Our Spring preview continues! This season, BC’s publishers are bringing us an amazing collection of children’s books. Below is a selection of our most anticipated forthcoming titles and new releases for tots, children, teens, and young adults.
Which are you most excited to pick up for your family or classroom?
History
Nathalie: An Acadian’s Tale of Tragedy and Triumph by Debra Amirault Camelin (Ronsdale Press)
Based on a true story, Nathalie is separated from her family during the brutal 1755 expulsion of Acadians from Grand-Pré, Nova Scotia. She escapes and must walk more than 150 kilometres to Cap-Sable for safety.
Coming March 20, 2023!
Kimiko Murakami: A Japanese-Canadian Pioneer by Haley Healey, illustrated by Kimiko Fraser (Heritage House)
The inspiring true story of Kimiko Murakami, a Japanese-Canadian pioneer and internment camp survivor.
Coming May 9, 2023!
Lilian Bland: An Amazing Aviatrix by Haley Healey, illustrated by Kimiko Fraser (Heritage House)
Lilian Bland was the first woman ever to design, build, and fly her own airplane. Young readers will delight in this tale about her inspiring legacy, accompanied by striking illustrations.
Coming May 9, 2023!
Cardboard City by Katarina Jovanovic (Tradewind Books)
An illuminating story chronicling the lives of two Romani teens. Saida and Nikola experience harsh discrimination at school and crushing poverty, and dream of escape.
Coming May 15, 2023!
JAJ: A Haida Manga by Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas (Douglas & McIntyre)
Visual artist Michael Nicoll Yahgulanaas uses a blend of traditional and modern art to share the history of first contact between Europeans and Indigenous peoples and the early colonization by the Europeans of the northern West Coast.
Coming May 27, 2023!
Crow Stone by Gabriele Goldstone (Ronsdale Press)
The evocative story of Katya’s epic winter journey through Prussia and her eventual imprisonment by the Red Army.
“An engaging story from the start.” — Booklist (American Library Association)
Out now!
Family and Friendship
Waking Ben Doldrums by Heather Smith, illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler (Orca Book Publishers)
A story of community, compassion, and hope that teaches readers the importance of acts of kindness and the big impact they can have.
Coming March 14, 2023!
TAKE OFF! by Lea Beddia (Rebel Mountain Press)
”In this wonderful novel, Lea Beddia kicks-the-tires-and-lights-the fires. In addition to enjoying the suspense and humour in Take Off! readers are sure to fall in love with this novel’s fascinating, diverse cast of characters. I’m already looking forward to Beddia’s next book!” — Monique Polak
Coming March 15, 2023!
Kai’s Tea Eggs by Karina Zhou (Arsenal Pulp Press)
Multicultural Day is coming up at school, and Kai is nervous about sharing her family’s Chinese food with her classmates. With the help of her new friend, Ming the dragon, Kai learns to embrace her heritage and treasure her roots.
Coming April 11, 2023!
Emi & Mini by Hanako Masutani, illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch (Tradewind Books)
Little Emi has always wanted a dog, but learns to love her tiny hamster, Mini.
Coming May 15, 2023!
Elliot Jelly-Legs and the Bobblehead Miracle by Yolanda Ridge, illustrated by Sydney Barnes (Orca Book Publishers)
Eleven-year-old Elliot loves hockey and finally convinces his parents to sign him up. Will his Carey Price bobblehead be his lucky charm? Includes whimsical hockey-card-style illustrations.
Out now!
Science
The Science and Superpower of Seaweed: A Guide for Kids by Amanda Swinimer (Harbour Publishing)
An informative and activity-packed book that explores the many uses of seaweed and kelp, from art to science, medicine, and food.
Coming April 29, 2023!
Wings, Waves & Webs: Patterns in Nature by Robin Mitchell Cranfield (Greystone Kids Books)
Perfect for early STEM learning in preschool and kindergarten, Wings, Waves & Webs encourages children to spot the patterns they see in nature and teaches them to explore the world around them more closely.
Coming May 9, 2023!
Afterward, Everything was Different: A Tale From the Pleistocene by Jairo Buitrago and Rafael Yockteng, translated by Elisa Amado (Greystone Books)
From the publisher: This almost wordless picture book set in the dawn of human life imagines how art and storytelling were born from the power of one young girl’s observation.
Coming May 9, 2023!
A Kids Guide to Plants of the Pacific Northwest by Philippa Joly (Harbour Publishing)
Middle grade readers will love learning about the flora of the Pacific Northwest in this activity-packed collection that includes games, scavenger hunts, recipes, and more!
Coming May 20, 2023!
Indigenous Stories
Storyteller Skye: Teachings from My Ojibway Grandfather by Lindsay Christina King, illustrated by Carolyn Frank (Medicine Wheel Education)
“Each story has a special teaching, so remember to listen closely for it.” A collection of entertaining short stories narrated by Skye that include Indigenous teachings, passed down to her from her Ojibway Grandfather.
Coming March 6, 2023!
The Girl Who Loved the Birds by Joseph Dandurand, illustrated by Elinor Atkins (Nightwood Editions)
The newest tender and compassionate tale in a series of books from beloved author and illustrator duo Joseph Dandurand and Elinor Atkins. The Girl Who Loved the Birds shares the story of a bond between a young girl and her winged friends.
Coming April 29, 2023!
Minnow: The Girl Who Became Part Fish by Willie Poll, illustrated by bailey macabre (Medicine Wheel Education)
“This book is our Land Back love letter.” New from Métis author Willie Poll, Minnow follows a young Indigenous water protector on an underwater journey. When she resurfaces, she shares the teachings of her ocean-living relatives with her community.
Coming May 1, 2023!