Levi's Gift

Written by Kathy Stinson

Illustrated by Ellie Arscott

Nimbus Publishing

978-1-77471-498-0

32 pp.

Ages 3–7

November 2025 

 

Kathy Stinson's latest picture book, beautifully illustrated by Ellie Arscott, tells the story of Levi, a boy who loved to play his violin while his brother Ezra played the accordion. But that was before the war came, and Levi and his family are forced from their home. The yellow star on Levi's shirt tells us more of his tragedy. By the time he is sixteen, the war is over, and his family is gone, as is his home. But he dreams of getting a violin again and making music.

From Levi's Gift, written by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Ellie Arscott

Frugality and hard work help him buy a violin again and he "poured his great sadness about all he had seen and all he had lost in the war." (pg.9) With time, he emigrates, marries and has a child for whom he plays the beloved Brahm's "Lullaby" that he'd played with his brother. For many years, Levi plays his violin, but when his hands grow stiff and it becomes difficult to play, he stores his violin away.

 

When a call goes out for donations of used musical instruments for a school, Levi hesitantly decides to take his violin out of storage and give it away. When he receives a letter from a little girl who invites him to visit her at her school, Levi learns that his violin and the music played on it have the capacity to heal in many ways.

From Levi's Gift, written by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Ellie Arscott

Kathy Stinson, award-winning author of picture books, non-fiction, and middle-grade and YA novels, has a lovely connection with stories of the violin (e.g., The Man with the Violin, 2013; Dance with the Violin, 2017), and Levi's Gift is another wistful story of those touched by music and the playing of the violin. But, with Levi's Gift, Kathy Stinson also reminds us of the many losses that happened during the war. For Levi, that violin was more than just an instrument. It was a connection to his past, to his family, to happy times, and more. It was a joyful connection to a time before. To give up his violin, even to a worthy cause, was a challenge for Levi. Yet, that gift begat a new one, with Levi making a new connection and one that related to his past. I was tearful realizing how Levi's story had come full circle with different characters, with a different violin, and in a different place, but with quiet consequence and subtle benevolence. 

Ellie Arscott, who illustrated Night Walk (Sara O'Leary, 2020), A is for Anne (Mo Duffy Cobb, 2023), and The Warmest Blanket in the World (Tamara Levine, 2025), has a lightness to her artwork that works well with gentle stories such as Levi's Gift. Ellie Arscott uses paint and pencil to give context for Kathy Stinson's words, showing us more than just people and place. She gives the reader history and ancestry as well as story, and there's much tenderness reflected in her illustrations. Levi may be an elderly man but making connections with his past and with others is what elevates him. Ellie Arscott's  use of pastel colours, particularly blues and pinks, keeps that softness of feeling and story.

From Levi's Gift, written by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Ellie Arscott

Through their words and art, Kathy Stinson and Ellie Arscott remind us that music and generosity contribute and communicate beyond the immediate. You never know when a simple act of giving can touch another and in unexpected ways. For Levi, it is magical, even spiritualistic. (Once you see his reaction to the girl's playing of the violin, you'll understand.) I could see Levi's Gift being based on a true story, but, even if it isn't, this story offers hope that sometimes that which is lost returns in a different way to reconnect us to the past and to complete us in the now.

Star Sailor, the Story of Words

Written by Sara Cassidy

Illustrated by Julie McLaughlin

Orca Book Publishers

978-1-4598-3663-1 

40 pp.

Ages 6–8

August 2025 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

All of Us

Written and illustrated by Manon Gauthier

Translated by Michel Savard

Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides

978-1-98802296

32 pp.

Ages 3–8

October 2025 

  

The message of All of Us is a simple one, but sadly one that we need to reinforce continually. It's one of inclusivity and diversity and it's basic science. We're all the same and yet we're all different. 

From All of Us, written and illustrated by Manon Gauthier

Manon Gauthier, who has wowed this reviewer with the books she's illustrated such as Middle Bear (Susan Isern, 2017), Good Morning, Grumple (Victoria Allenby, 2017), and Elliot (Julie Pearson, 2016), has combined her talents by authoring as well as illustrating All of Us. With simplicity of text and complexity of art, Manon Gauthier develops the idea of how all animals, including humans, are different in their abilities or lack thereof, in their morphologies, in their physiologies, and more. There's "the fish who blows bubbles as it breathes,"(p. 12) and "the quiet and solitary moose," (p. 22) as well as "the tall bharal who has no fear of heights." (p. 7) There's the dancing sifaka, the cold-blooded reptiles and amphibians, and the savannah animals that can tolerate the heat. All differ in what they like, what they look like, what they can do, and more. But, essentially, we all are made up of cells, and Manon Gauthier conveys this in her words and her illustrations, using the same irregularly-shaped oval as the basis for all animals.

From All of Us, written and illustrated by Manon Gauthier

It's not until her last illustration, a double-page spread of a cell, that the reader will recognize Manon Gauthier's cleverness at using the cell's shape as the face or body or abdomen of all the mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and fish within All of Us. All of us really do have something in common, even with all the differences. And by using her defining cut-paper collage, in earthy tones of browns, greys, and creams with occasional touches of red, blue, green, and orange, Manon Gauthier gives a textured dimensionality and hearty organic feel to her story.

From All of Us, written and illustrated by Manon Gauthier

Whether you're a teacher who'd love to introduce a lesson on the diversity of living things with a captivating picture book, or open a lesson on animal cells, or even launch discussions about inclusivity and connection, All of Us will work beautifully. (Manon Gauthier even includes an activity in which readers can create their own animal with the same template she used throughout the book.) Whether you read it for the messaging which is presented gracefully or for the intriguing artwork, All of Us is a book for all of us about all of us.

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

Written by Joyce Grant

Illustrated by Jan Dolby

Owlkids Books

978-1-77147-712-3

48 pp.

Ages 8–12

November 2025 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧🫧

 

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

 

Date:          Saturday, November 8, 2025

 

Time:         1 p.m. EST

 

Location:    A Different Drummer Books

                    513 Locust Street

                    Burlington, ON

                    L7S 1V3 

                    (905) 639-0925

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

2025 Governor General's Literary Awards: Winners announced

Last month, the Canada Council for the Arts announced the finalists for its highly prestigious Governor General's Literary Awards. Of the seven categories of books, which are presented for both French and English titles, two categories are specific for books for young people, one for text and one for illustration. Yesterday, the winners of these awards were announced.

Hearty congratulations to all winners 

of this year's Governor General's Literary Awards.

WINNER
English-language: Young People's Literature (Text)

Tig
Written by Heather Smith
Tundra Books

 

 

 

 WINNER

English-language: Young People's Literature (Illustration) 

This Land is a Lullaby
Written by Tonya Simpson
Illustrated by Delreé Dumont
Orca Book Publishers 

 

 

WINNER

French-language: Young People's Literature (Text)

Coup bas
Écrit par Laurie Léveillé
la courte échelle 

 WINNER

French-language: Young People's Literature (Illustration)

Un cadeau de Noël en novembre
Écrit par Stéphane Laporte
Illustré par Jacques Goldstyn
Les Éditions de la Bagnole  

  

Bark Twice for Murder (Orca Currents)

Written by John Lekich

Orca Book Publishers

978-1-4598-4148-2

120 pp.

Ages 9-12

RL 3.0

August 2025 

 

There may be a murder and some nefarious actions in John Lekich's latest hi-lo novel but, rest assured, regardless of the title, no dogs are injured, abused, or killed in Bark Twice for Murder. And though it may not be important to many readers, for this reader, it's critical. Instead, Bark Twice for Murder has food, humour, a mystery to solve, and a talking dog. See? Lots to love and nothing to fear.

 

Fourteen-year-old Harry lives with his grandmother Elinor since his parents were killed in a plane crash a few years earlier. His dad was a chef with a food truck named "Pasta Express," and his mom loved to bake. No surprise that Harry finds comfort—maybe a bit too much comfort, says his therapist—in cooking for others. Fortunately, he has lots of people to talk to after Elinor, who took over the food truck business and expanded it, has set up one truck outside of Vancouver's New Day Shelter to provide breakfasts and lunches for the unhoused. A lonely Harry likes getting to know the people there and becomes friendly with Stanley and his dog Waffles. The duo are noteworthy in several respects. First, Stanley was once a chef and begins to teach Harry how to cook and improve service. Second, he has conversations with Waffles who is a dog that hates being a dog. And when Rudy "the Worm" Carelli, a regular at their small takeout restaurant, tells Harry that Stanley has stolen a portrait from Rudy's father, and that Stanley is in danger, Harry gets involved.

 

But when Stanley is murdered, and Harry hears a voice in his head saying, "Somebody murdered my best friend" (p. 29), Harry is compelled to partner with Waffles to find Stanley's murderer and solve the mystery of the missing portrait of Rudy's grandmother.

John Lekich who first provided this reader with great laughs and characters in The Prisoner of Snowflake Falls (Orca, 2012) does so again in Bark Twice for Murder. His young protagonists always seem to get mixed up in some criminal activity but it's generally due to circumstances beyond their control and with them really trying to do good. And with some supernatural elements involving Waffles, both in his origin story and his ability to communicate with Stanley and then Harry, John Lekich surprises readers as well as makes them laugh. Add in characters named Jimmy the Fork, Carmine "the Cobra" Carelli, Shaky Sam, Rudy "the Worm" and, of course, Waffles the dog, and you've got a cast of quirky or unnerving personalities that take Harry out of his comfort zone and make him feel like he belongs.  

 

Don't be surprised if you can't figure out the mystery of the missing portrait or who murdered Stanley. John Lekich doesn't make it an easy solve, but he does let Harry solve it. Bark Twice for Murder may be a hi-lo story written at a third grade reading level, but John Lekich ensures that the story is intricate enough for older middle-grade readers to become invested in Harry's story and in solving the mystery. They might even get wrapped up in learning to cook risotto, lasagna, or minestrone. That's because John Lekich has seasoned this book with so much richness of story that they'll be barking—with laughter—for another. 

Mighty Village Books: Interview with Danielle Daniel, new Canadian publisher

Anytime that I can promote Canadian books I do so. And with a new independent Canadian publisher starting up, it's another reason to make readers aware of their presence and the opportunity for new Canadian books for reading and for enjoying. Recently, I learned that author-illustrator Danielle Daniel, creator of the award-winning Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox (Groundwood, 2015), has been inspired to start her own publishing house named Mighty Village Books. Excited to learn more about Mighty Village Books, I interviewed Danielle Daniel about her new venture. 

• • • • • • •

 

 

Helen Kubiw: What motivated you to start your own publishing house?

 

Danielle Daniel: There have been many reasons behind this decision, but mostly, I wanted to build something new within the publishing industry—something filled with hope, creativity, and innovation. A model more aligned with my own spirit and vision for the future of publishing, one rooted in care, equity, and shared success.

 

HK: When did you first think about establishing a new publishing house, and how challenging was it to go from idea to reality?

 

Danielle Daniel: I began thinking seriously about this about three years ago, after my two novels were published and just as Sometimes I Feel Like a River was launching. Around that time, I noticed the joy I once felt on publication day had begun to fade. I wanted to reconnect with the heart of why I create, and to bring more meaning and joy into the process. Starting my own press felt like the natural next step, a way to nurture both my own work and the work of others within a model grounded in creativity, care and respect.
 

I’ve poured so much into building a press that reflects my values and vision. My experience as an author and illustrator of ten books, my background as an elementary teacher, and my MFA (Master of Fine Arts) in Creative Writing have all uniquely prepared me for this new chapter. I also genuinely enjoy growing and challenging myself—pushing into new territory feels like a natural extension of my creativity.

 

HK: As a publisher, what makes (will make) Mighty Village Books unique?

 

Danielle Daniel: Our motto is literally Little press. Big heart. At Mighty Village Books, we believe smaller is better. We publish with intention, choosing quality over quantity, because we care deeply about the books we create, the land on which we live and work, and the exceptional authors we’re honoured to support and champion. Our press was built to offer creators meaningful support and equitable profit-sharing—double the industry standard—because we believe storytelling should be sustainable, not extractive.

 

Beyond publishing books, we also create art and resources for classrooms, libraries, and beyond—beautiful, thoughtful tools that nurture imagination and connection. Through our shop and wholesale partnerships, we’re growing a creative community inspired by art and books. 

HK: This is a large and dauntless undertaking. Are there others who have partnered with you in this venture? Are there other creators whose work we’d recognize involved?

 

Danielle Daniel: This is indeed a large undertaking, and currently a sole proprietorship. While I have a small but mighty team who assist with graphic design and editing, Mighty Village Books remains a heart-led, independent operation built with great care and dedication. I’ve always been entrepreneurial by nature and look forward to the meaningful and rewarding work ahead.

 

HK: I like to keep a list of Canadian publishers of books for young people on my blog. Do you have the URL for your website yet? If so, can you please share it?

 

Danielle Daniel: www.mightyvillagebooks.com

(HK: I have now added this site to my list of publishers. See the list to the left.)

 
 

HK: What genres are you hoping to focus on? Also, will you be accepting submissions from any creator, or might they be limited to those who are Canadian or Indigenous or another group?

 

Danielle Daniel: We welcome submissions from both debut and established Canadian and Indigenous authors. Our hope is to publish a wide range of voices, with a deep commitment to supporting storytellers from underrepresented communities.

Our vision is rooted in nurturing early literacy through picture books and middle-grade stories that honour the emotional landscape of childhood and reflect the richness of diverse Canadian experiences, with a particular focus on voices from Northern Ontario. We’re drawn to stories that hold tenderness and truth, that make room for big feelings, wild imagination, and the quiet brilliance of being a child.

 

HK: What are the titles of your first publications and when are they scheduled for release? 

 

Danielle Daniel: While our first titles will be released in spring 2028, our growing collection of art and products designed to uplift, inspire, and empower both children and grownups is available now.

 

HK: I know that I use BNC CataList for learning about upcoming releases of Canadian books. Will you have your catalogues listed there?

 

Danielle Daniel: Yes, I’m familiar with BNC CataList and the important role it plays in connecting publishers, booksellers, and libraries across Canada. As Mighty Village Books grows and our first titles move closer to publication, I plan to have our catalogues listed there so readers like you can discover our upcoming books alongside other Canadian releases!

 

HK: Danielle, I am pleased to have reviewed several of your books, both those you’ve written (e.g., Sometimes I Feel Like a River [2023] and Sometimes I Feel Like an Oak [2024] and those which you have authored and illustrated (e.g., Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox  [2015] and Once In a Blue Moon [2018]). Will you continue to write and illustrate books? (I certainly hope so.) If so, will Mighty Village Books become your publisher?

 

Danielle Daniel: Thank you so much for your kind words, and for your support and thoughtful reviews of my previous books. I’m so grateful for your work in championing literacy. I’ll absolutely keep writing and illustrating—it’s the work I love most—and moving forward, my books will be proudly published through my press, Mighty Village Books.

  • • • • • • •

It was wonderful to chat with Danielle Daniel 

and learn more about Mighty Village Books.
 
Many thanks to Danielle Daniel
for the pleasure of this interview 
 
and

 

 to Rachel Sentes, Publicist at Serif, 

for facilitating this discussion and post.

 

 

 

If you're interested in checking out the wonderful books that Danielle Daniel has written and/or illustrated previously, here is a sample of titles:

 

 Sometimes I Feel Like an Oak 

(written by Danielle Daniel, illustrated by Jackie Traverse; Groundwood, 2024)

Sometimes I Feel Like a River

(written by Danielle Daniel, illustrated by Josée Bisaillon; Groundwood, 2023)

You Hold Me Up

(written by Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Danielle Daniel; Orca, 2017) 

I'm Afraid, Said the Leaf

(written by Danielle Daniel, illustrated by Matt James; Tundra, 2024)

Once in a Blue Moon

(written and illustrated by Danielle Daniel; Groundwood, 2017) 

Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox

(written and illustrated by Danielle Daniel; Groundwood, 2015) 

Forever Birchwood

(written by Danielle Daniel; HarperCollins, 2022)

Reasons to Look at the Night Sky

(written by Danielle Daniel; Tundra, 2024)