May 9-15 is Children’s Book Week—our annual reminder of the important role that books and literature play in shaping the next generation of leaders! We turn to books to introduce children to difficult topics, to teach them empathy and kindness, and to enjoy whimsical, fun stories with our families. To celebrate, we’ve put together a list of must-reads by BC publishers for you to read with the kids in your life.
Crocs in a Box by Robert Heidbreder, illustrated by Rae Maté (Tradewind Books)
This box set features three books by award-winning Vancouver children’s author Robert Heidbreder, including Crocs at Work, Crocodiles Play, and Crocodiles say … Adults and kids alike will laugh-out-loud reading these classics!
The Wonders That I Find by Meghan J. Ward, illustrated by Taylor Odynski (Rocky Mountain Books)
In this thoughtful poem, readers join Geneva as she sets out on a hike with her parents. On the trail, she’s distracted and fascinated by all that she sees. The Wonders That I Find invites us to embrace our curiosity and to savour the journey—not just the destination.
What’s in it for Me? by LS Stone (Rebel Mountain Press)
Perfect for middle-grade readers, What’s in it for Me? invites readers to join Nick and Trevor on summer volunteer trips to Africa and Thailand. This book is perfect for introducing children to complex topics, including activism, diversity, feminism and female empowerment, multiculturalism, as well as animal rights and welfare.
Painted Fences by Sara Cassidy. illustrated by Sydney Barnes (Heritage House)
Set in springtime in Victoria’s James Bay neighbourhood, this charming “story within a story” by Sara Cassidy—the author of over a dozen books for young readers—explores themes of wartime resourcefulness, local history, and friendship. This story shows how a pivotal event in history can affect ordinary people and connect multiple generations.
Little Wolf by Teoni Spathelfer, illustrated by Natassia Davies (Heritage House)
In this book by Heiltsuk author Teoni Spathelfer, a young Indigenous girl moves to the big city of Vancouver. At school, she has trouble fitting in. Although her class has kids from many different cultures, no one is Heiltsuk, like her. Eventually, Little Wolf learns to find connections to her culture and the land wherever she goes.
Show Us Where You Live Humpback by Beryl Young, illustrated by Sakika Kikuchi (Greystone Books)
Available May 25, this stunning, lyrical picture book showcases the bond between a mother humpback whale and her calf, teaching children that the majestic animals’ lives underwater are not so different from our own.
The Street Belongs to Us by Karleen Pendleton Jimenez illustrated by Gabriela Godoy (Arsenal Pulp Press)
Set in In 1984 Los Angeles, this middle-grade chapter book tells the story of two best friends who transform their torn-up street into a world where imaginations can run wild. The Street Belongs to Us is a touching story of family, friendship, and unconditional acceptance, perfect for children ages 8-12.
A is for Anemone by Robert Budd and Roy Henry Vickers (Harbour Publishing)
Beloved author/illustrator duo Robert Budd and Roy Henry Vickers have teamed up again to create this beautiful board book, which introduces children to the alphabet using iconic imagery of the West Coast, from colourful sea anemones to sleepy grizzly bears (Zzz).
i? siw?kw nkwancin?m k’?l suli? / The Water Sings to Suli? By Harron Hall, illustrated by Shianna Allison (Theytus Books)
When suli? hears the song of the water calling for her while playing outside, she ventures out of her yard and into the forest. Along the way, suli? meets a water spirit who asks her to protect and care for the water, and she learns the importance of water as a living entity.
We Learn from the Sun, by David Bouchard, illustrated by Kristy Cameron (Medicine Wheel Education 2020)
This poem by Métis author David Bouchard is paired with Woodland style paintings by Métis illustrator Kristy Cameron to introduce children to the spiritual lessons that we can learn from the Sun and the seven sacred teachings.