Picture Books

Every great adventure needs a hero—or two—in The Book That Almost Rhymed (March), by Omar Abed, illustrated by Hatem Aly, a playful take on storytelling and equity that proves how two tellers can make a rhyming tale twice as nice. Our Woolly Bear (March), by Katie Arthur, is a fresh and quirky take on a caterpillar’s familiar journey encouraging kids to approach nature with curiosity and kinship. Once again Saumiya Balasubramaniam explores the challenges of cross-cultural and intergenerational relationships in When I Visited Grandma (April), a sweet story with vivid illustrations by Kavita Ramchandran. And from Mike Boldt, bestselling artist of Just Try One Bite and I Don’t Want to Be a Frog, comes Can Do: Cantaloupe and HoneyDo Ride a Bike (June), a picture book series of spectacular firsts, featuring two melons with hilariously—and helpfully—opposite worldviews.

In The Noisy Puddle: A Vernal Pool Through the Seasons (March), by Linda Booth Sweeney, illustrated by Miki Sato, a vibrant and poetic informational picture book, two curious siblings observe the hidden world of a vernal pool: a special kind of puddle habitat that pops up in the spring, dries up by summer, reappears in the fall, and freezes over in the winter—only to come back again in the spring. What's in a Bead? (March), by Kelsey Borgford, illustrated by Tessa Pizzale, is celebration of Cree craftsmanship, language, and learning. With The Hawk Shadow (May), bestselling author Jan Bourdeau Waboose showcases Indigenous storytelling traditions in a story featuring Ojibwe words and cultural practices, illustrated by Karlene Harvey. And join Professor Goose in STEM-filled picture book Professor Goose Debunks The Three Little Pigs (February), by Paulette Bourgeois, illustrated by Alex G. Griffiths, as she fact-checks classic fairy tales and shares the science behind these flawed stories.

A tender-hearted story gently exploring the cycle of life and death and rebirth, The Old Oak Tree (May), by Hilary Briar and Reid Briar, can be read as either a song or a verse story, and features tactile recycled-paper artwork from celebrated artist Angela Doak. Here Are the Seeds (May), by JaNay Brown-Wood, illustrated by Olivia Amoah, is a delightfully rhythmic story following two children as they grow a garden from seed. In The Only Lonely Fairy (February), Lana Button tells a relatable story of someone trying to make friends and missing the mark, while Peggy Collins brings lively humour to the illustrations, letting readers know what Leah doesn’t yet: that she isn’t alone after all. A younger sister tries to put her brother’s heart back together after his boyfriend breaks up with him in The Broken Heart (May), by Aaron Chan, illustrated by Josiane Vlitos—a touching story of how to support a loved one who’s grieving. And from Sandra Oh to Patsy Mink, Bruce Lee to Michelle Kwan, We Are Golden (January)—written by Eva Chen and illustrated by Sophie Diao, the New York Times bestselling team behind I Am Golden—offers a fresh collection of groundbreakers perfect for every young reader's library.

I Am Book (March), by Joren Cull, is a clever, amusingly meta picture book with a wholesome message that teaches kids to love themselves just the way they are. What If Bedtime Didn’t Exist? (March), by Francine Cunningham, illustrated by Mathias Ball, places an Urban Indigenous family at the heart of a fun and fantastical celebration of daydreaming, adventure, and play while living in the city. The third book in the Nôhkom series, ninitohtênân / We Listen (April), by Caitlin Dale Nicholson, translated by Leona Morin-Neilson, in Cree and English, tells a story about gathering leaves for Labrador tea, while listening in different ways. I'm Afraid, Said the Leaf (May) is a touching, playful exploration of empathy and interdependency from an acclaimed author and illustrator, Danielle Daniel and Matt James. And Daniel also releases Sometimes I Feel Like an Oak (April), illustrated by Jackie Traverse, a companion to Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox and Sometimes I Feel Like a River, exploring the nature and beauty of trees.

A little girl is tasked with ruling her West African village in The Little Regent (March), by Yewande Daniel-Ayoade, illustrated by Ken Daley, an empowering story about breaking from tradition and leading with your heart. In Oddbird's Chosen Family (May), by Derek Desiert, Oddbird learns that all families don’t look the same, and sometimes the families we choose are where we belong. A Native American boy's cat surprises him at his first powwow, making for a very special dance indeed in Loaf the Cat Goes To The Powwow (May), by Nicholas DeShaw, illustrated by Tara Audibert. Charlie's Balloons: A Story of Big Emotions (February), by Sarah Degonse, illustrated by Élodie Duhameau, translated by Arielle Aaronson, shows that not only is it fine to be highly sensitive, it is in fact a great strength.

Lavishly illustrated by Nichola Lytle, the re-released The Heart of a River (April), by Eileen Delehanty Pearkes, is a portrait of the globally significant Colombua River and will inspire anyone who reads it to care about the future of the salmon, a fish that unites all of us in its quest for freedom and possibility. Whales and Us (April), by India Desjardins, illustrated by Nathalie Dion and translated by David Warriner, is a beautifully illustrated tribute to these fragile giants and a powerful call to action, with the hope that they will never stop roaming the world’s oceans. Told not in verse but with plenty of fun rhyme and repetition, A Fire Truck for Chuck (March), by Annika Dunklee, illustrated by Cathon, captures a child’s joy for their favourite toy. And meditative, simple and sweet, Country Baby (February), by Laurie Elmquist, illustrated by Ellen Rooney, gives us a fun farm adventure that is a joy to read together.

The Paper Bag Princess meets The Parent Trap in unconventional fairy tale Princess Pru and the Switcheroo (April), by Maureen Fergus, illustrated by Danesh Mohiuddin, about a quick-witted princess and her ogre buddy trading places. Let’s Go (May), by Julie Flett, celebrates skateboarding, family, and community, and is also a tribute to family, friendship, and perseverance. Indigenous artist and storyteller Andrea Fritz tells the tale of a wood duck and a crow who turn a mistake into an opportunity for friendship and growth in Crow Helps a Friend (April). And the uplifting Walking Trees (March), by Marie-Louise Gay, is inspired by a project by the landscape artist Bruno Doedens and the late Joop Mulder called Bosk (meaning “forest”) in the Dutch city of Leeuwarden, reminding us that—if we dare to imagine it—we can change the world, one tree at a time.

Mushrooms Know: Wisdom From Our Fungus Friends (May), by Kallie George, illustrated by Sara Gillingham, is a STEM-themed picture book for kids revealing the wisdom mushrooms have to teach us. With exuberant illustrations by Shiva Delsooz, the charming So Loud (March), by Sahar Golshan, will resonate with readers who love to make noise and are still learning where and when to take up space. When Mother Pin Oak wakes to crisp, spring air and cannot seem to stir her Little Pin Oak growing beside her, she seeks help from other members of her forest community in Wake Up, Little Pin!: The Story of a Sleepy Sapling (March), by Loretta Garbutt, illustrated by Marianne Ferrer.

When I Wrap My Hair (January), by Shauntay Grant, illustrated by Jenin Mohammed, is an affirming, lyrical picture book tribute to the pride in tradition and love from her ancestors one young girl feels when she wraps her hair. I'm From (March), by Gary R. Gray, illustrated by Oge Mora, is a poetic, heartwarming ode to the small, defining moments of a boy's life, by a new debut and a Caldecott Honoree. And in Circle of Love (March), through tender prose and radiant artwork, author Monique Gray Smith and illustrator Nicole Neidhardt show how there is always room for others in our lives, celebrating family, friends, community, and, most of all, love in a circle where everyone is welcome.

The Keeper of Stars (April), by Jennifer Harris, illustrated by Dorothy Leung, is a timeless and magical story about the power of love and imagination. Two best friends follow their flights of fancy in charming early reader graphic novel Willa and Wade and the Way-Up-There (June), by Judith Henderson, illustrated by Sara Sarhangpour. It's a They! (April), by Lindsay Herriot, is one of the first baby board books acknowledging families choosing to use gender-neutral pronouns for their babies, a choice embraced by more and more families who wish to let their child choose their own pronouns when they're ready. And take a picture book journey into Métis crafts, music and cooking with friends who love to share with Métis Like Me (April), by Tasha Hilderman, illustrated by Risa Hug.

Step into the majestic rainforest of the Pacific west coast and discover a unique community of creatures thriving in an interconnected web of life in West Coast Wild Rainforest (March), by Deborah Hodge, illustrated by Karen Reczuch. Hodge and Reczuch also release West Coast Wild Baby Animals (May). Greetings, Floof! (June), by C.J. Hong, illustrated by A.J. Smith, is an interactive adventure full of way-out-there fun starring an adorable alien named Floof! Wild Trails by the Sea (April), by Penelope Jackson, illustrated by Elena Skoreyko Wagner, is a tender story celebrating the natural world and our place within it, featuring lyrical verse and bold, tactile paper-collage illustrations. And Two Pieces of Chocolate (April), by Kathy Kacer, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard, is set in the Bergen-Belsen Nazi prison camp, and is inspired by a remarkable true story of hope and friendship.

Do tortoises take vitamins? Do badgers wash their hands after using the toilet? The eagerly anticipated fourth and final instalment of the Do Animals? series, Do Hippos Brush Their Teeth? How Animals Care for Their Bodies (March), by Etta Kaner, illustrated by Jenna Piechota, raises these questions and more about how animals take care of their bodies—much like the ways people maintain their hygiene! Thao Lam's One Giant Leap (March) is a playful wordless story celebrating a child’s talent for making the mundane magical. On a cold winter morning in 1952, Patsy Lamondin wakes to the day electricity will finally be connected to her small town along the Magnetawan River in the autobiographical Lights Along the River (May), by Pat Lamondin Skene, illustrated by Sabrina Gendron.

Sally the dog takes a trip to the groomer and learns that not all new experiences are scary in Sally's New Look (February), by Andrew Larsen, illustrated by Dawn Lo. A Garden Called Home (February), by Jessica J. Lee, illustrated by Elaine Chen is a warm-hearted and lush picture book about family, the immigrant experience and how a simple garden can foster a connection to the larger natural world. A young boy realizes, thanks to his family, that he can enjoy both his Chinese and North American cultures through his favourite dishes in The Blue Bowl (March), by Flo Leung. And Arden reluctantly agrees to prove that she can handle pet ownership with her scientist uncle's African Grey parrot while he’s away on sabbatical in Bird Brain (March), by Joanne Levy.

When You Meet a Dragon (April), by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated by Udayana Lugo, is a sweet and powerful story told in second-person about facing your fears (or dragons) and how, when people work together, hope can prevail. The Green Baby Swing (May) is a tender picture book about loss, intergenerational love and the power of family keepsakes, from acclaimed author Thomas King, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang. A girl in India discovers an ancient step well in Look! Look! (April), by Uma Krishnaswami, illustrated by Uma Krishnaswamy, a companion book to the creators’ much-loved Out of the Way! Out of the Way! A love of pie brings a young girl and her grandfather together through good times and bad in a moving story about connection and compassion in The Pie Reports (May), by Hayley Lowe. And the visually stunning Rumie Goes Rafting (April), by author and illustrator Meghan Marentette, is a nod to the boundless resourcefulness and creativity of children, and a gentle lesson in practising patience.

Follow the North Star (May), by Pheilm Martin, is an exciting story of a young whale’s journey across an entire ocean alone with only one piece of advice to keep him going: “Follow the north star.” Adorable animals go for a glittering night at the theatre in Sparkles, No Sparkles (March), by Shannon McNeill , a perfect read-aloud tale for very young readers. Written by disability advocate and mobility scooter user Dorothy Ellen Palmer, and illustrated by Maria Sweeney, The Scooter Twins (March) is an #ownvoices story that shares the joys and challenges of disabled childhood, and offers many kids who get new wheels the opportunity to find themselves in the pages of a book. Two boys spend the day doing nothing but imagining in a poetic ode to the freedom of summer in Garbage Gulls (June), by Dorson Plourde, illustrated by Isabella Fassler. And in Khadija and the Elephant Toothpaste Experiment (February), by Farah Qaiser & Hajer Nakua, illustrated by Natalya Tariq, Khadija is inspired by her visit to the science fair, and there are so many different scientists all wearing safety goggles and lab coats, but how come none of them are wearing a hijab?

Inspiring and uplifting, We Need Everyone (January), by Michael Redhead Champagne, illustrated by Tiff Bartel, an interactive picture book, empowers children to identify their gifts and use them to overcome challenges, achieve goals, and strengthen communities. In A World of Love (January), by Aimee Reid, illustrated by Christopher Lyles, there are a world of ways to show love for our young ones. Michelle Robinson, bestselling author of over 50 books, including The Thunk, She Rex, and How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth, makes her Canadian debut with Lobster’s Vacation (June), a hilarious tale of a lobster playing summer tourist in Nova Scotia. And the inspirational picture book Dear Muslim Child (Februrary), from Rahma Rodaah, author of Dear Black Child), illustrated by Aya Ghanameh, encourages Muslim children to take joy and pride in their Islamic faith.

A joyous, rhyming picture book about a child’s journey of gender expression and the unconditional love between parent and child, Who You Will Be (May), by Taylor Rouanzion, illustrated by Stacey Chomiak invites readers to celebrate self-expression and find which colors feel right to them. In This Is a Tiny Fragile Snake (February), by Nicholas Ruddock, illustrated by Ashley Barron, fifteen poems explore close encounters with animals—and choosing to respond tenderly. The awe-inspiring picture book Always Beginning: The Big Bang, the Universe, and You (April), by  award-winner Candace Savage, illustrated by Rachel Wada, explores the science behind the start of our universe and how we came to be a part of it, from the Big Bang and the beginning of life on Earth all the way up until today. And take a ride down Lilypod Lane with Weasel and Pam Pam as they try to solve a mystery in their neighbourhood in Roy Is Not a Dog (April), by Esmé Shapiro and Daniel Newell Kaufman: could their peculiar neighbour actually be a dog in disguise?

Mighty Scared: The Amazing Ways Animals Defend Themselves (February), by Erin Silver, illustrated by Hayden Maynard, explores how mammals, insects, fish and birds around the world respond when scary predators are near. Larry Kwong became the first player of Asian descent in the NHL when he played one shift with the New York Rangers in 1948, and his contribution to hockey is recognized in The Longest Shot: How Larry Kwong Changed the Face of Hockey (February), by Chad Soon and George Chiang, illustrated by Amy Qi. Lost Stick (March), by Anoosha Syed, is a delightful twist on a lost pet story that takes an adorable pup around the world to track down what he thinks is his best friend's prized possession. And Geraldo Valério brings a charming story inspired by his childhood passion for the butterflies in his family’s garden with Coco and the Caterpillars (April).

Once Upon a Sari (May), by Zenia Wadhwani, illustrated by Avani Dwived, is a picture book about a little girl who gets into her mom's saris and makes a glorious, colourful mess and discovers the memories attached to each sari. Accompanied by joyful illustrations, Oma's Bag (March), by Michelle Wang, illustrated by Sam Nunez, is a tender and touching book to help children navigate an Alzheimer's diagnosis in their family, revealing how it can lead us to embrace our loved ones fully in new and unexpected ways. From a ballad of Earth and an ode to the sun to a villanelle for Venus and a sestina for Saturn, A Planet Is a Poem (June), by Amanda West Lewis, illustrated by Oliver Averill, presents 14 original poems about planets and other bodies in our solar system. Jane Whittingham's Bunny Loves Beans (March) explores the wonderfully similar and different food that preschoolers and animals both eat. And We're Happy You're Here (March), by Julie Wilkins, illustrated by Brady Sato, is an inclusive and diverse celebration of the joys of preparing to welcome a child and the importance of community and family.

From Boston Globe–Horn Book Award winner Jack Wong comes All That Grows (March), a story of a boy who discovers that the more he learns, the more there is to know! In I Love Myself (February), by Wai Mei Wong, illustrated by Julia Vasileva, we accompany a child through their day, from morning to bedtime, as their inner self—portrayed as a cuddly imaginary creature—supports them in their endeavours. Written by Lisa Wyzlic and illustrated by Rebecca Syracuse, Harold the Iceberg Is Not a Super Food (June) is about finding ways to lift up your community by first lifting up yourself and those closest to you. Meena and her Nanu's are going to have a very special Bengali tea called doodh cha, and they are going to make it together in Meena Can't Wait (March), by Farida Zaman. And from debut author Kelly Zhang comes Take Me to Laolao (January), illustrated by Evie Zhu, a moving picture book about a girl whose desire to see her lăolao takes her on a Chinese mythology–inspired adventure on the night of the Spring Lantern Festival.

Early Chapter/ Middle Grade

Temporarily sidelined from her swim team by an earache, Julia won't be kept down in Swimming into Trouble (February), a buoyant novel for ages 7 to 10 by acclaimed writer Angela Ahn, illustrated by Julie Kim. In hi-lo title Spotting Dottie (April), by Gail Anderson-Dargatz, Charlotte is going to prove her grandma is right—the lake monster is real! Dark secrets and unnatural magic abound when a twelve-year-old girl ventures into a bog full of monsters to break a mysterious curse in The Curse of Eelgrass Bog (January), by Mary Averling. And Owls: Who Gives a Hoot? (May), by Frances Backhouse, reveals the secrets of these mysterious birds and the important role they play in our lives and their ecosystems.

Instagram sensation and Tapas webcomic superstar Cassandra Calin makes her long-form debut with The New Girl (June), a funny, feel-good graphic novel about change. When eleven-year-old Hailey and her friend Kyle make a wish on a Chinese lion statue, they accidentally bring a dragon to life in early-chapter-book Dragons on the Loose (April), by Marty Chan, illustrated by Grace Chen. And for older readers, in Marty Chan's Cosplay Crime (February), 13-year-old Bree must channel her inner anime heroine to solve a crime at the Anime Expo.

A young space traveller happens upon Earth in the future in the wordless adventure Viewfinder (February), by Christine D.U. Chung & Salwa Majoka, a transportive graphic novel for early readers. Animal Minds: What Are They Thinking? (February), by Dana L. Church, is a deep dive into the minds of animals and how they think. From Dave Cole, creator of the Math Kids comes a new educational chapter book series about siblings Emily and Sam who are always ready to learn new things, and the first book is The Case of the Missing Turtle (February), illustrated by Matty Mitchell. And his latest Math Kids book is Unsolved Proof (February), in which hidden cameras, secret operations, and new math concepts await the kids in their 9th adventure!

Walls: The Long History of Human Barriers and Why We Build Them (March), by Gregor Craigie, illustrated by Arden Taylor, will challenge young readers to think critically about why humans have built walls throughout history, who is affected, and the positive and negative consequences of building walls, for people and places. In the real world, Leon isn’t built to be a hero, but he must become one when he gets trapped in a cutting-edge virtual-reality game in Leon Levels Up (February), by Paul Coccia. Live life in the trash lane with The Racc Pack (January), the first entry in a hilarious middle grade graphic novel series about a family of sneaky raccoons from graphic novel superstars Stephanie Cooke and Whitney Gardner!

Natasha Deen's latest mystery for early readers is Lark Goes the Distance (May). Frankie D, Vegan Vampire (June), by Sally Dutra and Brian Dutra, and illustrated by Tiffani Brown, launches a new early chapter book series starring a lovable vampire who's just trying to fit in. Calyssa Erb's Maya Plays the Part (March) is a heartwarming middle-grade debut with autism representation and a musical flair. And A Galaxy of Whales (May), by Heather Fawcett, is a perfect summer read about whale watching and friendship both lost and found.

1665 London is overpopulated and still growing while a plague runs rampant through its households but Rose manages to find hope in new friends who help each other steal the essentials to survive in Plague Thieves (May), by Caroline Fernandez. Fernandez also releases the 4th book in the Asha and Baz series, Asha and Baz Meet Katia Krafft (February), with readers learning about volcanoes from renowned volcanologist Kraft. And in Melanie Florence's funny yet moving coming-of-age novel Lo Simpson Starts a Revolution (April), a girl finds comfort, and eventually her voice, by writing letters to The Doctor from her favorite TV show, Doctor Who.

Florence also co-writes The Other Side of Perfect (April), with Richard Scrimger, told in alternating narratives and infused with themes of identity, belonging, and compassion, reminding us that we are all more than our circumstances, and we are all more connected than we think. Alone Together: A Curious Exploration of Loneliness (March), by Petti Fong, illustrated by Jonathan Dyck, explores loneliness and the lessons we can learn about how it can bring people together. Making Sense of Dog Senses: How Our Furry Friends Experience the World (April), by Stephanie Gibeault, illustrated by Raz Latif, is a playful yet scientifically precise exploration of a dog’s five senses that will help readers better appreciate the canine point of view.

Mélie doesn’t know how to relate to her father, a political prisoner in another country whom she has never met, when he is released and immigrates to join her family in Montreal in Taming Papa (March), by Mylène Goupil, translated by Shelley Tanaka. For fans of My Big Fat Zombie Goldfish and The Incredibly Dead Pets of Rex Dexter, comes Teddy vs. the Fuzzy Doom (April), by Braden Hallett, kicking off a funny new series set in a school infested with brain-eating hamsters. Jennie Butchart: Gardener of Dreams (May), by Haley Healy and Kimiko Fraser, is the unlikely true story of a woman who saw the possibility of beauty in a hole in the ground and built a world-famous public garden. They also release Elizabeth Quocksister: Keeper of History (May), the uplifting true story of a strong Indigenous woman and community leader, who dedicated her life to protecting her language and cultural traditions.

Noah Frye Gets Crushed (May), by Maggie Horne, is cute and queer contemporary middle grade comedy about friendship, first crushes, and first kisses, in which twelve-year-old Noah Frye comes up with a foolproof plan to teach herself how to have a crush on a boy to fit in better with her friends—only to discover she’s been looking in the wrong place, and her crush was right beside her all along. Grounded in the tender, supportive friendship between a long-haired guinea pig and a naked mole rat, the second book in Naseem Hrab and Kelly Collier's junior graphic novel series is Otis & Peanut Forever and Ever (April), exploring themes of celebrating life's simple pleasures, grief, and making new memories with sensitivity, humour, and optimism. And for fans of The Bad Guys series, Buns Gone Bad (May), by Anna Humphrey, illustrated by Irma Kniivila, is the origin story of the terrifying group known as The Fluffle: three bad-bunny kingpins in brand-new graphic novel chapter book series for younger readers. 

The Bee Mother (May) is the seventh book of Hetxw'ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson)’s Mothers of Xsan series, where readers will discover the important role of the bumblebee, the honeybee, and the yellow jacket wasp in the Xsan ecosystem. In Michael Hutchinson’s latest Might Muskrats Mystery, The Case of the Pilfered Pin (March), The Windy Lake First Nation’s lands have been shared with cottagers for fifty years, but no one can agree on where the reserve land ends—especially since a surveyor’s pin was stolen years before. Comedy and cringe come together in Mortified (May), by Kristy Jackson, with art by Rhael McGregor, a surprisingly sweet story about learning to face one's fears and building community through one's failures. And Luna and the Heart of the Forest (March), by Adam Karlin, is a dark fantasy brimming with ghosts and folklore immersed in the saltwater of the Canadian Atlantic.

Middle school podcast advice columnist and social media influencer wannabe Emily Laurence takes on the principal at her school to stand up for a climate march in Emily Posts (February), by Tanya Lloyd Kyi. It’s hard to rest in peace in Casey Lyall’s Waking the Dead and Other Fun Activities (May), with a young trainee witch, a family power gone haywire, a dearly departed grandma, an undead boy, and an evil witch—a recipe for the perfect summer vacation. And The Peacock (February), by Jennifer Tzivia MacLeod, illustrated by Jaimie MacGibbon, is based on the true story of the author's own grandfather, Sam Posluns, who, along with several other Jewish business leaders, created the "Garment Workers' Scheme" (aka The Tailor Project) as a way of unlocking Canada’s harsh immigration laws and providing many refugees with a safer and happier future.

Jenny Manzer's Picture a Girl (May) is the story of Addie, growing up on the beach in Cedarveil, BC, who needs to hold her family together when her wonderful but troubled mother disappears. Sudden fame throws 13-year-old Zevi into the spotlight when the media discovers his secret abilities, and it’s ruining his life in Zevi Takes the Spotlight (April), by Carol Matas. Ella’s journey to conquer her fears starts with 1,776 steps in Sylvia McNicoll’s Blue to the Sky (April). Readers learn about the importance of seeds and how saving and conserving them for the future is key to sustaining healthy life on the planet in Save Our Seeds: Protecting Plants for the Future (April), by Sheryl Normandeau. And award-winner Wendy Orr showcases the endurance of family, and the beauty of restoration and self-sufficiency in Out of the Valley of Horses (April).

Leah Payne's Get Outside (April) provides fun ideas and actions young people can take to reconnect with nature in their everyday lives, like nature-based hobbies or ideas for outdoor projects. Remember This: The Fascinating World of Memory (March), by Monique Polak, illustrated by Valéry Goulet, explores the role of memory in our lives, whether we are young or old, and discusses STEAM topics including the science of the brain, how and why we make memories, societal and cultural memory, memory champions and memory loss. And Rowena Rae's Why We Need Vaccines (April), illustrated by  Paige Stampatori, explores the history of vaccine discovery, the science of how vaccines work and the public-health achievements that vaccines have made possible.  

With the help of her close friends and family—the team that always has her back—Salma is ready to claim her place in the pool in the third book in Danny Ramadan's early chapter book series, Salma Joins the Team (March). Christine Read’s Queenie Jean Is In Trouble Again (April) is the chaotic, confusing, funny, and inspiring story of ten-year-old Queenie and her mission to fit in and make friends at her new school while figuring out how to manage her ADHD. From a web of lies and social anxiety to true friendship and queer joy; Asking for a Friend (April) is the second book from the Ronnie Riley, author of the Indies Introduce and Indie Next List pick, Jude Saves the World. And hockey fans will love David A. Robertson's The Kodiaks: Home Ice Advantage (April), an action-packed middle grade novel about teamwork, overcoming adversity, and being proud of who you are and where you come from.

Let's Get Creative: Art for a Healthy Planet (May), by Jessica Rose, illustrated by Jarett Sitter, shows how environmental artists across the globe are using their creativity to help the environment and create a more sustainable world. The definitive children's guide to Black history in Canada, the latest edition of The Kids Book of Black History in Canada, by Rosemary Sadlier, illustrated by Arden Taylor is an essential update to this bestselling and award-winning book. And Your Story Matters: A Surprisingly Practical Guide to Writing (May), by Richard Scrimger, illustrated by D. McFadzean, a hilarious how-to on creative writing that makes the writing process fun for aspiring middle-school authors.

With help from his grandfather, an inspiring teacher and his friend, Ali comes to terms with his roiling feelings about his place in the world, as a Pakistani immigrant, a Muslim and a teenager with his whole life ahead of him in Call Me Al (March), by Wali Shah and Eric Walters. In It to Win It: Sports and the Climate Crisis (May), by Erin Silver, illustrated by Pui Yan Fong stats and sports-packed book about how organizations, players and fans around the world are tackling the climate crisis. And three sleuthing sisters become aware of how their spells affect others in The Weird Sisters: A Coop, Some Goop, and a Sandwich (April), book three of Mark David Smith and Kari Rust's hilarious magical mystery series.

Beyond Amelia (April), by Heather Stemp, is the third and final instalment in the Ginny Ross YA series, following the Red Cedar–nominated Amelia and Me and Geoffrey Bilson-finalist Under Amelia's Wing. Queer History A to Z: 100 Years of LGBTQ+ Activism (May), by Robin Stevenson, illustrated by Vivian Rosas, explores the history of LGBTQ+ activism in North America, all about the key people who led the fight for equality, the events that brought about change and the places where history was made. And, inspired by real events during the flooding near Spences Bridge, British Columbia, in 2021, The Day Dancer Flew (May), by Tiffany Stone, illustrated by Brittany Lane, tells the tale of a girl's love for her horse and the power of a community coming together to help humans (and animals) during a natural disaster. 

Basil Sylvester and Kevin Sylvester follow up the celebrated The Fabulous Zed Watson with Night of the Living Zed (January), a spooky new adventure. Nine-year-old Bailey Kaufman is nervous for their first day of school at the Hero Academy, the elementary school for young superheroes in Super Switch (March), by Jeff Szpirglas & Danielle Saint-Onge, illustrated by Rachel Smith. And The Sun Never Hurries (May), by Roxanne Turcotte, illustrated by Lucie Crovatto, is a tender story that invites readers to reflect on the passage of time

Larry Verstraete follows up the acclaimed Coop the Great with Coop for Keeps (April), in which it's hard enough being a lowly dachshund, but it's even harder when your home is a financially unstable guesthouse with smelly strangers drifting in and out. Jax meets Liv, the new girl at school who shares his love of the trumpet, but that’s not all they have in common in The Club (April), by Eric Walters. And a silly, laugh-out-loud graphic novel for young readers that breaks the fourth wall, Hugo’s Haunted Handbook (March), by Dave Whamond, is a lighthearted look at friendship and the meaning of true companionship.

Young Adult

Jen loves to sing, even though the rest of her family can’t carry a tune, and when a stranger named Mike gives her roses at her concert and reveals that he is her birth father, her world flips upside down in My Life Off-Key (February), by Gail Anderson-Dargatz. Li Charmaine Anne's YA debut, Crashing Landing (April), is a searing ode to queer identity, growing up in an immigrant community, and carving a place for yourself in the world with the help of your friends. Ali Bryan’s Takedown (May) is a high-intensity coming-of-age story about familial grief and competitive combat, with lots of heart, hope, and headlocks. A mother's death forces a teen girl to reevaluate their tumultuous relationship in coming-of-age novel And Then There Was Us (April), by Kern Carter. And death is neither the beginning nor the end for the children of Bridlington in Lockjaw (June), the debut trans YA horror book by Matteo L. Cerilli, for fans of Rory Power and Danielle Vega.

The Stones of Burren Bay (May), by Emily De Angelis, is set on Manitoulin Island, about 15-year-old Norie who realizes she and her mother must face their guilt and grief after her father’s death in order to heal and come back together. Staring down the final days of high school, a group of friends run away from home in order to join a commune in graphic novel The Gulf, by Adam de Souza. When her younger brother disappears with their overdue rent money, a self-reliant teenage girl goes searching for him and finds unexpected help and romance along the way in Normal Kids (May), by Melinda Di Lorenzo. And Born A Girl: It Takes Courage (March), by Alice Dussutour, translated by David Warriner, uses to stories of girls around the world to show that when you’re born a girl, some parts of the world are kinder places to grow up in than others.

Rosena Fung, award-winning creator of Living With Viola, pulls from her own family history in YA debut Age 16 (May) for an emotional and poignant story about how every generation is affected by those that came before, and affect those that come after. From science writer Nathan Hellner-Mestelman comes Cosmic Wonder (May), a humorous and detailed guide to our universe as you've never seen it before. And June Hur, bestselling author of The Red Palace, crafts a devastating and pulse-pounding tale in A Crane Among Wolves (May), all-too-relevant in today’s world, based on a true story from Korean history.

With Love, Miss Americanah—the YA contemporary romance debut from Jane Igharo—sees a teenager move from Nigeria to America and navigate her senior year with the help of classic teen movies and a new crush, all while working through grief and the rigid expectations of her mother. Bestseller E.K. Johnston returns to contemporary feminist YA with Pretty Furious (April), a story of a small town, fierce friendships, and revenge served cold. Filled with intrigue and the volatile history of its time, Killing Shakespeare (May), by Koom Kankesan, is a fantasy that examines life, love, literacy, and their importance to us. And fans of Rainbow Rowell and Casey McQuiston will fall for Who We Are in Real Life (February), by Victoria Koops, a story of tabletop gaming, romance and epic campaigns—both in game and IRL.

Dex is dropped onto a deserted tropical island to be a player in a social media competition in hi-lo novel Dropped! (February), by Alice Kuipers. Judy I. Lin, bestselling author of A Magic Steeped in Poison, weaves a dreamy gothic romance worthy of the heavens in Song of the Six Realms (April). And a teen girl searches for closure after her brother dies by suicide in Where Was Goodbye? (April), a new novel from Janice Lynn Mather, author of Learning to Breathe and Facing the Sun.

Isobel, daughter of a prepper, realizes it’s going to be up to her to save her sister—and herself—from a life underground in The End of Always (April), by Rebecca Phillips. A girl with dangerous magic makes a risky bargain with a demon to be free of her monstrous power in Where the Dark Stands Still (February), a fantasy by A.B. Poranek. Penny Dreadful meets The Gilded Wolves in The Lady of Rapture (April), Sarah Raughley's breathtaking finale to historical fantasy Bones of Ruin trilogy.

After her private school is rocked by a gruesome murder, a teen tries to find the real killer and clear her brother’s name in psychological thriller Tender Beasts (February), by Liselle Sambury. An intimate coming-of age novel for teens, The Lightning Circle (March), by Vikki VanSickle, illustrated by Laura K. Watson, is told in verse with delicate line art, chronicling the beauty, magic and transformative power of summer camp. Ria Voros' celebrated The Centre of the Universe (June) appears in paperback, a gripping novel perfect for STEM-loving readers with facts about astronomy and astrophysics seamlessly woven into the story and supplemented by an interview with real-life astrophysicist Elizabeth Tasker. And Zetian must balance dangerous politics with a new quest for vengeance in Heavenly Tyrant (April), by  Xiran Jay Zhao, the sequel to the #1 New York Times bestseller Iron Widow, a blend of Chinese history and mecha science fiction.