Peek-a-Little Boo, written by Sheree Fitch and illustrated by Laura Watson. Orca Book Publishers, 2005, ISBN 1-55143-342-7. Ages 0 - 3 years.
With just a peek, their hearts are captured by this wonderful book, which celebrates the rhyme and rhythm of language. On each page, the 26 letters of the alphabet are beautifully presented and illustrated. These are accompanied by poetic verse and feature babies from multicultural backgrounds. An index provides help in pronunciation as well as the origin and meaning of each name. A wonderful way to bring the alphabet to life and make reading exciting and fun for little ones!
Je Suis Louna et je suis une artiste, written by Bertrand Gauthier, illustrated by Gérard Frischteau. Québec Amérique, ISBN 2-7644-0417-4. Ages 3 years and up
When you dream – you can imagine yourself to be anything! Through the use of wonderful prose, children are enchanted by the rhythm of the words as well as the beautiful illustrations that show both Louna the imagined artist as well as Louna the real girl. This is a wonderful tale, which inspires children to be both creative and expressive. The language captures and brings out the artistic dreamer-side of us all.
Camilla Chameleon, written by Colleen Sydor, illustrated by Pascale Constantin. Kids Can Press 2005, ISBN 1-55337-482-7. Ages 3 to 8 years.
Camilla Chameleon is a very special and delightful character. Born with extraordinary abilities, Camilla is able to disappear into thin air whenever she chooses. This special gift is useful in awkward situations, for helping out friends or just having fun. Through the use of alliteration, fun rhyming phrases and exceptional illustrations, boys and girls are quickly attracted to this book of self-discovery!
Scaredy Squirrel, written and illustrated by Melanie Watt. Kids Can Press Ltd., IBSN-13: 978-1-55337-959-1. Ages 4 to 8 years.
Even the best laid plans are sometimes tested beyond expectations! As Scaredy Squirrel will attest, this is sometimes a very good thing indeed! Fears, phobias and contented sameness can make you feel safe. However, once in a while, a little excitement will propel you to take a chance to learn something new about yourself. Through wonderfully simple illustrations and very humourous writing, children are encouraged to make every adventure in life a positive and fulfilling one!
Backyard Birds, written and illustrated by Robert Bateman. The Madison Press Limited 2005, ISBN 0-439-95784-2. Ages 5 years and up.
It may be just a flick of a tail, a flap of a wing or maybe a soft haunting call. Just look and listen carefully - you will see that your backyards are alive with beautiful birds! With each turn of the page, readers are encouraged to look, listen and wonder about this amazing species of wildlife. The gorgeous illustrations, interesting facts and short descriptions capture the interest of all, both young and old. This is a wonderful introduction to birds and makes a perfect beginner’s handbook for bird watchers!
L'arbre à chats, written by Nancy Montour, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard. Dominique et compagnie, ISBN 2-89512-487-6. Ages 7 to 10 years.
Dreams do come true! Through the use of the present tense, children are engaged and placed at the fore-front of the action in this wonderful tale about a little girl who desperately wants a pet cat. The multicultural characters are a wonderful reflection of today’s society and the short chapters make this novel a comfortable read for early chapter book readers. The story addresses many issues throughout its pages and captures each reader's attention with the wonderfully crafted drawings and pleasant wholesome themes!
Transformed - How Everyday Things Are Made, written and illustrated by Bill Slavin. Kids Can Press 2005, ISBN-13: 978-1-55337-179-3. Ages 8 to 12 years
How does a tree become a piece of furniture or sand become glass? What about jellybeans and licorice – how are they made? With each turn of the page, common everyday items are brought to life from their very basic beginnings to the final, finished product they become. Children enjoy the playful text and artwork which make this book so much more interesting and fun than any reference book they’ve ever read before!
Room 207, written Marnelle Tokio, illustrated by Linda Hendry. Tundra Books, ISBN 10: 0-88776-695-1. Ages 9 to 12 years.
A strange place indeed! The Room 207 fifth grade class has a wonderful cast of characters with totally awesome names, very interesting class pets and lots of humour totally appropriate for fifth graders. This book is composed of many short chapters, interspersed with the odd illustration, to keep young readers interested and engaged!
Will Ghündee: Le monde parallèle, written by Louis Lymburner. Éditions Michel Quintin. ISBN 2-89435-300-6. Ages 10 to 12 years.
Will finds himself prisoner in a parallel world and only his phenomenal physical strength and determination will save him – he must fight against evil forces and help to free many others who live within the walls of this different world. An excellent index is included in this very challenging chapter book, which helps readers keep track of all the various creatures within the story. The wonderful language is both descriptive and active, ensuring that we are captured into the heart of the novel and encourages the reader to continue on to the very end where all is revealed!
Last Chance, written by Norah McClintock. Scholastic Canada Ltd., ISBN 0-439-95229-8. Ages 11 to 14 years.
Life is never static. People, places, and opinions are constantly changing. Robyn, the main character, finds that her summer is not going as planned. As life presents its many twists and turns, Robyn is encouraged to re-evaluate her preconceived ideas and views. She bravely faces thrilling adventures, eager to uncover and understand these unknown challenges, especially when Nick D’Angelo is involved. This young reader’s novel is a definite page turner from beginning to end!