All the Water on Earth (CitizenKid)

Written by Rochelle Strauss

Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

Kids Can Press

978-1-525310881 

40 pp.

Ages 5–8

June 2026

 

Kids Can Press's CitizenKid series has brought world issues to the attention of young readers for over twenty years. The series is all about making children global citizens who are aware of how children live in other countries, of environmental issues, and of their own roles in making the world a better place. Because of scarcity, pollution, and waste, water is an important global issue, and All the Water on Earth focuses on its importance to life and in our lives.

Illustration by Madelyn Goodnight in All the Water on Earth, written by Rochelle Strauss

Using a picture book format, Rochelle Strauss tells the story of water: where it is, what it does and how it's used, why we need it, how it connects us, and what we can do to ensure that there is enough clean water for all. Her text is comprehensive and yet uncomplicated. Instead of loading her book with facts and maps, infographics and tables, Rochelle Strauss makes it into a story. It's the story of water: past, present and future.

Illustration by Madelyn Goodnight in All the Water on Earth, written by Rochelle Strauss

I love this format for bringing information through storytelling. Rochelle Strauss is an accomplished writer of non-fiction for the CitizenKid series (e.g., Tree of Life: The Incredible Biodiversity of Life on Earth, 2004; One Well: The Story of Water on Earth, 2007; The Global Ocean, 2022) and can tell a story in a multitude of ways. This picture book format is perfect for younger readers and will be a great introduction to water. (Additional references, including discussion questions, will help teachers direct science lessons on the topic.)

From All the Water on Earth, written by Rochelle Strauss, illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight

Because All the Water on Earth is told as a picture book, the illustrations are key. Oklahoma's Madelyn Goodnight, a member of the Chickasaw Nation, created the artwork with graphite, coloured pencils, watercolour paper, and digital painting software. She gives an innocence to the scenes of children playing by the water, in puddles, and on the ice. She also takes us to a well in Kenya, to farmlands and gardens, and to cities where water is used in industry, energy production, and more. The naturalness of her illustrations matches water's commonplace essence while still demonstrating the complexity of its nature.

Introduce young children to water in all its greatness with All the Water on Earth. They will learn and become aware of water's many capacities and forms, beyond what may come out of a tap or a water bottle. Perhaps with a new appreciation for water and our connections to it, young readers will become truer citizens concerning all the water on Earth.

Soccerology: Unbelievable Facts and Stories About the Beautiful Game

Written and illustrated by Kevin Sylvester

Annick Press

978-1-8402-066-2

92 pp.

Ages 9–12 

April 2026 

 

With FIFA World Cup 2026 coming soon to cities across North America, excitement will be growing. For those who are just catching World Cup fever and for those who have always loved the game, Kevin Sylvester presents a lively and informative look at soccer, long known as the beautiful game.

From Soccerology: Unbelievable Facts and Stories About the Beautiful Game, written and illustrated by Kevin Sylvester

Super sports fan Kevin Sylvester takes young readers through everything about soccer, including why North Americans call it that. There's a lot about the history of the game, including variants that led to its current version and a timeline of where it was played, the rules that it used, associations established around the world, including women playing the sport, or not, throughout time, and trailblazers in the sport.

From Soccerology: Unbelievable Facts and Stories About the Beautiful Game, written and illustrated by Kevin Sylvester

Next Kevin Sylvester gives us a primer about how the game is played, from the ball to the pitch (soccer field), and shoes (cleats) and protective wear. There are also discussions about how the game is played, including spin techniques, heading, cheating, and rule enforcement. Most fascinating are the sections in which Kevin Sylvester shares anecdotes about the game: the spectacles, good and bad; the victories and, sadly, tragedies too; the traditions; and becoming inclusive and being adapted to be even more so. There is so much to learn, and Kevin Sylvester always shares his knowledge with enthusiasm and lively illustrations. 

 

Young readers will already know that Kevin Sylvester can write anything: picture books, non-fiction, middle grade novels, speculative fiction, humour, and more. (He's even written a mockumentary for adults.) It's all captivating. But what makes the difference are the illustrations. The artwork in Soccerology is a mix of pen and ink with digital media to give colour and movement to the text. With every illustration, Kevin Sylvester takes us to the pitch, to a crowded stadium, or to different places and times. 

From Soccerology: Unbelievable Facts and Stories About the Beautiful Game, written and illustrated by Kevin Sylvester

Even after sharing that in-depth look at soccer, Kevin Sylvester gives young readers more from which to learn, including stats and an extensive list of references and sources for further reading. Soccerology may be comprehensive, but for the soccer fan, beginner or pro, it's a book that opens up more possibilities for learning. The beautiful game is even more beautiful with understanding about its history and complexities, and there's no better way to kickoff this year's World Cup excitement than by sharing Soccerology with young fans. 

Built Like a Bug: How Insects Inspire Everyday Inventions

Written by Anjali Joshi

Illustrated by Kathleen Ng

Annick Press

978-1-834020310

128 pp.

Ages 8–12

March 2026 

 

The natural world has always astounded. From within its plant and animal species, its landforms, its waters, and environmental factors like weather come examples for processes that work for adaptation, communication, farming, and more. In Built Like a Bug, Anjali Joshi, a science educator, focuses on insects and reveals all the ways they inspire important inventions and developments.

From Built Like a Bug: How Insects Inspire Everyday Inventions, written by Anjali Joshi, illustrated by Kathleen Ng

The table of contents to Built Like a Bug demonstrates the complexity of the book's content. It looks at mosquitoes and cockroaches, spiders and leafhoppers, termites and fireflies, ants, hawk moths, dung beetles, and bees and dragonflies. The assortment of insects is only matched by the contributions they have made to innovative research and development.

From Built Like a Bug: How Insects Inspire Everyday Inventions, written by Anjali Joshi, illustrated by Kathleen Ng

In addition to providing basic scientific information like common and scientific names, life and size, Anjali Joshi highlights key features of their behaviour that should be noted. For example, information on how the mosquito effectively jabs an animal and prevents clotting is being used by researchers to reduce pain from needles and to develop synthetic anti-coagulants.

From Built Like a Bug: How Insects Inspire Everyday Inventions, written by Anjali Joshi, illustrated by Kathleen Ng

Silk from spiders is inspiring researchers to develop sutures for stitches, to deliver medicines, to create bullet-proof materials, and to investigate it as a building material.

From Built Like a Bug: How Insects Inspire Everyday Inventions, written by Anjali Joshi, illustrated by Kathleen Ng

Insects are models for farming, for electricity, for flight, for navigation, for medicine, and so much more. They can inform us about engineering and building robots, as well as about energy efficiency and dealing with trash. There is so much information in Built Like a Bug that any reader—or teacher—will be able to get both a broad overview of how insects inspire innovation and the finer points about insects themselves and the research and development they generate. Regardless of the complexity of information, Built Like a Bug is organized so well that it is a pleasure to delve into the material. Tidbits of interesting facts are posted in info boxes called "Bug Bites" and the illustrations by Toronto-based artist Kathleen Ng give colour and details to strengthen the information and to keep the text from becoming overwhelming. Her digital art is specific enough to help convey key information, but it is not so detailed that a middle grade reader would get bored.

From Built Like a Bug: How Insects Inspire Everyday Inventions, written by Anjali Joshi, illustrated by Kathleen Ng

I know kids will enjoy this book, especially those interested in STEM activities, but teachers will adore it. Not only is it a prime example of a non-fiction book for middle-grade readers, offering opportunities for learning and creativity, teachers will appreciate the variety of features, from the glossary, full index, and references to the numerous experiments and activities. Built Like a Bug will give young readers lots to think about and to do, perhaps inspire them to see more within the natural world.

 

Gone Forever?: Places to See (and Save) Before They Disappear (Orca Think)

Written by Erin Silver

Illustrated by Xulin Wang

Orca Book Publishers

978-1-4598-4098-0

96 pp.

Ages 9–12

February 2026 

 

Reviewing Erin Silver's latest non-fiction book, Gone Forever?: Places to See (and Save) Before They Disappear on Earth Day seems fitting. On a day on which we celebrate our Earth and how to protect it, we have much to learn from a book about global locations threatened by climate change.

From Gone Forever?: Places to See (and Save) Before They Disappear, written by Erin Silver, illustrated by Xulin Wang

Erin Silver, who has written countless books of non-fiction including Good Food, Bad Waste (2023), Mighty Scared: The Amazing Ways Animals Defend Themselves (2024), and Plant Attack (2025), takes on the challenging topic of climate change. However, by taking the perspective of showcasing key locations, from the Arctic to the Pacific Islands and the Amazon rainforest, Erin Silver speaks less of generalities and more to familiar sites and places people live. 

From Gone Forever?: Places to See (and Save) Before They Disappear, written by Erin Silver, illustrated by Xulin Wang

The book is organized into four major chapters:

1. Major Meltdown
2. Cue the Waterworks
3. Under Fire
4. Life on Earth

The first looks at the impacts of global warming on the ice caps in Antarctica and in the Arctic. The impacts examined go beyond the ice sheets and glaciers, and into the water, the krill, polar bears, and more. Insights from those who visit those locations are shared, as are suggestions about helping to combat climate change.

From Gone Forever?: Places to See (and Save) Before They Disappear, written by Erin Silver, illustrated by Xulin Wang

The next chapter looks at changing weather patterns, which cause more rain and severe storms in some areas, resulting in places being flooded, and sinking and shrinking. Mitigation with mangroves and engineering are just two approaches. Other areas will get drier, which could lead to food insecurity. A Q & A with a climate architect reveals much about solutions to this aspect of global warming. 

From Gone Forever?: Places to See (and Save) Before They Disappear, written by Erin Silver, illustrated by Xulin Wang

The next chapter examines the fires in California and in British Columbia, while the final chapter looks at the threat to biodiversity, focusing on the Amazon rainforest and the Galápagos Islands. As in the earlier chapters, there are interviews, including with a climate adventurer and a biologist, info boxes called "The Info Express" with interesting tidbits,  and always assurances that activism can help. Completing this book are a comprehensive glossary and lists of resources for young people to access.

 

Erin Silver delivers a thorough examination of how climate change is affecting our world. And, though she makes it a global discussion, her research brings it closer to home, even if it's not our home specifically. It's a personal look at how global warming is impacting everyone and everywhere. That means it's up to everyone to do something, anything. With numerous photographs and Toronto's Xulin Wang's bold and colourful digital art, Gone Forever?: Places to See (and Save) Before They Disappear takes the reader around the world to see evidence of climate change. But with text and art combined, the message is not one of hopelessness but rather one of expectancy and action. And on this Earth Day, Gone Forever?—note the question mark—has a productive message to share.

The Man In Motion: How Rick Hansen's World Tour Helped Break Down Barriers for People with Disabilities

Written by Lorna Schultz Nicholson with Rick Hansen

Illustrated by Emma Fitzgerald

Owlkids Books

978-1-77147-677-5

40 pp.

Ages 5–8

April 2026 

 

While people of my generation will remember Rick Hansen and his World Tour, many younger readers will know little of this extraordinary Canadian and his determination to help the world become more accessible for persons with disabilities. Now, Lorna Schultz Nicholson with Rick Hansen are bringing his story to inform young readers of his heroic accomplishments. 

From The Man In Motion: How Rick Hansen's World Tour Helped Break Down Barriers for People with Disabilities, written by Lorna Schultz Nicholson with Rick Hansen, illustrated by Emma Fitzgerald

Rick Hansen's story is told from his accident at age 15 when he'd broken his back and required use of a wheelchair. But in the 1970s, many buildings lacked accessibility features like ramps. Moreover, Rick noticed that people treated him differently, now seeing "his chair without seeing him." (pg. 5) Though he'd won wheelchair marathons and Paralympic events, he wanted to do more. With the help of some friends, he planned the Man In Motion World Tour with the aim of travelling by wheelchair over four continents to thirty-four countries. He set out on March 21, 1985 with his team.

From The Man In Motion: How Rick Hansen's World Tour Helped Break Down Barriers for People with Disabilities, written by Lorna Schultz Nicholson with Rick Hansen, illustrated by Emma Fitzgerald

From the onset, the road was long and challenging, and Rick faced potential setbacks like a smashed spare wheelchair, as well as inclement weather. Getting media attention and donations was arduous. But Rick and his team continued pushing through the United States, and then into Europe, Asia, and Oceania. He visited numerous countries, saw wondrous things, and often wondered if he'd done enough. 

From The Man In Motion: How Rick Hansen's World Tour Helped Break Down Barriers for People with Disabilities, written by Lorna Schultz Nicholson with Rick Hansen, illustrated by Emma Fitzgerald

Rick had been on his World Tour for over a year when he returned to North America. After being interviewed on The Today Show, more people became aware of Rick and the Tour. Finally, Rick had become famous enough to bring attention and get donations to support his tour and spinal cord research.

 

His final section of the Tour was across Canada, and he was given a hero's welcome everywhere. When his journey ended on May 22, 1987, he'd "raised $26 million and showed the world that people with disabilities have extraordinary potential." (pg. 35)

From The Man In Motion: How Rick Hansen's World Tour Helped Break Down Barriers for People with Disabilities, written by Lorna Schultz Nicholson with Rick Hansen, illustrated by Emma Fitzgerald

Lorna Schultz Nicholson gives us the hero of Rick Hansen without minimizing the struggles he faced on his tour. Her text, as well as a "Fun Facts" section, a summary of his story, and a note from Rick, remind us of the extraordinary efforts required to complete the Man In Motion World Tour. (For example, Rick travelled 40,075 km, wore out 160 tires, and burned through 94 pairs of gloves.) This is a story of the extraordinary by an extraordinary person, and Lorna Schultz Nicholson emphasizes this always. And she does it with a quiet fascination and casual storytelling that may make the reader forget that this is non-fiction. It's an amazing story and she tells it very well.

 

Emma Fitzgerald's pen and ink illustrations, later coloured digitally, give incredible detail to the story, whether it's the textures of a forest, the busyness of a street scene, or the toil of harsh weather. This Nova Scotia artist delivers the vastness of Rick Hansen's tour, from people and place to weather and hassles. And even though there is little detail in Rick and others, there is enough to see joy, apprehension, warmth, and even muscle-building. 

Forty years ago, Rick Hansen was in the middle of his Man In Motion World Tour. His aspiration to bring awareness to persons with disabilities, and the need for accessibility and spinal cord research was fulfilled but not finished. Even his "Note from Rick" invites young readers to think more deeply about persons with disabilities and about accessibility issues so that they too might help make a difference. By asking them to think about his story and those of other persons with disabilities, Lorna Schultz Nicholson and Rick Hansen have taken his story from one of then to one of now and into one of potential action. 

Left-Handed: Getting a Grip on Handedness

Written by Maria Birmingham

Illustrated by Catherine Chan

Owlkids Books

978-1771476201

48 pp.

Ages 8–12

January 2026 

 

While I suspect that identification as being left-handed is not the big deal that some used to make it, it is still an issue for many whose left hands are their dominant hands, particularly as they live in a world that is dominated by right-handers. For those who are left-handed and those who aren't but love learning about human behaviour, how our brains work, and what makes us unique and different, Left-Handed: Getting a Grip on Handedness offers opportunities for insight and for understanding. 

From Left-Handed: Getting a Grip on Handedness, written by Maria Birmingham, illustrated by Catherine Chan

Maria Birmingham, one of the stars of children's non-fiction (e.g., Snooze-O-Rama: The Strange Ways That Animals Sleep, 2021; Canada Wild: Animals Found Nowhere Else on Earth, 2022; When Nature Calls: The Unusual Bathroom Habits of the World's Creatures, 2024; Can We Talk?: How Humans Stay in Touch, 2025), takes a historical and scientific approach to the topic of why and how some people become lefties. Outside of her introduction and conclusion chapters, Maria Birmingham organizes her information according to the following:

• The History of Lefties
• Why is a Lefty a Lefty?
• Fact or Fiction?
• Inside Sports
• Body Talk
• Can Animals Be Lefties?
• Living in a Righty World 

After an introduction to being a lefty, including a fun quiz to help determine whether the reader is a lefty, a righty, or a bit of both—about one percent of people are ambidextrous—Maria Brimingham discusses some fascinating historic evidence of lefthandedness, like scratches on teeth and hand painting. She also writes of how lefthandedness was perceived in ancient civilizations—either as cursed or magical—through the middle ages, and into the Industrial Revolution. Readers will also learn how lefthandedness was seen in modern times, with parents and teachers forcing kids to write with their right hands.

From Left-Handed: Getting a Grip on Handedness, written by Maria Birmingham, illustrated by Catherine Chan

Beyond the history, Maria Birmingham gives readers the basics of the science of lefthandedness, from DNA to baby's development, and brain differences. There's also some discussion related to creativity, intelligence, and memory, as well as its role in sports and perhaps survival. And even though the term "lefthandedness" rests on the premise of having hands, other animals seem to show preferences too. A penultimate discussion about living in a world of righthandedness will give readers pause, particularly for righties who never consider the challenges for lefties using scissors, tech, and other tools.

From Left-Handed: Getting a Grip on Handedness, written by Maria Birmingham, illustrated by Catherine Chan

I appreciate Maria Birmingham's final note about moving away from the lefty-versus-righty idea. The issue isn't that we're different; it's the idea that one may be better than the other because of dominance. Since we're all about diversity, equity, and inclusion, maybe separating people along lines of handedness may not be appropriate. But, acknowledging those differences will help everyone be included and get what they need, and that's a good thing.

 

Left-Handed: Getting a Grip on Handedness is a terrific introduction to why some people use their left hands for writing and other functions rather than their right hands. The book is a thorough examination of the topic from history to science and sports, and even identity. With Toronto illustrator Catherine Chan's digital artwork (created on a Wacom tablet) to bring the non-fiction text to life in colour and context, Left-Handed: Getting a Grip on Handedness becomes an entertaining and informative read about the extraordinary nature of the ordinary.

Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story

Written and illustrated by Joanne Robertson with Shirley (Fletcher) Horn

Second Story Press

978-1772604542

70 pp.

Ages 9–12

Releases February 10, 2026 

 

Shirley, who originally came from Moose Factory, before moving with her family to the southern area of Treaty 9, on the Missinaibi River, remembers being happy. They hunted, fished, trapped, gathered food, and grew food in their garden. But when she was five, the Indian agent came, declaring that since her parents had separated, she and her siblings, which included three-year-old Billy and older sister Frances, would be going with him.  

From Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story, written by Joanne Robertson with Shirley (Fletcher) Horn, illustrated by Joanne Robertson

They were taken by canoe to St. John's Indian Residential School in Chapleau. The first order of business was separating the children into different areas, and Shirley declares that "separating us was their first act of cruelty." (pg. 11) As Shirley and her little brother were too young for school, she became the companion for the minister's young daughter, and Billy was kept outside with the chickens.

From Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story, written by Joanne Robertson with Shirley (Fletcher) Horn, illustrated by Joanne Robertson

When she was finally able to go to school, Shirley loved learning and felt that "being in the classroom took away some of the loneliness." (pg. 17) She saw her siblings at church and at mealtimes, but never being allowed to speak to them was difficult. 

From Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story, written by Joanne Robertson with Shirley (Fletcher) Horn, illustrated by Joanne Robertson

When St. John's Residential School was condemned, the children were moved to Shingwauk Indian Residential School in Sault Ste. Marie. They were able to see their father again, who presented them with generous bags of apples and oranges—which the supervisors took to oversee—and their aunt and uncle who "filled up more than our bellies in our brief visit. They filled up our spirits with good feelings." (pg. 18)

 

At their new school, their routines were quite strict. (The inside front and back covers display "Pupils' 'Timetable,' Shingwauk Home" with times, bells and activities, from workers to work  to the marching to dormitories and the saying of grace, laid out.) And, though Shirley and her friends find ways to endure the rigorous nature of their lives—having competitions, daring each other, and grabbing moments of joy when possible—Shirley missed her family very much. Not surprising that Shirley with others attempted several escapes, though hers were not successful being children so far from home. 

From Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story, written by Joanne Robertson with Shirley (Fletcher) Horn, illustrated by Joanne Robertson

The stories of residential schools are plentiful and always horrific. For children to be taken from those who loved them and to be forced to dissociate from family and their culture and heritage is heartbreaking. Shirley (Fletcher) Horn's story, as shared with Joanne Robertson (who wrote and illustrated The Water Walker, 2017), is an honest portrayal of her experiences, but still told in an age-appropriate tone. Enough stories of survivors of residential schools and of those who were victimized in those schools are plentiful and tragic. But, because Joanne Robertson and Shirley (Fletcher) Horn take Shirley's reminiscences, good and bad, and focus on her perspective on them and how she dealt with everything, what comes across most importantly is her resilience. As a child, she made herself think of other things, to delve into her learning, and to "shut off my loneliness." (pg. 30) She fought off bullies, fear, and, most of all, that loneliness. She is strong and gutsy, and she endured.

 

The images in Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story are a unique blend of photographs, many from Algoma University archives of Shingwauk Residential School Centre and from Joanne Robertson, and drawings by Joanne Robertson. By mixing two media, she helps us focus on Shirley and the other children, and less on their grim circumstances. By limiting colour to the children and any positive circumstances they appreciated like a confirmation dress, or the river banked by trees, Joanne Robertson reminds us of where the goodness is. 

 

Shirley: An Indian Residential School Story is an important addition to all compilations of middle grade stories about Indigenous children in residential schools. By telling her story, just as she did to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Shirley (Fletcher) Horn's has found a way to share for those who endured the same and for those who cannot imagine it and need to be informed. 

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

  

Star Sailor, the Story of Words

Written by Sara Cassidy

Illustrated by Julie McLaughlin

Orca Book Publishers

978-1-4598-3663-1 

40 pp.

Ages 6–8

August 2025 

 

Where would we be without words? With a few letters, or sometimes a lot of them, words either alone or with others can inspire, inform, entertain, emote, and connect. They help us communicate that which we need to share, and to learn, and so much more. Their story is one of endowment, giving readers and listeners the bounty of their wealth, and empowerment.

From Star Sailor, the Story of Words, written by Sara Cassidy, illustrated by Julie McLaughlin

Sara Cassidy begins with an introduction to what words are and how words arise, including the titular "star sailor" which is an astronaut. She discusses how words can be very old while others can arise daily. (Did you know that every day at least ten English words are spoken for the first time? [p. 4]) Sara Cassidy also talks of words coming from sounds that they imitate (e.g., hum), from the combination of words (e.g., bedroom), including to form portmanteaus like "hangry," and from sharing common characteristics (e.g., the ribs of an umbrella and our body's ribs).  

From Star Sailor, the Story of Words, written by Sara Cassidy, illustrated by Julie McLaughlin

There are multiple pages of the geographical and cultural origin of words, whether it's cheddar named after a village in England, and Dalmatians originating in Dalmatia, Croatia, or those arising from languages of First Peoples, like canoe, skunk and the cayenne pepper, and from foreign languages (e.g., patio, glitch, and sauna). Words can be built from roots, prefixes and suffixes, and they can be modified as needed. With all this information shared in a snappy presentation, Sara Cassidy still acknowledges that sometimes words have arisen by mistake, that they've arisen without our understanding of their origins, and that sometimes words need to be retired when they become inappropriate or obsolete. There's a lot to know about words, but Sara Cassidy breaks it down into manageable chunks, which will help inspire new lexophiles.

From Star Sailor, the Story of Words, written by Sara Cassidy, illustrated by Julie McLaughlin

Sara Cassidy, who has written everything from picture books (e.g., Helen's Birds, 2019) and early readers (e.g., The Great Googlini, 2018) to middle-grade fiction (e.g., A Boy Named Queen, 2016) and hi-lo YA (e.g., Skylark, 2014), gives us an illustrated non-fiction book about lexicology, the study of the form, meaning, and use of words. Just like words, it is informative, creative, inspiring, and definitely entertaining. And with Julie McLaughlin's illustrations, Star Sailor, the Story of Words is also colourful and playful.

 

Julie McLaughlin, who illustrated the award-winning Why We Live Where We Live (Kira Vermond, 2015), complements Sara Cassidy's light-hearted approach to an involved topic with her digital artwork that is vibrant and whimsical, inclusive and detailed. Beyond the text, there are many information elements to parse out of Julie McLaughlin's illustrations. Whether it's her depictions of onomatopoeia or her use of LEGO as building blocks for words, Julie McLaughlin keeps everything informative in a playfully enlightening way. 

I love a book that celebrates words and how they work. Because language is always evolving, Star Sailor, the Story of Words gives readers the basics of how words come to be and come to change, helping young people to understand the role words play in culture and how all of us have and will continue to be a part of that. 

Burst Your Bubble!: Outsmart the Algorithms and See What You're Missing

Written by Joyce Grant

Illustrated by Jan Dolby

Owlkids Books

978-1-77147-712-3

48 pp.

Ages 8–12

November 2025 

 

Many young people today are very tech savvy. They've grown up using computers, googling everything from reviews about restaurants to info for an essay, and getting their news through social media. And while we all need to be more vigilant about what information is presented to us and how we get it, I suspect that those who've grown up with the technology may be more comfortable accepting it at face value. Joyce Grant's latest book will enlighten every one of us to the power and perils of algorithms in framing our interactions online.

From Burst Your Bubble!, written by Joyce Grant, illustrated by Jan Dolby

Burst Your Bubble! begins with an explanation of information bubbles which can also refer to filters, information silos, echo chambers, or personalization that reflects your age, background, hobbies, and more. No matter the term, bubbles cut us off from a richness and diversity of points of view and information that might never enter our bubbles. To understand how these bubbles arise, Joyce Grant discusses how algorithms gather information about us using digital cookies and tracking the sites we visit; why they are used; how they can benefit us and why they are dangerous; and why we need to burst out of our bubbles. 

From Burst Your Bubble!, written by Joyce Grant, illustrated by Jan Dolby

There's a lot of fabulous information about how algorithms work but most importantly Joyce Grant advises readers how to take control back from those algorithms. While it's not unusual to feel vulnerable when using the internet—and there are so many things beyond our control when we use digital media—Burst Your Bubble! informs about so much that which is in our influence, whether it is retraining our brains to think differently, being aware of what reinforces those bubbles, or setting up opportunities to change the algorithms.

While I've reviewed a number of books created from the collaboration of Joyce Grant and Jan Dolby (e.g., Gabby, Wonder Girl, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2016), this is my first that is non-fiction, and it doesn't disappoint. In fact, it's an astonishingly fresh look at the power of online algorithms and how to protect ourselves and even manage them. Jan Dolby's illustrations give Joyce Grant's text some of the freshness with lively artwork. Jan Dolby gives both colour and depth to what could have been dry content. She even finds innovative ways to illustrate the power of algorithms to pick up on our interests and grab our attention.

From Burst Your Bubble!, written by Joyce Grant, illustrated by Jan Dolby

Information is a powerful thing, whether it is something used against us or something that we control. With the right information, courtesy of Burst Your Bubble!: Outsmart the Algorithms and See What You're Missing, young readers will be able to get beyond those manipulations and see a broader online world that is diverse, rich, and open.

 

 🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧

 

If you're near Burlington, Ontario today, you might want to check out the book launch for Burst Your Bubble! Author Joyce Grant will be in attendance, and there will be books for purchase as well as signing. Here are the details:

 

Date:          Saturday, November 8, 2025

 

Time:         1 p.m. EST

 

Location:    A Different Drummer Books

                    513 Locust Street

                    Burlington, ON

                    L7S 1V3 

                    (905) 639-0925

N.B. I saw that there will be cupcakes!

2026 Forest of Reading® nominees: Yellow Cedar, Red Maple, White Pine

 Here is the second grouping of nominated titles from the 2026 Forest of Reading® book awards of the Ontario Library Association:

• Yellow Cedar: non-fiction for Grades 4 to 8
  
• Red Maple: fiction for Grades 7 and 8
  
• White Pine: fiction for Grades 9 to 12
  

  

YELLOW CEDAR

Game Changers: Stories of Hijabi Athletes from Around the World
Written by Charlene Smith
Illustrated by Natayla Tariq

Orca Book Publishers

 

How to Know a Crow: The Biography of a Brainy Bird
Written by Candace Savage
Illustrated by Rachel Hudson

Greystone Kids 

 

The Land Knows Me: A Nature Walk Exploring Indigenous Wisdom
Written by Leigh Joseph
Illustrated by Natalie Schnitter

becker&mayer! kids 

 

Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep
Written by Mark Lieren-Young

Orca Book Publishers 

 

Salt, Pepper, Season, Spice: All the Flavors of the World
Written by Jacques Pasquet 

Translated by Ann Marie Boulanger
Illustrated by Claire Anghinolfi

Orca Book Publishers 

A Sick History of Medicine: A Warts-And-All Book Full of Fun Facts and Disgusting Discoveries
Written by Jelena Poleksic
Illustrated by Ella Kasperowicz

Neon Squid

Spooky Lakes: 25 Strange and Mysterious Lakes That Dot Our Planet

Written and Illustrated by Geo Rutherford

Abrams Books for Young Readers

 

The True Story of Vanilla: How Edward Albius Made History
Written by Ann Richards
Illustrated by Arden Taylor

Orca Book Publishers 

 

Up, Up, Ever Up! Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains
Written by Anita Yasuda
Illustrated by Yuko Shimizu

Clarion Books 

 

Zoom in on Zombies
Written by Kari-Lynn Winters & Catherine Rondina

Fitzhenry & Whiteside 

 

RED MAPLE™

 

The Dark Won't Wait
Written by David A. Poulson

Red Deer Press

 

The Discovery of Finnegan Wilde
Written by Caroline Pignat

Thistledown Press

 

The Factory
Written by Catherine Egan

Scholastic Canada 

 

Finding Harmony
Written by Eric Walters

Orca Book Publishers

 

If We Tell You
Written by Nicola Dahlin

Kids Can Press

Reviewed here

 

Is There a Boy Like Me?
Written by Kern Carter

Scholastic Canada

 

No Purchase Necessary
Written by Maria Marianayagam

HarperCollins

Reviewed here

 

Old School
Written by Gordon Korman

Scholastic Canada

 

The Time Keeper
Written by Meagan Mahoney

DCB Young Readers

 

Unsinkable Cayenne
Written by Jessica Vitalis

Greenwillow Books 

Reviewed here 

 

WHITE PINE™

Beast
Written by Richard Van Camp

Douglas & McIntyre 

 

A Drop in the Ocean
Written by Léa Taranto
Arsenal Pulp Press 
 

For She is Wrath
Written by Emily Varga
Wednesday Books
 

The History of Everything
Written and illustrated by Victoria Evans
HarperAlley  
  

Messy Perfect
Written by Tanya Boteju 
Quill Tree Books 

Recommended Reading
Written by Paul Coccia
Zando Young Readers 
Reviewed here 

Songs for Ghosts
Written by Clara Kumagai
Penguin Teen Canada 
 

Titan of the Stars
Written by E.K. Johnston
Tundra Books 
 

The Unfinished
Written by Cheryl Isaacs 
Heartdrum  
 

The Unweaving
Written by Cheryl Parisien
Tidewater Press 
 

 

 

 

 

 

•••••••••••••••••••

Nominees for the other programs can be linked to from below:

Blue Spruce

Silver Birch Express

Silver Birch Fiction

Le prix Peuplier

Le prix Mézèle

Le prix Tamarac