March 6, 2015 marks the 181st birthday of Toronto, Canada’s largest city. Celebrate in your classroom or library with one of these Canadian kids’ books.

For Younger Readers

ABC of Toronto
(Canada Concept Books)
Written and illustrated by Per-Henrik Gurth
Kids Can Press, 2013
ISBN 978-1-77138-037-9
IL: Ages 2-5  RL: Grades 1-2
This alphabet book celebrates the sights and sounds of Ontario’s vibrant capital. Joining Per-Henrik Gürth’s friendly animal characters as they explore Toronto from the Art Gallery of Ontario to the Zoo is as much fun as a ride on one of the city’s famous streetcars!

Toronto ABC
Written and illustated by Paul Covello
HarperCollins Canada, 2014
ISBN 978-1-44343-144-6
IL: Ages 0-4  RL: Grade 1
A is for AGO, B is for Blue Jays… Explore Toronto’s best known landmarks and neighbourhoods in this eye-catching book for the very young. From Casa Loma to High Park to the CN Tower, this alphabetical tour shows off the best the city has to offer in a bright contemporary style that will attract both local tots and tiny tourists.

For Older Readers

The Toronto Story
Written by Claire Mackay
Illustrated by Johnny Wales
Annick Press, 2002
ISBN 978-1-55037-763-7
IL: Ages 10 and up  RL: Grades 4-5
This is the story of a city and how it grew from an unknown and sparsely populated place to the sprawling, colourful metropolis that more than three million people call home. In a warm, witty, and engaging style, award-winning author Claire Mackay brings to life the people and events that shaped Toronto. A final chapter looks at the city today and its prospects for the future. Beautifully illustrated, with numerous sidebars highlighting intriguing facts, The Toronto Story also has a timeline, an index, and an annotated bibliography.