Children’s Picture Books

These books have been curated for their Canadian content, for their loveliness, for character education and for learning. Each one of them will add value to your library and all are by Canadian authors.

(e) for everyone (+) some biblical content (bb) board book (p) paperback (h) hardcover

SHIPPING UP TO $34 = $5 $35-80 = $12 SHIPS TO CANADA ONLY CONTACT US FOR INTERNATIONAL

Winner of our 2021 Nana’s Knee Contest: “The Bestest Gift” (p,+)

A Christmas list is getting made, but it’s not a list of wants; instead, it’s a list for GIVING. Anne Kennedy’s delightful rhymes and humour and Isabelle Stevenson’s festive illustrations are sure to make this book a holiday favourite!

Scarlett’s Spectacles by Janet Surette The Word Guild Award Winner (bb,+)

In a world where every person faces a daily choice between two pairs of glasses, young Scarlett grumbles through day after day, seeing only the dreary aspects of the circumstances around her through her “grumbly glasses.” Her loving mother, tired of Scarlett making a spectacle of herself with her grumbly attitude, encourages Scarlett to give her “glad glasses” a try, even though the change may be difficult at first. This colourful and spunky board book is a great resource for tackling grumbly attitudes and encouraging more grateful hearts among children. And like Scarlett, they may just chuck those grumbly glasses away for good! Delightful rhymes and cheery illustrations. Even though it is a board book, it is suitable for older children who may be “past” board books.

This B&H Kids book includes a Parent Connection, an easy tool to help moms and dads (or anyone else who loves kids) discuss the book's message with their child.

Inside Outside Box by Rowan Atkinson (e,p)

Lily and Violet are best friends but they are two very different girls as you will see when they discover an oversized packing box. Most of the time their personalities complement each other, but sometimes difficulties arise as they misunderstand one other. Journey with them through their days of fun and creativity as they face mean kids, help each other, learn to communicate and come to a mutual understanding.

Filled with beautiful watercolour illustrations by Abigail Herman, this lovely book will become a favourite. Discussion questions are included to open a dialogue about personalities and friendship.

The Prince and the Gift by Janet Surette (+,p)

The village is in an uproar! The Prince is coming in three days to choose as his bride, the maiden with the greatest gift. As the young ladies attempt to capture his attention, they fail to see that their priorities are greatly misplaced. When the maidens offer their gifts, which one will the noble prince choose? This book underscores the value of caring for family and virtue over outward appearance. Faithfulness, love and kindness are highlighted. Dreamy illustrations by Tasha Nalini Maraj lend a fairy tale quality to the story.

Ish by Peter H. Reynolds (e,p)

This could be a life-changing book for your child because it teaches about the pitfalls of perfectionism and encourages us to go ahead and try. Journey with a young artist who starts out frustrated with his efforts and through his sister’s influence, learns to find joy in the process. Written and illustrated by Canadian-born author Peter H. Reynolds. Limited supply available.

$12.99 + shipping

It Takes A Village Series by Canadian Author Laurie Vandenhurk (e)

Spanning oceans and bridging languages and cultures, the "It Takes A Village" picture books are the bright, fun stories of Ricker, Alex and Amy as they experience life with their family and friends in the villages of Tanzania. The "It Takes A Village" stories will inspire reading in children while inviting them into a bigger, more interesting and diverse world. Children aged 3-8 will be able to relate to and therefore enjoy these stories! Parents and educators will value the stories as early reading material. They are designed with the body of the story to be read by more advanced readers, followed by a simple sentence for the early reader. Each book features helpful discussion and further learning at the end of the story.

This series was published under our Admiration Books division. To learn more about the author, and other books in this series, click the button below:

Tapping for Sap by Carolyn J. Morris (e,p)

Carolyn J. Morris grew up on a farm in Simcoe County, Ontario, and has written these quaint books about rural life. All of her books for young readers feature rhymes and repetition at the bottom of the page to encourage beginning readers and to give them confidence. This book with its sweet water colour illustrations by Richard McNaughton tells the tale of Duckling and Chick as they go through the process of making maple syrup. Scroll down for another adventure with Chick and Duckling.

Happy Birthday Canada by Carolyn J. Morris (e,p)

Join Duckling and Chick as they travel across the different regions of Canada by train and enjoy Canada’s heritage and peoples. Written in celebration of Canada’s 150th birthday this delightful book is useful at any time to give Canadian children a sense of their country. All Railfence books for young readers feature repetition to help with reading. Richard McNaughton’s illustrations are homey and colourful and this is a perfect book for those looking for thoughtful Canadian content for their family library.

The Bestest Gift by Jennifer Kennedy (+,p)

Winner of the Nana’s Knee Children’s Picture Book Contest 2021, this book puts a thoughtful spin on the Christmas list. A little girl plans the things she is going to give at Christmas rather than a list of wants. Paired in sweet rhymes, it is sure to be a favourite Christmastime book. Makes a great gift. Warmly illustrated by Isabelle Stevenson.