Expert booksellers and librarians share their top picks for young readers. Check out what our experts are reading this February!
The Gland Factory: A Tour of Your Body’s Goops, Juices, and Hormones
Written by Rachel Poliquin
Illustrated by Clayton Hanmer
Greystone Kids, 2025
IL: Ages 8-12 RL: Grades 5-6
Award-winning science writer Rachel Poliquin offers an unforgettable tour of our body’s regulatory systems in this wholly original and captivatingly clever non-fiction book. Clayton Hanmer’s detailed illustrations depict the human body as a well-oiled machine powered by a huge, sprawling gland factory. A bunch of hard-hatted, lima bean-shaped characters run operations. Workers on an assembly line dole out messenger and “goop” glands responsible for everything from sleep to hunger. A gauge measures saliva levels, charts explains what different colours of mucus mean, and graffiti-tagging germs constantly try to infiltrate the building. At the of the edifying tour, readers leave via the “Waxy Ear Holes” and are provided a user survey and glandular glossary at the end. Like a pre-med version of MAD Magazine, this fascinating book has tons of solid science, humour, and a healthy dose of gross.
Recommended by Linda Ludke, Collections Management Librarian, London Public Library
Ellis on Guard Written by Sal Sawler
Illustrated by Nandita Ratan
Second Story Press, 2026
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 2-3
Ellis is a worrier. Because they worry so much, Ellis tries to be careful and to prevent bad things from happening. Like their puppy Peanut being dognapped! Ellis's love for Peanut and their determination to be Peanut's Sworn Protector inspires them to be creative and brave, and to confront many of their fears in order to build a dognapper trap that will keep Peanut safe. As they assemble all the things that they need, Ellis discovers many important things. They learn that sometimes the things that we fear don't end up being as terrible as we imagine that they will be. And sometimes people can seem scary but turn out to be nice. And sometimes we can choose to ignore our worries and just play in the rain, knowing that we might get sick, and that—just maybe—it will be worth it.
Sawler's portrayal of Ellis is the perfect blend of lighthearted and sensitive. Sawler ably demonstrates that although Ellis's worries can be a challenge, they can also be a positive thing too, giving them a heightened awareness of the people and things around them, and helping them to develop the ability to plan and to problem solve in creative ways. Charming and affirming, Ellis is a character that many readers of all ages will relate to and be inspired by.
Recommended by Lisa Doucet, Manager, Woozles Children's Bookstore