Meet Frederick Banting (Scholastic Canada Biography)

Written by Elizabeth MacLeod

Illustrated by Mike Deas

Scholastic Canada

978-1-0397-0785-6

32 pp.

Ages 6-10

June 2025 

I get excited with the release of each new addition to the Scholastic Canada Biography, and this is just so with Meet Frederick Banting, which came out last week. Elizabeth MacLeod and Mike Deas collaborate so well that I know that young readers will come away having learned and be inspired by another great Canadian.

 

While many will know the names Banting and Best for their discovery of insulin, the full story of Frederick Grant Banting, born on an Ontario farm in 1891, will be less well known to many. Banting's story, beyond a Heritage Minute of Historica Canada, is far less familiar, though, within his childhood, education, and work beyond the discovery of insulin, he is a man of great accomplishment, humanity, and charity.

From Meet Frederick Banting, written by Elizabeth MacLeod, illustrated by Mike Deas

Living on a farm at the turn of the twentieth century would have been fairly typical though Fred was encouraged early on to really study the animals to help determine why they were sick and how to help them get better. However, it was his friendship with Jennie Victoria Jorden, a young diabetic, that probably was most critical to compelling him to consider why diabetics got sick and died and how he might help them.

From Meet Frederick Banting, written by Elizabeth MacLeod, illustrated by Mike Deas

At university, Fred studied medicine and, after working as a doctor in Britain and France during World War 1, he returned to Canada and started a family practice in London, Ontario. He also taught at the nearby university, and it was during his prep for an upcoming lecture on the pancreas, which was known to be involved with diabetes, Fred had an important realization. He took his idea to a professor at the University of Toronto who provided him with a lab and assistant, Charles Herbert Best. Their research into isletin which was renamed to insulin is well established, and the accolades he received, along with others, are firmly rooted in the history books.

From Meet Frederick Banting, written by Elizabeth MacLeod, illustrated by Mike Deas

But Elizabeth MacLeod tells us more about the man and his nature beyond his discovery. He didn't want to make money from his discovery and sold the rights to make the medicine for a single dollar. When he won the Nobel Prize in 1923, he split his prize money with Charley Best. And he continued to work for others, opening a diabetic clinic and helping the Canadian government by conducting research during World War 2. This extraordinary man lived a life of service and Elizabeth MacLeod makes sure to tell his story more completely. (She includes a timeline of his life at the conclusion of her story.)

 

The reason I love the Scholastic Canada Biography books is because I always learn something new. Elizabeth MacLeod goes beyond the obvious or the known and gives us a fuller picture of the individual. Here, Frederick Banting becomes a humanitarian and a researcher, more than just a Nobel Prize laureate or a celebrity to be lauded on a Walk of Fame, though he is both of those. And she tells his story with passion and directness, probably not unlike the man. This is his story and his life, and Elizabeth MacLeod tells it effectively for her audience.

 

That simplicity of message comes through in Mike Deas's illustrations that look like they were effortlessly created, but they are far more than just sketches. In a complex process of creating sketches digitally, with a Wacom tablet and Photoshop, Mike Deas traces them onto watercolour paper and then applies gouache and watercolour paints before using black ink to finish the illustration. But with that process, Mike Deas creates art that is both direct and detailed, has heart and authenticity, and is perfect for a story of a selfless man who worked to help others and not enrich his own life with money or accolades. 

 

Meet Frederick Banting may take longer than a single minute of recounting history, but Frederick Banting deserves more, and Elizabeth MacLeod and Mike Deas have given his legacy that which he is due. They have relayed to young readers that he was a great man and that all his work justifiably earned him the recognition as a great Canadian.

 

• • • • • • •

I know that readers always like to check out more of these books so here is a smattering of volumes from the Scholastic Canada Biography series:

 

Meet Viola Desmond (2018)
Meet Chris Hadfield (2018)
Meet Tom Longboat (2019)
Meet Elsie MacGill (2019)
Meet Willie O'Ree (2020)
Meet Terry Fox (2020)
Meet Thérèse Casgrain (2021)
Meet David Suzuki (2021)
Meet Mary Ann Shadd (2022)
Meet J. Armand Bombardier (2022)
Meet Buffy Sainte-Marie (2023)

Meet Clara Hughes (2024)

Meet Jim Egan (2024) 

Meet Frederick Banting (2025)

2025 CCBC Book Awards: Finalists announced

From https://bookcentre.ca/blogs/industry-news/finalists-announced-for-the-2025-ccbc-book-awards

On Wednesday, August 17, 2025, the Canadian Children's Book Centre, our nationally-renowned authority on all things related to youngCanLit, announced the finalists for the 2025 English-language Canadian Children's Book Centre Awards. (See their website announcement here with videos of shortlists on Bibliovideo. A pdf is also available.) These awards celebrate picture books, historical fiction, YA, debut novels, science fiction and fantasy, and more. Over the years, the awards have changed, some discontinued and some transitioned (e.g., the long-awarded Norma Fleck award for Canadian children's non-fiction will now be sponsored to honour Sharon Fitzhenry). Still, this year's seven awards are a sampling of the extraordinary books for young people created by Canadian authors and illustrators. They are a great resource for exceptional reads from 2024 to 2025.

 

This year, the children's book awards include the following: 

• Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award ($20,000) 
• Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People ($5,000)
• Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction ($10,000)  
• Amy Mathers Teen Book Award ($5,000) 
• Jean Little First-Novel Award ($5,000) 
• Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy ($5,000)
• Richard Allen Chase Memorial Award ($2,500)

• • • • • • •

 

Here are the short lists for each award category, as announced by the Canadian Children's Book Centre:

 

Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award

Supported by A. Charles Baillie

This award honours excellence in illustrated English picture books for children ages 3-8 and written and illustrated by Canadians.

A Face Is a Poem
Written and illustrated by Julie Morstad 
Tundra Books

I’m Afraid, Said the Leaf
Written by Danielle Daniel 
Illustrated by Matt James 
Tundra Books

It Bears Repeating
Written by Tanya Tagaq 
Illustrated by Cee Pootoogook 
Tundra Books

Mad at Dad
Written and illustrated by Janie Hao
Kids Can Press

Reviewed here 

SOS Water
Written and illustrated by Yayo 
Tradewind Books

 

 

 

 

 

 

Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People 

Supported by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Bilson Endowment Fund

This is given annually to reward excellence in the writing of an outstanding work of historical fiction for young readers by a Canadian author.

Age 16
Written and illustrated by Rosena Fung 
Annick Press

Eyes on the Ice
Written by Anna Rosner 
Groundwood Books

The Go-Between
Written by Jennifer Maruno 
Red Deer Press

Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams
Written by Shari Green 
Andrews McMeel Publishing

Wings to Soar
Written by Tina Athaide 
Charlesbridge Move

Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children's Non-Fiction

Supported by the Fitzhenry Family Foundation 

It honours excellence in Canadian children’s non-fiction books for Grades 4-12 (ages 8-18).  

All Consuming: Shop Smarter for the Planet (Orca Think)

Written by Erin Silver 
Illustrated by Suharu Ogawa 
Orca Book Publishers

 

The Longest Shot: How Larry Kwong Changed the Face of Hockey (Orca Biography)
Written by Chad Soon and George Chiang
Illustrated by Amy Qi 
Orca Book Publishers

 

Lost at Windy River: A True Story of Survival
Written by Trina Rathgeber 
Illustrated by Alina Pete 
Coloured by Jillian Dolan 
Orca Book Publishers

 

Meet Jim Egan (Scholastic Canada Biography)
Written by Elizabeth MacLeod 
Illustrated by Mike Deas 
Scholastic Canada

Reviewed here

 

You Can Be an Activist: How to Use Your Strengths & Passions to Make a Difference (CitizenKid)
Written by Charlene Rocha and Mary Beth Leatherdale 
Illustrated by Drew Shannon 
Kids Can Press 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amy Mathers Teen Book Award

Supported by Accelerate360 Canada

This award honours excellence in fiction written in English for teens or young adults (ages 13-18) by a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. 

Age 16
Written and illustrated by Rosena Fung 
Annick Press

And Then There Was Us
Written by Kern Carter 
Tundra Books

A Constellation of Minor Bears
Written by Jen Ferguson 
Heartdrum

Fledgling (The Keeper's Records of Revolution, Book 1)
Written by S.K. Ali 
Kokila

For She Is Wrath
Written by Emily Varga 
Wednesday Books

 

The Lightning Circle
Written by Vikki VanSickle 
Illustrated by Laura K. Watson 
Tundra Books 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jean Little First-Novel Award

Supported by Teresa James

This award recognizes the achievements of a first-time Canadian children’s novel written for ages 8-12. 

Alterations
Written and illustrated by Ray Xu 
Union Square Kids

Maya Plays the Part
Written by Calyssa Erb 
Annick Press

Teddy vs. the Fuzzy Doom (Secrets of Ravensbarrow, Book 1)
Written and illustrated by Braden Hallett
Annick Press

 

 

 

 

 

Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy

Supported by Elly Barlin-Daniels

This award, in honour of the sponsor's sister Arlene Barlin, is given to recognize excellence in Canadian children’s speculative fiction.

Fledgling (The Keeper's Records of Revolution)
Written by S.K. Ali 
Kokila

The Headmasters
Written by Mark Morton 
Shadowpaw Press

Lockjaw
Written by Matteo L. Cerilli 
Tundra Books

Waking the Dead and Other Fun Activities
Written by Casey Lyall 
Greenwillow Books

Reviewed here

Where the Dark Stands Still
Written by A.B. Poranek 

Margaret K. McElderry Books 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Richard Allen Chase Memorial Award

Supported by Rocky Mountain Book Award and Alice Chase 

It is awarded annually to a Canadian children’s title written for an elementary school-aged audience in Grades 4-6 (Ages 9-12) exemplifying Richard’s guiding principles of compassion, kindness, humanity, environmentalism, inclusivity, and connection to the land.

Hummingbird / Aamo-binashee
Written and illustrated by Jennifer Leason 
Anishinaabemowin translation by Norman Chartrand and Jennifer Leason 
Orca Book Publisher

I Wonder About Worlds: Discovering Planets and Exoplanets
Written by James Gladstone 
Illustrated by Yaara Eshet 
Owlkids Books

Mighty Scared: The Amazing Ways Animals Defend Themselves
Written by Erin Silver 
Illustrated by Hayden Maynard 
Orca Book Publishers

A Song for the Paper Children
Written by Christopher Tse 
Plumleaf Press

Reviewed here 

Two Pieces of Chocolate
Written by Kathy Kacer 
Illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard 
Second Story Press

 📚📚📚

The winners of these awards will be announced on October 27, 2025 at a ticketed event in Toronto. 

 

Upcoming Releases for Summer and Fall 2024

 

Our first seasons of 2024 books have come and gone and have led the way to a summer and fall of new titles being released. There's so much hope for authors and illustrators and their publishers with new releases, dreaming that young readers will take note of their books, wishing for award nominations, and anticipating great reviews. As a reviewer, I see a lot of promise in the titles coming out, whether because they're written by favourite authors, illustrated by fabulous artists, continuing a series of which I'm already a fan, or because of some other reason entirely. I can't possibly tell you all the books that are crying out to be reviewed, but here are a few that I will be looking for on my TBR list:

• ABCs for a Peaceful Me by Shelly Becker for the valuable self-help for all readers;

• I Want to Read ALL the Books by Debbie Ridpath Ohi;

• the touching picture book The Rock and the Butterfly from Kathy Stinson and Brooke Kerrigan;

• new Gordon Korman titled Faker;

• Mystery at the Bilmore by Colleen Nelson, illus. by Peggy Collins; 

• a long-awaited middle-grade book from Deborah Ellis, The Outsmarters;

• more Nutty Adventures of Scaredy Squirrel from Melanie Watt, Scaredy Squirrel Scared Silly;

• and titles that promise a little something different like

• It's Not Me, It's You by Alex Light;
• The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents by Nicki Pau Preto;
• Zombie Apocalypse Running Club by Carrie Mac; and
  
• Taxi Ghost by Sophie Escabasse.
  

As you enjoy your Canada Day, start preparing your list of new books to read. There's loads of great books from which to choose.

 

 

 

 

  

 

Picture Books 

How to Eat a Mango by Paola Santos, illus. by Juliana Perdomo (Holiday House)

Into the Goblin Market by Vikki VanSickle, illus. by Jensine Eckwall (Tundra) 

Lobster's Vacation by Michelle Robinson, illus. by Paul G. Hammond (Nimbus)

Mooncakes Mean Family by Benson Shum (Penguin Workshop)

The Museum of Very Bad Smells: A Dare to Scratch "n' Sniff Mystery by Monica Arnaldo (HarperCollins)

Sea Snooze by Sarabeth Holden, illus. by Emma Pedersen (Inhabit Media)

See You Later, Alligator! by Lana Button, illus. by Noémie Gionet Landry (Scholastic)

Somewhere In Between by Laan Cham (Random House Books for Young Readers)

Stars in My Crown by Antonio Michael Downing, illus. by Richy Sánchez Ayala (Tundra) 

The Walking School Bus by Aaron Friedland and Ndileka Mandela, illus. by Andrew Jackson Obol (Greystone)

 

Early Books and Middle Grade

Atlantis Complete Collection by Kate O-Hearn (Aladdin) >>> boxed set of Escape from Atlantis, Return to Atlantis, and Secrets of Atlantis

Dot the Ladybug: The Missing Dot by Kallie George, illus. by Stephanie Fizer Coleman (HarperCollins)

Faker by Gordon Korman (Scholastic)

Gamerville by Johnnie Christmas (HarperAlley) >>> graphic novel 

Liar, Liar by Sarah Mlynowski (Scholastic) >>> Whatever After #16

Wings to Soar by Tina Athaide (Charlesbridge)

Young Adult

Sparks: Portals by Revel Guts (Dark Horse Books) >>> graphic novel, Book 1 in new series

 

Non-Fiction

Making Rope Out of Bearded Sealskin by Susan Avingaq and Elisapee Avingaq, illus. by Lenny Lishchenko (Arvaaq Press)

There Are No Ants in This Book by Rosemary Mosco, illus. by Anna Pirolli (Tundra) 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture Books

ABC'S for a Peaceful Me: A Mindfulness Seek-and-Find Book by Shelly Becker, illus. by Dan Yaccarino (Abrams Kids) 

Adela's Mariachi Band by Denise Vega, illus. by Erika Medina (Charlesbridge)

Agnes's Garden by Lori Doody (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides) 

Anne of the Library-on-the-Hill by Catherine Little, illus. by Sae Kimura (Plumleaf Press)

Bea's Paper Imaginarium by Rachael Speirs (Plumleaf Press)

Birds On the Brain by Uma Krishnaswami, illus. by Julianna Swaney (Groundwood) >>> sequel to Book Uncle and Me

Broom for Two by Jennifer Maruno, illus. by Scot Ritchie (Pajama Press)

The Comfort Tree by Holly Carr (Plumleaf Press)

Dad, I Miss You: A Residential School Story by Nadia Sammurtok, illus. by Simji Park (Inhabit Media)

Divya Far from Home by Sita Jit, illus. by Abhilasha Khatri (Capstone) 

Farm Crimes! The MOO-sterious Disappearance of Cow by Sandra Dumais (Owlkids)

The Good Game by Arihhonni David (Holiday House)

Honk Honk, Beep Beep, Putter Putt! by Rukhsana Khan, illus. by Chaaya Prabhat (Tundra)

I Am Cherished by Onome Ako, illus. by Ken Daley (North Winds Press)

It Bears Repeating by Tanya Tagaq, illus. by Coo Pootoogook (Tundra)

Momma's Going to March by Jennifer Maruno, illus. by Vivian Rosas (Groundwood) 

Mummy & Me: A Monster’s Tale by Danesh Mohiuddin (Owlkids)

Noodles on a Bicycle by Kyo Maclear, illus. by Gracey Zhang (Random House Studio)

The Pup by Lori Doody (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides)

The Runaway by Nancy Vo (Groundwood)

Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and Âhâsiw's Forest Powwow by Sita MacMillan, illus. by Azby Whitecalf (Annick)

Sprout, Seed, Sprout! by Annika Dunklee, illus. by Carey Sookocheff (Owlkids)

The Weedflower by Elizabeth Davaze, illus. by Marianne Ferrer (Owlkids)

What's in Alanna's Secret Sauce? by Sarah Jane Conklin, illus. by Venus Angelica (Monster House Publishing)

 

Early Books and Middle Grade

Anne Dreams by Kallie George, illus. by Abigail Halpin (Tundra) >>> An Anne Chapter Book 6

Buffalo Dreamer by Violet Duncan (Nancy Paulsen Books)

Crystal Cave by Nancy Deas, illus. by Mike Deas (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Sueño Bay Adventures 5

Flow by Dana Goldstein (Young Dragons) >>> sequel to Shift 

The Genius Hour Project by Leanne Shirtliffe (Thistledown Press)

Misadventures in Ghost Hunting by Melissa Yue (HarperCollins) 

Otto Normal's Monsterton: The Disappearance of White Pine Beach by Danielle McKechnie, illus. by Simón Estrada (Andrews McMeel Publishing) >>> Monsterton 1

The Outsmarters by Deborah Ellis (Groundwood) 

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

The Sleeping Giant by David A. Robertson (Tundra) >>> The Misewa Saga Book 5

Today I Am, ed. by Jael Richardson, written by Marty Chan, Rosena Fung, Michael Hutchinson, Chad Lucas, Angela Misri, Jael Richardson, Liselle Sambury, and Brandon Wint, illus. by Rosena Fung (Scholastic Canada) >>> short stories

Wish Maker by Uchechukwu Peter Umezurike, illus. by Henry Ezeokeke (Nwata) 

 

Young Adult

Dreams Come to Life  by Adrienne Kress, adapted by Christopher Hastings, illus. by Alex Arizmendi (AFK / Scholastic) >>> Bendy Graphic Novel 1

Ghostsmith by Nicki Pau Preto (Margaret K. McElderry) >>> House of the Dead Duology, Book 2

Visions by Cheryl Rainfield >>> A Kate Robbins Teen Psychic Suspense

We Are the Medicine by Tasha Spillett, illus. by Natasha Donovan (HighWater Press) >>Surviving the City 3

Zombie Apocalypse Running Club by Carrie Mac (Crown Books for Young Readers)

 

Non-Fiction

Do Fire Ants Fight Fires?: How Animals Work in the Wild by Etta Kaner, illus. by Jenna Piechota (Owlkids)

Do NOT Eat Like a Tiger Shark!: Wacky Ways Animals Slurp, Chomp and Gulp by Etta Kaner, illus. by Heather Wilson (Orca Book Publishers)

Extraordinary Eyeglasses: The Amazing Invention That Helps Us See by Caroline Stevan illus. by Francois Vigneault, trans. by Jeffrey K. Butt (Helvetiq) 

Little By Little: You Can Change the World by Sonya Ballantyne, illus. by Rhael McGregor (HighWater Press) >>> graphic novel 

What About an Octopus?: A fact-filled underwater adventure by Deborah Kerbel, illus. by Dawn Lo (Owlkids)

 

 

 

 

 

Picture Books 

Adventures in Desolation Sound by Grant Lawrence, illus. by Ginger Ngo (Harbour Publishing)

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

Animals at Play in Mi'kma'ki by Mel Beaulieu (Formac)

Bannock in a Hammock by Masiana Kelly, illus. by Amiel Sandland (Inhabit Media)

Barefoot Skateboarders by Rina Singh, illus. by Sophie Casson (Orca Book Publishers)

Barnaby Unboxed! by The Fan Brothers (Tundra)

Beautiful Junk by Melissa Assaly, illus. by Samantha Lucy Haslam (Red Deer Press)

The Boldest White: A Story of Hijab and Community by Ibtihaj Muhammad with S. K. Ali, illus. by Hatem Aly (Little, Brown Books for Young People)

The Book Witch, the Wee White Dog, and the Little Free Library by Lana Shupe, illus. by Tegan Thomas (Nimbus)

Boozhoo! /Hello! by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley, trans. by Mary Ann Corbiere (Groundwood) >>> in English and Anishinaabemowin

Bounce! by Robert Munsch, illus. by Michael Martchenko (Scholastic Canada) 

The Case of the Disappearing Castle by Eric Hogan and Tara Hungerford (Firefly Books) >>> A Gumboot Kids Nature Mystery

The Case of the Noisy Neighbor by Eric Hogan and Tara Hungerford (Firefly Books) >>> A Gumboot Kids Nature Mystery

Courage, Every Day by Wai Mei Wong, illus. by Kirsti Beautyman (Tilbury House Publishers)

A Dragon for Hanukkah by Sarah Mlynowski, illus. by Ariel Landy (Orchard Books/Scholastic Canada)

A Face Is a Poem by Julie Morstad (Tundra)

Fighting Words by Leonarda Carranza, illus. by Erika Medina (Annick)

Getting Glam at Gram's by Sara Weed, illus. by Erin Hawryluk (Arsenal Pulp Press)

The Hawk Shadow by Jan Bourdeau Waboose, illus. by Karlene Harvey (Kids Can Press)

The Home Sweet Home Newfoundland Collection by Jeff Cox, illus. by Stefanie St. Denis (MacIntyre Purcell Publishing) >>> boxed set includes Home Sweet Home Newfoundland, Counting with Newfoundland, and A Newfoundland Alphabet

The Home Sweet Home Nova Scotia Collection by Vernon Oickle, illus. by Stefanie St. Denis (MacIntyre Purcell Publishing) >>> boxed set includes Home Sweet Home Nova Scotia, Counting with Nova Scotia, and A Nova Scotia Alphabet

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

How to Staycation Like a Snail by Naseem Hrab, illus. by Kelly Collier (Owlkids) >>> Snails and Stump 2

I Am a Courageous Cub by Shoshana Chaim, illus. by Lori Joy Smith (Greystone)

I Dream of Ganesha by Sonali Zohra (Bala Kids)

I Hear You, Mountains by Kallie George, illus. by Carmen Mok (Greystone) >>> Sounds of Nature series

I, Too, Am Here by Morgan Christie, illus. by Marley Berot (Second Story Press)

I Want to Read ALL the Books by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Simon Kids)

It’s Powwow Time! by Martha Troian, illus. by Hawlii Pichette (Greenwillo Books)

Life in the Wild: The Collected Adventures of the Bear, the Moose and the Beaver by Nicholas Oldland (Kids Can Press)

The Mango Monster by Derek Mascarenhas, illus. by Meneka Repka (Owlkids)

Muhammad's Recipe for Remembering by Maidah Ahmad, illus. by Shruti Prabhu (Annick)

My Grammie's House by Lana Button, illus. by Skye Ali (Tundra)

Nish: Northern Lights by Isabelle Picard, trans. by Kateri Aubin Dubois (Scholastic Canada)

Oh! Look, a Boat! by Andrew J. Ross (Flying Eye Books)

One Box by Andi Vicente, illus. by Allan Matudio (Roseway Publishing)

Playdate Surprise by Karen Autio, illus. by Laura Watson (Scholastic Canada)

A Roof! by Stephanie Ellen Sy, illus. by Daniel Tingcungco (Kokila)

Raven Gets Tricked by Andrea Fritz (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Coast Salish Tales 3 

Seaside Lullaby by Briana Corr Scott (Nimbus)

Squirrel-ish by Bambi Edlund (Owlkids)

This Land is a Lullaby / cistomâwasowin ôma askiy by Tonya Simpson, illus. by Delrée Dumont (Orca Book Publishers) >>> bilingual English and Plains Cree edition

Three City Kitties by Ashley Barron (Owlkids)

Ups and Downs by Nancy MacNairn, illus. by Doruntina Beqiraj (Second Story Press)

What Inspires by Alison Hughes, illus. by Ellen Rooney (Orca Book Publishers)

What's In The Cookie Tin? by Yolanda T. Marshall, illus. by Moini Golnoush (Chalkboard Publishing)

The Wind and Amanda's Cello by Alison Lohans, illus. by Sarah Shortliffe (Shadowpaw Press)

 

Early Books and Middle Grade

After the Wallpaper Music by Jean Mills (Pajama Press)

Bee & Flea and the Fall Fiasco by Anna Humphrey, illus. by Mike Deas (Owlkids) >>> Bee & Flea 3

Captain Skidmark Dances with Destiny by Jennifer A. Irwin (Charlesbridge)

Creature Powers: The Biggest! (Wild Kratts) by Martin Kratt and Chris Kratt (Random House Books for Young People) >>> Step Into Reading series

Crimson Twill: Witch in the Spotlight by Kallie George, illus. by Birgitta Sif (Candlewick)

Danica dela Torre, Certified Sleuth by Mikaela Lucido, illus. by Joanna Cacao (Annick)

Eyes on the Ice by Anna Rosner (Groundwood)

The Final Buzzer by Kevin Sylvester (Scholastic Canada) >>> Hockey Super Six 8

Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway by Ashley Hards (Fabled Films Press)

Haunted Canada The Graphic Novel: Four Terrifying Tales by Joel A. Sutherland, illus. by Hannah Barrett (Scholastic Canada)

How to Kidnap a Mermaid by Andy Tolson (Nimbus) >>> The Quests of Tiny Wilde 1

The Ice Chips and the Killer Wave by Roy MacGregor and Kerry MacGregor, illus. by Kim Smith (HarperCollins) >>> Book 6 in The Ice Chips series

Izzy Wong’s Nose for News by Marty Chan (Orca Book Publishers)

The Last Witch on Skye by Carolyn Nicholson (OC Publishing)

Library Girl by Polly Horvath (Puffin Canada)

Moonbeam Meets the Medicine Man by Gail Francis, illus. by Emma Hassencahl-Perley (Monster House Publishing)

Nancy Spector Monster Detective: The Case of the Missing Spot by Stephen W. Martin, illus. by Linh Pham (Algonquin Young Readers) >>> Book 1 in new graphic novel series

On a Wing and a Tear by Cynthia Leitich Smith (Heartdrum/HarperCollins)

Penny's Triumphant Turnaround by Stacey MacLean, illus. by Danelle Vautour (Monster House Publishing)

Steve, A Pretty Exceptional Horse by Kelly Collier (Kids Can Press) >>> new early graphic novel based on Steve the Horse picture books series

Super Frenemies! by Cale Atkinson (Tundra) >>> Simon and Chester 5

Swan: The Girl Who Grew by Sidura Ludwig (Nimbus) >>> novel in verse

Taxi Ghost by Sophie Escabasse (Random House Graphic) >>> graphic novel

Team Park by Angela Ahn (Tundra) 

Teddy vs. the Slimy Evil by Braden Hallett (Annick) >>> Secrets of Ravensbarrow 2 

Tig by Heather Smith (Tundra)

Waltraut by Gabriele Goldstone (Wandering Fox/Heritage House)

 

Young Adult

The Beauty of Us by Farzana Doctor (ECW Press)

Between the Pipes by Albert McLeod, illus. by Alice RL (HighWater Press)

Both Sides Now by Peyton Thomas (Penguin Teen Canada)

A Constellation of Minor Bears by Jen Ferguson (Heartdrum/HarperCollins)

Desert Echoes by Abdi Nazemian (HarperCollins)

God Flare by David A. Robertson, illus. by Scott B. Henderson and Andrew Thomas (HighWater Press) >>> The Reckoner Rises 3

The Great and the Small by A. T. Balsara (Common Deer Press) 

Hacking Heartbreak by Kevin heronJones (Lorimer) >>> Lorimer Real Love series

Line Drive to Love by Angel Jendrick (Lorimer) 

The Mongol Ascension by Andrew Varga (Imbrifex Books) >>> A Jump in Time Novel 3

No One Left by You by Tash McAdam (Soho Teen)

Not My Crew by Carlos Alexander (Lorimer) 

The Rez Doctor by Gitz Crazyboy, illus. by Veronika Barinova, Azby Whitecalf and Toben Racicot (HighWater Press) >>> graphic novel 

Secrets of Stone by Coltrane Seesequasis (Kegedonce Press)

Star Wars: Padmé Amidala: Queens Trilogy by E. K. Johnston (Disney Hyperion) >>> boxed set of Queen’s Shadow, Queen’s Peril, and Queen’s Hope

Summer with Sunil by Alison Lister (Lorimer) >>> Lorimer Real Love series

Undergrowth by Ricky Lima, illus. by Daniele Aquilani (Top Shelf)

The Unfinished by Cheryl Isaacs (Heartdrum)

Non-Fiction

All Consuming: Shop Smarter for the Planet by Erin Silver, illus. by Suharu Ogawa (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Think

Amazing Hockey Stories: Sidney Crosby by Lorna Schultz Nicholson, illus. by David Bishop (Scholastic Canada)

Amazing Hockey Trivia for Kids by Eric Zweig (Scholastic Canada)
Be a Close-up Nature Detective: Solving the Tiniest Mysteries of the Natural World
by Peggy Kochanoff (Nimbus) >>> Be a Nature Detective 8

Bird Eggs: A Young Naturalist's Guide by Mark Peck (Firefly Books)

By Chance Alone: A Remarkable True Story of Courage and Survival at Auschwitz
by Max Eisen with Kathy Kacer (HarperCollins)

Elizabeth Quocksister: Keeper of History by Haley Healey with George Quocksister Jr., illus. by Kimiko Fraser (Heritage House)

Folk Art Animal Sounds illus. by Barry Colpitts, written by Shanda LaRamee-Jones and Carol McDougall (Nimbus)

Hockey Superstars 2024-2025 by Paul Romanuk (Scholastic Canada)

How to Be a Color Wizard: Forage and Experiment with Natural Art Making by Jason Logan (Candlewick)

Indigenous Ingenuity: A Celebration of Traditional North American Knowledge by Deidre Havrelock and Edward Kay (Christy Ottaviano Books)

Loop De Loop: Circular Solutions for a Waste-Circular Solutions for a Waste-Free World by Andrea Curtis, illus. by Roozeboos (Groundwood)

Mother Aspen: A Story of How Forests Cooperate and Communicate by Annette LeBox, illus. by Crystal Smith (Groundwood)

Minerals and Rocks: A Beginner's Guide by Kim Tait (Firefly Books)

One Hen and Then: The Story of a Small Loan and a Big Dream by Katie Smith Milway and Mary Beth Leatherdale, illus. by Tequitia Andrews (Kids Can Press) >>> CitizenKid book based on One Hen story

Stitching Science: Exploring Science from A-Z by Lauren Wright Vartanian with Keltie Thomas (Firefly Books)

Taking Care of Where We Live: Restoring Ecosystems by Merrie-Ellen Wilcox, illus. by Amanda Key (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Think

Undaunted Ursula Franklin: Activist, Educator, Scientist by Monica Franklin and Erin Della Mattia (Second Story Press)

What Do We Eat?: How Humans Find, Grow and Share Food by Megan Clendenan, illus. by Meegan Lim (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Timeline

What Do We Know About the Yeti? by Ben Hubbard, illus. by Manuel Gutierrez (Penguin Workshop) >>> What Do We Know About? series

A Year on the Road to Nowhere by Jessie Hale, illus. by John Soleas (Arvaaq Press)

You Can Be an Activist: How to Use Your Strengths and Passions to Make a Difference by Charlene Rocha and Mary Beth Leatherdale, illus. by Drew Shannon (Kids Can Press)

Zoom In On Zombies by Kari-Lynn Winters and Catherine Rondina (Red Deer Press)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture Books 

An Anishinaabe Christmas by Wab Kinew, illus. by Erin Hill (Tundra)

The Bears and the Magic Masks by Joseph Dandurand, illus. by Elinor Atkins (Nightwood Editions)

Brady Brady and the Santa Search by Mary Shaw, illus. by Chuck Temple (Scholastic Canada)

The Brighter I Shine by Kamee Abrahamian, illus. by Lusine Ghukasyan (Lantana Publishing)

Counting at Kits Beach by Oliver McDonald (Kegedonce Press)

The Creator's Plan illus. by Jessica Jerome, written Richard Pellissier-Lush (Acorn Press)

Eli and the Real Live Dead Mummy by Sam Fisher, illus. by Judy Hilgemann (Red Deer Press)

Frostfire by Elly MacKay (Tundra)

Getting Us to Grandma's by Nadia L. Hohn, illus. by TeMika Grooms (Groundwood)

Grampy's Chair by Rebecca Thomas, illus. by Coco Lynge (Annick)

Halifax ABC by Yolanda Poplawska (Nimbus)

Hummingbird / Aamo-binashee by Jennifer Leason, trans. by Norman Chartrand (Orca Book Publishers) >>> bilingual edition in English and Anishinaabemowin (Saulteaux dialect) 

Iggy Who Breathes Fire by Carrie Kruck, illus. by Erika Meza (Disney Hyperion)

It’s Okay, Just Ask by Monique Leonardo Carlos, illus. by Salini Perera (Owlkids)

Kuekautsheu Creates the World by Annie Picard, illus. by Elizabeth Jancewicz (Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides) >>> available in dual-language editions with both English and Innu-aimun, either Sheshatshiu or Mushuau dialect

Lemming's First Christmas by Jamesie Fournier, illus. by Tim Mack (Inhabit Media)

The Light Keeper by Sheila Baslaw and Karen Levine, illus. by Alice Priestley (Second Story Press)

Mad at Dad by Janie Hao (Kids Can Press)

Mandeep's Cloudy Days by Kuljinder Kaur Brar, illus. by Samrath Kaur (Annick)

Mattie and Me by Michael McCreary, illus. by Tallulah Dumont (Annick) 

Message in the Mooncake by Sapphire Chow, illus. by Xiaojie Liu (Barefoot Books)

Milo the Knight by Grégoire Laforce, illus. by Charlotte Parent (Milky Way Picture Books)

The Moon's Journey by Beryl Young, illus. by Sean Huang (Red Deer Press)

My Kwanzaa Wish by Yolanda T. Marshall, illus. by Jamie Ellis Pasquale (Chalkboard Publishing)

The Rock and the Butterfly by Kathy Stinson, illus. by Brooke Kerrigan (Orca Book Publishers)

Sally's Snow Day by Andrew Larsen, illus. by Dawn Lo (Orca Book Publishers) 

Snow Day by Lindsay Gloade-Raining Bird, illus. by Ashley Thimot (Nimbus)

Sunny Days in a Memphis Studio! by Bïa Krieger, illus. by Fanny Berthiaume >>> We're a Possum Family Band 3

Tanna's Puppy by Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley and Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley, illus. by Michelle Simpson (Inhabit Media) >>> Tanna's Animals 3

Tove and the Island with No Address by Lauren Soloy (Tundra)

Who's Walking Dawg? by Marie Prins, illus. by Leanne Franson (Red Deer Press)

 

Early Books and Middle Grade

Alina in the Deep by Shenaaz G. Nanji (Second Story Press) >>> Book 2 in The Alina Books

Bad Bot by Pierre Dubé, illus. by Vigg, trans. by David Warriner (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Shivers

Bog Myrtle by Sid Sharp (Annick) >>> graphic novel

Boy vs. Shark by Paul Gilligan (Tundra) >>> graphic novel

Butter Tart Island by Hope Dalvay (Acorn Press)

Chai Jinxed by Emi Pinto (HarperCollins) 

Creepy Classroom by François Gravel, trans. by David Warriner (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Shivers

Ghosts of Gastown by Jessica Renwick (Yellow Dog)

I, Brax: A Battle Divine by Arthur Slade (Shadowpaw Press) >>> A Dragon Assassin Adventure

The Inside Scouts Help the Strong Cheetah by Mitali Banerjee Ruths, illus. by Francesca Mahaney (Scholastic) >>> The Inside Scouts 3 

Is There a Boy Like Me? by Kern Carter (Scholastic Canada)

Katrina Hyena, Stand-up Comedian by Sophie Kohn, illus. by Aparna Varma (Owlkids)

The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents by Nicki Pau Preto (Viking Books for Young Readers) >>> The Last Hope School Duology, Book 1

Let It Glow by Marissa Meyer and Joanne Levy (Feiwel and Friends)

Little Moons by Jen Storm, illus. by Ryan Howe (HighWater Press)

Mystery at the Bilmore by Colleen Nelson, illus. by Peggy Collins (Pajama Press)

Pages of Doom by Jeff Szpirglas, illus. by Andrew P. Barr (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Book of Screams 2

Planes, Trains and Monster-Mobiles by Paul McAllister, illus. by Emily Brown (Monster House Publishing)

Puffin and Penguin by Helaine Becker, illus. by Kevin Sylvester (Kids Can Press) >>> early graphic novel

The Shape of Lost Things by Sarah Everett (HarperCollins) 

Stopping the Shots by Lorna Schultz Nicholson (Scholastic Canada)

The Time Keeper by Meagan Mahoney (DCB Young Readers) 

Two Tales of Twenty-Six by Stephanie Simpson McLellan, illus. by Mike Deas (Red Deer Press)

Unsinkable Cayenne by Jessica Vitalis (HarperCollins)

Young Adult

Beast by Richard Van Camp (Douglas & McIntyre)

Defy by Sara de Waard (DCB Young Readers)

Devil by the Tail by Caroline Lavoie (Deep Hearts YA)

The Dark Becomes Her by Judy I. Lin (Rick Riordan Presents/Disney)

The Door in Lake Mallion by S. M. Beiko (ECW Press) >>> Book 2 in The Brindlewatch Quintet

Fledgling: The Keeper's Records of Revolution by S. K. Ali (Kokila/Penguin Young Readers)

If We Tell You by Nicola Dahlin (Kids Can Press)

Light Enough to Float by Lauren Seal (Rocky Pond Books)

Under All the Lights by Maya Ameyaw (Annick) >>> When It All Syncs Up 2

 

Non-Fiction

5-Minute Hockey Stories: All-Star Edition by Peter Norman, illus. by Chelsea Charles (HarperCollins)

A Children's Guide to Arctic Birds by Mia Pelletier, illus. by Danny Christopher (Inhabit Media)

Clyde River, My Home by Louise Flaherty, illus. by Thalita Dol (Arvaaq Press) >>> Community Connections series

Genocide by Jane Springer, illus. by Santiago Solís (Groundwood) >>> revised edition

Grab a Pencil! by Elise Gravel (Scholastic Canada)

How to Know a Crow: The Biography of a Brainy Bird by Candace Savage, illus. by Rachel Hudson (Greystone)

Hungry for Engineering: Poems to Gnaw On by Kari-Lynn Winters and Lori Sherritt-Fleming, illus. by Dave Whamond (Fiitzhenry & Whiteside) >>> poetry

I Am Wind: An Autobiography by Rachel Poliquin, illus. by Rachel Wada (Tundra)

I Wonder About Worlds: Discovering Planets and Exoplanets by James Gladstone, illus. by Yaara Eshet (Owlkids)

It Is Good to Live in Beautiful Arctic Bay by Lucy Qavavauq, illus. by Amiel Sandland (Arvaaq Press) >>> bilingual Inuktitut and English edition

It's My Brain by Elise Gravel (North Winds Press/Scholastic Canada)

Living Light: Conserving Bioluminescent Plants and Animals by Stephen Aitken (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Wild

Lost at Windy River: A True Story of Survival by Trina Rathgeber, illus. by Alina Pete (Orca Book Publishers)

The Night Before Christmas by Kim Fernandes (Firefly Books) >>> poetry

Salt, Pepper, Season, Spice: All the Flavors of the World by Jacques Pasquet, illus. by Claire Anghinolfi (Orca Book Publishers)

She is Hope for Wildlife: The Story of Wildlife Rescuer Hope Swinimer by Wanda Baxter, illus. by Leah Boudreau (Nimbus)

A Whale Named Henry by M. Wylie Blanchet, illus. by Jacqueline McKay Mathews (Harbour Publishing)

Wildlife Crossing: Giving Animals the Right-of-Way by Joan Marie Galat (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Footprints

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture Books

The First Ones on the Ice by Lana Button, illus. by Alex MacAskill (Nimbus)

Good Boy Timmy by Eric Walters, illus. by Eugenie Fernandes (DCB Young Readers) 

Monster Friends, Where Are You? by Daniel Anctil, illus. by Corentin Hunter (Midtown Press)

Ode to Underwear by Helaine Becker, illus. by Abigail Burch (Bushel & Peck Books)

The Twins That Saved Izonbele by Michael Afenfia, illus. by Ijeoma Ossi (Nwata)

When Dogs Work by Opal Sinclair (Pajama Press)

 

Early Books and Middle Grade

Cave-In by Pam Withers (Yellow Dog)

Closer to Far Away by Kristin Butcher (Red Deer Press)

Elvis, Me, and the Postcard Winter by Leslie Gentile (DCB Young Readers) >>> Elvis, Me, and the Eagle Shores Trailer Park 2 

Jordan and Max, Race Day by Suzanne Sutherland, illus. by Michelle Simpson (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Echoes

Like A Boss by Sarah Mlynowski and Hena Khan, illus. by Jennifer Bricking (Scholastic) >>> Best Wishes 4

Meg and Greg: A Handful of Dogs by Elspeth Rae and Rowena Rae, illus. by Elisa Gutiérrez (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Meg and Greg 5

The Secret Office by Sara Cassidy, illus. by Alyssa Hutchings (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Echoes

Tizzy and Me: Fifteen Ways to Love a Mink by N.M.L. Hazard, illus. by Alice Priestley (Red Deer Press)

 

Young Adult

The Dark Won't Wait by David A. Poulsen (Red Deer Press)

Dear Dad by Laura Best (Nimbus) 

Flash Flood by Gabrielle Prendergast (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Anchor

It's Not Me, It's You by Alex Light (HarperCollins)

Shock Wave by Sigmund Brouwer (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Soundings

Stranger Skies by Pascale Lacelle (Margaret K. McElderry) >>> sequel to Curious Tides of The Drowned Gods Trilogy

The Sun Runners by James Bow (Shadowpaw Press)

An Unbalanced Force by Valerie Sherrard (DCB Young Readers) 

A Wild and Ruined Song by Ashley Shuttleworth (Margaret K. McElderry) >>> Hollow Star Saga 4

 

Non-Fiction

Kid Musicians: True Tales of Childhood from Entertainers, Songwriters, and Stars
by Robin Stevenson, illus. by Allison Steinfeld (Quirk Books)

When I Visit Qikiqtarjuaq by Monica Ittusardjuat, illus. by Amiel Sandland (Arvaaq Press) >>> Community Connections series; dual language in Inuktitut and English

When You Read to Me by Carol McDougall and Shanda LaRamee-Jones (Nimbus) >>> multilingual edition in English, French, Spanish, Hindi, Simplified Chinese, and Arabic

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture Books

Good Hair by Yvonne Sewankambo, illus. by Freda Chiu (Candlewick)

We Are Lion Dancers by Benson Shum (Penguin Workshop)

 

Early Books and Middle Grade

From Megabat with Love by Anna Humphrey, illus. by Kris Easler (Tundra)

A Recipe for Rhyme and Rescue by Wanda Taylor (HarperCollins)

 

Young Adult

Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao (Tundra) >>> Iron Widow 2

The Revenge Game by Jordyn Taylor (Ember/Random House Children's Books)

When the Mapou Sings by Nadine Pinede (Candlewick)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture Books 

I Am Métis by Karen Hourie Ellefson, illus. by Leah Dorion (Fitzhenry & Whiteside)

If A Bumble Bee Lands on Your Toe by Cynthia Mackey, illus. by Vikki Zhang (Yeehoo Press)

Nevin Knows by Mireille Messier, illus. by Elena Comte (Orca Book Publishers)

Runaway Blanket by Nancy Deas, illus. by Mike Deas (Orca Book Publishers)

Sometimes I Eat With My Hands by Kid Haile (Groundwood) 

Vampire Jam Sandwich by Casey Lyall, illus. by Nici Gregory (Tundra) 

 

Early Books and Middle Grade

Brianna Banana, Helper of the Day by Lana Button, illus. by Suharu Ogawa (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Echoes

The Factory by Catherine Egan (Scholastic)

Feathered Fiends by Jocelyn Boisvert, trans. by David Warriner (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Shivers

The Feeder by Heather Hartt-Sussman (Fitzhenry & Whiteside)

Finding Harmony by Eric Walters (Orca Book Publishers) >>> prequel to The King of Jam Sandwiches

The Islands of Elsewhere by Heather Fawcett (Rocky Pond Books)

Meg and Greg: Train Day! by Elspeth Rae and Rowena Rae (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Meg and Greg Book 6

Under Attack (Kidnapped From Ukraine #1) by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch (Scholastic)

The Vanished Ones by Chad Lucas (Amulet Books)

What's in the Walls? by Julie Champagne, illus. by Geneviève Bigué (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Shivers 

 

Young Adult

Cheat Code by M.J. McIsaac (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Anchor

Ghost Queen by Mahtab Narsimhan (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Anchor
Just Kickin' It by Julie Thompson (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Anchor

Recommended Reading by Paul Coccia (Zando Young Readers)  

 

Non-Fiction

The Friendship Guide by Dr. Jillian Roberts, illus. by Andrea Armstrong (Orca Book Publishers)

Game Changers: Stories of Hijabi Athletes from around the World by Charlene Smith, illus. by Natalya Tariq (Orca Book Publishers)

Great Apes: Protecting Our Animal Cousins by Christopher Gudgeon (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Wild 

Octopus Ocean: Geniuses of the Deep by Mark Leiren-Young (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Wild

Our Plastic Problem: A Call for Global Solutions by Megan Durnford (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Footprints 

 

With so many wonderful upcoming releases of #youngCanLit,
there's something for every young reader.

 

Happy Reading!

 
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
 
Any omissions or errors in details, including release dates, are my own. Please share any additions or corrections with me in the comments below. I'm always happy to make the listing more complete and accurate.