In-person, outside.

An outstanding contribution to the literature about family, intergenerational friendship, remembrance, community, [and] Indigenous experience.

Robertson’s text is as spare as Flett’s artwork, leaving plenty of space for readers to feel the emotions evoked by both.

Among the best of the recent books about ocean plastic thanks to its positive approach and practical suggestions included at the end, this title would work well as a group read-aloud….A gentle, effective presentation of an environmental disaster.

Every aspect of the book’s illustrations is created from plastic except for the sand, which Fullerton imported from P.E.I….The result is visually stunning…

Stolen Words... is a very powerful tool to educate both Indigenous and non-indigenous readers about the long-lasting effects of the residential school system.

To say that Florence’s story has a happy ending is an oversimplification. Language reclamation is a process – more complex than a simple case of lost and found.

Can love overcome fear? This odd-couple tale has a sweetness that makes it more than [a] standard face-your-fears message.

[A] heartwarming story about a resilient young girl who faces a barrier to her education.

How beautiful and heart-breaking to read this lovely picture book about a young girl…who finds a way to be comfortable at school by building her own bench. The ingenuity and determination of Afghani women and girls is explored…”

Gabby is a colourful and animated picture book that... functions as a creative lesson in how to spell and attach meaning to words.

Africville, a historic black community that was located on the shores of Nova Scotia, is described from a child’s perspective in this nostalgic picture book. The [story] describes a community that was vibrant but neglected, then demolished in the 1960s. The writing is spare but emotional, and the art brings the community to life.

Based on the true experience of a young teacher suffering from PTSD whom [Collins] met at her son’s school. This wonderful show of empathy by children for the fragile Amelia provides some valuable insights to young readers. A classroom drama with a lesson in caring.

The illustrations are full of texture, colour, action, and emotion, capturing both the silliness of the story as well as the striking beauty of the creatures being described. A perfect match for the fantastical and fun tale...

In his picture-book debut, Canadian politician and musician Kinew (Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation) aims to uplift and inspire youth, especially Indigenous youth. Touching on topics of Creation, [and residential] schools, this book has a broad reach.

Kinew quashes stereotypes and provides readers with both historical and contemporary examples of diverse American and Canadian Indigenous leaders. . . . Go Show the World belongs in every school library.

Trampoline Boy can be read and used in several ways...as a straight up friendship story…used to start a discussion about being different and accepting differences…also about the pleasure of shared imagination. Highly recommended.

Spires’ bright, expressive illustrations and playful text put the reader right into Lou’s cute little black running shoes. As Lou struggles, she develops into a more authentic version of herself. And in a refreshing twist, she doesn’t manage to climb the tree: the important thing was to try.

The book’s plot is straightforward, yet effective, in conveying the importance of perspective in revealing the whole “truth”. Fan draws attention to how certain narratives or viewpoints may become predominant at the expense of others, but that these other perspectives are equally important and valuable in their own right.

In his engaging book, Hetxw'ms Gyetxw enhances plain biological facts by putting them in their cultural context; for example, the Frog Mother reflects the Gitxsan Nation’s matrilineal system. Donovan provides wonderfully sinuous illustrations that deftly capture frog movement and utilize color.

With his polite determination not to conform to other people’s gender expectations, Charlie is the heart of this delightful story.

Affirming of gender nonconformity.

A wonderful story about self-expression.

The bird and the child alone seem to share a willingness to face the truth about the threat. They make paper boats marked with the question 'Do you see the fog?' When they start to receive replies from across the planet the fog begins to lift. The allegorical message here is sturdy and age-appropriate. The first step toward solving climate change is to acknowledge the problem.

It’s as if Maclear is communicating to readers, albeit with the lightest of touches, that the first step to taking care of our crowded planet, which we humans are polluting by the second, is to notice.

The author was motivated to write this meaningful and charming story by his own incredibly accomplished sister who has Down Syndrome. He is obviously proud of her and her achievements, and his tender respect shines through this charming tale.

Harbridge has included a photo and short biography of his sister Kate, whom he describes as an excellent athlete and lover of the outdoors. It’s only here that we learn that Kate has Down syndrome, and it’s to the writer’s and the illustrator’s credit that once the book starts, we quickly forget any judgments or assumptions we might have about kids with this diagnosis.

This story of an African boy plagued by disability, poverty and prejudice, and ultimately saved by love, is unfailingly respectful… Every child can be enriched by the unsentimental, honest and enlightening text and be carried away by the beautifully realized art suffused with the burnt orange tones of the African Savannah… The turn of phrase reflected in the title is highly poignant.

Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress is a wonderfully moving and enriching picture book. Morris is a relatable character whom many readers will find both sympathetic and familiar. The message here – that it is not only okay but important to be yourself, and to support others in doing likewise – is of great significance. 

A well told, richly illustrated representation of expansive gender that isn't white. .. Shraya's warm and entertaining rhyming text tells a story about difference without relying on bullying, and shares with all kids something about the world told through the intimate lens of a child's experience of their body, mind, and spirit.

Find room on the shelves for this picture book, because feeling like you don’t belong is universal… A solid choice for discussion, and one-on-one or small group sharing.