ADULTS BAB IES TODDLERS PRESCHOOLERS K IDS TEENS

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ADULTS | WE RECOMMEND

People.................................................................4

Place....................................................................6

Plot.......................................................................8

Prose...................................................................10

BABIES.................................................................................12

TODDLERS..........................................................................16

PRESCHOOLERS...............................................................20

KIDS

Grade 1................................................................34

Grade 2................................................................36

Grade 3................................................................38

Grade 4................................................................40

Grade 5................................................................42

Grade 6................................................................44

TEENS...................................................................................46

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The Best Kind of Peopleby Zoe WhittallFiction. 2017.George Woodbury, an affable teacher and beloved husband and father, is arrested for sexual impropriety at a prestigious prep school. His wife teeters between denial and rage as the community turns on her. Author Whittall explores loyalty, truth, and happiness through the lens of a family nearing collapse.

The Lost Diaries of Susanna

Moodieby Cecily Ross Fiction. 2017.A fictional journey into the heart and mind of one of Canada’s most famous frontier women — a trek that illuminates not only Moodie’s many tragedies, but also her triumphs.

Juliet’s Answer: One Man’s

Search for Love and the Elusive

Cure for Heartbreakby Glenn Dixon Nonfiction. 2017.A fresh, heartwarming story about a man who travels to Verona, where he answers letters addressed to Shakespeare’s Juliet, all in an attempt to understand heartbreak, and to heal and find love again. This memoir, from a local author, is engaging and encouraging.

Everything You Knowby Zoë HellerFiction. 1999.Willy Muller is an embittered writer of celebrity bios. He has survived imprisonment for murdering his wife, years of venomous hate mail, and, most recently, the suicide of his daughter. While recuperating from a heart attack, Will finds himself in a troubling confrontation with his past that he can’t escape.

Mrs. Fletcher by Tom PerrottaFiction. 2017. Sharp, witty, and provocative, Mrs. Fletcher is a timeless examination of sexuality, identity, parenthood, and the big clarifying mistakes people can make when they’re no longer sure of who they are or where they belong.

If you love books that focus on character...

We recommend people to meet

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Guyby Jowita Bydlowska Fiction. 2016.With clear prose, Bydlowska places readers inside a terrible man’s head to terrific effect. Guy, a successful talent agent, doesn’t care about the damage he does to others, so long as he gets what he wants. Bride, an enigmatic woman, presents Guy with an emotional battle, which he just might lose.

Swimming Lessonsby Claire Fuller Fiction. 2017.Ingrid Coleman writes letters to her husband about the truth of their marriage, and hides them within her husband’s book collection. After writing her final letter, Ingrid disappears. Years later, her adult daughter comes home and starts asking her father questions, without realizing the answers she’s seeking are hidden nearby.

Ginny Moonby Benjamin LudwigFiction. 2017.The touching, funny, and sometimes heartbreaking tale is about an adopted, autistic teenager, Ginny, and her quest to find her abusive birth mother to retrieve a prized possession. This unforgettable book portrays Ginny’s world with depth and authenticity.

“One day I decided that I was

beautiful…It doesn’t have anything

to do with how the world

perceives you. What matters is

what you see. Your body is your

temple, it’s your home, and you

must decorate it.”

~ Gabourey Sidibe,

This Is Just My Face:

Try Not to Stare

This Is Just My Face: Try Not to

Stareby Gabourey SidibeNonfiction. 2017.This raucous memoir from actress Sidibe, best known for her starring role as Precious, makes you want to be her friend. Hilarious, personal, and at times educational, Gabourey (rhymes with cabaret) tells it like it is.

It’s Okay to Laugh (Crying Is

Cool Too) by Nora McInerny PurmortNonfiction. 2016.In this mostly (surprisingly) funny and sometimes tragic book, McInerny Purmort talks about the realities of her husband’s and father’s illnesses and deaths, and her life before, during, and after. Written in a shockingly uplifting and real way.

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If you love books that focus on setting...

We recommend places to visit

Arbitrary Stupid Goalby Tamara ShopsinNonfiction. 2017.An offbeat memoir set in a Manhattan that doesn’t exist anymore, 1970s Greenwich Village, where Shopsin grew up above her family’s storied grocery store turned diner. Candid recollections don’t shy away from the city’s lows and admirably portrays a neighbourhood’s spirit, life, and community.

“There was a time, not long

ago when flowers grew all year.

When days were long and nights

star-strewn. And men lived free

from fear.”

~ Katherine Arden,

The Bear and the

Nightingale

The Book of Dust, Volume 1: La

Belle Sauvage by Philip PullmanFiction. 2017.It’s the return of Lyra Silvertongue at last! Forget all about Harry Potter and get with the real heroes of fantastic literature, in what some critics are calling “the great fantasy masterpiece of the 21st century.”

A World We Have Lost:

Saskatchewan before 1905by Bill WaiserNonfiction. 2016.This history of Saskatchewan tells the story not just of that province but of all of us in the West. From the prehistoric, to the Indigenous peoples, to the coming of the Hudson’s Bay Company, the events that shaped Saskatchewan shaped all of us.

Exit Westby Mohsin HamidFiction. 2017.Hamid highlights the stark reality of the refugee experience in this powerful, haunting, and timely novel. This astonishing love story imagines the forces that drive ordinary people from their homes into the uncertain embrace of new lands.

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Bear Townby Fredrik BackmanFiction. 2017.A failing small town struggles to survive, and its only hope is the young hockey team on the verge of a national championship. When a tragic crime is unearthed, even the oldest friendships are tested.

Ghachar Ghocharby Vivek ShanbhagFiction. 2017.This slight book, crisply plotted and riveting, has been heralded as the finest Indian novel in a decade. It elegantly captures the turmoil of a family thrown into a situation of unexpected wealth in contemporary Bangalore.

The Bear and the Nightingaleby Katherine ArdenFiction. 2017.Russian folklore brought to life! A witch girl born to the frozen Northern forests honours the old gods, but when her new stepmother and an Orthodox priest arrive from Moscow and forbid the practice everything starts to unravel, and the witch girl is blamed.

The Queen of Bloodby Sarah Beth DurstFiction. 2016.Daleina studies hard and is chosen to train as a potential heir to the Queen. Malevolent spirits want to rid her world of all humans. Only the Queen and heirs keep people safe. Will the spirits overpower the heirs when the Queen dies?

The Orphan’s Taleby Pam JenoffFiction. 2017.This powerful novel, set in the world of a traveling circus during the Second World War, introduces two extraordinary women and their harrowing stories of sacrifice and survival. Inspired by real people and events.

Borne by Jeff VanderMeerFiction. 2017.Nobody handles the grotesque, sticky details of a doomed future quite like the author who brought us the Southern Reach trilogy. This MaddAddam-esque novel comes equipped with a building-sized flying bear.

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If you love books that focus on plot...

We recommend page turners

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The Chemistby Stephenie MeyerFiction. 2016.On the run from her secret government department, the woman code-named “The Chemist” must outsmart and outrun the best government agents to stay alive. When given one chance to get out for good, she finds herself fighting to end it once and for all.

If We Were Villainsby M.L. RioFiction. 2017.An intriguing debut novel of love, friendship, and obsession. This gripping ode to the stage will keep the pages turning as you devour every breathtaking sentence.

Glass Housesby Louise Penny Fiction. 2017. In her latest gripping Chief Inspector Gamache novel, bestselling author Louise Penny shatters the conventions of the crime novel to explore what Gandhi called the court of conscience — a court that supersedes all others.

The Collapsing Empireby John ScalziFiction. 2017.An empire that uses wormholes to travel the galaxy is thrown into chaos as the holes begin to collapse. Complicating matters is the Emperox who was never supposed to ascend to the throne, and the scheming rival political families.

Ill Willby Dan ChaonFiction. 2017. From one of today’s most renowned practitioners of literary suspense, Ill Will is an intimate thriller about the failures of memory and the perils of self-deception.

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Little Heavenby Nick Cutter Fiction. 2017.When Micah Shughrue wakes up to find his daughter missing, he’s terrified a darkness from his past has claimed her. He enlists his former colleagues to go back to the place that nearly broke them 15 years before: Little Heaven, a religious compound in the wilds of New Mexico.

Emma in the Nightby Wendy WalkerFiction. 2017.Two sisters disappear in the night in this twisted and twisty tale, which critics say establishes a new standard for the smart psychological thriller.

The Radium Girls: The Dark

Story of America’s Shining

Womenby Kate MooreNonfiction. 2017.A gripping and heartbreaking account of the early 20th century American factory women who used radium to paint watch dials, and their subsequent legal battle against the employer who wittingly poisoned them.

The Only Childby Andrew Pyper Fiction. 2017.Lily was only six years old when her mother was violently killed in what investigators assumed was a bear attack. That mystery is reawakened when Lily, a forensic psychiatrist, is assigned a new patient who says he has no name — and claims to know the truth about her mother’s death.

Fever by Deon MeyerFiction. 2017.A new virus strain has wiped out most of the earth’s population. Nico Storm and his father, Willem, form a community from a group of survivors. Tense, intriguing, and surprising, this thriller is a solid choice for readers who enjoy well-researched and detailed survival stories.

“Lily knows better than most how

unlikely it is that this is real…she

was only six when it happened.

The age when certain things get

stuck in the net of real memory,

and other things turned into

convincing bits of dream.”

~ Andrew Pyper,

The Only Child

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If you love books that focus on prose...

We recommend sentences to savour

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The Answersby Catherine LaceyFiction. 2017. Deep in debt, Mary Parsons signs up to be part of the “Girlfriend Experiment,” the brainchild of a wealthy and famous actor — a supposedly scientific inquiry designed to uncover and perfect the mechanisms of romantic love. A strange, unsettling, and whip-smart read.

Marlenaby Julie BuntinFiction. 2017. The story of two teenage girls and the year that will cost one her life and define the other’s life for decades. A riveting and assured first novel, Ferrante-esque in its study of young women and friendship.

Lincoln in the Bardoby George SaundersFiction. 2017.Literary master Saunders spins an unforgettable story of familial love and loss that breaks free of its realistic, historical framework into a thrilling, supernatural realm. Both hilarious and terrifying.

The Breakby Katherena Vermette Fiction. 2016.The Break showcases Métis writer Vermette’s abundant literary talent and positions her as an exciting new voice in Canadian literature. This visionary debut novel set in Winnipeg’s North End opens with a violent crime that becomes the backdrop for a story of depth and compassion.

Norse Mythologyby Neil GaimanNonfiction. 2017.A dazzling new version of the great Norse myths. Through Gaiman’s deft and witty prose, gods emerge with their fiercely competitive natures, their susceptibility to being duped and to duping others, and their tendency to let passion ignite their actions. Addictive reading.

prose

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Dusk or Dawn or Dark or Dayby Seanan McGuireFiction. 2017.McGuire’s novella stands above other fantasy with beautiful prose and a lovely world. Jenna blames herself for her sister’s death, and her own untimely one. She spends her time working off her life debt, but when something comes for the ghosts of New York, she might be their only hope.

The Dark and Other Love

Storiesby Deborah WillisFiction. 2017.These 13 masterful and engaging stories from Calgary author Willis explore the different facets of love and friendship and the connections humans make in a quest to lead meaningful lives. Nominated for the 2017 Scotiabank Giller Prize longlist.

Too Much and Not the Moodby Durga Chew-Bose Nonfiction. 2017.In this insightful collection of essays exploring identity politics and culture, Chew-Bose explores the complications of growing up and establishing oneself, and what it means to be a brown girl in a white world and first-generation Canadian.

Sour Heartby Jenny ZhangFiction. 2017. In Zhang’s darkly funny and subversive debut collection, interconnected stories are narrated by the daughters of Chinese immigrants, who are struggling to come to terms with who they are, their families, and growing up in poverty.

The Idiotby Elif Batuman Fiction, 2017.The year is 1995, and email is new. Selin, the daughter of Turkish immigrants, arrives for her freshman year at Harvard. With superlative emotional and intellectual sensitivity, mordant wit, and pitch-perfect style, Batuman dramatizes the uncertainty of life on the cusp of adulthood.

“But even in sleep, her ghosts all

hunt her down, wanting her to

look at them, remember them.”

~ Katherena Vermette,

The Break

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The Babies and Doggies Bookby John SchindelBoard Book. 2015.Babies and dogs are more alike than we may think. This book is great for families with dogs and for introducing baby to their new best friend.

Claire Winteringham’s Alphabet Parade by Claire WinteringhamBoard Book. 2017.Build your child’s vocabulary and giggle together at the animal antics, such as the cat riding on a crocodile’s back, in this book with beautiful and entertaining paintings of animals on parade.

Dinosaur Dance!by Sandra BoyntonBoard Book. 2016.By the bestselling author Sandra Boynton, these dinosaurs are ready to dance the night away. Fun rhymes and colourful illustrations abound.

Feminist Babyby Loryn BrantzBoard Book. 2017.This spirited baby loves both pink and blue, cars and dolls. Eye-catching illustrations and bold font makes this a fun book for both parents and babies to read.

Follow the Yarn: A Book of Colorsby Emily SperBoard Book. 2017.A black cat investigates a red ball of yarn, and with every page another colour unravels. The contrast among the white background, the cat, the lines of colourful yarn, and the bold names of each color make this a great book to share with babies.

Baby Animals Take a Bath by Marsha Diane Arnold Board Book. 2017.This book is filled with playful paintings of animals taking their baths in the wild. A baby hippo wallows in the mud, and a zebra rolls in the dust. What kind of bath will baby have?

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Good Night Albertaby Adam GambleBoard Book. 2017.Introduce baby to some of the many wonders of Alberta, illustrated in this attractive board book. Perfect for a bedtime reading.

Global Baby Girls by The Global Fund For ChildrenBoard Book. 2013.Alluring close-up photos of baby girls from around the world are guaranteed to capture your baby’s attention. The text delivers a simple, inspiring message, reminding us all that girls can change the world.

Hello, Baby Animals by Julissa MoraBoard Book. 2016.A high-contrast black and white book, with playful text and animal illustrations. This is a great pick for a baby’s first book.

Hello Humpback! by Roy Henry Vickers Board Book. 2017.First Nations artist, Roy Henry Vickers, creates a sensory delight with embossed animals on Canadian landscape backdrops. A book for baby’s first exploration of the animals, fish, and sights of Canada’s diverse natural world.

Hurry Up! Dépêche-toi! ¡Apúrate!by Anne-Sophia TillyBoard Book. 2017.African animals hurry through the pages, and end gathered together to hear a story. With high-contrast black and white illustrations and simple labels in three languages, this book will appeal visually to young babies, while teaching toddlers a wide array of new words.

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Let your baby handle books. Your baby needs to understand how a book works, that it has front and back covers, and that there are words written inside that tell a story.

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Jane Foster’s Animal Soundsby Jane FosterBoard Book. 2017. Guess the names of animals using the pictures and descriptions of sounds that they make. The vibrantly coloured illustrations and interesting patterns are perfect for keeping your baby’s attention.

Mama Loves You So by Terry PierceBoard Book. 2017.Eagles on mountain tops, deer in the forest, and rabbits in the field are illustrated lovingly tending to their young just as a human mother tends to her baby. Soothing, rhythmic text perfect for setting the mood for sleepy time.

Nap Timeby Susan Hughes Board Book. 2017.Colour photographs show wild animals yawning, snuggling, cuddling, dozing, and snoozing, until the last page, which depicts a child fast asleep. A great choice to develop baby’s vocabulary — and to share before nap or bedtime.

Nighty-Nightby Leslie PatricelliBoard Book. 2017. How does dinner end? With a spaghetti bowl hat, of course! Giggles abound as baby gets ready for bed with diaper-less dancing, and brushing baby’s single tooth before (another) bedtime story. A fun and fresh look at a family’s evening routine.

Look What I Can Do!by Katrine CrowBoard Book 2017.Close-up colour photographs of babies doing what babies do best — sitting, laughing, smiling, crying, sleeping — will fascinate young babies, all the while helping parents and caregivers name and talk about feeling, a crucial part of early child development.

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Even though babies will not actually understand numbers writen as words, rhymes with numbers prepare them for the idea of numbers and counting.

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We Sang You Home by Richard Van Camp Board Book. 2016. This lyrical expression of love and gratitude from caregivers to their child also reflects a connection to the land, plants, and creatures that share the family’s home environment. A perfect bedtime book for babies, toddlers, and a heartwarming choice for new parents.

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Welcome Home, Baby! by Abigail TabbyBoard Book. 2017.First-time parents welcome home their new baby and share their vision of the life that lies ahead. They will celebrate the milestones of childhood, and share many magic moments. The lyrical text makes this an enjoyable book for snuggle time.

Welcome: A Mo Willems Guide for New Arrivalsby Mo WillemsBoard Book. 2017.This funny and heartwarming book is perfect for welcoming new arrivals to the family. A great introduction for babies and parents alike.

Tickle My Ears by Jörg MühleBoard Book. 2016. A book that lets your child help Little Rabbit get ready for bed. Clap and he puts on his pajamas! Now help fluff his pillow. This book is an imaginative way to make bedtime fun for your own little rabbit.

What Do You Wear? by Taro GomiBoard Book. 2017.A zebra wears striped pyjamas, and a snake fits snugly in his stocking. What do you wear? A book that will get your child excited about getting dressed.

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Babies can see shapes and light/dark patterns long before they know what they are called. Point out shapes on the page and in the world around. Awareness of shapes builds a foundation for letter recognition and math concepts needed later in school.

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Animals: Hide and Sneakby Bastien ContraireBoard Book. 2017.This nearly wordless board book will provide hours of fun as child and parent pore over the simple illustrations to find the odd object out — from the flower among the butterflies to the wolf among the sheep. There is lots to talk about here.

Cat Napby Toni YulyBoard Book. 2017.Opposites and hide-and-seek make this a fun story for naptime — or anytime.

Gotta Go, Buffalo!by Haily MeyersBoard Book. 2017.“Ciao now, brown cow.” Giggle together and discover playful ways to say goodbye with this sturdy lift-the-flap book.

A Hop Is Upby Kristy DempseyPicture Book. 2016. Big, bold illustrations reveal different types of motion as a boy takes his pup for a walk in the city. Marching bands, ballerinas, and even a family of ducks provide a soundtrack of different fun rhythms.

C is for Canada: A Canuck ABC Primerby Trish MadsonBoard Book. 2017.Colourful illustrations by David Miles are a wonderful way to introduce toddlers to uniquely Canadian vocabulary — from Arctic char to Zamboni.

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Point out print in your child’s world; on signs, labels, and packages. Seeing everyday objects and pointing out their connections to print is one of the ways to build your child’s reading skills.

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King Babyby Kate BeatonPicture Book. 2017This book hilariously details the arrival of a newest family member — King Baby. A perfect choice for parents who wish to share laughs with their own tyrant, or explain that there may by a new king or queen in town soon.

Loveby Emma DoddPicture Book. 2016. Follow a young rabbit as the animal explores the world alongside a loving parent. This lyrical book describing the bond between a parent and child is perfect for cuddling up and reading together.

Love Is A Truck by Amy Novesky Board Book. 2017.An endearing toddler dressed in plaid dungarees plays with his shiny new truck. Retro-style illustrations of father, child, and toy trucks will delight toddlers who love things that go.

Monster & Sonby David LaRochellePicture Book. 2016.A funny and sweet book, perfect for parents to share with their toddlers. Find out what makes a yeti, a werewolf, and a giant lizard different, and similar, to humans!

Little Oink by Amy Krouse RosenthalBoard Book. 2017.Little Oink loves his family, but he doesn’t like mess-up time. Bring fun and laughter to tidy up time with the tale of reverse pig etiquette.

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Let your child lift the flaps on flap books and teach her simple finger rhymes, such as “itsy bitsy spider”. These activities will help your child develop the fine motor skills she will need later when she starts to write words herself.

ODDLERST

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Peek-a-booby Ruth MusgraveBoard Book. 2016.Introduce your young child to facts about baby animals in a fun and interactive way. Toddlers will love touching noses, tickling tummies, and counting babies as they peek out of their homes. This book is part of the National Geographic Kids Look & Learn series.

Rescue Squad No. 9by Mike AustinBoard Book. 2017.A girl and her dog are caught in a storm at sea, and Rescue Squad No. 9 must save them! A book with lots of excitement and action, Rescue Squad No. 9 will particularly appeal to toddlers obsessed with things that go.

Say Zoop!by Hervé TulletPicture Book. 2017.From the author of Press Here comes another magically fun picture book. Toddlers will love to let their imaginations go wild with this fun and colourful book.

Truck, Truck, Goose! by Tammi SauerPicture Book. 2017.Wearing his yellow polka dot bow-tie, red large rimmed glasses, and pulling wagons laden with fishing rods, treats, and a piano, Goose is all packed for his picnic! First, he has to cross the street full of the town’s truck traffic. Bright, playful illustrations will delight toddlers and adults alike.

Push! Dig! Scoop!by Rhonda Gowler GreenePicture Book. 2016.In an alternate rendition of the song Over in the Meadow, mother and baby bulldozers work with all the other machinery to build a playground. Count, sing, and play along with the vocabulary-rich text.

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The language of nursery rhymes and books is different from the language of conversation. Rhymes and books often have one or two unusual words, ones that children don’t hear in regular conversation. Having a large vocabulary helps children understand what they hear and what they will later read.

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Warthog: A Counting Adventureby Birdie BlackPicture Book. 2017.Follow warthog on his adventures through the savannah. Count and play along with the mischievous creature in this enjoyable lift-the-flap counting book.

Wetby Carey Sookocheff Picture Book. 2017.A delightful child’s account of all the ways there are to get wet. Quiet artwork with lots of white space lends the book a meditative feel. Read with your toddler at quiet time for great discussion about the everyday experience of being wet.

Where is Frog?by Max VelthuijsBoard Book. 2017.Help Rabbit find Frog in this creative lift-the-flap book. Play and read together to discover Frog’s hiding place and identify who is making the different animal noises.

You Are Threeby Sara O’LearyPicture Book. 2017.Celebrate the many accomplishments of your three-year-old with simple text that highlights your child’s growing accomplishments and independence, while subtly reminding parents of the importance of letting your child go so they can grow.

The Very Berry Counting Book by Jerry PallottaBoard Book. 2017.Learn to count from one to ten with this deceptively simple book, which also explores colours (the text on each page matches the colour of a berry) and wonderfully descriptive words (from sweet to tart, strawberry to elderberries).

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Easy finger rhymes help develop the small muscles in your child’s hands and fingers. It’s important to build these small muscles to later support handwriting.

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i Sharing books is a wonderful way to encourage your preschooler to talk. Ask questions about the pictures, the characters, and what might happen next.

The African Orchestraby Wendy HartmannPicture Book. 2017.The sounds of the savannah come to life through Joan Rankin’s magical illustrations and Wendy Hartman’s beating rhyme. Lyrical text for an African armchair adventure that will live on in your hearts for a long time.

Antoinette by Kelly DiPucchioPicture Book. 2017. Everyone is good at something, but what is sweet poodle pup Antoinette good at? With narration that draws the reader in and illustrations that reflect the charm of Paris, this story of hidden talent is bound to enchant.

The Bad Mood and the Stickby Lemony SnicketPicture Book. 2017.Author Lemony Snicket takes on bad moods in his latest picture book. The Bad Mood cloud drops a stick and no one know what happens when someone else finds it. Lots of silly language and beautiful

illustrations to entertain preschoolers while learning about bad moods.

Before I Wakeby Britta TeckentrupPicture book. 2016. Falling asleep, a little girl sets off on a dreamy adventure with her imaginary lion friend. A beautiful bedtime book to conjure magical dreams.

Along the Riverby Vanina StarkoffPicture Book. 2017.Vibrant folk art illustrations bring to life a floating city on a Brazilian river. Open this book together to discover a different and exciting corner of the world.

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Big Hidby Roisin SwalesPicture Book. 2017.An adorable duo hang out together until one day Big, a turtle-like creature, hides, leaving Little to figure out how to get Big to come out of his shell. A beautifully illustrated book with a warm tale of friendship.

The Bossier Babyby Marla FrazeePicture Book. 2016.Boss Baby’s world is taken over by a new arrival — Bossier Baby. However, sibling rivalry doesn’t rule the day; Boss Baby discovers the new sibling is fun to have around, most of the time! A humorous and empathetic book for a child struggling with a new sibling.

Buddy and Earl Go to Schoolby Maureen Fergus Picture Book. 2017.Buddy the dog and Earl the hedgehog get ready for school. When their young teacher, Meredith, is called away (to deal with her breakfast dishes), Earl leads the bedroom classroom, setting lessons Buddy excels at. The gentle humour will appeal to both adults and children.

Can I Tell You a Secret?by Anna KangPicture Book. 2017. This story teaches a valuable lesson about the importance of sharing your fears with friends and family, in a humorous and fun way.

The Blue Hourby Isabelle SimlerPicture Book. 2017.In the time between sunset and nightfall is the blue hour. Explore the world through exquisite illustrations during this mystical time of the evening.

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Your child can’t wait to show you how she “reads!” Take turns “reading” a book together. Choose a story that you’ve read before and your child knows well. First, you read a page, then ask your child to describe what’s happening on the next page. Alternate back and forth.

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The Catawampus Catby Jason Carter EatonPicture Book. 2017.An off-kilter cat arrives in town, and as people imitate his posture they see life differently. “Everyone was happy and slanty and catawampus.” But after an event honouring him, the cat straightens out and walks out of town, “once again uniquely catawampus.”

Counting With Barefoot Crittersby Teagan White Picture Book. 2016. Adventure grows as more friends join in on the fun! Children will pore over the detailed illustrations filled with adorable critters engaging in playful and imaginative outdoor activities.

Cowboy Carby Jeanie Franz RansomPicture Book. 2017.Experience the adventures of Little Car as he follows his childhood dream of becoming a cowboy. Kids who love things that go will enjoy this tale about a determined young city car succeeding in the Wild West.

Creepy Pair of Underwear!by Aaron ReynoldsPicture Book. 2017.From the team that created Creepy Carrots comes another funny picture book for kids who like to be (a little) spooked. Even though Jasper Rabbit isn’t a little bunny any more, when his underwear starts to glow green, he definitely thinks it’s a bit creepy.

Dad and the Dinosaurby Gennifer CholdenkoPicture Book. 2017.Nicholas wants to be brave like his dad, and has a toy dinosaur that makes him fearless. What happens when his dinosaur disappears, and he must tell his father? The book incorporates life skills with the magic of imagination.

Claymatesby Dev PettyPicture Book. 2017.A photographic adventure of two lumps of clay who become best mates as they reinvent themselves in a game of one-upmanship. This fun, playful book will whet your child’s creative appetite.

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Du Iz Tak? by Carson EllisPicture Book. 2016.With playful invented language, a story of growth and renewal in the micro world of insects unravels. Exquisitely detailed imagery and an original storyline create a multi-solution puzzle-like book to share with active young minds.

Firefighter Duckies! by Frank W. DormerPicture Book. 2017.Wearing giant red hats and saving others from hilarious predicaments, brave and strong firefighter duckies rescue whales from trees and hairy monsters who cannot see. Laugh-out-loud antics that preschoolers will want to read again and again.

The Fox Wish by Kimiko AmanPicture Book. 2017.Little Roxie accidentally leaves her skipping rope at the playground. She returns with her young brother to retrieve it and hears laughter and the swish of a rope. Investigating with her brother, they discover fox cubs skipping joyfully with the rope. A whimsical tale to delight preschoolers.

The Giant Jumperee by Julia DonaldsonPicture Book. 2017.Rabbit is coming home when he hears a loud voice coming from his burrow. His friends try to help, but all are frightened by the intruder. It takes Mama Frog to remove the Giant Jumperee. Helen Oxenbury’s lovely illustrations ensure giggles, not fear, will ensue.

Good Morning, Grumple by Victoria Allenby Picture Book. 2017.A patient mother coaxes her little one out of bed, first with a song, followed by a tickle, then a kiss, hug, and a swing. A great choice for parents of perennial sleepy-heads.

A Family Is A Family Is A Family by Sara O’Leary Picture Book. 2016. A child living in foster care is reluctant to talk about her family with peers until she realizes that families are special in all kinds of ways. A contemporary portrayal of families that reflects community diversity.

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Goodnight, Numbersby Danica McKellarPicture Book. 2017.Former Wonder Years actress and current math whiz/bestselling author Danica McKellar charms both parents and children with this lovely bedtime book. Children will say goodnight to different objects around them — with different numbers.

Have You Seen My Trumpet?by Michaël EscoffierPicture Book. 2017.Spot the hidden words to find the answer to these pressing questions, like “Who is playing FrisBEE” or “Who is at the wheEEL?” A great read aloud book for beginner readers!

Hello Goodbye Dogby Maria Gianferrari Picture Book. 2017.Moose the dog loves to be with his best friend Zara, but unfortunately Moose isn’t allowed in school. After a series of daring escapes, the two best friends find a way to be together all day long.

Hooray for Birds!by Lucy CousinsPicture Book. 2017. “Can you imagine…just for one day…you’re a busy bird?” Readers will swoop, scratch, and sing along with hot pink flamingos and other feathered types that seem to fly off the book’s vibrantly coloured pages.

I Am Bearby Ben Bailey SmithPicture Book. 2016.A purple bear gets a little too mischievous for his friends, who chase him out of the park. A rhythmic and fun tale.

Harry and Walter by Kathy Stinson Picture Book. 2016. Harry and Walter are neighbours and the best of friends, even though Walter is over 90-years-old and Harry is almost five. A lovely tale of intergenerational friendship that demonstrates how playfulness is a state of mind.

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I Am (Not) Scaredby Anna KangPicture Book. 2017.The furry characters from the award-winning book You Are (Not) Small take us on another hilarious adventure as they try to screw up their courage for a rollercoaster ride.

I Wrote You A Noteby Lizi BoydPicture Book. 2017.A note winds its way from its young author to her friend. On the way, the note makes a home for a snail, shade for a mouse, and a basket for a bunny. A soothing tale that celebrates imagination and nature.

Imagineby John LennonPicture Book. 2017.When John Lennon wrote the song Imagine in 1971, he envisioned a peaceful world. The illustrations set to his lyrics are a beautiful way to allow children to let their imaginations soar. This book was published in conjunction with Amnesty International.

I’m Smart!by Kate McMullanPicture Book. 2017.Another winner from the team that created I Stink! and I’m Brave!, I’m Smart is narrated by a confident school bus whose job is to take kids to school and keep them safe. This bus rules the road!

It Takes a Villageby Hillary Rodham ClintonPicture Book. 2017.This picture book by former secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton looks at how all people can come together in their community to make it better for everyone.

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Use books with repetitive text. When the repeating line appears, point it out. Soon your child will join in and “read” with you.

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The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors by Drew DaywaltPicture Book. 2017. Three legendary warriors, each undefeated in its own realm and in search of a worthy opponent, finally meet their match as they do battle in the great cavern of two-car garage. This laugh-out-loud funny book will have everyone shouting “ROCK PAPER SCISSORS!”

Lexie, the Word Wranglerby Rebecca Van SlykePicture Book. 2017.Lexie watches over letters while they grow into words and hitches sentences together to tell a fun story. The clever wordplay and lively illustrations capture the zaniness of life on a ranch full of wild letters and words. A great book to read aloud.

Little Excavatorby Anna DewdneyPicture Book. 2017.Little Excavator longs to help the big rigs, but his small size makes it hard to keep up — until the last job of the day turns out to be one only he can do. The rhythmic, repetitive text will make this a read aloud favourite.

Lucy & Companyby Marianne Dubuc Picture Book. 2016. Gentle stories of friendship and adventure. The soft colours of the pictures contribute to the warm tone in these tales of treasure hunting, going on a picnic, and watching baby ducklings hatch.

Morris Moleby Dan YaccarinoPicture Book. 2017.The youngest in a family of miners, Morris is a little bit different from the rest. He saves the day when the family runs out of food and he digs up, instead of down, discovering an above-ground paradise. Although

small, Morris can do big things.

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When you read a book to your child, running your finger under the printed words helps him understand that it is the text you are reading, not the pictures.

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Pandora by Victoria TurnbullPicture Book. 2017. Pandora, a fox, lives in a home made from things that people have left behind. One day a special friend brings life to Pandora’s desolate world. Memorable dreamlike illustrations and a heartwarming tale create a book that will live on in a child’s imagination.

Over the Ocean by Taro Gomi Picture Book. 2016.Standing on the seashore, a little girl with jet black hair wonders what is over the ocean. Vibrant illustrations capture the wistful imaginings of the child in this charming book, ideal for sharing with a curious preschooler.

Mr. Postmouse Takes a Trip by Marianne DubucPicture Book. 2017.Cheerful Mr. Postmouse travels the globe and uses all manner of transport to deliver parcels. Children will spend time poring over the highly detailed illustrations that spark the imagination.

Nowby Antoinette PortisPicture Book. 2017. Told in the confident voice of a girl who has a strong sense of self, this book reminds us to love what we have rather than yearn for what we don’t. Beautifully simple illustrations reinforce the concept of mindfulness.

Old Hatby Emily GravettPicture Book. 2017.Herbert wears many hats in an attempt to keep up with fashion, until he gives up in frustration — and starts a new trend!

My Little Half-Moonby Douglas Todd JennerichPicture Book. 2017.A lovely story that warms the heart. A determined child goes the extra mile to cheer up the lonely half-moon.

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New Central LibraryOpeningNovember 2018

Features include: · TD Great Reading Room · a 350-seat Performance Hall · an Early Learning Centre where kids can climb, crawl, and play · Williams & Harris Shared History Centre · 30+ public meeting rooms, including the BMO Community Room · an audio recording studio, video recording studio, and post production studios

Find out more at calgarylibrary.ca.

Illustration: MIRArchitects: Snøhetta and DIALOG

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Pass It On by Sophy HennPicture Book. 2017. What can a smile do? It can make you feel happy and even brighten up someone else’s day who needs a little cheer. This book encourages children to notice all of the special things happening around them and the positive impact of sharing these experiences with others.

Play with Me!by Michelle LeePicture Book. 2017.Pip and Nico both want to play. But what can they play together? A good introduction into understanding sharing and a wonderful reminder that it takes two to make a friendship work.

Returnby Aaron BeckerPicture Book. 2016.In this wordless picture book, a young girl uses her magic red crayon to enter a world of enchantment. Her father follows her, and together they flee an evil knight who wants the magic crayon. Elaborate paintings detail a world of wonder that yields hours of discovery.

The Scariest Book Everby Bob SheaPicture Book. 2017.Children will love the latest picture book from Bob Shea. The spooky ghost shouldn’t be afraid, but there are a lot of spooky creatures in the forest by his house! Will he ever get over his fears to join the big, spooky costume party?

Shark Dog! by Ged AdamsonPicture Book. 2017.While on a trip with her famous explorer dad, a young red-headed girl becomes owner of a strange half dog, half shark creature, Sharkdog! Lively cartoon-style illustrations with a far-fetched tale create a hilarious book for all the family.

Plankton is Pushyby Jonathan FenskePicture Book. 2017.Plankton is frustrated when Mussel doesn’t greet him. In an attempt to get Mussel to acknowledge his presence, Plankton gets quite rude. Mussel does open his mouth but perhaps not to the end that Plankton had planned. This comical book is a hilarious laugh-out-loud read.

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She Persisted: 13 American Women Who Changed the Worldby Chelsea ClintonPicture Book. 2017.Beautiful artwork and a compelling message make this a wonderful picture book to share with the family and budding activists. Clinton celebrates 13 different American women who persisted despite harsh circumstances.

That Neighbor Kidby Daniel MiyaresPicture Book. 2017.In this nearly wordless book, a young girl spies her new neighbour building something using planks from the fence between their homes. Once the two meet and work together, the somber grey illustrations become infused with colors as warm as their new friendship.

This & Thatby Mem FoxPicture Book. 2017.Mother Mouse tells her little mouse a story – make that five very short, very imaginative stories – before tucking him into bed. The repetitive, rhyming text makes this collection of tales a great choice to read aloud before tucking your own preschooler into bed.

This Beautiful Dayby Richard JacksonPicture Book. 2017.Any day, no matter how stormy, can be beautiful. You just need to embrace it! Young siblings dance jubilantly inside, then move outside with umbrellas to stomp through puddles. As the sky clears, more children come out to join the fun on this beautiful day.

Sleep Tight Farmby Eugenie DoylePicture Book. 2016.On an idyllic Vermont farm, a family prepares their farm for a winter’s sleep. Lyrical text accompanies the reader through the chores and routines that ready the fields, animals, and house for the impending cold season. A perfect fireside book to be read together with a hot chocolate.

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Make books part of play time. Let your child act out a story using props, puppets or costumes. Everyday objects around the house work great too!

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This Book is Magicby Ashley EvansonPicture Book. 2017.Click your fingers and say the magic words and watch a ship disappear! Or say “hocus-pocus” and tap the lion on the nose to see him do circus tricks. Laugh together with this riotous, interactive book.

Time Out!by Ale BarbaPicture Book. 2017.This exuberant story starts on the cover, with a rambunctious pig riding his skateboard down an improvised ramp in the living room. “Time out!” roars the pig’s parent. But is time out a punishment when your imagination gives you a spaceship and the universe to explore?

Turn on the Night by Geraldo Valério Picture Book. 2017. A girl falls asleep while reading and enters a dream; she becomes a wolf that goes into the night on an adventure. This book without words will inspire young readers to construct their own stories.

The Very Fluffy Kitty, Papillonby A.N. KangPicture Book. 2017.Papillon is so fluffy he floats, so his owner tries many silly ways to keep him on the ground. A charming story with delightful illustrations.

Tidyby Emily GravettPicture Book. 2017.In an attempt to keep everything tidy, Badger gets a little overzealous. It takes lots of effort and help from his friends to put things right again.

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Characters in stories face challenges that might be familiar to your child. Reading to your child helps her think about what she would do in a similar situation. Books give children ideas for problem solving and help them feel confident in new social situations, like the first day of school.

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Wonderfallby Michael HallPicture Book. 2016.Celebrate all things fall when reading this book. It follows the journey of a single tree from the end of summer to the beginning of winter. Preschoolers will enjoy combining words to make new ones: thankful + fall = thankFALL.

Why Am I Me?by Britt PaigePicture Book. 2017.Two children take the metro at the same time with the same question floating in their minds: why am I me? A wonderful book that fosters a sense of compassion and connection.

The Water Princessby Susan VerdePicture Book. 2016. Every day Gie Gie makes the journey to gather water from a distant well. There is laughter, song, and dancing, but the trip is long and tiring. This story about joy and hope through adversity is inspired by the childhood of fashion model Georgie Badiel.

We’re All Wonders by R.J. PalacioPicture Book. 2017.Younger readers can now meet Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face and his dog, Daisy. A great way to start talking to children about empathy and kindness.

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iSharing books that talk about how characters behave in various situations can help your child think about her own behaviours and how she interacts with others.

Having your child think up his own ending to a story helps develop his imagination. You can also ask, “What if…?”

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After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Againby Dan SantatPicture Book. 2017.Award-winning author and illustrator Santat’s look at what happened after Humpty Dumpty took his tumble off that wall is a straightforward story of getting back up again, and a deeper look at anxiety and how to face one’s fears.

Barkusby Patricia MacLachlanEarly Chapter Book. 2017.Barkus bridges the gap between picture and chapter books, with a narrative ideal for emergent readers wanting to practice independently or reluctant older readers looking for a fun selection. The first book in a series, Barkus features “the smartest dog in the world,” his owner Nicky, and their zany adventures.

The Almost Impossible Thingby Basak AgaogluPicture Book. 2017.This mixed-media picture book by debut author and illustrator Basak Agaoglu imagines what could happen if you have a big dream and supportive friends. In this case, even rabbits can fly like birds.

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The Alphabet Thiefby Bill Richardson Picture Book. 2017.The linguistic chaos created by an alphabet thief who steals letters from words is a delightful way to introduce children to the important role letters play in the English language. Hilarious illustrations make the silliness come to life, as children realize how upside-down reading can be when letters go astray.

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Escargotby Dashka SlaterPicture Book. 2017.A funny read aloud and chance to master your French accent. Escargot the snail only wants two things: to be your favourite animal and to get to the delicious salad at the end of the book.

You Can Readby Helaine BeckerPicture Book. 2017.The light-hearted verse and surprising illustrations in this picture book celebrates all the places a book can take you and where you can take a book: from Tuktoyaktuk to the South of France, in your party clothes or your underpants! This fun read is guaranteed to produce lots of giggles.

XO, OX: A Love Storyby Adam RexPicture Book. 2017.Unfolding over a series of love letters, XO, OX tells of the one-sided romance between a clumsy, self-deprecating ox and a graceful, conceited gazelle. Will Ox find the love he seeks?

Triangle by Mac BarnettPicture Book. 2017.Triangle wants to play a sneaky trick on his friend Square…or so he thinks! This hilarious book of blunders is the first in a series of escapades into the world of shapes. Repetitive text, visuals cues, and a mysterious ending makes this a great choice for emergent readers.

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A Greyhound, A Groundhogby Emily JenkinsPicture Book. 2017.This book demands to be read aloud! Greyhound and Groundhog are delightful characters who work themselves into a frenzy playing. When they meet, the muted colours and spare choice of repeated consonants and vowels help readers settle in, but as the pace of their play quickens so do the tongue twisters.

How To Be An Elephantby Katherine RoyNonfiction. 2017.Roy uses comparisons in her illustrations to show readers just what makes this species so distinctive, as when the growth of an elephant from baby to adult is shown against a warthog, egret, and baboon, while they all play an elephant game.

My Canada: An Illustrated Atlas by Katherine Dearlove Nonfiction. 2017.A lively and colourful introduction to Canada from sea to sea to sea, this atlas dedicates a full spread to each province or territory and includes lakes, rivers, iconic landmarks, flora, fauna, animals, and more.

Balderdash! John Newbery and the Boisterous Birth of

Children’s Booksby Michelle MarkelNonfiction. 2017.Meet John Newbery, the man whose exuberance and passion for words led him to publish children’s books that were both fun and interesting during a period when such an idea was utterly bizarre.

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Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey by Margriet Ruurs Picture Book. 2016.Inspired by seeing the stone artwork of Syrian artist Nazir Ali Badr, Ruurs used Badr’s artwork to guide the writing of Stepping Stones, a stunning picture book about a family in the Syrian refugee crisis. This dual language book is written in English and Arabic.

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Princess Cora and the Crocodileby Laura Amy SchlitzFiction. 2017.Princess Cora is bored. She doesn’t like lessons, and she thinks it’s perfectly reasonable to write to a fairy godmother for help. What she doesn’t expect is for that fairy godmother to be a crocodile — especially a crocodile that doesn’t behave the way a fairy godmother ought to.

Unicorn in New York #3: Louie in a Spin!by Rachel HamiltonChapter Book. 2017.Louie has two left hooves and gets mistakenly entered into a state-wide dance competition! This is the third book in a popular illustrated chapter book series.

Rivers of Sunlight: How the Sun Moves Water Around

the Earthby Molly BangNonfiction. 2017.Bang presents a well-told and accessible introduction to the water cycle for children. Young readers will learn about the various forms water takes, and how important it is to life on earth.

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A Bear’s Lifeby Nicholas Read Nonfiction. 2017.Ian McAllister’s photographs provide an up-close view of the denizens of British Columbia’s Great Bear Rainforest. Readers follow along and are introduced to black, grizzly, and spirit bears as they spend a year in their wilderness home.

Me and Marvin Gardensby A. S. KingFiction. 2017.When Obe Devlin discovers an unknown animal that eats plastic — any plastic — he knows he has to protect it at all costs. But with his family’s former farmland overrun by developers, his secret may become impossible to keep.

The Sand Warriorby Mark SiegelGraphic Novel. 2017.Five ancient beacons must be lit so that the Five Worlds can be saved from extinction, but when war breaks out and no one knows whom to trust, three unlikely friends must use their amazing powers to try and save all they’ve ever known.

Dog Man: A Tale of Two Kittiesby Dav PilkeyFiction. 2017.The newest hero from the creator of Captain Underpants takes on a couple of fur balls while wrestling with his canine instincts. Packed with madcap action and Flip-O-Rama animations, this delightful mutt will engage even the most reluctant readers.

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Smart About Sharksby Owen DaveyNonfiction. 2016.Discover everything you ever wanted to know about sharks with this eye-catching book. With tongue-in-cheek headings, descriptive text, and a beautiful retro colour palette, Smart About Sharks is sure to engage even the most discerning shark fan.

A True Home by K. George Fiction. 2017.With winter on its way and wolves prowling nearby, orphaned Mona is desperate to find shelter. When she stumbles upon The Heartwood Hotel and its eccentric inhabitants she finds more than she ever hoped for, but can this mouse prove she deserves to stay?

When We Were Alone by David RobertsonPicture Book. 2016.Julie Flett’s beautiful illustrations use a colourful palette to highlight the loving moments between Cree grandmother, Nókom, and her granddaughter as they reflect on their ancestry and cultural traditions. In contrast, white and greys are used in the pages that depict Nókom’s residential school experience.

Super Turbo Saves the Dayby Kirby LeeChapter Book. 2016.Kids will recognize Turbo as the crime-fighting hamster from Lee’s Captain Awesome series, but they might be surprised to realize Turbo isn’t the only super pet in town. With easy to read language, illustrations, and comic panels on almost every page, Super Turbo will win over the most reluctant reader.

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Ada Lovelace, Poet of Science: The First

Computer Programmerby Diane StanleyNonfiction. 2016.Born to a poet father and a mathematical mother, Ada Lovelace envisioned the digital world we know today. This vivid picture book with imaginative and witty illustrations by Jessie Hartland celebrates a STEM pioneer, and the author’s notes and timeline provide context for one of history’s great minds.

Blackflies by Robert Munsch Picture Book. 2017.Based on a true story of an Indigenous family in Fort McMurray who got caught in a swarm of blackflies, this book is classic Munsch: hilarious antics and unforgettable characters. The comic book style illustrations of Algonquin graphic artist, Jay Odjick, complement Munsch’s comedic style perfectly.

The Big Bad Foxby Benjamin RennerGraphic Novel. 2017.Fox steals three chicken eggs in the hopes of hatching and eating them with his evil friend Wolf. But when the new chicks think he’s their mom, Fox gets far more than he bargained for.

A Tail of Camelotby Julie LeungFiction. 2017.The mice of Camelot have sworn to protect the humans and creatures of their kingdom but when one of their knights is murdered and the sword Excalibur returns, Calib is convinced the threat is greater than any admit, and he’s going to prove it.

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The Doll’s Eye by Marina Cohen Fiction. 2017.Moving to a new home with a new stepfamily is difficult enough, but when a strange dollhouse with realistic dolls appears suddenly in her room, Hadley begins to suspect something nefarious is at work…especially when the dolls

begin to change.

Silent Days, Silent Dreamsby Allen SayNonfiction. 2017.Say presents a biography of remarkable artist James Castle, who was deaf, mute, autistic, and likely dyslexic. Say looks at what Castle’s childhood might have been like, before Castle emerged as an artist whose work hangs in museums globally, despite never learning to speak, read, write or use sign language.

Tumble and Blueby Cassie BeasleyFiction. 2017.An ancestral curse binds Blue and his family to fates that are inescapable, unless one of them ventures into Okefenokee Swamp and makes an impossible deal with a legendary alligator. With the help of his friend Tumble, Blue is determined to be that one.

Olga and the Smelly Thing From Nowhereby Elise GravelChapter Book. 2017.In this offbeat illustrated chapter book, Gravel lets readers peer into the “observation notebook” of a girl named Olga, who adores animals but is none too keen on people. Readers will get lots of laughs at Olga’s one-liners and frequent gross-out jokes, while empathizing with what it feels like to be a little different than your friends.

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Beyond the Bright Seaby Lauren WolkFiction. 2017.Twelve-year-old Crow has always been content in her home on the Elizabeth Islands with Osh, who found her abandoned and adrift in a small boat. But after Crow sees a light across the way, she sets off on an adventure that will change her future and bring to light her past.

Girls Who Codeby Reshma SaujaniNonfiction. 2017.Inspiring over 40,000 girls since 2012, the organization Girls Who Code has taught computing skills across America. Its founder, Reshma Saujani, expands her reach in this fun book bursting with artwork, down-to-earth explanations of coding principles, and real-life stories of girls and women working at places like Pixar and NASA.

I Am Not A Number by Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy KacerPicture Book. 2016.Kacer and Dupuis recount a story from the childhood of Dupuis’ grandmother, a residential school survivor. The book’s unflinching first-person narrative is paired with Gillian Newland’s somber watercolours and so, despite being a picture book, is best suited to older elementary school students.

Canada Year by Year by Elizabeth Macleod Nonfiction. 2016.An entertaining overview of Canadian history presented through a milestone from each year in Canada’s history, starting in 1867 and ending with the 150th anniversary in 2017.

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Insignificant Events in the Life of A Cactusby Dusti BowlingFiction. 2017.Aven may have been born without arms but she’s never really felt out of place. That changes when her family moves so her dad can manage a run-down Wild West theme park and Aven must discover how adaptable she truly is.

Posted by John David AndersonFiction. 2017.Frost’s friendship with DeeDee, Wolf, and Bench is tested to its breaking point, first by the school’s banning of cellphones and the ensuing sticky-notes war, and then by the addition of new girl Rose, whose determination to join their circle could mark its end.

York: The Shadow Cipher by Laura RubyFiction. 2017.With the threat of eviction hanging over their family’s heads, three kids are determined to solve a 57-year-old puzzle buried within the fantastical and technologically advanced architecture of New York City and claim the treasure that awaits at the end.

The Night Garden by Polly HorvathFiction. 2017.Franny Whitekraft is spending the Second World War living on a farm with her parents, who take care of gardens, including the magical night garden. When her neighbour’s children are left with them because their father is up to something, the children suspect the garden may be their only hope.

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The Girl Who Drank the Moonby Kelly BarnhillFiction. 2016.When Xan “saved” the child abandoned by the townsfolk of the Protectorate and then “enmagicked” her with moonlight, she never imagined that she was setting them all on a course that would lead to one witch’s downfall, and another’s redemption.

Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poetsby Kwame AlexanderFiction. 2017.A powerhouse collaboration between Newbery Medal winner Kwame Alexander and other writers, and accompanied by Caldecott Honour winner Ekua Holmes’ stunning mixed media illustrations, Out of Wonder is an inspiring collection of verse that pays tribute to notable poets.

Real Friendsby Shannon HaleGraphic Novel. 2017.In this graphic novel, Hale recounts the trials and tribulations of her years from kindergarten to Grade 5. Readers are presented with a shy and insecure girl who meets up with bullies, who are shown to have insecurities of their own.

Mooby Sharon CreechFiction. 2016.Sharon Creech’s latest tween novel explores the surprising things that can happen when you are open to new experiences. This delightful story, a combination of poetry and prose, reveals the unlikely bond between a city girl who moves to rural Maine and a cast of animal characters, including a miserable cow.

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Sitby Deborah Ellis Fiction. 2017.Sit consists of short stories, told from the point of view of children around the world. Written in the relatable, contemporary style that makes Ellis a classroom favorite, this book sparks discussion about choice and injustice. It helps readers realize making decisions, big and small, begins with finding courage to act.

Swing It, Sunnyby Jennifer L. HolmGraphic Novel. 2017.The anticipated sequel to Holm’s Sunny Side Up, this story of an adolescent girl living in 1976 and her strange and confusing entry into middle school is fun for parents and preteens alike. Holm’s illustrations are both humorous and full of heart.

Undefeated: Jim Thorpe and the Carlisle Indian School

Football Teamby Steve SheinkinNonfiction. 2017.The true story of one of the greatest athletes in history, his brilliant coach, and their underdog school football team that surpassed all odds. Young readers will root for this famous team, as they face overwhelming obstacles both on and off the field, and refuse to accept defeat.

Speaking Our Truth by Monique Gray SmithNonfiction. 2017.A sensitive and informative examination of the historical events, movements, and laws that have shaped the experience of Indigenous people in Canada, filled with primary sources, photos, and first-person accounts of residential school survivors. Smith faces tough topics head-on, providing questions for reflection and calls to action.

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36 Questions That Changed My Mind About Youby Vicki GrantFiction. 2017.Hildy and Paul are strangers, both taking part in a psychology study at school. They are told to ask each other specific questions designed to create intimacy, and ultimately answer the big research question: is it really possible to make people fall in love?

FEATUREThe Book of Dust Volume 1: La Belle Sauvageby Philip PullmanFiction. 2017.In this long-awaited prequel to His Dark Materials, young Malcolm Polstead lives near Oxford with his parents and his daemon, Asta. Across the Thames is Godstow Priory, and Malcolm learns the nuns there have a guest — a baby named Lyra Belacqua.

The Baker Street Fourby J.B. Djian and Olivier LegrandFiction. 2017.The Baker Street Irregulars finally get their own story in this gorgeously illustrated graphic novel. With Sherlock Holmes away, three clever street kids (and one stray cat) must solve mysteries on their own, with danger at every turn.

Almost Adultingby Arden RoseNonfiction. 2017.Don’t feel ready to adult? You’re not alone. This hilarious guide will help you become a (mostly) functional grown up, covering topics like “Assembling a Somewhat Acceptable Adult Wardrobe When You Have Zero Dollars” and “Making Internet Friends Who Are Cool and Not Murderers.”

The Agony of Bun O’Keefeby Heather SmithFiction. 2017.Bun has been shut away since childhood and doesn’t know much about the world, but when her hoarder mother tells her to get out, she goes. Hitchhiking to St. John’s, she meets a group of misfits who just might be the family she always needed.

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Brave New Girlby Rachel VincentFiction. 2017.Dahlia 16 is one of 5,000 girls cloned from the same genome. They live to serve their city, but lately, Dahlia is feeling things she shouldn’t for a boy named Trigger 17. If Management discovers her flawed behaviour, her entire genome will be recalled.

FEATUREThe Callby Peadar Ó GuilínFiction. 2016.Every teenager in Ireland gets “Called” without warning, transported to a hellish landscape and hunted down by the evil Sidhe; only one in 10 makes it back. Nessa is determined to live, despite her disability, but how can she survive when even the strongest can’t?

Dear Killerby Katherine EwellFiction. 2014.Kit is an average high school student, at least to the outside world. She lives her life according to one rule: nothing is right, nothing is wrong. If that’s true, there’s no reason for Kit to feel guilty about her body count.

Die Young With Meby Rob RufusNonfiction. 2016.Rob and Nat Rufus are identical twins who both hate their small town and love punk music. Starting a band together puts them on the road to a better life. But when Rob is diagnosed with cancer, their paths diverge for the first time.

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrinaby Roberto Aguirre-SacasaFiction. 2016.Sabrina Spellman is half witch and half mortal, which means on her 16th birthday she will have to decide which world she wants to live in. To make matters worse, Madam Satan has returned from Hell to settle a score with the Spellman family.

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Dreadnoughtby April DanielsFiction. 2017.Danny is transgender, and when superhero Dreadnought dies in her arms, his powers transform her into the girl she always knew she was. Dealing with friends, family, and superpowers is overwhelming even without Utopia, the supervillain who murdered Dreadnought and plans to conquer the Earth.

FEATUREFrogkisser!by Garth NixFiction. 2017.Princess Anya has an evil stepstepfather, a useless older sister, and a Quest: to save Prince Dunholm, who is currently a frog. He’s not her true love, so it won’t be easy — especially when her Quest starts changing its shape, and possibly her Destiny, too.

Girl in Pieces by Kathleen GlasgowFiction. 2016. Charlotte’s life has fallen apart, and cutting is the only way she can cope with the pain. Confined to hospital for her own safety, she is released too soon. Can Charlie learn to take care of herself, and even thrive, when she feels so shattered?

The Girl From the Other Sideby NagabeFiction. 2016.A beast and a girl live together in the woods, in a world split between light and dark. The dark Outsiders are cursed, twisted into monstrous shapes by an evil god. But when the girl searches for her auntie, she finds something worse than monsters.

Everything Beautiful Is Not Ruinedby Danielle Younge-UllmanFiction. 2017.Ingrid agreed to go to camp in exchange for music school in London, but Peak Wilderness is not what she expected. In fact, it’s a rehabilitation camp for at-risk teens. Now Ingrid’s survival, future, and relationship with her troubled mother are all at stake.

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S The Hate U Giveby Angie ThomasFiction. 2017.Only Starr witnessed her childhood friend Khalil getting killed by a cop. Now the papers are calling Khalil a thug and a crook, and protesters are marching in his name. Only Starr knows what really happened, but speaking up could destroy her whole world.

FEATUREHe Who Dreams by Melanie FlorenceFiction. 2017.John is feeling overwhelmed when he hears drums and finds himself drawn into an Indigenous dance class. When he realizes he truly wants to be a dancer, he must find a way to tell his friends and family, and to reconcile his Cree and Irish heritage.

Holding up the Universe by Jennifer NivenFiction. 2016.Libby was once the fattest girl in America; Jack is popular, but hides the fact that he can’t recognize faces. When they are thrown together by a cruel prank, they discover that identity can be something you create, and it’s what’s inside that matters most.

Iron Castby Destiny SoriaFiction. 2016.Iron-free clubs are a refuge for Boston’s hemopaths, people with amazing powers and an aversion to steel. Corinne and Ada found safety in the Cast Iron, but when Ada is imprisoned in Haversham Asylum, it threatens the only place that’s ever felt like home.

Here We Are: Feminism for the Real Worldby Kelly JensenNonfiction. 2017.This collection of thoughtful essays explores what feminism really means in the 21st century. Contributing writers include artists, authors, dancers, and actors, each giving their perspective on diverse topics that will help you understand more about feminism and why it matters in your life.

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Jane, Unlimitedby Kristin CashoreFiction. 2017.Jane’s life was ordinary, until Aunt Magnolia died; now she drifts through life, making umbrellas that look like her dreams. When she visits the mysterious island mansion called Tu Reviens, she faces choices that will shape her future — but of course, every choice comes with a cost.

FEATURELabyrinth Lostby Zoraida CórdovaFiction. 2016.In a family of brujas, Alex is the most powerful in her generation, but hates the magic she blames for everything bad in her life. When a ritual to banish her powers goes horribly wrong, embracing that magic might be the only way to save the people she loves.

The Lines We Crossby Randa Abdel-FattahFiction. 2017.Michael grew up with his family’s anti-immigrant opinions, and never questioned them. Then he meets Mina, an intelligent, funny, beautiful girl who happens to be a Muslim refugee. She just wants to live her life, and Michael has to decide which side he’s really on.

Long Way Downby Jason ReynoldsFiction. 2017.Will is in the elevator with a gun in his waistband, on his way to get revenge for his brother’s murder. But on the long way down from his home to the ground, every floor has a story to tell and a question to ask.

Kase-san And…Morning Gloriesby Takashima HiromiFiction. 2017.This super-cute yuri series follows the blossoming relationship between shy, flower-loving Yamada and outgoing athlete Kase-san. They don’t have much in common, but can they learn to accept their differences and let their romance grow?

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S Lumberjanes: Unicorn Power!by Mariko TamakiFiction. 2017.The Lumberjanes get their first full-length novel! April is determined to earn the Extraordinary Explorers badge, and as usual, the girls find plenty of adventure along the way, from farting unicorns to surfer dude cloud people. Only the power of friendship will get them through.

FEATUREMidnight at the Electricby Jodi Lynn AndersonFiction. 2017.Kansas, 2065: Adri is going to live on Mars. Oklahoma, 1934: Catherine’s family is in dire trouble. England, 1919: Lenore is recovering from the First World War, and her brother’s death. Their lives are very different, but they share a connection reaching across time and space.

Missingby Kelley Armstrong Fiction. 2017.Winter Crane hates Reeve’s End. There’s no future here, and like most kids, she plans to leave and never come back. When she finds a boy bleeding in the forest, though, she starts to wonder: has anyone actually left, or have they just gone missing?

The Missingby Melanie Florence Fiction. 2016.Indigenous girls in Winnipeg are disappearing and no one seems to care, even when they start finding bodies. When Feather’s best friend Mia goes missing, she sets out to investigate what the police won’t, determined to find her friend and clear her brother’s name.

The Marrow Thievesby Cherie Dimaline Fiction. 2017.Climate change has devastated the world and caused such trauma that people can’t even dream, except Indigenous people like Frenchie, who carry dreams woven into their very marrow. The government wants what’s in their bones and will stop at nothing to get it.

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Piecing Me Togetherby Renée WatsonFiction. 2017.Jade lives in two worlds: her rough neighbourhood, and the private school she attends on an art scholarship. It seems like everyone she meets wants to keep her down or fix her up, but Jade can fix her own life, and tell her own story.

FEATUREOptimists Die Firstby Susin Nielsen Fiction. 2017.After a family tragedy, all Petula can see is how dangerous life is, full of accidents waiting to happen. When optimist Jacob joins her art therapy class, he helps her see things differently, but he may be hiding a dark secret of his own.

Queer, There, and Everywhereby Sarah PragerNonfiction. 2017.From Roman emperor Elagabalus to actor George Takei, history is full of LGBTQ people who changed the world. Short, lighthearted profiles introduce you to 23 of them in this irreverent and readable book, with carefully researched sources provided at the end.

Ramona Blueby Julie MurphyFiction. 2017.There’s nobody quite like Ramona in Eulogy, Mississippi. She’s six feet tall, has bright blue hair, a complicated family life, and is openly lesbian. Reconnecting with her childhood friend Freddie should have been a distraction from her overwhelming life, but it only raises more questions.

The Pearl Thiefby Elizabeth WeinFiction. 2017.Julia wakes up in the hospital, with no memory of the accident that put her there. When she discovers one of her family’s staff went missing on the same day she was injured, she begins to wonder whether it was really an accident at all.

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S The Romanticsby Leah KonenFiction. 2016.Love itself narrates the story of Gael, a hopeless Romantic navigating his parents’ divorce and a painful breakup of his own. Love knows just who Gael should spend his life with, but first she’ll have to deal with her sworn enemy: the Rebound.

FEATURE Sad Animal Factsby Brooke BarkerNonfiction. 2016.Did you know that zebras can’t sleep alone, and pigs can’t see the sky? Barker’s adorably sad illustrations accompany interesting and sometimes little-known facts about all your favourite animals. Detailed explanations are provided in the appendix for those who would like more information.

Song of the Currentby Sarah Tolcser Fiction. 2017.Caro was born to be a wherryman, and hear the river god whisper her name. When her father is arrested, Caro takes over his ship and faces pirates, politics, and the possibility that her destiny is not what she believed it to be.

Soupy Leaves Homeby Cecil CastellucciFiction. 2017.Fleeing her abusive home, Pearl disguises herself as a boy named Soupy, and ends up riding the rails with Ramshackle, a kindhearted hobo. He teaches her how to survive, read hobo signs, and dodge the bulls — and maybe even how to be herself again.

Scytheby Neal ShustermanFiction. 2016.In a world that has conquered death, the Scythes have a sacred duty to choose who lives and who must die. Citra and Rowan are apprentices who must learn the art of killing, and learn it well, because only one of them can succeed.

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Spill Zoneby Scott WesterfeldFiction. 2017.Every day, Addie ventures into the Spill Zone, a strange and terrible place full of meat puppets and unworldly creatures, to take stunning photographs for collectors. When a client offers $1-million to bring something out of the Zone, Addie agrees — with unimaginable consequences.

FEATUREStrange the Dreamerby Laini TaylorFiction. 2017.Laszlo Strange, orphan and librarian, has always dreamed of finding the mythical lost city of Weep. Impossible, of course, until it suddenly isn’t. But solving one mystery only raises many more, like how a blue goddess appeared in his dreams before he knew she existed.

This Impossible Lightby Lily MyersFiction. 2017.Ivy thinks controlling her eating will let her control her life, but of course it’s not that easy. As her choices impact her life and health, she must come to terms with her mother’s issues, and figure out how they became her own.

Tokyo Ghoul: Re, Vol. 01by Sui IshidaFiction. 2017.Humanity is secretly at war with the Ghouls, and the Commission of Counter Ghoul might have a new weapon. Implanting a Ghoul’s Kagune into human investigators gives the newly formed Qs Squad Ghoul-like powers, but will it turn them into monsters?

Spindleby E.K. Johnston Fiction. 2016.A rich retelling of the Sleeping Beauty story. Long ago, the Storyteller Queen imprisoned the evil demons in the iron-rich mountains, making the world safe for her people. But demons have long lives, and this one has been planning her revenge for 100 years.

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S Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothersby Deborah HeiligmanNonfiction. 2017. Vincent and Theo Van Gogh could not have been more different, but they loved and supported each other throughout their lives. Drawing from the hundreds of letters they exchanged, this is an exceptional, heartfelt portrait of unconditional brotherly love, mental illness,

and artistic genius.

FEATURETurtles All the Way Downby John GreenFiction. 2017.In John Green’s long-awaited new novel, Aza’s best friend Daisy convinces her to investigate the mystery of missing billionaire Russell Pickett. Aza wants to be a good detective, a good daughter, and a good friend, but living with a mental illness makes everything more complicated.

We Are Still Tornadoes by Michael KunFiction. 2016. Scott and Cath have been best friends since high school, but when Cath moves away for college, they can only keep in touch through letters. Can a long distance relationship survive, or even flourish, through all life throws at them?

Wonder Woman: Warbringerby Leigh BardugoFiction. 2017.Diana saves the life of human Alia, then realizes she is the Warbringer, a descendant of Helen of Troy, destined to bring about an age of war and bloodshed. Can Diana get Alia past her enemies in time to save both their worlds?

The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl vol. 4: I Kissed a Squirrel and I Liked It by Ryan North Fiction. 2016.Marvel’s freshest, funniest character is great for fans of Lumberjanes or Ms. Marvel. Doreen Green, a.k.a. Squirrel Girl, discovers the horrors of online dating as she battles boredom, superhero deniers, and the unwanted attentions of Mole Man — but through it all, she stays unbeatable!

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