Read Me a Book, written and illustrated by Barbara Reid. North Winds Press (a Division of Scholastic Canada Ltd.), 2003. ISBN 0-439-95726-5, Ages 9-24 months

Share your love of reading. This charming book with detailed, colourful and expressive "claymation" style illustrations show adults and children reading together anywhere -- indoors or outdoors, on the bus, in bed, in the rain, or in the store. The simple, rhythmic sentences on each page are short enough for the youngest ones to enjoy, and for the older children to "read" back to their parents. This book reinforces how important it is to share the gift of literacy with very young children, and is sure to be read and enjoyed over and over by both adults and children.

Drumheller Dinosaur Dance, by Robert Heidbreder, illustrated by Bill Slavin and Esperança Melo.Kids Can Press, 2004. ISBN 1-55337-393-6, Ages 3-6

Get your dancing shoes on because when the moon rises, so do dinosaur skeletons, buried deep in the Badlands of Alberta. Children will groove with the dinosaurs as they tango, twirl, and rock and roll through the story that is full of lively onomatopoeia, rollicking rhymes and fanciful illustrations. This book invites energetic reading and actions to accompany the thumpity-thumps of the dinosaurs. Uniquely Canadian, kids of all ages will enjoy this.

Ma, I’m a Farmer, written and illustrated by Michael Martchenko. Annick Press Ltd 2003. ISBN 1-55037-696-9, Ages 4+

Fred is tired of his day job so he quits and buys a farm thinking that this will be easier. He soon realizes that farm work is a lot harder than he thought and tries to solve his problems with technology, with hilarious and disastrous results. Children and parents will recognize and fully enjoy the style of the author and illustrator. The pictures, in particular the animals, have lots of details to keep everyone laughing throughout the story.

Penelope and the Humongous Burp, by Sheri Radford, illustrated by Christine Tripp. Lobster Press, 2004. ISBN 1-894222-83-0, Ages 4-6

Excuse me! When Penelope drinks a big glass of soda, she discovers that her tummy feels funny and makes funny sounds. The story builds as do the adjectives and number of people involved, coming to a polite climax. Children love this book because of the repetition of sounds, allowing them to predict what will come next, as well as the colourful illustrations, full of great facial expressions and detail that keep them fully engaged.

A Noodle Up Your Nose, by Frieda Wishinsky. Orca Book Publishers, 2004. ISBN 1-55143-294-3, Ages 6-8

After Kate is told by her parents that she has to invite her whole class to her birthday party, she starts to hear rumours about the gross and disgusting food that will be served at the pirate-themed party. Kate has to deal with the rumours and bossy Violet to make sure her party doesn’t get ruined. This book is ideal for readers moving from picture to chapter books; it is just the right length, easy to read, has some illustrations and is very entertaining.  Parents will enjoy this book too because it provides the opportunity to discuss issues, such as bullying and spreading rumours, with your child.

Funtime Riddles, written by Marilyn Helmer, illustrated by Jane Kurisu. Kids Can Press, 2004.  ISBN 1-55337-580-7, Ages 6-8

Kids love riddles and jokes. This book makes reading fun by including whimsical, colourful illustrations that clarify the play on words and help solve the riddles, helping children to understand how some words can have more than one meaning. The sentences are short, with a few words in large type on each page, making this nonsensical book great fun for the beginner reader.

That’s Very Canadian, by Vivien Bowers, illustrated by Dianne Eastman. Maple Tree Press, 2004. ISBN 1-879099-05-8, Ages 7-12

Canadian, eh? Celebrate and learn about all things Canadian in this quirky book that is enjoyed by children and adults. Written as a school report by Rachel, with the assistance of a talking moose, Canada goose and stuffed beaver to add witty colour commentary, it presents a wide array of very Canadian symbols, words and history, from coast to coast in a format that is easy and enjoyable to read. It’s full of photographs, drawings and tidbits of information and children chuckle at the jokes and remain engaged as they explore and learn about Canadian culture and identity.

Monkey Business  written and illustrated by Wallace Edwards. Kids Can Press, 2004. ISBN 1-55337-462-2.  Ages 8+

This book tickles children's funny bones and provides a wonderful introduction to idioms of the English language, such as "play by ear" and "a bull in a china
shop". Each page has a large illustration, so absurd and humorous, that children begin to understand the literal meaning of an idiom and adults
laugh out loud.  Looking for the hidden monkey on each page adds enjoyment and keeps attention on the page longer, allowing readers to appreciate the
many details and subtleties in the drawings. A verbal explanation for each idiom is provided on the last page.

The Amazing International Space Station, by the Editors of YES Magazine. Kids Can Press, 2003. ISBN 1-55337-523-8, Ages 9-12

Ever wonder what it is like to live in space? This book makes what could be a technical and complicated subject easy and interesting to learn. It covers a wide range of topics from history of the space race, how the station was built, how astronauts and cosmonauts live and work, experiments, biographies and also a glossary and acronyms. Its easy-to-read layout is packed with interesting information written so children can understand, bright large photos, comic illustrations that invite browsing to read a subject at a time, or reading the book cover to cover. Children love to learn when it’s this inviting and interesting.

Run, by Eric Walters. Penguin Books, 2003. ISBN 0-14-331218-9, Ages 9+

A unique blend of fact and fiction. A troubled teen, Winston, travels to Nova Scotia with his journalist father to cover a human interest story. After spending a day with Terry Fox, Winston is committed to the challenge that Terry Fox has undertaken, and insists that his father continue the story that subsequently ignites the nation’s interest in the one-legged runner. Walters weaves fact and fiction into a compelling story about a troubled teen that turns his life around with the support of Terry’s friendship and at the same time enables the reader to understand Fox’s physical struggles, commitment to a cause, ethics, and friendships. Young readers will come to understand and admire Terry Fox and the role he plays in history as a true Canadian hero.

 © 2004 Canadian Toy Testing Council