What? What? What? by Lyn Thomas, illustrated by Dianne Eastman. Maple Tree Press Inc., 2003. ISBN 1-894379-52-7 (paperback), 1-894379-51-9 (bound), Ages 7+

Read, learn and laugh. This informative book presents a wide range of facts and information about the world around us. It captivates young children with its unique format including short, easy-to-read paragraphs, photographs, illustrations, and best of all--jokes! Readers learn lots of facts and new vocabulary while being entertained by the quirky layout, rich information and funny jokes.

Ricky by Eric Walters. HarperCollins Publishers Ltd., 2002. ISBN 0-00-639195-8. Ages 9+

Fiction based on fact. Ricky, and his best friend Auggie, hatch a plan to raise money to buy a new boa constrictor for their favourite science teacher. They need to involve all the kids in the school, while keeping it a surprise for the teacher. This book has an easy-to-follow plot and strong characterizations. Real-life lessons and issues are explored in an engaging and heart-warming story that is easily understood and read by this age group. Part of the charm of this book comes in the author’s note that explains his part in this story.

What a Story! by Paul Kropp, illustrated by Loris Lesynksi. Scholastic Canada Ltd., 2002. ISBN 0-7791-1355-1. Ages 6-8

Sara can’t think of stories to write when asked by her teacher, so she always thinks up imaginative excuses. This book does everything right to allow very early readers to successfully complete a chapter book on their own! The story is humorous, and the language is simple yet varied enough to build confidence. Some repetition helps develop the story. The text font is large enough to easily read and follow, and the illustrations enhance the text to provide both understanding and humour. Early readers will be proud to finish this book and eager to read more.

The Naked Lady written and illustrated by Ian Wallace. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2002. ISBN 0-7613-1596-9. Ages 5-8

An inspirational and wholesome story. When young Tom goes to welcome his new neighbour, Pieter, he is surprised by a "naked" statue. Through many visits where Pieter shares his love of art and sculpture in many different ways, the two develop a beautiful friendship, and Pieter helps Tom realize his own gift. The beautiful illustrations, soft and detailed, coupled with the charming story explore life’s lessons of accepting different people, art, patience and love. By the end of the story, children understand that the sculpture is not a "naked lady," but a nude sculpture created with love.

A Day with Nellie written and illustrated by Marthe Jocelyn. Tundra Books, 2002. ISBN 0-88776-600-5. Ages 2-4

What does Nellie do all day? Toddlers love to participate in the story of Nellie’s day from when she wakes up to when she goes to bed because there are so many things to explore on each page. The illustrations are a rich collage of colours, objects and textures, accomplished by fabric cutouts tempting the children to touch and explore. The text explains simple facts such as sand and dirt make mud, and reinforces words and everyday objects and actions. This attractive and fun book invites parents to explain, and children to explore, the world around us.

Ned Mouse Breaks Away by Tim Wynne-Jones, pictures by Dušan Petričić. Groundwood Books, 2003. ISBN 0-88899-474-5. Ages 7-9.

Ned Mouse has been jailed for writing "the government is unfair to mice" in his spinach. He makes several unsuccessful attempts to escape, and after years of despair, finally devises a brilliant plan to outwit the jailer, with hilarious results. This book, with its short snappy chapters and amusing illustrations to complement the text, had children laughing out loud. The humorous and suspenseful story is easy enough to read for the age group, but the character and messages in the book of freedom, resilience of spirit and determination provide a multi-layered novel--ideal for young readers.

Marigold’s Wings written and illustrated by Vlasta van Kampen. Key Porter Books, 2002. ISBN 1-55263-468-X. Ages 4+

Can dreams come true? Marigold the caterpillar wonders what it will be like when she finally gets wings; while she dreams she finds adventure, many friends and excitement. The whimsical, colourful and accurate illustrations, including facial expressions of the many different insect friends beautifully support the text, full of descriptive dialogue between the many insect characters. Younger children love the illustrations and story of friendship, while the appeal to older children comes from learning about the amazing story of the life and journey of a Monarch butterfly. A story beautifully told and illustrated to show that dreams can come true!

Un joli mouton, tout rond, tout rond de Judith Hamel, illustrations de Angélique Depienne. Bouton d’or Acadie, 2002. ISBN 2-9222203-47-6. Ages 2-5

A little girl loves sheep and finds a favourite, "round" sheep on the way to school; one day it is no longer there, but the next day the girl finds it again, with a wonderful surprise. Children love the rhythmic repetition of ‘tout rond, tout rond" and the colourful illustrations that clearly identify the changing facial expressions and thus the emotions of the girl as the story progresses to its happy ending.

Le trésor d’Elvis Bozec de Françoise Enguehard, illustrations de Denise Paquette. Bouton d’or Acadie, 2002. ISBN 2-922203-43-3. Ages 10+

Dig into history! After having a dream, Elvis Bozec tries to find artifacts left by the French fishermen long ago on an island near Newfoundland, and ends up on an archeological adventure. The story is entertaining, with suspense created by teasing illustrations at the beginning of each chapter. Children love learning about archeology and French cultural history as Elvis digs up clues to his Breton ancestry.

Marion et le Nouveau Monde de Michèle Marineau, illustrations de Christine Delezenne. Dominique et Compagnie, 2002. ISBN 2-89512-240-7. Age 8+

Marion and her family must move from the country to a large new city. As she copes with the new house, school and friends, Marion finds herself trying to solve a mystery. Children identify with the real-life experiences and emotions and enjoy the suspense and pace of this story.

La symphonie du marécage de Nicole Daigle, illustrations de Denise Paquette. Bouton d’or Acadie, 2002. ISBN 2-922203-46-8. Ages 6-8

As AmiSoleil journeys through the marsh, she makes friends with the many animals that live there. For the children reading the book, the marsh comes alive through the beautifully detailed illustrations and the fun onomatopoeia of animal sounds. Even though this is a fiction book, the children learn many facts about nature from this fun and entertaining story.

Je deviens astronome de Pierre Chastenay. Éditions Michel Quintin, 2002. ISBN 2-89435-197-6. Ages 8+

Look to the stars! This book is packed with information, illustrations and charts on astronomical topics comprising constellations, planets, stars, and the moon. The non-technical language makes astronomy come alive for astronomers young and old. Since few people have high-powered telescopes, this book also clearly explains and illustrates what you can see with the naked eye and binoculars. This book is ideal for those just getting interested in astronomy, or those who want to learn more, and would like an easy-to-understand and comprehensive book on the topic.