CanLit for LittleCanadians

October 16, 2025

2026 Forest of Reading® nominees: Blue Spruce, Silver Birch Express, Silver Birch Fiction

Here is the first grouping of 2026 nominees from the nine Forest of Reading® awards of the Ontario Library Association:

Blue Spruce: picture books for JK to Grade 2
Silver Birch Express: fiction and non-fiction for Grades 3 and 4
Silver Birch Fiction: fiction for Grades 3 to 6

BLUE SPRUCE™

Bannock in the Hammock
Written by Masiana Kelly
Illustrated by Amiel Sandland
Inhabit Media

The Beat of the Dragon Boat
Written by Christina Matula
Illustrated by Nicole Wong
Sleeping Bear Press

Fox and the Mystery Letter
Written and Illustrated by Alex G. Griffiths
Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

The Friendship Blanket
Written by Leonarda Carranza
Illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina
Scholastic Canada
Reviewed here

The Girl Who Loved Poutine
Written by Lorna Schultz Nicholson
Illustrated by Rachel Qiuqi
Sleeping Bear Press
Reviewed here

The Great Dinosaur Sleepover
Written by Linda Bailey
Illustrated by Joe Bluhm
Tundra Books

It’s Okay, Just Ask
Written by Monique Leonardo Carlos
Illustrated by Salini Perera
Owlkids Books

The Most Magnificent Team
Written and illustrated by Ashley Spires
Kids Can Press
Reviewed here

Patty Dreams
Written by Nadia L. Hohn
Illustrated by Sahle Robinson
Owlkids Books

The Weedflower
Written by Elizabeth Davaze
Illustrated by Marianne Ferrer
Owlkids Books
Reviewed here

SILVER BIRCH EXPRESS

Barefoot Skateboarders
Written by Rina Singh
Illustrated by Sophie Casson

Orca Book Publishers

The Big Splash (Julia On the Go!)
Written by Angela Ahn
Illustrated by Julie Kim

Tundra Books

Chomp-O-Rama: The Strange Ways That Animals Eat
Written by Maria Birmingham
Illustrated by Kyle Reed

Owlkids Books

Dogs vs. Humans: A Showdown of the Senses
Written by Stephanie Gibeault
Illustrated by Bambi Edlund

Owlkids Books

Every Little Bit Olive Tran
Written by Phuong Truong

Second Story Press

The Great Puptective #2: Purranormal Activity
Written and illustrated by Alina Tysoe

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

The League of Littles

Written by Casey Lyall

Illustrated by Sara Faber

Greenwillow Books

Plant Attack! The Fascinating Ways Flora Defends Itself
Written by Erin Silver
Illustrated by Julie McLaughlin

Orca Book Publishers

Salma Speaks Up
Written by Danny Ramadan

Illustrated by Anna Bron

Annick Press

This Is How A Ball Rolls: The Science of Wobbling, Bouncing, Spinning Balls
Written by Heather Tekavec
Illustrated by Suharu Ogawa

Kids Can Press

SILVER BIRCH FICTION

The Anxious Exile of Sara Salt
Written by Gabrielle S. Prendergast

Orca Book Publishers

Bea Mullins Takes a Shot
Written by Emily Deibert

Random House Books for Young Readers

Benny on the Case
Written by Wesley King

Simon & Schuster

The City of Lost Cats
Written by Tanya Lloyd Kyi

Tundra Books

Comic Shift
Written by Ted Staunton

Scholastic Canada

Death by Whoopee Cushion
Written by Vicki Grant

Tundra Books

Reviewed here

Ghosts of Gastown
Written by Jessica Renwick

Yellow Dog

The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents
Written by Nickie Pau Preto

Viking Books for Young Readers

Spirit Service
Written by Sarena Nanua and Sasha Nanua

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Taxi Ghost
Written and illustrated by Sophie Escabasse

Random House Graphic

•••••••••••••••••••••••

Nominees for the other programs can be linked from below:

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!

🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲🌳🌲

October 14, 2025

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.

October 08, 2025

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)

October 06, 2025

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

October 03, 2025

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.