2026 Forest of Reading® nominated titles announced

 

Yesterday, the Ontario Library Association's Forest of Reading® announced the 2026 nominated titles for its book award programs for school-aged readers. For months, teachers and librarians on selection committees have been reading submitted books by Canadian creators to compile these exceptional lists from which young readers will choose winners next spring.  

The lists of all nominated books are available on the Forest of Reading® website here and schools, parents, everyone can register to be part of the program. (The program even extends beyond Ontario and Canada's borders.) Young readers from JK through high school have the opportunity to read and vote on their favourite books in these nine different categories:

• Blue Spruce: JK–Grade 2, picture books
• Silver Birch Express: Grades 3–4, fiction and non-fiction
• Silver Birch Fiction: Grades 3–6, fiction
• Yellow Cedar: Grades 4–8, non-fiction
• Red Maple: Grades 7–8, fiction
• White Pine: Grades 9–12, fiction
• Le prix Peuplier: French-language picture books, less text, simpler subject matters, perfect for read-alouds
• Le prix Mélèze: shorter French-language chapter books with maximum 100 pages or more mature picture books, larger text with pictures, simpler vocabulary and verb tenses
• Le prix Tamarac: French-language chapter books from 100 to 250 pages, smaller text with little or no illustrations, more complicated verb tenses and vocabulary

Because there are ninety nominated titles, I will break up the posts listing them in three groupings, all which can be accessed from this page. 

Do check out how to register for this fabulous reading program. It's very, very reasonable, and all young readers in public, private or separate schools and those who are home-schooled are welcome. Just select the right program for your young readers.  

 

Congratulations to all nominees

and

Happy reading to Forest of Reading participants!

🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲

 

Blue Spruce Award™
(JK–Grade 2, English-language picture books)
2026 nominees posted here

 

Silver Birch Express Award^®
(Grades 3–4, English-language fiction and non-fiction)
2026 nominees posted here

 

Silver Birch Fiction Award^®
(Grades 3–6, English-language fiction)
2026 nominees posted here

 

 

Yellow Cedar Award
(Grades 4–8, English-language non-fiction)
2026 nominees posted here

   

 

Red Maple Award™
(Grades 7–8, English-language fiction)
2026 nominees posted here

 

White Pine Award™
(Grades 9–12, English-language fiction)
2026 nominees posted here

 

Le prix Peuplier
(French-language picture books, less text, simpler subject matters, perfect for read-alouds)
2026 nominees posted here

   

 

Le prix Mélèze
(shorter French-language chapter books maximum 100 pages or more mature picture books, larger text with pictures,  simpler vocabulary and verb tenses)
2026 nominees posted here
 

 

Le prix Tamarac
(French-language chapter books from 100 to 250 pages, smaller text with little or no illustrations, more complicated verb tenses and vocabulary)
2026 nominees posted here
 

 

 

Let the Forest begin! 

 

🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲

A Pond, a Poet, and Three Pests

Written by Caroline Adderson

Illustrated by Lauren Tamaki

Groundwood Books

978-1-773068930

32 pp.

Ages 3–7

October 2025

 

In the 1600s,  the Japanese poet Matsuo Bashō wrote a poem titled, "The Old Pond." This is Caroline Adderson's charming imagining of how that haiku may have been created on the spot. And with Lauren Tamaki's acrylic ink illustrations, readers will be transported to a Japan of contemplative art to hear and smell and see that which is memorable at the pond.

From A Pond, a Poet, and Three Pests, written by Caroline Adderson, illustrated by Lauren Tamaki

One evening, the poet Bashō goes for a walk and rests by a pond. A carp, a lily, and a mosquito are all attracted to the poet who closes his eyes to quiet thought. One by one, these living organisms attempt to get the poet's attention, hopeful that he might include them in the poem he was sure to be bringing to life in his mind.

 

First, the carp dances and flutters her tail, determined that her loveliness in the moonlight might be noticed by Bashō. But even calling out, "O Bashō! Look at me!" does not trigger the poet to open his eyes.

From A Pond, a Poet, and Three Pests, written by Caroline Adderson, illustrated by Lauren Tamaki

The water lily first notices the antics of the carp and then the poet sitting on the bank of the pond. Wondering if he might be immortalized somehow, the lily concentrates his efforts to send the perfume of his flower to grab Bashō's attention. Still Bashō does not react, though a mosquito does notice the scent of the lily. Convinced that her life could fill a book of poetry, the mosquito also attempts to captivate the poet.

 

Finally, a frog who is preparing for his midnight swim decides not to be discouraged by the "Flashing fish, lavish lily, megalomaniacal mosquito, pensive poet" and jumps in, giving Bashō the inspiration for his famous haiku.

 

And so, a six-word haiku is born. Though the frog is the star of Bashō's poem, Caroline Adderson's story is more about the exhibitionism of the carp, the lily, and the mosquito that attempt to grab Bashō's attention. They get most of the story just as attention-seeking individuals usually demand most of the consideration through their efforts. The frog, on the other hand, is unconcerned with anything but its own business, and as such becomes immortalized in the poem of elegance and ordinariness. Caroline Adderson gives us a big story for a very simple poem and reminds all those who are Look-At-Me people—you know the ones that always demand attention and recognition—that fame doesn't have to come from the ego but rather from the lack thereof. The natural beauty of that frog just going about its business is far more notable than the extreme actions of some other self-absorbed organisms.

From A Pond, a Poet, and Three Pests, written by Caroline Adderson, illustrated by Lauren Tamaki

Artist Lauren Tamaki—yes, she is related to graphic novel artist Jillian Tamaki—has the perfect subtlety of style and medium to help tell the story of a poet and his inspiration. And with a Japanese backdrop, Lauren Tamaki gives Caroline Adderson's A Pond, a Poet, and Three Pests the essence of traditional sumi-e (black ink painting) but with loads of colour. Still, with the ink on watercolour paper (I presume), the art evokes a dynamic essence to the landscape, so in keeping with the textures and fluidity of a pond.

 

If I was still a teacher, I would love to use A Pond, a Poet, and Three Pests as a wonderful introduction to haiku and to finding inspiration for writing poetry. (For older kids, I'd definitely let them recreate scenarios for inspiring other poems.) But I'd also sneak in a discussion about attention-grabbing behaviour and the need for fame as character education never goes amiss. Even without its teachable potential, A Pond, a Poet, and Three Pests will provide a beautiful and evocative rendering of how the natural world can hearten us with contemplation, beauty, and inspiration.

Anne of Green Gables: The Chapter Book Collection

Adapted by Kallie George

Illustrated by Abigail Halpin

Tundra Books

978-1-774887905

Ages 6–9

October 2025

 

Last year, the world celebrated the 150th anniversary of the birth of Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables. That book, published in 1908, continues to enamour its fans and new readers. While the book and its sequels have captivated readers of all ages, its language, particularly vocabulary, is more challenging for younger readers since it is generally more suitable for those 12 years of age and older. But it would be a shame for those younger readers to miss out on the enchantment that is Anne. To that end, Kallie George, writer of the Heartwood Hotel and The Magical Animal Adoption Agency series, and illustrator Abigail Halpin have found the perfect means to introduce early readers to this red-haired star.

Now, Tundra Books is releasing a boxed set of the six previously-published books of stories adapted by Kallie George and illustrated by Abigail Halpin from the Anne of Green Gables story. These are the six books that are included in the set:

1.    Anne Arrives (2018)
2.    Anne's Kindred Spirits (2019)
3.    Anne's School Days (2021)
4.    Anne's Tragical Tea Party (2022)
5.    Anne Dares (2023) 
6.    Anne Dreams (2024)
 
By dividing up Anne's story into six short (64-72 pages long) books, Kallie George's adaptation is manageable as well as thorough. And with Abigail Halpin's illustrations, the books are enriched with colour and detail.  

From Anne Arrives, adapted by Kallie George, illustrated by Abigail Halpin

Anne's story begins with Anne Arrives. All the key elements of Anne's beginnings, from Matthew picking her up at the station and being surprised by her being a girl, to Marilla's wanting to return Anne to the orphanage, and the altercation with Mrs. Rachel Lynde are included. There is a sweeter tone to the story than perhaps the original, though Anne's angst at being returned to the orphanage and her anger at having her hair compared to carrots are evident. 

That night, she cried herself to sleep. Not even the beautiful cherry tree outside her window made her feel better. (Anne Arrives, p. 27)

From Anne's School Days, adapted by Kallie George, illustrated by Abigail Halpin

Anne's Kindred Spirits focuses on the girl's friendship with Diana, while Anne's School Days highlights her relationship with Gilbert Blythe. Anne's Tragical Tea Party centers on Anne and Diana's relationship, from an infamous tea party that becomes a disaster because of some misguided sharing of cordial to Anne's redemption by caring for Diana's little sister.

The final two books in this adaptation show us Anne as she grows as a person, first finding the courage to take on some daring exploits including public speaking (Anne Dares), and then daring to dream of being a raven-haired beauty and going to college (Anne Dreams)

From Anne Dreams, adapted by Kallie George, illustrated by Abigail Halpin

Without giving us every part of Anne's original story, Kallie George gives us the key anecdotes and a true sense of Anne the girl. Her spirit and the foibles come through loud and clear in the stories, the dialogue and her thoughts. Making Anne the full character she is while using a reduced vocabulary and simpler text is an achievement, and it is one that young readers will appreciate, especially once they get to read the original. 

 

Abigail Halpin complements the story of Anne with her illustrations which are rendered in graphite, watercolour and coloured pencils and then coloured digitally. The artwork is plentiful, at least once on every double-page spread, and contribute greater detail than can be provided in the limited text needed for early readers. From Marilla's distress at Anne's green hair in Anne Dreams to the period clothing of the girls—oh, those puffy sleeves Anne wanted so desperately (Anne Dares)—Abigail Halpin takes us into the lives of Anne and her friends and family and to visit Green Gables, the schoolhouse and the Lake of Shining Waters. 

 

These six books have given us Anne. Her story may look a little different because of the text and the artwork but Anne, in all her splendour and simplicity, is truly here. And now, younger readers can meet her and experience why the world adores her.

"I am not changed," Anne said to Marilla. "Not really. I've grown and branched out. But me, the real me, is just the same. Where I go or how much I change on the outside won't make a difference." (Anne Dreams, p. 58)

Together: A Book about Community

Written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

North Winds Press (Scholastic Canada)

978-1-0397-1283-6

40 pp.

Ages 6–9

October 2025

 

As Canadians head into their Thanksgiving weekend, many will be thinking about the concept of community. What is a community? Why should we have communities? Do I have a community? How do I make a community? While a big concept in general, community will be a vague concept for young children. They might know the benefits of community, but grasping the nuances of community may be more challenging. Thankfully, Elise Gravel, author-illustrator of concept books like It's My Brain! (2024),  It's My Body! (2022), and Everybody! (2021), is heartily up for that challenge.

 

From Together: A Book about Community, written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

In Together: A Book about Community, Elise Gravel begins with statements about living in groups because it makes us feel safe and wanted. She show her colourful monsters helping those in need with medical attention, or sharing their food with those without, or lending a hand as needed. She even depicts one monster helping another who is being bullied for being different. The message is clear: Together we are better, safer, and happier.

From Together: A Book about Community, written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

Still, Elise Gravel is realistic in accepting that we don't always like other people, whether it is because they make us feel inadequate or unsafe. But, by rectifying injustice, sharing, and helping others, we build communities that are strong and safe and in which everyone feels respected.

From Together: A Book about Community, written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

Elise Gravel's little monsters again help young children understand a challenging concept like community. It's clear that her message is that we all belong and, with that belonging, comes strength and goodness. She doesn't make Together: A Book about Community a preachy book about getting along with others—although that message is clear—or how to make a community. Instead, Elise Gravel presents it as something to consider. In other words, if you help build community, these are the great things that happen for you and others. And because Elise Gravel's monsters are so adorable and completely unscary, as well as diverse in so many ways, the idea is demonstrated with delightful humour and unusual clarity. Togetherness has never been so much fun or so understandably constructive.

From Together: A Book about Community, written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

Kokum, Are These Moose Tracks?: Celebrating Fall

Written by Tyna Legault Taylor

Illustrated by Michelle Dao 

HighWater Press

978-1-774921470

40 pp.

Ages 5–8

October 2025 

 

When Tyna Legault Taylor introduced Joshua in her series Joshua Learns from the Land, her focus was on traditional and seasonal practices of her Indigenous family and ancestors. In Dad, Is It Time to Gather Mint? (2025), Joshua looked forward to summer and gathering mint for his mother's mint iced tea, though there were other seasons filled with activities like fishing, foraging, and hunting. That picture book celebrated all the seasons while Kokum, Are These Moose Tracks? focuses on the fall alone with the boy spending time with his Kokum (grandmother) tracking animals. 

From Kokum, Are These Moose Tracks?, written by Tyna Legault Taylor, illustrated by Michelle Dao

Joshua and Kokum have a special intergenerational relationship. But Tyna Legault Taylor's dedication indicates that it was even more memorable as Joshua's Kokum was the author's mother, Mary (Okimawinninew) Legault. And when fall comes, Joshua is delighted to join his Kokum or Nookomis (grandmother in both Omushkegomowin [Swampy Cree language] or Anishinaabemowin [Ojibwe language] respectively) in hunting moose, all for her delicious moose meat stew.

From Kokum, Are These Moose Tracks?, written by Tyna Legault Taylor, illustrated by Michelle Dao

As the two explore forests close to streams, muskeg and lakes, they watch for tracks. Dressed safely in orange and walking quietly, the two find multiple footprints. First there are the tracks of the red fox (osawakaysho / miskowaa waagosh), then the wolf, and the black bear before the moose tracks are spotted. With each animal track found, and all identified in both Omushkegomowin (Swampy Cree language) and Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe language), Kokum reminds Joshua of the attributes of each. There's the fox's tail that is used for balance, the wolf that runs on its toes, and the black bear that stocks up on food in the fall. 

From Kokum, Are These Moose Tracks?, written by Tyna Legault Taylor, illustrated by Michelle Dao

Finally, they spot the tracks of a moose; in fact, they spot the tracks of a cow moose and a calf. And though Kokum uses her birchbark call, the day ends without finding a bull moose. Still, there is a full fall of hunting, fishing and foraging, and ultimately they bring home a bull moose for stew and a new pair of moccasins. 

From Kokum, Are These Moose Tracks?, written by Tyna Legault Taylor, illustrated by Michelle Dao

I know that many teachers and parents will use this book for teaching Indigenous traditions and fall activities, but I think it's important to see Kokum, Are These Moose Tracks? and the series as more. There is a great story here of a charming grandmother-grandson relationship, of an outing into the natural world to learn about animals, while picking up some words of Omushkegomowin and Anishinaabemowin. Tyna Legault Taylor, a member of Attawapiskat First Nation (Kattawapiskak), gives readers a lot to think about, discuss, and appreciate.

From Kokum, Are These Moose Tracks?, written by Tyna Legault Taylor, illustrated by Michelle Dao

As she did in Dad, Is It Time to Gather Mint?: Celebrating the Seasons, illustrator Michelle Dao drops us into the natural world through her use of colour and shape, and welcomes us in joining her characters on their hike. Her blend of golden shades with some reds and greens reflect the striking character of the season outside, while her characters give us the joy of togetherness and discovery.

 

I hope we get to enjoy more seasonal visits with Joshua and his family in the Joshua Learns from the Land series. After all, I know we'd love to experience winter or spring or summer activities with the boy and his moshom or perhaps his nimâmâ, and enjoy vicariously his jaunts outdoors and his exploration of traditional Indigenous practices.

2025 Lane Anderson Award: Shortlists

Yesterday, the finalists for the Lane Anderson Award, a book award that celebrates excellence in Canadian science writing, were announced. The Lane Anderson Award, created and sponsored by the Fitzhenry Family Foundation, is given in two categories, one for adults and the other for young readers. Each winner receives a generous $10,000.

 

 

The basic criteria for submissions are the following: 

• The author must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
• The book must be published by a Canadian-owned publishing house, have an ISBN, and be available for sale in bookstores in Canada.
• All entries must be published in English between January 1, 2024 and December 31, 2024. 
  

 

The 2025 Lane Anderson Award Ceremony will take place on Thursday, January 29, 2026 in Toronto. Details about tickets have been posted below.

 

  • • • • • • •

Congratulations to this year's finalists 

in the Young Reader category

 

I Am Wind: An Autobiography
Written by Rachel Poliquin

Illustrated by Rachel Wada
Tundra Books

80 pp.

Ages 8-12

2024

A Planet Is a Poem
Written by Amanda West Lewis

Illustrated by Oliver Averill

Kids Can Press

56 pp.

Ages 8-12

2024

Remember This: The Fascinating World of Memory
Written by Monique Polak

Illustrated by Valéry Goulet

Orca Book Publishers

96 pp.

Ages 8-12

2024 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• • • • •

 

Update:

 

Details about the Lane Anderson Award Ceremony have been announced. Register here through Eventbrite.

 

Date:            Thursday, January 29, 2026

 

Time:           7:00–9:30 p.m. 

 

Location:     Palm House at Allan Gardens

                    160 Gerrard Street East

                    Toronto, ON 

                    M5A 2E5 

 

Tickets are free but you must register. 

 

• • • • • 

Never Silent: A Hiroshima Survivor's Story

Written by Setsuko Thurlow and Kathy Lowinger

Illustrated by Michelle Theodore

Annick Press

978-1-77321-985-1

64 pp.

Ages 11+

August 2025 

 

Setsuko Thurlow née Nakamura was born in Kojijn-machi, an eastern part of Hiroshima, in 1932. Her family had been samurai, and she'd had a rich childhood of family and education before the war came. With it, everything changed.

From Never Silent: A Hiroshima Survivor's Story, written by Setsuko Thurlow and Kathy Lowinger, illustrated by Michelle Theodore

As happened worldwide, daily life had to accommodate the threat of attack and the rationing to support military efforts. Hiroshima, a bustling city, was an important transportation and industrial hub and, with its port, it became a critical military harbour. Young children were sent away, food was rationed, and the people were encouraged to make sacrifices for "the glory of the country." (p. 25) As a thirteen-year-old, Setsuko and other girls were recruited to decode messages. August 6, 1945 was her first day as a decoder. She was at army headquarters in Hiroshima when the first atomic bomb was detonated on their city.

From Never Silent: A Hiroshima Survivor's Story, written by Setsuko Thurlow and Kathy Lowinger, illustrated by Michelle Theodore

Setsuko Thurlow's recollections of being buried in the rubble of a collapsed building, helping the countless burned and blinded, being reunited with some family and watching others suffer and die are horrific. And as a child, she lived this horror. Her parents set an unimaginable example of fortitude and courage. Still when those who had survived began to experience mysterious illnesses and die, there was new grief and confusion.

From Never Silent: A Hiroshima Survivor's Story, written by Setsuko Thurlow and Kathy Lowinger, illustrated by Michelle Theodore

Setsuko Thurlow's story does not end with the bombing of Hiroshima. She speaks of the aftermath including Japan's surrender and the occupation by U.S. and British Commonwealth forces, and the call for the abolition of nuclear weapons by herself and other Hibakusha (Japanese for explosion-affected persons) and activist groups worldwide.

 

The story of the bombing of Hiroshima and also Nagasaki is not an easy one. With so much suffering and devastation, any discussion would be brimming with tragedy, emotional distress, and worse. This story is even more so because it is told from the perspective of Setsuko Thurlow, herself a survivor. But Setsuko Thurlow and Kathy Lowinger go beyond the bombing itself and give the reader history of Hiroshima, of World War II, and of Setsuko Thurlow's activism and the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the International Campaign for the Abolishment of Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) with which she is involved. (She delivered the Nobel lecture upon receiving the prize.) 

From Never Silent: A Hiroshima Survivor's Story, written by Setsuko Thurlow and Kathy Lowinger, illustrated by Michelle Theodore

While much of Never Silent: A Hiroshima Survivor's Story is illustrated with countless photographs and images of newspapers and other documents, Edmonton's Michelle Theodore provides artwork that elevates the book from documentation to personal. She uses ink and watercolour markers to create sombre and evocative illustrations that depict both deeply personal and deeply poignant scenes. Her focus is on the Japanese setting and people, but all converges on what they are experiencing whether it be childhood joy, distress with tragedy, or compassion.

 

The 80th anniversary of the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima was commemorated this past August which is when this book was released. Because many of the Hibakusha are elderly, their stories are precious recollections to inform us and encourage action for peace. Setsuko Thurlow's story in Never Silent gives us a unique perspective but also a comprehensive one by embedding it in the history of Hiroshima, World War II, and the peace movements against nuclear weaponry. It is a touching and enlightening read, and it is one we would be wise from which to learn.