grumpy Bird (2007)

Boo Hoo Bird (2009)

Hungry Bird (2016)

Sleepy Bird (2018)

A Flock of Gulls, a Chorus of Frogs

Art by Roy Henry Vickers

Text by Robert "Lucky" Budd

Harbour Publishing

978-1-990776502

28 pp.

Ages 2-6

April 2024 

 

Roy Henry Vickers and Lucky Budd have taken young children on learning experiences into the natural world along the Pacific coast through their First West Coast Book series since 2017. Through colour and rhyme, shape and textured words, kids have been introduced to the concepts of the alphabet (A is for Anemone), animal sounds (Raven Squawk, Orca Squeak), numbers (One Eagle Soaring), colours (Sockeye Silver, Saltchuck Blue) and more. Now they will graduate to a higher concept, that of animal groupings, something with which many adults still struggle to name correctly. (FYI, it's a clowder of cats, and a murder of crows, just to name a few.) But Roy Henry Vickers and Lucky Budd keep us on the West Coast to revisit many animals they'd introduced in earlier books. 

From A Flock of Gulls, a Chorus of Frogs, art by Roy Henry Vickers, text by Lucky Budd

In easy rhyme, Lucky Budd gives us the terms for groups of orcas and seals, jellyfish and eagles, elk and foxes. They are animals of the air, of the water and of the land.

A jumble of jellies is called a bloom.

Shoals of dolphins zip and zoom.

The words are few, perfect for a concept book, with the grouping name in bold text for easy spotting. And yet, even with few words, Lucky Budd gives us movement and spirit. He carries us to play with the sea otters and fly with the gulls and geese. The text is truly evocative of a natural setting teeming with life, even quiet, resting life. And we learn.

From A Flock of Gulls, a Chorus of Frogs, art by Roy Henry Vickers, text by Lucky Budd

As always, it's Roy Henry Vickers's art that elevates the amazing text to the divine. With limited colours and spot-gloss in each spread, Roy Henry Vickers's takes us to a natural world of beauty and relationship, between environment and animal. His Northwest Indigenous art style is rich with formlines that give shape to heads and tails, wings and appendages. Even when those lines are at their simplest, as in the earth of foxes or the galaxy of sea stars, they hold forms that are distinct and evocative of heart.

From A Flock of Gulls, a Chorus of Frogs, art by Roy Henry Vickers, text by Lucky Budd

This may be a board book and a concept book that is aimed at our youngest children, but A Flock of Gulls, a Chorus of Frogs could more accurately be intended for all ages. Its small size may disqualify it as a coffee table book but, between the information that is relayed through simple rhyme and the expressive illustrations that exhibit page after page of incomparable art, this book could easily spark discussion and uplift a room or library beyond a lovely teaching tool.

• • • • • • •

First West Coast Book series, to date

Hello, Humpback! (2017)

One Eagle Soaring (2018)

Sockeye Silver, Saltchuck Blue (2019)

Raven Squawk, Orca Squeak (2020)

A is for Anemone (2021)

A Flock of Gulls, a Chorus of Frogs (2024)

What Were You Expecting?: First Words for New Parents

Written by Cameron Spires 

Illustrated by Grace Cho

Kids Can Press

978-1-5253-0579-5

44 pp.

Adult (sort of)

May 2023

 

It's a board book, so technically What Were You Expecting? is probably for the very youngest of children.  In fact, it isn't and it kind of is. It's a book to be read by parents to babies who have no idea what is being read to them, but the adults will be chuckling to themselves with the tongue-in-cheek humour that recognizes the wonders and many challenges of having a new baby. After all, what were you expecting?

 

There are actually two stories in What Were You Expecting?  One is written in bold, simple sentences like "This is a book" or "This is a house."  The illustration reflects that simple concept, and a young child would easily pick up on the nouns like house, cat, alien, bottle, rooster, whale, sleep or skunk. But it's what's written after that basic sentence that is loaded with humour, nuance, and significance for the adults reading the book.

From What Were You Expecting?, written by Cameron Spires, illus. by Grace Cho

What is a house? It's "like the one we had to remortgage to pay for your daycare. Just kidding. We can't find daycare."  How about the baby bottle? "You would think your parents would drink fewer bottles than you. You would think that." It's real but very funny. And still the book ends recognizing that ultimately it's the family they created that has made this all worthwhile.

From What Were You Expecting?, written by Cameron Spires, illus. by Grace Cho

Having a baby is an overwhelming commitment of time, finances, energy, and emotion. The rewards of growing a family as an expression of love may be substantial but there are costs, even if some are only temporary. As a parent, BC's Cameron Spires is there to remind others what to expect and how to deal, and he does it with such playfulness that, as they struggle with sleepless nights, debilitating expenses, and physical peculiarities involved with spit-up, poop, and more, they'll smile and remember why it's all worth it.

From What Were You Expecting?, written by Cameron Spires, illus. by Grace Cho

Artist Grace Cho, also of BC, stays with the concept book feel of What Were You Expecting? by keeping her digitally-rendered illustrations bright and bold, perfect for children. The art is whimsical and very sweet, whether it's a coffee-drinking owl, a skunk with a nose clip, or a pair of penguins with their baby. The lines are soft, the backgrounds lively, and the shapes distinct which will be perfect when your baby starts to understand the connection between "their" text and the art.

If you know someone expecting a baby, this is the gift that will give them a much-needed laugh while serving double-duty later on when they'll be reading, at least parts of it, to the source of both their love and their frustrations, hopefully just temporary ones. As a gift for new parents, it may not be what they're expecting from a board book but, like their new bundle of joy, it'll be worth it.

Maud Lewis Colours

Artwork by Maud Lewis

Words by Shanda LaRamee-Jones and Carol McDougall

Nimbus Publishing

978-1-77108-878-7

24 pp.

Ages 0-4

June 2023

Concept books such as this one are created to help teach our very young children basic concepts like colours and numbers. The vehicle by which that teaching happens is what separates the basic from the sublime. With the artwork of Canadian folk painter Maud Lewis providing the foundation for this board book, concept teaching goes from elemental to elevated.

From Maud Lewis Colours, art by Maud Lewis, words by Shanda LaRamee-Jones and Carol McDougall

Maud Lewis's life in rural Nova Scotia was one of hardships and isolation. But her art was joyous and that's what is seen in Maud Lewis Colours. Because the artist used whatever paint she could scrounge up, her colours are intensely vibrant but harmonious in a balanced way. It's the kind of art that will captivate children while teaching them white, red, orange, yellow, green, blue, pink, purple, brown, and black. For each colour, one of Maud Lewis's paintings is displayed with text printed on the opposite page of contrasting colour.  Nova Scotian writers Shanda LaRamee-Jones and Carol McDougall had a great number of pieces of art from which to choose because all Maud Lewis's are colourful, but the authors' selections ensured a wonderful cross-section of her art. There are landscapes of purple hills, green grass and blue water, many animal paintings from a white cat to brown oxen and yellow birds, and wagons, sleighs and even a Model T car. There's a little bit of everything but mostly a lot of boldness of paint–appropriate for a concept book on colours–and a celebration of Nova Scotia from both the past and the present.

From Maud Lewis Colours, art by Maud Lewis, words by Shanda LaRamee-Jones and Carol McDougall

I know Maud Lewis Colours is a concept book for very young children but for when they're a little older and for those who share it with them, it is also a beautiful introduction to a Canadian artist–there is a double spread dedicated to "one colourful artist" with information about her–and an invitation to see colour in their own lives.

From Maud Lewis Colours, art by Maud Lewis, words by Shanda LaRamee-Jones and Carol McDougall

• • • • • • •

 

There is an earlier book, Maud Lewis 1, 2, 3 (Nimbus, 2017), that would be a fitting accompaniment to Maud Lewis Colours for teaching basic but colourful concepts.

Maud Lewis 123 (Nimbus, 2017)

Maud Lewis Colours (Nimbus, 2023)

A is for Anne

Written by Mo Duffy Cobb

Illustrated by Ellie Arscott

Pownal Street Press

978-1-778124549

24 pp.

Ages 0-3

For release February 28, 2023

 

A is for Anne is a concept book that is ever so Canadian, set in the late 1800s and on Prince Edward Island, and offering an opportunity to learn the alphabet and a historical perspective of our world. From horse-drawn carriages to games and activities, A is for Anne takes us into a different time and place.

From A is for Anne by Mo Duffy Cobb, illus. by Ellie Arscott

Some of the letter designations are simple enough, like A is for Anne, who waits by the train, and B is for Brown, a horse with a mane. Young children will understand and appreciate the I is for ice cream and J is for July but many of the references are far more esoteric, requiring a knowledge of L. M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables novel–"M is for Matthew, the real reason we're here" and "N is for natural, a father so dear"– or include sophisticated and dated terms like "decree," and "cordial." This does not take away from the elegance of A is for Anne, but I think it extends its readership to all ages, from the very young who are learning their alphabet to older readers who have already read Anne of Green Gables.

From A is for Anne by Mo Duffy Cobb, illus. by Ellie Arscott

Mo Duffy Cobb, co-founder of PEI's boutique publisher Pownal Street Press, captures all the nuances of Anne's story from the child's arrival in Avonlea to her relationships with Marilla, Matthew, Diana, and Gilbert. She takes readers into Anne's enthusiasm for the island's beauty from its poplar trees by a stream, the blossoming cherry trees, and yellow skies tinged with pink, and her joie de vivre for the potential of her new life. Mo Duffy Cobb shares with us Anne's foibles and her heart. And she does it all in polished rhymes, giving rhythm to her refined text.

From A is for Anne by Mo Duffy Cobb, illus. by Ellie Arscott

Though not from PEI, illustrator Ellie Arscott delivers the reader to Anne's home in place and story. From its landscape and its people and the story of the freckled child looking for a home, Ellie Arscott's watercolours with ink depict a world of softness, of place and people. The pace of life is slower than today and simpler in scope but full in sentiment and connection, as is the original story.

I know that parents and teachers will first see A is for Anne as the alphabet board book that it is, but I hope that others will see it as a tribute to the classic story, giving us both rhyme and art to see Anne and her creator from a different perspective.

Santa ABC

 

Written and illustrated by George Fewster

Collins

978-1-443466059

26 pp.

Ages 3-7

October 2022 

Santa definitely has an important job but is that all that he's about? Does he do any other jobs? What does he feel?  In this playful board book, George Fewster takes children–though older readers will enjoy it just as much–through the ABCs of Santa in all his forms.

From Santa ABC by George Fewster

From an astronaut and barista, to Viking and zombie, George Fewster shows us a multitude of active and feeling Santas. Santa may be wearing an ninja outfit or dancing to disco or experiencing ennui and hanger–hunger and anger–but Santa is always still Santa, adorned in red with candy cane-striped props and spreading his "Ho Ho Ho" greeting.

From Santa ABC by George Fewster

Author-illustrator George Fewster takes Santa into the 21st century, engaging in contemporary activities and interests that many children will recognize, even if it's only through their families or teachers. And while they'll be learning the alphabet, the objective of this kind of concept book, they'll learn a few words and definitely smile at this talented Christmas character.

From Santa ABC by George Fewster

They'll especially smile at George Fewster's illustrations. His bold colours and clean lines will be much appreciated by young readers. Because of the unmistakable depictions–except for Ennui Santa–Santa ABC can become a guessing game, as well as an alphabet activity, a visual literacy lesson and more. Perhaps that's why, though Santa ABC is a concept book in board book format aimed at our youngest readers, it will be just as entertaining for older children. If you're a parent of a young child or a Kindergarten teacher or ECE, Santa ABC will definitely meet its goal of playful learning of the alphabet, especially with a favourite theme of Christmas and Santa. (George Fewster has a colouring page and word search based on the book at https://www.georgefewster.com/morestuff.) But, teachers of older students could benefit from using Santa ABC as a template for fun alphabet activities, with students creating their own alphabet books based on Santa or other characters, especially when challenged with coming up with a theme such as feelings, or sports, or history. The possibilities are endless, as George Fewster has demonstrated.

From Santa ABC by George Fewster

Whether your children are learning the alphabet or would love a lively romp through a menagerie of whimsical Santas, George Fewster's debut picture book will be a fun lead-in into the holiday season and lesson launcher for all.

Give Me a Snickle!

Written by Alisha Sevigny

Orca Book Publishers

978-1-4598-2870-4

20 pp.

Ages 0-4

April 2022

 

What's a snickle? It's a snuggle and a tickle at the same time. And I bet a lot of caregivers, whether parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents or others, have given many a snickle when it comes to babies and toddlers. With the joy of family and togetherness, Alisha Sevigny lets us share a snickle and a few other endearing touches with the children in this new board book for our very youngest.

From Give Me a Snickle! by Alisha Sevigny

There's a snickle and a tuggle, a higgle and a sniggle, and Alisha Sevigny has given these shared moments new terms. I think she's invented a whole series of new concepts that will have the Canadian Oxford Dictionary looking at inclusion.

From Give Me a Snickle! by Alisha Sevigny

By including everyone in these heartwarming actions, Give Me a Snickle! demonstrates that all young children deserve to be loved and cherished and that those who love them are as diverse as they are. It may not be a long book, though it's perfect for a concept board book, but Give Me a Snickle! shares plentiful affection and gives many an "Aww" moment to cherish. (And, I suspect, many a child will be asking for a snickle or a higgle for years to come.)

From Give Me a Snickle! by Alisha Sevigny