September 2024 Newsletter
News from the Canadian Children's Book Centre & Friends
Save the Date: 2024 CCBC Book Awards
Mark your calendars! The 2024 CCBC Book Awards will take place October 28, 2024 from 7:00-10:00pm. The shortlists will be announced on October 1, 2024. Tickets go on sale the same day. This year's event will be live streamed. We invite everyone to join in and celebrate with us.
Register FREE for the 2024 Telling Tales Festival!
Register now for the 16th Annual Telling Tales Festival at Royal Botanical Gardens’ Hendrie Park on September 21st and 22nd from 10am to 5pm daily. Meet Canada’s leading children’s authors, illustrators, storytellers, and musicians, including Kevin Sylvester, Helaine Becker, and Sharon of Sharon, Lois, and Bram. Explore the gardens, workshops, dance, literary characters, live open-air theatre, and so much more!
Telling Tales is an inclusive festival, which means our events are designed with people of all different neurotypes and access needs in mind. Free shuttle bus service from downtown Hamilton, provided thanks to Hillfield Strathalan. For more information visit tellingtales.org.
CANSCAIP Saskatchewan's Children's Writers' Round Robin is hosting an exciting 40th anniversary celebration with two special events beginning on September 14.
An in-person talk on writing by Saskatchewan Children's Writers' Round Robin members is taking place at the George Bothwell branch of the Regina Public Library on Saturday, September 14, from 1:30 to 4:30 CST. The event will also be live-streamed at Books4Kids.ca/40th, and CANSCAIPers across Canada are welcome to attend.
A province-wide Fly Into Reading contest for kids in Grades K-12, will run from September 14 to November 1. Learn more at books4kids.ca/contest.
Writer-in-Residence Opportunity in summer 2025 at the McLoughlin Gardens
Each year the McLoughlin Gardens hosts an established Canadian author as writer-in-residence for a four to six-week period. Writers receive an honorarium and have full use of the cottage and adjacent studio. In past years, writers have come by invitation. This year, the McLoughlin Gardens has issued a call for Canadian children’s authors to apply. To review the application information, click here. Application deadline is September 15, 2024.
IBBY Canada to the next IBBY World Congress
IBBY Canada, the Canadian national section of the International Board on Books for Young People, will host the next IBBY World Congress in Ottawa from August 6-9, 2026. For over 70 years, this biennial event has been the world’s most important meeting place of leading international experts in children’s literature. For information on the 40th IBBY World Congress please visit ibbycongress2026.org.
We're looking for volunteer Book Week coordinators in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Book Week coordinators will receive a free one-year membership to the CCBC. Click here to learn more. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Carol-Ann at carol-ann@bookcentre.ca.
Celebrate Fall with Beautiful Art
Fall is coming and why not celebrate with a beautiful piece of art? Visit the Picture Book Gallery today to find one-of-a-kind art, perfect for gifts, library spaces, corporate use and more.
In November 2021, we launched the Picture Book Gallery as a way to generate funds for Canadian Children’s Book Week, which connects Canadian creators with children and teens across Canada. The Picture Book Gallery supports our annual tour that allows 28,000 young Canadians to participate in over 400 readings and workshops in a single week. Illustrators set their own prices, with 60% of the value of their art sold donated to Book Week. This event is a great opportunity for illustrators to showcase their work to a wider audience, all while generously contributing to a love of reading in children across Canada.
Stock Up on CCBC Illustrated Greeting Cards!
Support the CCBC today by purchasing our pack of eight greeting cards featuring art from past Canadian Children's Book Week posters. Each pack includes art by Barbara Reid, Julie Flett, Ian Wallace, Wallace Edwards, Bill Slavin, Elly MacKay, Gabrielle Grimard and Eugenie Fernandes.
In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th), we've created a booklist to highlight the voices of First Nations, Inuit and Métis writers from across Canada. We believe in the power of storytelling to share important truths and bring people together. Sharing stories can spark meaningful conversations and teach us how to move forward in a good way.
CCBC Abroad: Sharing Accessible Books for Young Readers at IBBY World Congress in Italy
By Trish Osuch
The CCBC was honoured to be invited to present our Accessible Books for Young Readers Project at IBBY World Congress 2024 in Trieste, Italy last month. The biennial conference is the world’s most important meeting place for leading international experts in children’s literature, literacy, librarianship, writing, illustration, and publishing.
Laura Brady and Trish Osuch from the Accessible Books for Young Readers Project team attended the conference along with CCBC Executive Director Stephanie Wells. We enjoyed three fabulous days of inspiring programming, connection with colleagues from around the world, delicious Italian food and wine, and a memorable evening celebrating Sydney Smith’s Hans Christian Andersen Award. Canadian delegates were welcomed and celebrated alongside Sydney and as the hosts of IBBY World Congress 2026 in Ottawa.
In our presentation, we shared what we’ve learned about the need for accessible Canadian books for young readers. We highlighted some of the videos and webinars we’ve created, our column and book reviews, and the Accessible Books Bank. We shared some new aspects of the project that are currently in development, and our wish that funding will be found to support these efforts.
Seeing the incredible work being done by Congress delegates from around the world supporting young readers encourages us to keep going. We hope to be able to continue to work toward achieving the goal of increasing the availability and discoverability of accessible books. Every child should be able to read great Canadian books in the format that works best for them.
Learn more about the CCBC's Accessible Books project.
Find great books in alternative formats by searching the CCBC's Accessible Books Bank.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada for this project.
September Book List: Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
Back-to-school time brings a lot of excitement and nervousness in the air. While some students will be eager to return to class, others may feel anxious about making friends, fitting in, and keeping up with assignments. The books featured in this list encourage both self-esteem and self-reliance. Share a book with a young reader in your world who might need a boost of positive energy!
Picture Books
I Am Cherished
Written by Onome Ako
Illustrated by Ken Daley
Scholastic Canada, 2024
978-1-4431-9449-5
IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 2-3
Joyful, powerful and infused with love, this proudly affirming story will resonate with every child who needs to stand up for their big, beautiful name, and encourage kids and grownups from all backgrounds to think about their own unique connection to their name.
I Love Myself
Written by Mai Wei Wong
Illustrated by Julia Vasileva
Orca Book Publishers, 2024
978-1-4598-3618-1
IL: Ages 3-5 RL: Grades 1-2,
In this sweet picture book, we accompany a child through their day, from morning to bedtime, as their inner self—portrayed as a cuddly imaginary creature—supports them in their endeavours.
The Little Regent
Written by Yewande Daniel-Ayoade
Illustrated by Ken Daley
Owlkids Books, 2024
978-1-77147-562-4
IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 2-3
A little girl is tasked with ruling her West African village in this empowering story about breaking from tradition and leading with your heart.
Watch an interview with author Yewande Daniel-Ayoade.
We Need Everyone
Written by Michael Redhead Champagne
Illustrated by Tiff Bartel
HighWater Press, 2024
978-1-77492-011-4
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 2-3
We Need Everyone empowers children to identify their gifts and use them to overcome challenges, achieve goals, and strengthen communities. Inspiring and uplifting, this interactive picture book celebrates diverse cultures, perspectives, and abilities through playful illustrations. Perfect for reading aloud.
Junior Fiction
Alina in a Pinch
Written by Shenaaz G. Nanji
Second Story Press, 2022
978-1-77260-245-6
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 2-3
Moving to a new city means Alina has to make new friends, and nothing is worse than lunch at a new school. When her grandmother visits, Alina is inspired to help her cook the delicious Afro-Indian meals she’s always loved, but a cruel note from a mysterious lunchtime bully leaves a bitter taste that even Nani’s excellent cooking can’t erase.
Mortified
Written by Kristy Jackson
Illustrated by Rhael McGregor
HarperCollins Canada, 2024
978-1-4434-7220-3
IL: Ages 8-12 RL: Grades 3-4
It’s nothing short of a catastrophe when someone secretly signs up Belinda Houle, the school’s shyest kid, to audition for a play. Belinda turns to Sally—her unflappable best friend and resident witch—for help. Belinda doesn’t believe in magic, but if Sally says she has a spell for confidence... well, it couldn’t hurt to try it. Could it?
Salma Joins the Team
(The Salma Series, Book 3)
Written by Danny Ramadan
Illustrated by Anna Bron
Annick Press, 2024
978-1-77321-828-1
IL: Ages 6-9 RL: Grades 2-3
Salma dreams of becoming a champion swimmer like her hero, Olympian Yusra Mardini. So when she signs up for her school’s swim club, it feels like her dreams could come true... until mean comments from older girls at the pool and women at her mosque spark body image and self-esteem issues. But with the help of her close friends and family—the team that always has her back—Salma is ready to claim her place in the pool.
Sarah Ponakey, Storycatcher and Âhâsiw's Forest Powwow
Written by Sita MacMillan
Illustrated by Azby Whitecalf
Annick Press, 2024
978-1-77321-889-2
IL: Ages 6-9 RL: Grades 2-3
Sarah Ponakey has moved to the city from her home community with her mom and it’s the pits! She misses her Kôhkom, her best friend Eden, and the forests around her community. She’s had a hard time making new friends at school but at least she keeps in touch with Eden through meticulously written letters with very big words. After a particularly tough day where she nearly loses her favourite stuffed animal, Âhâsiw, and is brushed off by her mom, Sarah finds herself transported to a magical forest powwow...
Middle-Grade Fiction
The Kodiaks: Home Ice Advantage
Written by David A. Robertson
HighWater Press, 2024
978-1-77492-101-2
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-5
Everything is changing for 11-year-old Alex Robinson. After his father accepts a new job, Alex and his family move from their community to the city. For the first time in his life, he doesn’t fit in. Things begin to look up after Alex tries out for a local hockey team. Playing for the Kodiaks, Alex proves himself as one of the best, but he becomes a target because he’s Indigenous. Can Alex trust his teammates and stand up to the jerks on other teams? Can he find a way to fit in and still be who he’s meant to be?
Watch an interview with author David A. Robertson.
The Legendary Mo Seto
Written by A.Y. Chan
Aladdin, 2024
978-1-6659-3732-0
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-5
Twelve-year-old Modesty “Mo” Seto dreams of being a taekwondo champion. Lately, Mo has been on a losing streak, and it doesn’t help that she keeps losing to her archnemesis, Dax, who’s much bigger than her. If only she were faster, stronger, not so petite. When Mo learns about the chance to audition to star alongside her idol and legendary martial artist and movie star Cody Kwok, she knows this is her chance to prove to the world, and to herself, that she can compete with anyone, no matter her size.
Little by Little: You Can Change the World
Written by Sonya Ballantyne
Illustrated by Rhael McGregor
HighWater Press, 2024
978-1-77492-098-5
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-5
When Michael finds out about an upcoming youth conference, he sees his chance to learn more about helping others. But when he gets to the conference, he’s the youngest person there! And the speaker on stage is saying things about his community that aren’t true. Will Michael be brave enough to use his voice to stand up for what he knows is right?
Queenie Jean Is in Trouble Again
Written and illustrated by Christine Read
Wandering Fox Books, 2024
978-1-77203-479-0
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-5
When 10-year-old Queenie and her family move from small-town Ontario to a glitzy suburb of Vancouver, she is desperate to fit in and make a best friend for the first time in her life. With her creativity and bubbly personality, Queenie arrives at Western Canada Preparatory School ready to win over her classmates and conquer the world. But even before the first bell rings, she finds herself in trouble.
Young Adult Fiction
Age 16
Written and illustrated by Rosena Fung
Annick Press, 2024
978-1-77321-833-5
IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8
When Roz’s estranged por por abruptly arrives for a seemingly indefinite visit, three generations are now under one roof. Delicate relationships are suddenly upended, and long-suppressed family secrets begin to surface. Rosena Fung pulls from her own family history in her YA debut to give us an emotional and poignant story about how every generation is affected by those that came before, and affect those that come after.
Iz the Apocalypse
Written by Susan Currie
Common Deer Press, 2023
978-1-988761-84-8
IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8
A spark ignites inside 14-year-old Iz Beaufort when she hears school music group Manifesto perform. Even though she hasn’t written a song since That Place, she recognizes herself in the moving performance and longs to be part of the group, certain that they might actually understand her. But Manifesto is based at the prestigious Métier School, and there’s no way Dominion Children’s Care would ever send a foster kid to a private school. So Iz does what any passionate, broken, off-the-chart wunderkind might and takes matters into her own hands...
Something More
Written by Jackie Khalilieh
Tundra Books, 2023
978-1-77488-213-9
IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8
Fifteen-year-old Jessie, a quirky loner obsessed with the '90s, is diagnosed as autistic just weeks before starting high school. Determined to make a fresh start and keep her diagnosis a secret, Jessie creates a list of goals that range from acquiring two distinct eyebrows to getting a magical first kiss and landing a spot in the school play. Within the halls of Holy Trinity High, she finds a world where things are no longer black and white, and quickly learns that living in colour is much more fun. But Jessie gets more than she bargained for when two very different boys steal her heart, forcing her to go off-script.
Wrong Side of the Court
Written by H.N. Khan
Tundra Books, 2022
978-0-7352-7087-9
IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8
Fifteen-year-old Fawad Chaudhry loves two things: basketball and his mother's potato and ground beef stuffed parathas. Both are round and both help him forget about things like his father, who died two years ago, his mother’s desire to arrange a marriage to his first cousin, Nusrat, back home in Pakistan, and the tiny apartment in Regent Park he shares with his mom and sister. Not to mention his estranged best friend Yousuf, who's coping with the shooting death of his older brother. But Fawad has plans...
Creator's Corner: A.Y. Chan
A.Y. Chan grew up in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area reading all the middle grade and young adult books she could get her hands on. To this day, those remain her favourite genres. After achieving her black belt in Taekwondo, she explored other martial arts, such as Wing Chun, Hapkido, and Muay Thai. These days, she continues her martial arts training some mornings, writes in the afternoons, takes long walks to muddle out plot points, and falls asleep reading. Her debut middle-grade novel, The Legendary Mo Seto, is an action-packed adventure with a powerful message about identity and self-love.
We had the pleasure of catching up with A.Y. Chan to ask her more about The Legendary Mo Seto.
Writing and martial arts are two practices that require plenty of discipline. How does practicing martial arts influence you as a writer?
Martial arts teaches me to stay focused and push through, even when things get tough. The discipline and perseverance from taekwondo fuel my writing process, helping me tackle challenges head-on. Both demand dedication, drive, and a never-quit attitude—whether I’m breaking boards or breaking through writer’s block.
At the start of her journey, Mo is inspired by her martial arts hero, a movie star named Cody Kwok. Do you have a martial arts hero?
Absolutely! My martial arts hero is Ng Mui, the legendary creator of Wing Chun. She designed this style for women and smaller fighters, emphasizing close-quarters combat, quick strikes, and efficient movements—making it highly effective for self-defense.
Ng Mui’s approach directly inspired Mo’s character, showing that true strength comes from skill and strategy, not size. Just as Ng Mui empowered smaller fighters to overcome larger opponents, I wanted Mo to embody the idea that courage and intelligence can triumph over any challenge.
A good martial arts movie wows viewers with captivating stunts and fight choreography. Giving book readers the same feeling is a challenge! How did you approach writing the action scenes in your book?
I treated each action scene like a thrilling martial arts sequence, aiming to capture every kick and punch with intensity. Drawing from my taekwondo experience, I imagined the scenes as epic movie moments, full of energy and excitement. I wanted readers to feel like they’re right there with Mo, experiencing every heart-pounding moment alongside her!
Behind the action is a powerful story about identity, friendship and finding confidence. What do you hope young readers take away from your book?
I hope kids finish the book feeling unstoppable! Mo’s journey is about embracing who you are, believing in your strengths, and never backing down from challenges. My wish is for every reader to see that they’re already amazing just as they are, and that with courage and determination, they can overcome anything.
The book is sure to spark some interest in practicing martial arts. What would you say to young readers inspired to give martial arts a try?
Dive in! Martial arts takes you on an incredible adventure that builds confidence, strength, and resilience. Just like Mo (and me), you’ll start as a beginner, but each step on the mat will make you stronger—inside and out. Remember, every black belt was once a white belt. Keep kicking, keep believing in yourself, and enjoy every moment of the journey!
To learn more about A.Y. Chan, visit aychanwrites.com or follower her on social media:
Twitter/X: x.com/AYChanWrites
Instagram: instagram.com/aychanwrites
Facebook: facebook.com/aychanwrites
Picture Book Gallery Profile: Rebecca Bender
This month's Picture Book Galley profile is Rebecca Bender. Rebecca Bender is the author-illustrator of Giraffe and Bird, Don’t Laugh at Giraffe, Giraffe Meets Bird, Giraffe and Bird Together Again, How Do You Feel?, and Ballewiena. She has also illustrated an early chapter book series, Slug Days, Penguin Days, and Duck Days. When Rebecca is not painting or writing, she is working as a graphic designer and art director in the publishing industry. Rebecca loves animals, arts and crafts, hiking, swimming, cooking, and hanging out with her kids. She lives in a lively house in Burlington, Ontario, with her husband, four children, and a creamsicle-coloured cat that sleeps through almost anything. You can find out more about Rebecca at rebeccabender.com.
Your website mentions you started creating characters and books at four years old. What’s your earliest memory of making art?
My earliest memories of making art are drawing with my mom, who also loved to draw. We’d doodle in her old sketchbooks or make crafts together. She kept lots of supplies in a craft cupboard for us. I remember from a young age playing with everything from pencils, paints, charcoal, and pastels, to egg cartons, yarn, and scrap paper, and getting lost in the act of being creative. I used to dream up sets of characters and storylines that I wished were part of Saturday morning cartoons.
You are a writer, illustrator, graphic designer, and art director. As you take on many roles, how do you continue to find new ways to be creative?
The different roles I take on all require a lot of creativity and visual problem-solving, so I find they sharpen my creativity. They can also leave me feeling spent and wanting something different, like time outside in nature. For personal creativity time, I have learned to adapt to my circumstances. For example, I look for gaps of time to take out a pre-packed tote bag of art supplies for some art play and keep notebooks around to scribble down ideas to return to later. Also, I admit, I can get a little too into crayon colouring with my kids when I’m craving some personal creative time!
Your books, including Giraffe and Bird and Ballewiena, are favourites of parents to read with their young children. How does it feel to be a part of that special family time?
As a parent, story time is such a special and important time to slow down and be dialled in with my kids. I love listening to their observations and comments and hearing the connections they make. I sometimes see them act out parts of a story in interactions with friends or other family members. It's so rewarding to see how reading has positively affected them. I am grateful to the creators for all the wonderful stories and illustrations they pour their hearts into. I am also grateful that my books can be part of that special time for many families—what an honour!
You collaborated on an early chapter book series (Slug Days, Penguin Days, and Duck Days) starring Lauren, a third-grade student who has Autism. What was it like to bring Lauren’s world to life?
Lauren has a unique way of seeing and experiencing the world, so it was a fun challenge to come up with the look of her character. The author, Sara Leach, included very few physical descriptions of Lauren, trusting me as the illustrator. It took a few reads of the manuscript and several pages of sketching before Lauren started to appear.
I thought a lot about what sort of visual clues I could include to hint to the reader about Lauren’s personality. For example, I gave Lauren wild hair that she would pull back carefully, with determination (and hair clips), to keep stray hairs that might annoy her away from her face. I felt like it communicated in a small way the obstacles she faces daily, trying to make sense of the world.
Over the years, you’ve designed several striking book covers. What’s your approach to designing a book’s cover?
I was picky, if not reluctant, in grade school when it came to reading novels. The odd ones I devoured, Black Beauty and White Fang, come to mind. But many I struggled to get through. The cover played a key role in my experience as a reader. A good cover could help me through the struggle because I wouldn’t mind looking at it for so long. A bad cover… well, I would judge the book by its cover, and quit!
I think this has shaped my approach to creating covers. I like a cover to be attractive, eye-catching, and easy to read at a glance. It also needs to communicate a concept or theme, ideally offering some intrigue to the reader. I will read as much of the book as possible, talk to the publisher, editor, and sometimes the author, and watch out for key elements to use in the design and what the overall mood should be.
Experts' Picks
Barefoot Skateboarders
Written by Rina Singh
Illustrated by Sophie Casson
Orca Book Publishers, 2024
978-1-4598-3853-6
IL: Ages 4-8 RL: Grades 2-3
In Barefoot Skateboarders, award-winning author Rina Singh highlights the remarkable true story of how a skatepark in a tiny village in Madhya Pradesh, India sparks positive change in the entire community. The narrative soars, detailing how the children of the village—regardless of caste or gender—come together to play, learn a new sport, and feel free: “they all want wings to fly.” Sophie Casson’s dynamic and colourful illustrations capture the persistent and resilient barefoot skateboarders in action as they fall, get right back up again, and ultimately garner international attention and acclaim. Singh shares her personal connection to the children of Janwaar in an author’s endnote, along with photographs. Inspiring and exhilarating, this non-fiction picture book is a joy ride.
— Linda Ludke, Collections Management Librarian, London Public Library
Buffalo Flats
Written by Martine Leavitt
Groundwood Books, 2023
978-1-77306-202-0
IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8
Drawing on her own family history, Martine Leavitt has crafted a quietly beautiful historical fiction novel that features a thoroughly delightful protagonist. Seventeen-year-old Rebecca has moved to the Northwest Territories with her family and many other members of their Latter Day Saints community. Her father and brothers are homesteaders who work hard in this oftentimes unforgiving landscape. The rugged beauty of this land speaks to Rebecca's heart too, and she sets her sights on buying a plot of land for her own. But it is 1890 and women aren't allowed to buy land. Undaunted, Rebecca comes up with a plan, and as she works to realize her dream, she faces numerous other challenges, within her family, her faith, her friendships and her community. This is a character-driven tale, with a feisty young woman and a host of well-drawn secondary characters. The time period and unique setting are vividly drawn and beautifully depicted, and the pioneer spirit and the strong sense of community is well-rendered. Faith and feminism are important themes that are handled deftly. Exquisitely written, this book is hilarious and heartbreaking in equal measure, while providing a fascinating look at this particular place and time, and the universal truths that this one young woman comes to understand through the course of her own personal journey.
—Lisa Doucet, Co-Manager, Woozles Children’s Bookstore
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