CANADIAN TOY TESTING COUNCIL TOP 10 GREAT BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 2009
Ages 2-5
Eats Written by Marthe Jocelyn and illustrated by Tom Slaughter. Tundra Books, 2007. ISBN 978-0-88776-820-0. Ages 2-5.
Simple graphics and text provide very young readers with a taste of what different animals eat. The vibrant and colourful paper-cut artwork effectively displays the concepts of the animals and their relationships to what they eat in this easy-to-read introduction to the food chain.
Ages 3-7
Les 13 fantômes de l'Halloween Written by Robin Muller and illustrated by Patricia Storms. Translated by Claude Cossette. Éditions Scholastic, 2007. ISBN 978-0-439-93570-8. Ages 3-7.
When ten kids, two dogs and a cat visit a haunted house, they encounter strange things at the first, second, third (to 13) strokes of midnight. Some children run away, but others stay to see what will be revealed. The illustrations of the kids and creatures (bats, witches, pumpkins, mummies, etc.) are amusing, and map out the text well, dropping hints about what will happen next. The book presents an entertaining mix of reading and counting.
Ages 4-7
The House That Max Built Written and illustrated by Maxwell Newhouse. Tundra Books, 2008. ISBN 978-0-88776-774-6. Ages 4-7.
This fully illustrated book provides young readers with step-by-step descriptions of how a house is built, from the ground up. The story is told through the author's artwork, rather than photographs, and this provides a warm tone. Simple explanations explain what architects, equipment operators, plumbers, roofers, etc. do when they work on a house. A short glossary of terms is also provided at the end of the book. This book will engage children with an interest on how things are made.
Ages 5+
Looking for Loons Written by Jennifer Lloyd and illustrated by Kirsti Anne Wakelin. Simply Read Books, 2007. ISBN 978-1-894965-54-5. Ages 5+.
This book presents a lovely illustrated account of a little boy at a cottage who waits patiently in the morning to see loons. The book is filled with pictures of other animals as well as the sounds associated with leisurely cottage life. The rhythm of the book as well as the pretty pictures will draw in and engage young readers.
Ages 6+
Sabita et les mots magiques mêlés Written by Tara Natter and illustrated by Darryl Gillingham. Liriton, 2008. ISBN 978-2-9810330-0-0. Ages 6+.
When sorcerer Sabita's spell book falls in a cauldron filled with potion, the words unexpectedly change to correct spellings (for example, "châtO" becomes "châtEAU"). However, Sabita can no longer read his spell book, so strange and humorous things start to happen. Kids enjoy reading along with Sabita to learn the proper spellings and help him save everything and everyone in his castle. CD included.
Ages 7-10
La Fabuleuse Entraîneuse Written by Dominique Demers. Québec Amérique Jeunesse, 2007. ISBN 978-2-7644-0559-8. Ages 7-10.
A soccer team is abandoned by its coach and must face a rival team in a month's time, so the unorthodox Mrs. Charlotte steps in. However, this new coach chooses to draw out the talents of each of the players -- although on the surface, these talents seem to have little to do with sports. This enjoyable book encourages self-confidence, underlines the importance of feeling special and promotes having fun and doing things "from the heart."
Ages 8+
Science on the Loose Written by Helaine Becker and illustrated by Claudia Dávila. Maple Tree Press, 2008. ISBN 978-1-897349-19-9. Ages 8+.
This book invites readers to let loose their "inner scientist" by posing curious questions and offering hands-on science activities. From "spaced-out science" to "food for thought" to investigating the "animal planet," this lively, illustrated book gets kids engaged with the world around them… and inside them, too.
Ages 8-10
The Adventures of Daniel Boom aka Loud Boy Written by D. J. Steinberg and illustrated by Brian Smith. Grosset & Dunlap, 2008. ISBN 978-0-448-44698-1. Ages 8-10.
This humorous tale of a very loud boy, which is told in a graphic novel format with brightly coloured illustrations, is sure to engage readers. Daniel's super-loud voice may not be popular at school but it comes in handy to foil the dastardly schemes of Old Fogey and Kid-Rid Industries. Outside voices welcome when reading this book.
Ages 9-10
Blazer Drive Written by Sigmund Brouwer. Orca Book Publishers, 2007. ISBN 978-1-55143-717-0. Ages 9-10.
Trying to get boys to read? Treat them to this story of young hockey player Josh Ellroy, left winger for the Kamloops Blazers, who must solve the mystery of dead cattle found on the family ranch. Told from Josh's point of view, the reader becomes involved in the excitement of playing hockey, making new friends and ultimately confronting those who are revealed to be responsible for harming the animals.
Ages 9+
Alien Invaders: Species That Threaten Our World Written by Jane Drake and Ann Love, and illustrated by Mark Thurman. Tundra Books, 2008. ISBN 978-0-88776-798-2. Ages 9+.
This 56-page book provides a fascinating introduction to "real-life" aliens and how they affect our natural world. From animal invaders such as European starlings let loose in New York Central Park and wild cats that were once pets to plant invaders such as purple loosestrife to biological invaders such as avian influenza, many invasive species are discussed in clearly written text accompanied by colourful illustrations. The book also offers helpful "lessons learned" to young readers on how such threats can be tackled and avoided in future.
