Welcome to my obsession with children’s books–especially the ones that deal with everyday challenges in a fun and compelling way. I’ll share old classics, new gems, and everything in between to help support you and your kids (or just your kids if they like to read solo). Sign up and you’ll get my top-pick resources, delivered to your inbox each month on the full and new moon.
Stolen Words Melanie Florence (Second Story Press, 2017)
How do you say grandfather in Cree? The little girl asks. He sadly tells her he doesn’t remember. Her grandfather’s words were stolen from him when he was taken to live at a residential school as a boy. How do we talk to young children about reconciliation? Where do we… Read More
What Do You Do with an Idea? Kobi Yamada (Compendium Inc., 2013)
Have you ever felt that your idea was too big, too odd, or too difficult? What will people think of your idea? What do you do with an idea? This story is about a little boy who has an idea show up in his life. The idea takes the form… Read More
The Trumpet of the Swan E.B. White (Scholastic Inc, 1987)
Louis the trumpeter swan is different from the other swans. He’s born without a voice. He realizes that he must learn how to communicate with the other swans and find ways to overcome his difficulty. Louis’ father matter-of-factly lets him know that he is different from the other swans and… Read More
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse Charlie Mackesy (HarperCollins, 2019)
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” asks the mole. “Kind” says the boy. The boy greets the mole, who is feeling rather small. They meet a fox who needs rescuing. Along their travels they ask each other questions about life. The answers are deep and profound. Read More
The Book of Mistakes Corinna Luyken (Dial Books, 2017)
We all make mistakes. But do we have to let them frustrate us or set us back? In this beautifully drawn picture book, Corinna Luyken demonstrates how mistakes can be used to create something new and innovative. Ink spots, a neck that’s too long, a cat/frog can be turned into… Read More
It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way Kyo Maclear (Tundra Books, 2019)
In 1963, Gyo Fujikawa published her children’s book Babies. It was revolutionary. The book depicted racially diverse children interacting together—for the first time. The following year the Civil Rights Act was passed and segregation became illegal. This is the story of the rule breaking Japanese-American picture-book creator, Gyo Fujikawa. Gyo… Read More
Outside In Deborah Underwood (Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2020)
Are you feeling called to go outside? Or maybe you’re feeling stuck indoors with no escape? It’s time to listen to the outside. The outside is beckoning you to play. “Once we were part of the Outside and Outside was part of us. There was nothing between… Read More
I Talk Like a River Jordan Scott (Neal Porter Books, 2020)
Ever felt like you don’t fit in? Or there’s something about yourself that you don’t like? Waking up each day, the author shares how the word sounds get stuck in his mouth. He describes the feeling of having roots inside his mouth that tangle his tongue and stick in the… Read More
We are Water Protectors Carole Lindstrom (Roaring Book Press, 2020)
Did you know that water remembers our ancestors? Water affects and connects us all on this planet. Yet the Indigenous people foretold that the black snake would come and destroy the earth and the water we drink. We must work together to protect and preserve our water. Water is sacred. Read More
Stella, Queen of the Snow Marie-Louise Gay (Groundwood Books, 2000)
Do you remember your first snowstorm? It could be that snow has lost its allure this winter. I guarantee that Stella, and her little brother Sam, will change the way you see it. Marie-Louise Gay, one of Canada’s leading children’s book authors and illustrators, captures the playful hearts and minds… Read More