2025 CCBC Book Awards: Winners announced

On Monday, October 27, 2025, a gala event was held to announce the winners of this year's English-language Canadian Children's Book Awards of the Canadian Children's Book Centre. (The press release of the announcement is posted here.) From a fine list of nominees, the following winners were selected by juries of their peers from the kidCanLit world. 

Here now are the winners of the following English-language awards:

• 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)

• • • • • • •

 

Congratulations to all winners!

• • • • • • •

 

Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award: WINNER 

 

SOS Water

Written and illustrated by Yayo 
Tradewind Books

 

• • • • •

Geoffrey Bilson Award for 

Historical Fiction for Young People:   WINNER

 

Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams

Written by Shari Green 
Andrews McMeel Publishing

 

 

• • • • •

 

Sharon Fitzhenry Award for Canadian Children's Non-fiction :   WINNER

 

Meet Jim Egan (Scholastic Canada Biography)

Written by Elizabeth MacLeod 
Illustrated by Mike Deas 
Scholastic Canada

 • • • • •

Amy Mathers Teen Book Award:   WINNER

 

Age 16

Written and illustrated by Rosena Fung
Annick Press

• • • • •

Jean Little First-Novel Award:   WINNER   

 

Alterations

Written and illustrated by Ray Xu 
Union Square Kids

• • • • •

 

Arlene Barlin Award 

for Science Fiction and Fantasy:   WINNER 

 

The Headmasters

Written by Mark Morton
Shadowpaw Press

 

 

 

 

• • • • •

 

Richard Allen Chase Memorial Award:   WINNER

  

Hummingbird / Aamo-binashee

Written and illustrated by Jennifer Leason 
Anishinaabemowin translation by Norman Chartrand and Jennifer Leason 
Orca Book Publisher

 

 

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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. 

 

T Is for Terry: An ABC of Courage

Written by Denise Dias

Illustrated by Noémie Gionet Landry

North Winds Press (Scholastic Canada)

978-1-0397-0679-8

32 pp.

Ages 3–8

July 2025 

 

Terry Fox's story of his cancer and of his Marathon of Hope is one that is firmly established in Canadian history. When he embarked on his cross-country run in 1980 in support of cancer research, he could not have imagined the impact his story and his undertaking would have on the world. For us, he was a champion and a warrior. And now his story is told in such a way that our youngest children, perhaps those who will still be having this book read to them, will understand who he was and what he accomplished. 

From T is for Terry, written by Denise Dias, illustrated by Noémie Gionet Landry

Denise Dias who is involved with the Terry Fox Foundation tells Terry's story using the alphabet as her guide. She begins pre-diagnosis with Terry enjoying play with his siblings and sports. With the letter C, readers learn that Terry became ill and had the courage to face losing part of one leg. (Thank you, Denise Dias, for not making Cc for cancer.) Then there is his treatment and his training, but the text is all about the positives: the dream, the effort, his friends, and his gratitude. 

From T is for Terry, written by Denise Dias, illustrated by Noémie Gionet Landry

With the letter H, Denise Dias begins Terry's Marathon of Hope, still always emphasizing the positives of the kindness people showed him, the pride they felt sharing in his marathon, and the example he was by inspiring people everywhere to carry on his dream. Sure, there were some details about his shoes and how tired he was, but the highlights of T is for Terry is the young man and his worthwhile efforts to help others who were sick through fundraising for cancer research.

From T is for Terry, written by Denise Dias, illustrated by Noémie Gionet Landry

T Is for Terry is a complete illustrated biography for young children, introducing them to this extraordinary young man and his mission in a way that is not scary and very inclusive.  Denise Dias may keep the text inspiring rather than disheartening but she gives everything to his story so it is thorough. What Denise Dias leaves out in the text New Brunswick's Noémie Gionet Landry includes but with care. Her digital artwork blends realism with cheerful illustrations that both inform and amuse. We see Terry and other cancer patients receiving chemo treatment, the solitude of his running through all kinds of weather, and his distinctive running gait. We also see the landscapes of Canada that Terry ran through, from the Atlantic Ocean through forests and neighbourhoods. Noémie Gionet Landry keeps the story but makes it more Terry.

 

I am often wary of themed alphabet books as they can seem contrived, trying to fit a story into the alphabet. T Is for Terry is not forced in its alphabetical storytelling. Terry's story is complete as an illustrated biography in T Is for Terry; it just happens that it is told with the use of the alphabet to organize information. With great honesty and philanthropy, Denise Dias tells how Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope united a nation and committed us to working to fund cancer research. With all author royalties being donated to the Terry Fox Foundation—in fact, the text and illustrations copyrights are held by the Terry Fox Family—Denise Dias furthers that support now and in perpetuity. By encouraging discussions through T Is for Terry, I hope that teachers and parents will grab this book and further the support for the Terry Fox Foundation and the good work they do, and thus move us all closer to finding all the cures for cancer.

Upcoming Releases for Summer and Fall 2025

 

Though publishers have long known which books are set for release, many of us will be surprised and delighted to know about new books of youngCanLit coming out. Whether these books are set for release to coincide with big events like the start of the school year and Halloween–surprisingly, there are very few releases in December for Christmas–or just being released because it's time, there will be so many from which to choose and add to our TBR shelves. It's an impressive collection by debut authors, by long-favourite writers and illustrators, and sequels to much-loved series.

Here are a few titles I'm looking forward to checking out:

• Time Surfers by Kevin Sylvester because I know it's going to be funny but, with illustrations, a mystery, and time slip, it's sure to give us something extraordinary.
• Death by Whoopee Cushion by Vicki Grant, which would be funny even if the name were otherwise because it's coming from Vicki Grant
• How to Save a Library by Colleen Nelson because it touches the heart of this retired teacher-librarian who has witnessed the closure of too many libraries
• One Can, a picture book by Lana Button and Eric Walters, and illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant, because it has a very sweet story that may just evoke a few tears
• Ghost Circus by Adrienne Kress and illustrated by Jade Zhang because it sounds like a loaded graphic novel with a good mystery and a lot of supernatural elements
• Standoff, which is the second book in Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch's Kidnapped from Ukraine series, because it's a story that needs to be read
• A Summer of Dragonflies because it's been too long since I've had the pleasure of reading a novel by Natasha Deen

and 

 

dozens and dozens of other books. Here's hoping you find something here to bring more CanLit into your summer and fall reading.

 

 

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JULY

Picture Books
The Bagel Who Wanted Everything by Alan Silberberg  (North Winds Press) 

The Friendship Blanket by Leonarda Carranza, illus. by Erika Rodriguez Medina (North Winds Press)

Little Shoes by David A. Robertson, illus. by Maya McKibbin (Tundra Books) 

Mao Mao's Perfectly Imperfect Day by Laan Cham (Random House Books for Young Readers)

Peek-a-Boo Missy Moo by Kelsey Marshalsey (Brown Bag Fox)

Toes, Teeth, and Tentacles: A Curious Counting Book by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)

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

 

Early Readers and Chapter Books
Comic Shift by Ted Staunton (Scholastic Canada) 

Death by Whoopee Cushion by Vicki Grant (Tundra Books)

The Puzzle of Doom by Dom Pelletier (Scholastic Canada)>>> The Lunch Club 8

Snoop by Gordon Korman (Scholastic)

Young Adult 

Fireboy by Edward Willett (Shadowpaw Press)

A Mastery of Monsters by Liselle Sambury (Margaret K. McElderry Books)

The Rebel Girls of Rome by Jordyn Taylor (HarperCollins)
Sky on Fire by E. K. Johnston (Dutton Books for Young Readers) 

Non-Fiction 

You Were Made for This World: Celebrated Indigenous Voices Speak to Young People by Stephanie Sinclair and Sara Sinclair (Tundra Books)

 

 

AUGUST

Picture Books
Aggie and the Ghost by Matthew Forsythe (Simon & Schuster)

At the Rescue Cat Café by Anna Humphrey, illus. by Kari Rust (Owlkids Books)

Beverley, Bat Your Service by Kelly Collier (Atheneum Books for Young Readers)

Bird Brothers, A Delhi Story by Rina Singh, illus. by Barkha Lohia (Orca Book Publishers)

Emerson the Elephant Seal by Ginger Ngo (Harbour Publishing)

Feelings Come, Feelings Go by Dr. Jillian Roberts (Orca Book Publishers)

The Gift of Words (A Holiday Picture Book) by Peter H. Reynolds (Orchard Books)

Grandma Can Make Anything by Susan Avingaq and Maren Vsetula, illus. by Amiel Sandland (Inhabit Media)

The Interrupted Plans of Mango and Nan by Hala Tahboub (Clarion Books)

King of the Dump by Tim Wynne-Jones, illus. by Scot Ritchie (Groundwood Books)

Kohkum's Royal Bannock by Wilfred Burton, illus. by Hawlii Pichette (Thistledown Press)

Lights at Night by Tasha Hilderman, illus. by Maggie Zeng (Tundra Books) 

The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise by Riel Nason, illus. by Byron Eggenschwiler (Tundra) >>> sequel to The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt 

Lumberjack's Alphabet by Mike Bravener, illus. by Virginia Alecia (Monster House Publishing)

Miya Wears Orange by Wanda John-Kehewin, illus. by Erika Rodriguez Medina (HighWater Press)

Munsch Mania! by Robert Munsch, illus. by Michael Martchenko and Jay Odjick (Scholastic Canada) >>> collection of six previously-published stories 

The Pink Pajamas by Charlene Chua (Simon & Schuster)

Poppy and Sam and the Hunt for Jam by Cathon (Owlkids Books) >>> Poppy and Sam 4

RJ and the Ticking Clock by Ian Duncan, illus. by Scot Ritchie (Owlkids Books)

Star Sailor, The Story of Words by Sara Cassidy, illus. by Julie McLaughlin (Orca Book Publishers)

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

Early Readers and Chapter Books 

Bark Twice for Murder by John Lekich (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Currents

Beyond the Grave by Trevor Henderson (Scholastic) >>> Scarewaves 2

The Dark Times of Nimble Nottingham by Ryan James Black (Nancy Paulsen Books)

The Discovery of Finnegan Wilde by Caroline Pignat (Thistledown Press)

The Elephant in the Room:  Mabel Makes (^Up) a Friend by Cyndi Marko (Penguin Workshop) >>> graphic novel 

Ghost Circus by Adrienne Kress, illus. by Jade Zhang (Union Square Kids) >>> graphic novel

How to Rescue a Unicorn by Andy Tolson (Nimbus Publishing) >>> The Quests of Tiny Wilde 2

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

Howler Reef by Nancy Deas, illus. by Mike Deas (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Sueño Bay Adventures 6

Maggie Lou Meets Her Match by Arnolda Dufour Bowes, illus. by Karlene Harvey (Groundwood Books) >>> sequel to Maggie Lou, Firefox

Mirror Mirror by Sarah Mlynowski (Scholastic) >>> Whatever After 17 

A Night for Mischief by Allison Finley (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Currents

A Skeleton in the Closet by Claire Hatcher-Smith (Tundra Books) >>> The Mizzy Mysteries 1

The Sunshine Project by Uma Krishnaswami, illus. by Julianna Swaney (Groundwood Books) >>> The Book Uncle 3

True Colors: Growing Up Weird in the '90s by Elise Gravel (Drawn & Quarterly) >>> graphic novel

The World's End by David A. Robertson (Tundra Books) >>>The Misewa Saga 6

 

Young Adult 

Algonquin Legacy by Rick Revelle (Dundurn) >>> An Algonquin Quest Novel 4

Crowns of Blood and Salt by Kay Adams (Inimitable Books)>>>Dark Depths 2

Legendary Frybread Drive-In: Intertribal Stories, edited by Cynthia Leitich Smith, written by Kate Hart, Eric Gansworth, Marcella Bell, Darcie Little Badger, Karina Iceberg, Kaua Mahoe Adams, Andrea L. Rogers, Cheryl Isaacs, Christine Hartman Derr, Brian Young, K. A. Cobell, Jen Ferguson, A. J. Eversole, Byron Graves, Angeline Boulley, and  David A. Robertson (Heartdrum) 

The Night Girl by James Bow (Shadowpaw Press)

The Spartan Sacrifice by Andrew Varga (Imbrifex Books)>>>A Jump In Time 4

Super Crash by Melinda De Lorenzo (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Soundings
The Whisperings by Joel A. Sutherland (Tundra)

Non-Fiction 

Allyship as Action: 7 Ways to Advocate for Others by Tanya Boteju, illus. by Bithi Sutradhar (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Take Action 1

The Dog Who Saved the Bees by Stephanie Gibeault, illus. by David Hohn (Sleeping Bear Press)

My First Recipe Book: Recipes for the Food Kids Really Want to Make (and Eat) by Ricardo Larrivee (Appetite by Random House)

Myths and Legends Ultimate Handbook: More than 200 Heroes, Villains and Mythical Creatures from Around the World by Ben Hubbard (DK Children)

Never Silent: A Hiroshima Survivor's Story by Setsuko Thurlow and Kathy Lowinger, illus. by Michelle Theodore (Annick Press)

Reach for the Sky: How Two Brothers Built an Airplane in Chinatown by Evelyn Wong, illus. by Sarah Ang (Plumleaf Press)

T is for Terry: An ABC of Courage by Denise Dias, illus. by Noémie Gionet Landry (Scholastic Canada) 

The Tufted Puffins of Triangle Island by Deborah Hodge, illus. by Karen Reczuch (Groundwood) 

What About an Elephant?: A Fact-Filled Savanna Adventure by Deborah Kerbel, illus. by Dawn Lo (Owlkids Books)

What a Waste: 9 Ways to Fight Climate Change by Karen Tam Wu Illustrated by: Bithi Sutradhar (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Take Action 2

 

SEPTEMBER

Picture Books 

24 Sleeps Till Christmas: An Advent Storybook Collection by Jane Whittingham, illus. by Maggie Zeng (HarperCollins)

Aurora's Journey by Kayla Williams (Kegedonce Press)

Benjamin Grows a Garden by Melanie Florence, illus. by Hawlii Pichette (Kids Can Press) >> sequel to Benjamin's Thunderstorm

Brown Girl in the Snow by Yolanda T. Marshall, illus. by Marianne Ferrer (Greystone Kids)

Camping in the Wild by Nicholas Oldland (Kids Can Press) >>> new book in the Life in the Wild series

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

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

The Christmas That Almost Wasn't by Laura Alary, illus. by Ana Eguaras (Beaming Books)

Cozy Canada: A Sweet and Calming Colouring Book by Maggie Zeng (HarperCollins)

Diaper Kid by Loretta Garbutt, illus. by Hayley Lowe (Owlkids Books)

Floor It! by Bex Tobin Fine, illus. by Federico Fabiani (Random House Books for Young Readers)

Giant Seek-and-Find Merry Christmas! by Julie Mercier, Prisca Le Tandé and Elen Lescoat (Auzou Canada)

The House That Floated by Guojing (Random House Studio)

The Inquisitive Raven by Richard Wagamese, illus. by Bridget George (Douglas & McIntyre)

The Last Last by Wendy J. Whittingham, illus. by Brianna McCarthy (Groundwood Books)

Mama's Special Wonton Soup by Wai Mei Wong, illus. by Xin Yue Zhu (Lantana) 

Maya Inside by Alison Hughes, illus. by Brady Sato (Orca Book Publishers)

Memory Stones by Kathy Kacer, illus. by Hayley Lowe (Second Story Press)

My Sister the Apple Tree: A Refugee Story of Hope and Resilience by Jordan Scott and Jamal Saeed, illus. by Zahra Marwan (Random House Studio)

The Nutcracker's Magical Christmas by Roxane Turcotte, illus. by Sabrina Gendron (Auzou Canada)

The Old Man and the Child by Gabrielle Roy, adapted by Dominque Fortier, illus. by Rogé

One Can by Lana Button and Eric Walters, illus. by Isabelle Malenfant (Groundwood Books)

Our Corner Grocery Store by Joanne Schwartz, illus. by Laura Beingessner (Tundra Books)

Penny Penguin by Raffi, illus. by Dan Tavis (Knopf Books for Young Readers)

Ra! Ta! Ma! Cue! by Howie Shia (Annick Press) 

Remember Who You Are by Leona Prince and Gabrielle Prince, illus. by Sara General (Orca Book Publishers)

Rez Kid by Andrea Landry, illus. by Isabella Fassler (Kids Can Press)

The Richest Cow in the World by Barroux (Kids Can Press)

Seamus and the Shiny Things by Cara Kansala (Breakwater Books)

Sem's Map by Rebecca Thomas, illus. by Azby Whitecalf (Nimbus Publishing)

A Single Dreadlock by Xaiver Michael Campbell, illus. by Eugenie Fernandes (Groundwood Books)

Sophie Shares the Stars by Heather Smith, illus. by Catherine Petit (Orca Book Publishers)

There's a Song in the Forest by Jennifer Britton, illus. by Jillian Thalman (Nimbus Publishing)

The Thing About Birds by Christy Obalek (Heritage House)

To Be With You by Dave Gunning, illus. by Meaghan Smith (Nimbus Publishing)

Two Pigs by David Bouchard, illus. by Christine Battuz (Orca Book Publishers)

Truckin' by Nancy Hundal, illus. by Angela Poon (Owlkids Books)

A Walk in the Park by Ashley Spires, adapted by Naseem Hrab, illus. by Mike Shiell (Kids Can Press) >>> Agent Binky: Pets of the Universe 3 

The Wandering Feather by Lisa Frenette, illus. by August Swinson (Owlkids Books)

Yaya and the Dan-Tats by Camellia Koo, illus. by Phoebe Xiao (Annick Press)

You Can't Tame a Tiger by Stephanie Ellen Sy, illus. by Julien Chung (Owlkids Books)

Early Readers and Chapter Books
All the Things We Found by Joanne Levy (Orca Book Publishers) 

Asha and Baz Meet Mary Anning by Caroline Fernandez, illus. by Dharmali Patel (Common Deer Press) >>> Asha and Baz 6

Bea Mullins Takes a Shot by Emily Deibert (Yearling)

The Bloodstone Thief by Sabina Khan (Scholastic) 

Breaking the Ice by Natalie Blitt (Scholastic)

Curse and Reverse by Sophie Escabasse (Random House Graphic)>>>Witches of Brooklyn 5 

The Fabulous Trio: Friends for Life by Julie Couture, illus. by Esther Hernando (Auzou Canada)

A Fleurlings Field Guide by Kaitlin Hoyt (Monster House Publishing)

The Forbidden Room by Nicki Pau Preto (Viking Books for Young Readers)>>>The Last Hope School For Magical Delinquents 2 

Going Pro! by Alain M. Bergeron, illus. by Caroline Soucy (Auzou Canada) >>> The Hockey Team 3

The House That Floated by Guojing (Random House Studio)

Ink of Nightmares by Jeff Szpirglas, illus. by Andrew P. Barr (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Book of Screams 3

Maddie and the Doggie Detectives by Diya Lim, illus. by Pascale Constantin (Auzou Canada)

Malice at the Mall by Pierrette Dubé, illus. by Ninon Pelletier (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Shivers 7

Mysteries at Château Frontenac by Roxanne Turcotte, illus. by Sabrina Gendron (Auzou Canada) >>> Esther and Ben's Investigations

Nish: North Stars by Isabelle Picard (Scholastic Canada)

Paisley & Peck: Jurassic Farm by J. Torres, illus. by Mike Deas (Owlkids Books)

Salma Speaks Up by Danny Ramadan, illus. by Anna Bron (Annick Press) >>> newest Salma story

Seabird by Michelle Kadarusman (Pajama Press)

Steve, Born to Run by Kelly Collier (Kids Can Press) >>> Steve the Horse 3 

A Storm Unleashed by Carol Matas (Scholastic Canada)

A Summer of Dragonflies by Natasha Deen (DCB Young Readers) 

Super Business by Cale Atkinson (Tundra) >>> Simon & Chester 6

Take a Breath Olive Tran by Phuong Truong, illus. by Christine Wei (Second Story Press) >>> Olive Tran 2

Teddy vs. the Snuggly Menace by Braden Hallett (Annick Press) >>> Secrets of Ravensbarrow 3

Time Surfers by Kevin Sylvester (HarperCollins)

Touching Grass by Kristy Jackson, illus. by Rhael McGregor (HarperCollins)

Wednesday Wilson Looks on the Fright Side by Bree Galbraith, illus. by Morgan Goble (Kids Can Press) >>> Wednesday Wilson 4

A Wonderful Surprise by Julie Couture, illus. by Amandine Gardie (Auzou Canada) >>> Sparkle Academy 2

 

Young Adult

Ace and the Misfits vs. the Soccer Knights by Eddie Kawooya (Lorimer)

Bad in the Blood by Matteo L. Cerilli (Tundra Books)

Carnival Curves by Stacey Robinson (Lorimer) 

The Dandelion Riots by Kim Smejkal (Pushkin Children's Books) 

Destiny by M. L. Fergus (Tundra Books) >>> Fractured Kingdom 3

Exquisite Things by Abdi Nazemian (HarperCollins)

Fierce Voice by Susan Currie (Common Deer Press)

Love on Planet A by Christina Minaki (Lorimer)

Not My Crew by Carlos Anthony (Lorimer) 

The Others by Cheryl Isaacs (Heartdrum)

Non-Fiction 

Across the Ice: How We Saved the Ojibwe Horse by Darcy Whitecrow and Heather M. O'Connor, illus. by Natasha Donovan (Candlewick)

Be an Icky Things Detective: Solving Nature's Strange and Slimy Mysteries by Peggy Kochanoff (Nimbus Publishing) >>> Be a Nature Detective 9

Birds Life Size: Up Close and Personal with 47 Bird Species by Chris Earley (Firefly Books)

Canine Connection: How Dogs and Humans Evolved Together by Christopher Gudgeon (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Wild 18

Cracking the Code: The Human Quest to Uncover Secrets by Rachel Kehoe, illus. by Meegan Lim (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Timeline 11

If You Meet a Barfing Bird: How Not to Help Animals by Etta Kaner, illus. by Heather Wilson (Orca Book Publishers)

I'm Longer than You!: An Epic Contest of Measurement by Carolyn Fisher (Kids Can Press)

Just a Minute: Why Humans Tell Time by Kirstie Hudson and Monique Polak, illus. by Paige Stampatori (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Timeline 12

My Street Remembers by Karen Krossing, illus. by Cathie Jamieson (Groundwood Books)

Not Just Dirt!: How Soil Supports Our Planet by Sheryl Normandeau (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Footprints 35 

Summer Brings Berries by Roy Henry Vickers and Lucky Budd (Harbour Publishing) >>> First West Coast Book 7

The Sustainable School: A Journey Through Time and Energy by Erica Fyvie, illus. by Scot Ritchie (Kids Can Press)

Who Needs the Dark?: The Many Ways Living Things Depend on Darkness by Laura Alary, illus. by Risa Hugo (Owlkids Books)

 

OCTOBER

Picture Books 

Baseball Bats for Christmas by Michael Avaarluk Kusugak, illus.by Coco Apunnguaq Lynge (Annick Press)

The Big Red Book of Munsch Books by Robert Munsch, illus. by Michael Martchenko (Annick Press) 

Call Me Gray by Andrew Larsen and Bells Larsen, illus. by Tallulah Fontaine (Kids Can Press)

Charlotte's New Moccasins by Jenn Moudahi, illus. by Rhael McGregor (Charlesbridge)

Community Snowman by Deborah Kerbel, illus. by Tine Modeweg-Hansen (Groundwood Books)

Faye's Lanterns by Eve Gane and Toby Tang, illus. by Hyesoo Kim (Plumleaf Press) 

The First Christmas Tree: An Innu Tale by Ovila Fontaine, illus. by Charlotte Parent (Orca Book Publishers)

Heel, Toe and Away We Go!: Silly Songs for Kids by Alan Mills, Gilles Vigneault and Lionel Daunais, illus. by Marie Lafrance (The Secret Mountain)

Home for Margaret by Denise Davy, illus. by Bérengère Delaporte (Groundwood Books)

How to Be Brave Like a Snail by Naseem Hrab, illus. by Kelly Collier (Owlkids Books) >>> Snail and Stump 3

I Am My Name: A Girl's Journey to Finding Her Cree Family by Na'kuset and Judith Henderson, illus. by Onedove (Knopf Books for Young Readers)

I Drove My Bed to Grandma's House by Carolyn Huizinga Mills, illus. by Jan Dolby (DCB Young Readers)

Invisible: The (Sort of) True Story of Me and My Hidden Disease by David Soren (Penguin Workshop)

It Began with a Buzz by Shiva Delsooz (Owlkids Books)

Just Another Perfect Day by Jillian Harris and Justin Pasutto, illus. by Morgan Goble , (Tundra Books)

Kokum, Are These Moose Tracks?: Celebrating Fall by Tyna Legault Taylor, illus. by Michelle Dao (HighWater Press) >>> new book from Joshua Learns from the Land series

Labrador Skies by Kayla Williams, illus. by Kayla Williams and Thamires Paredes (Inhabit Media)

Lap Cat by Joren Cull (Penguin Workshop)

Lena the Chicken (But Really a Dinosaur!) by Linda Bailey, illus. by K-Fai Steele (Tundra Books)

Little Hearts in the Snow by Andrew Katz and Juliana Léveillé-Trudel, illus. by Joseph Sherman (CrackBoom!) >>> third book in Julia and Bernard series that started with How to Catch a Bear

Little Moments in a Big Universe by Todd Stewart (Owlkids Books)

Lucky Dog Comes Home by John Spray, illus. by Scot Ritchie (Pajama Press)

The Newest Gnome by Lauren Soloy (Tundra Books)

Nuts About Scaredy Squirrel: Five Classic Stories by Melanie Watt (Kids Can Press)

Oakley's Great Canadian Adventure by Nancy Rose (Nimbus Publishing) >>> The Secret Life of Squirrels

The One About the Blackbird by Melanie Florence, illus. by Matt James (Tundra Books)

Owl by Kara Griffin, illus. by K. Shawn Larson (Nimbus Publishing) 

The Peacock Who Howled with Jackals by Nahid Kazemi (Owlkids Books)

The Perfect Paper Airplane by Robert Munsch, illus. by Michael Martchenko (North Winds Press)

A Pond, a Poet, and Three Pests by Caroline Adderson, illus. by Lauren Tamaki (Groundwood Books)

Prudence: The Brave Little Bird by Véronique Alarie and Gabrielle Lisa Collard, illus. by Catherine Petit (Pajama Press) 

Together: A Book About Community by Elise Gravel (North Winds Press)

Umingmak and Fox: Why Is It Dark? by Jamesie Fournier, illus. by Tim Mack (Arvaaq Press)

Your Places Boxed Set by Jon Klassen (Candlewick) >>> three board books: Your Farm, Your Island, and Your Forest 

Early Readers and Chapter Books

The Anne Chapter Book Collection by Kallie George, illus. by Abigail Halpin (Tundra Books) >>> collection of six early readers Anne Dreams, Anne Dares, Anne's Tragic Tea Party, Anne's School Days, Anne's Kindred Spirits, and Anne Arrives

Brianna Banana, Worst Surprise Ever by Lana Button, illus. by Suharu Ogawa (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Echoes

Danica dela Torre, Dream Detective by Mikaela Lucido, illus. by Joanna Cacao (Annick Press) >>> sequel to Danica dela Torre, Certified Sleuth

The Experiment by Catherine Egan (Scholastic) >>> The Factory 2 

I Won’t Feel This Way Forever by Kim Spencer (Orca Book Publishers)

The Love Song of Mr. Byrd by Philippa Dowding, illus. by Caroline Clarke (DCB Young Readers) 

The Museum of Willa and Wade by Judith Henderson, illus. by Sara Sarhangpour (Kids Can Press) >>> Willa and Wade 2 

Not-So-Sweetie Pie by Maureen Fergus, illus. by Alexandra Bye (Tundra Books) >>> Weenie Featuring Frank and Beans 3

One Beaded Earring by Pat Lamondin Skene, illus. by Natalie Laurin (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Echoes

Over the Moon by Paul Gilligan (Tundra Books) >>> Pluto Rocket 4

A Promise to Protect by Nikki Bergstresser (Wandering Fox)

A Recipe for Robbery by Colleen Nelson, illus. by Peggy Collins (Pajama Press) >>> Mystery at the Biltmore 3 

Robot Island by Cary Fagan (Tundra Books)

Standoff by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch (Scholastic) >>>Book 2 in Kidnapped from Ukraine series

 

Young Adult
Blood Letters by Ariel Gordon and GMB Chomichuk (Yellow Dog)

The Dark Cove Theatre Society by Sierra Marilyn Riley (Annick Press)

Qallupilluit: The Takers of Children by Louise Flaherty and Neil Christopher, illus. by Megan Kyak-Monteith (Inhabit Media) >>> bilingual edition in English and Inuktitut

Red Flags and Butterflies by Sheryl Azzam (DCB Young Readers) 

A Riddle of Thorns by Sarena Nanua and Sasha Nanua (Holiday House)

Wavelength by Cale Plett (Groundwood Books)

We Bury Nothing by Kate Blair (DCB Young Readers) 

What Friends Are For by Harriet Zaidman (Wandering Fox)

Non-Fiction 

15 Hockey Legends of Canada by Laurent Turcot, illus. by Sabrina Gendron (Auzou Canada)

Adventures in Math: How to Level Up Your Math Game by Carleigh Wu, illus. by Sean Simpson (Kids Can Press)

Arctic Land Mammals (Inhabit Media) >>> Animals Illustrated series

The Buzz on Wild Bees: The Little-Known Pollinators that Keep Our Planet Humming by Kira Vermond, illus. by June Steube (Owlkids Books)

Can Posters Kill?: Antisemitic Propaganda and World War II by Jerry Faivish with Kathryn Cole (Second Story Press)

Feeling Your Feelings: The Head-to-Toe Science of Emotions by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illus. by Phil Nicholls (Kids Can Press)

The Gland Factory: A Tour of Your Body's Goops, Juices, and Hormones by Rachel Poliquin, illus. by Clayton Hanmer (Greystone Kids)

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

Just in Case: Saving Seeds in the Svalbard Global Seed Vault by Megan Clendenan, illus. by Brittany Cicchese (Charlesbridge)

Maple Syrup Mysteries by Cathy Rondina, illus. by Giri Tuhin (Fitzhenry & Whiteside) 

Nightmare Jones by Shannon Bramer, illus. by Cindy Derby (Groundwood Books) >>> poems

Run the World Like a Girl: International Women Leaders by Kate Graham (Second Story Press) >>>  Do You Know My Name? 5

Separated from Santo: The True Story of an Italian-Canadian Internee during the Second World War by Brian Barazzuol, illus. by Cam Drysdale, coloured by Alex Doftoreanu (Heritage House) >>> graphic novel

Smart Machines: How AI is Changing Our World by Helaine Becker, illus. by Pui Yan Fong (Orca Book Publishers) >>> Orca Think 19

Soup's On Around the World by Denyse Waissbluth, illus. by Chelsea O'Byrne (Greystone Kids) >>> Taste the World series

The Story and Science of Hope by Andrea Curtis, illus. by Ana Suárez (Groundwood Books)

Things That Stink by Judith Graves (Nimbus Publishing) 

This Is Orange: A Field Trip Through Color by Rachel Poliquin, illus. by Julie Morstad (Candlewick)

Uliaq's Amazing Dinosaurs from the North: Hadrosaur by Kelly Ward-Wills, illus. by Amiel Sandland and Emma Pedersen (Arvaaq Press)

Victoria Chung: A Doctor of Change by Haley Healey, illus. by Kimiko Fraser (Heritage House) >>> Trailblazing Canadians 5

Whitey's Journey: A Four-legged Soldier in the Second World War by Kelsey Lonie, illus. by Renee Hansen (Heritage House)

 

NOVEMBER

Picture Books 

Danger Eagle by Jesse Wente, illus. by Shaikara David (Tundra Books)

Eddy's Shadow Puppets by Karina Zhou (Arsenal Pulp Press)

If You Go Walking by Erin Alladin, illus. by Miki Sato (Pajama Press)

I'm A Big Rig! by Nancy Cohen, illus. by Claire Manning (Nimbus Publishing)

It Snowed by Meaghan Smith (Nimbus Publishing)

Kai and the Golem by Carol Matas, illus. by Elisa Vavouri (Kar-Ben Publishing) 

Levi's Gift by Kathy Stinson, illus. by Ellie Arscott (Nimbus Publishing)

Sketch by Jacques Goldstyn (Greystone Kids) 

Tilley's Tail by Shannon Melanson, illus. by Danelle Vautour (Monster House Publishing)

Early Readers and Chapter Books

The First Cat in Space and the Baby Pirate’s Revenge by Mac Barnett, illus. by Shawn Harris (HarperAlley)

If the Shoe Fits by Sarah Mlynowski, illus. by Bethany Crandall (Scholastic Graphix) >>> Whatever After Graphic Novel 2

 

Young Adult 

Part Time Girl by Adriaan Brae (Renaissance Press)

Turn to Burn by Michael F. Stewart (Renaissance Press)

(n.b. I didn't forget the book covers here. No images of the book covers were available at this time.)

 

Non-Fiction 

All of Us by Manon Gauthier (Running the Goat, Books and Broadsides)

Burst Your Bubble: Outsmart the Algorithms and See What You're Missing by Joyce Grant, illus. by Jan Dolby (Owlkids Books) 

 

 

DECEMBER

Picture Books 

The Language of Birds by Jon-Erik Lappano, illus. by Zach Manbeck (Random House Studio)

We Always Had Wings by Jess X. Snow (Make Me a World)

Where There Is Love: A Story in African Proverbs by Shauntay Grant, illus. by Letícia Moreno (Penguin Workshop)

n .b. December is a month with few scheduled releases. If you know of others, please let me know.

 

COMING SOON IN 2026   

Picture Books 

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

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

A Friend Is a Friend Is a Friend by Sara O'Leary, illus. by Qin Leng (Groundwood Books) >>> Who We Are series

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

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

I'm Busy by Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers)

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

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

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

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

We All Love by Julie Flett (Greystone Kids)

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

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

Your Truck by Jon Klassen (Candlewick) >>> Your Things series 

Early Readers and Chapter Books 

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

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

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

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

The Setback by Lynn Leitch (Pajama Press) 

 

Young Adult 

Busted by Jean Mills (Orca Book Publishers)

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

No Brainer by Lea Beddia (Orca Book Publishers)

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

 

Non-Fiction 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

• 📗 •  📗 •  📗 • 📗  •  📗 • 📗 • 📗 • 

I hope you find a title or two or ten that grab your interest and can be added to your TBR pile. (I'm afraid I've found at least a hundred titles I'm interested in, though I will probably only be able to manage reading 50 or 60 books. Apologies to those authors, illustrators, and publishers whose books I will never get the opportunity to read. 😢 )

 

 

Also, if I've missed any books that are set for release in the next six months, or you want me to include something coming up in 2026, just drop a comment below with details (title, author +/- illustrator, publisher, and type of book). I'll be happy to include it.