50 Must Read Canadian Picture Books: Recommended by the CCBC in Celebration of our 50th Anniversary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Alligator Pie
written by Dennis Lee
illustrated by Frank Newfeld
HarperCollins Publishers, 2012
for ages 5-8
One of the first illustrated books published about Canadian children and featuring Canadian place names, this poetry collection established Dennis Lee’s reputation as “Canada’s Father Goose” and has sold more than half a million copies since its publication in 1974. Includes childhood favourites such as “Willoughby Wallaby Woo,” “Wiggle to the Laundromat” and “Skyscraper.” Originally published in 1974 by Macmillan of Canada.
written and illustrated by Wallace Edwards
Kids Can Press, 2002
for ages 6-9
An alphabet book like no other from the unique imagination of the late Wallace Edwards. Young readers (and adults) will delight in this truly extraordinary alphabet book, discovering animals from A to Z living together in an old Victorian mansion. There's an elephant in the ballroom playing with a model train, an octopus hanging from the foyer chandelier—and even a zebra enjoying a soak in the bathtub! Kids Can Press is re-issuing this Governor General's Literary Award-winning classic in October 2026.
illustrated by Amanda Strong
HighWater Press, 2019
for ages 3-5
During an unfortunate mishap, young Awâsis loses Kôhkum’s freshly baked world-famous bannock. Not knowing what to do, Awâsis seeks out a variety of other-than-human relatives willing to help. What adventures are in store for Awâsis? This picture book highlights the importance of collaboration and seeking guidance from one's community, while introducing the Cree words for different animals and baking ingredients. Find a pronunciation guide and the recipe for Kôhkum’s world-famous bannock in the back of the book.
Available in French as Awâsis et la délicieuse bannique from Éditions Scholastic.
written and illustrated by the Fan Brothers
Tundra Books, 2020
for ages 5-9
Deep underground beneath Perfect Pets, where children can buy genetically engineered "perfect" creatures, there is a secret lab. Barnabus and his friends live in this lab, but none of them is perfect. They are all Failed Projects. Barnabus has never been outside his tiny bell jar, yet he dreams of one day seeing the world above ground that his pal Pip the cockroach has told him about: a world with green hills and trees, and buildings that reach all the way to the sky, lit with their own stars. But Barnabus may have to reach the outside world sooner than he thought, because the Green Rubber Suits are about to recycle all Failed Projects... and Barnabus doesn't want to be made into a fluffier pet with bigger eyes. He just wants to be himself. So he decides it's time for him and the others to escape. With his little trunk and a lot of cooperation and courage, Barnabus sets out to find freedom—and a place where he and his friends can finally be accepted for who they are.
Available in French as Le projet Barnabé from Éditions Scholastic.
written by Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak
Annick Press, 2025
for ages 5-8
The year is 1955. Arvaarluk and his friends watch Rocky Parsons land his plane on the ice in Repulse Bay, a tiny community “smack dab on the Arctic Circle.” Having never seen trees before, the children try to guess what the six green spindly things are that Rocky delivers. One of the boys has a brilliant idea: why not use them as baseball bats? This holiday classic, originally published in 1990 with illustrations by Vladyana Krykorka, captures the warmth and cadence of Kusukag's voice as he describes the close-knit life of his community and the ingenuity he and his friends demonstrated when faced with something wholly unfamiliar.
written by Aubrey Davis
illustrated by Dušan Petričić
Kids Can Press, 1995
for ages 4-8
On a dark winter’s night, a ragged beggar dreams of a warm hearth and a delicious meal—and sets out to find just that. In this retelling of the classic folk tale “Stone Soup,” a stranger teaches the poor villagers what can be accomplished with a few buttons and a little cooperation.
written by Nadine Robert
illustrated by Qin Leng
Milky Way Picture Books, 2022
for ages 6-8
Around Clover’s family’s goat farm, there are plenty of things to do, from picking blueberries to collecting clams. But making decisions, even choosing something to do, is a great source of hesitation for young Clover—that is, until one day, the child’s beloved goat, Peony, wanders too far from the farm. In order to bring Peony back home safely, Clover will have to learn to act quickly and decisively.
Available in French as Trèfle from Comme des géants.
Dirty Dog Boogie
written and illustrated by Loris Lesynski
Annick Press, 2002
for ages 4-7
This collection of original poems will knock your socks off, and Lesynski has just the poem for that event: Sock Fluff. Her poetry is an invitation to be witty, expressive and creative, and her words demonstrate just how much fun poetry and everyday life can be. Topics range from sending out an SOS for delicious sausages, imagining what it would be like to have a brudda named Brad and keeping the mozza-keetos away, to indulging in laaaaaziness. Lesynski’s infectious fun with sound, rhythm and beat are guaranteed to win over the most reluctant anti-poetry student.
Franklin in the Dark
written by Paulette Bourgeois
illustrated by Brenda Clark
Kids Can Press, 1986
for ages 3-6
In the Franklin Classic Storybook that started it all, poor little Franklin has one of the most common childhood afflictions—he is afraid of the dark. This is particularly distressing for Franklin as he happens to be a turtle, and the darkness he fears is, of course, inside his own shell. Bravely, with shell in tow, he sets forth to seek help and in the course of his travels discovers a bird who is afraid of heights, a polar bear who is afraid of the cold, and even a hydrophobic duck. In the end, Franklin discovers that everybody is afraid of something, even his own mother, and his response to what he has learned is guaranteed to draw a smile.
Available in French as Benjamin et la nuit from Éditions Scholastic.
I Am Not a Number
written by Jenny Kay Dupuis and Kathy Kacer
illustrated by Gillian Newland
Second Story Press, 2016
for ages 7-11
When eight-year-old Irene is removed from her First Nations family to live in a residential school she is confused, frightened, and terribly homesick. She tries to remember who she is and where she came from, despite the efforts of the nuns who are in charge at the school and who tell her that she is not to use her own name but instead use the number they have assigned to her. When she goes home for summer holidays, Irene's parents decide never to send her and her brothers away again. But where will they hide? And what will happen when her parents disobey the law? Based on the life of co-author Jenny Kay Dupuis’ grandmother, I Am Not a Number is a hugely necessary book that brings a terrible part of Canada’s history to light in a way that children can learn from and relate to.
Available in French as Je ne suis pas un numéro from Éditions Scholastic.
I Want My Hat Back
(The Hat Trilogy)
written and illustrated by Jon Klassen
Candlewick Press, 2011
for ages 4-8
The bear’s hat is gone, and he wants it back. Patiently and politely, he asks the animals he comes across, one by one, whether they have seen it. Each animal says no, some more elaborately than others. But just as the bear begins to despond, a deer comes by and asks a simple question that sparks the bear’s memory and renews his search with a vengeance. Told completely in dialogue, this delicious take on the classic repetitive tale plays out in sly illustrations laced with visual humour—and winks at the reader with a wry irreverence that will have kids of all ages thrilled to be in on the joke.
Available in French as Rendez-moi mon chapeau ! from Éditions Scholastic.
Lights for Gita
written by Rachna Gilmore
illustrated by Alice Priestley
Second Story Press, 1994
for ages 5-8
Gita’s family has recently emigrated from India, but she has already made friends in her new home. Today, she is looking forward to her favourite holiday—Divali, a festival of lights. But Gita’s plans soon fall apart and she becomes homesick.
Little You / kiya kâ-apisîsisiyan
written by Richard Van Camp
translated into Plains Cree by Mary Cardinal Collins
illustrated by Julie Flett
Orca Book Publishers, 2022
for ages 0-3
Richard Van Camp has partnered with award-winning illustrator Julie Flett to create a tender book for babies and toddlers that celebrates the potential of every child. With its delightful contemporary illustrations, Little You is perfect to be shared, read or sung to all the little people in your life—and the new little ones on the way! This bilingual edition includes the Plains Cree translation.
Originally published as a board book in 2013.
Malaika’s Costume
written by Nadia L. Hohn
illustrated by Irene Luxbacher
Groundwood Books, 2016
for age 3-6
It’s carnival time—the first carnival since Malaika’s mother moved to Canada to find a good job and provide for Malaika and her grandmother. Her mother promised she would send money for a costume, and Malaika marks off the days on her calendar as she waits for Mummy’s letter to arrive. But when the letter finally comes, Malaika learns that there is no money for her costume.
Disappointed and upset at the thought of wearing her grandmother’s hand-me-down costume, Malaika leaves the house, running into Ms. Chin, the tailor, who offers Malaika a bag of scrap fabric. With her grandmother’s help, Malaika creates a patchwork rainbow peacock costume, and dances proudly in the parade.
This heartwarming story about family, community and the celebration of carnival is available in French as Le costume de Malaika from Éditions Scholastic.
Morris is a little boy who loves using his imagination. He dreams about having space adventures, paints beautiful pictures and sings the loudest during circle time. But most of all, Morris loves his classroom’s dress-up centre—he loves wearing the tangerine dress. But the children in Morris’s class don’t understand. Dresses, they say, are for girls. And Morris certainly isn’t welcome in the spaceship some of his classmates are building. Astronauts, they say, don’t wear dresses.
One day when Morris feels all alone, and sick from the taunts of his classmates, his mother lets him stay home from school. Morris reads about elephants, and puts together a puzzle, and dreams of a fantastic space adventure with his cat, Moo. Inspired by his dream, Morris paints the incredible scene he saw, and brings it with him to school. He builds his own spaceship, hangs his painting on the front of it and takes two of his classmates on an outer space adventure.
This sweet story about the courage and creativity it takes to be different is available in French as Boris Brindamour et la robe orange from Bayard Jeunesse.
The Most Magnificent Thing
(Most Magnificent)
written and illustrated by Ashley Spires
Kids Can Press, 2014
for ages 3-7
Award-winning author and illustrator Ashley Spires has created a charming picture book about an unnamed girl and her very best friend, who happens to be a dog. The girl has a wonderful idea. “She is going to make the most MAGNIFICENT thing! She knows just how it will look. She knows just how it will work. All she has to do is make it, and she makes things all the time. Easy-peasy!” But making her magnificent thing is anything but easy, and the girl tries and fails, repeatedly. Eventually, the girl gets really, really mad. She is so mad, in fact, that she quits. But after her dog convinces her to take a walk, she comes back to her project with renewed enthusiasm and manages to get it just right.
Available in French as Quel génie ! from Éditions Scholastic.
Mwâkwa Talks to the Loon
written and illustrated by Dale Auger
Heritage House Publishing, 2024
for ages 5-10
Kayâs is a young Cree man blessed with a gift that makes him a talented hunter. He knows the ways of the animals he hunts and can even talk with them in their own languages. But when he becomes arrogant and takes his abilities for granted, he loses his gift. Without his ability to hunt, his people grow hungry. But with the help of the Elders and the Beings that inhabit the water, Kayâs learns to cherish and respect the talents and skills he has been given. Illustrated with the powerful paintings of the late Dale Auger, this new edition—originally published in 2006—teaches valuable lessons and includes a Cree glossary and pronunciation guide.
My Heart Fills With Happiness / sâkaskinêw nitêh miywêyihtamowin ohci
written by Monique Gray Smith
translated into Plains Cree by Mary Cardinal Collins
illustrated by Julie Flett
Orca Book Publishers, 2021
for ages 3-6
The sun on your face. The smell of warm bannock baking in the oven. Holding the hand of someone you love. What fills your heart with happiness? This beautiful picture book, with illustrations from celebrated artist Julie Flett, serves as a reminder for little ones and adults alike to reflect on and cherish the moments in life that bring us joy. This bilingual edition includes the Plains Cree translation.
Originally published as a board book in 2016.
The Name of the Tree: A Bantu Tale
retold by Celia Barker Lottridge
illustrated by Ian Wallace
Groundwood Books, 2002
for ages 3-5
When a drought spreads through the land of the short grass, the animals set out across the great plain to find food. Their only hope for survival is a tree with a variety of colourful fruit. The problem is its branches are too high. To reach them, the wise old turtle says, one must know the name of the tree, something only King Lion is privy to. In this Bantu folktale, the hero is not the most cunning or the strongest but the one that tries the hardest.
Originally published in 1989.
Naomi's Tree
written by Joy Kogawa
illustrated by Ruth Ohi
Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2008
for ages 8-11
A young couple leaves Japan for the coast of Canada, bringing a cherry seed to plant in their new garden. During the years that follow, the little cherry tree watches over the family as the couple have children, and then grandchildren. Young Naomi makes the cherry tree her special friend, and the tree's branches shelter her as she plays. But one day, war breaks out between the two countries, and the family is sent to an internment camp away from the coast. And though Naomi often dreams of going home, the dream fades as the years go by. The little tree is left behind to mourn its loss.
For many years the cherry tree sends out a song of love and peace that reaches Naomi only in her dreams. But the insects and small animals hear the song, and on the wind they send back their own messages to the tree, assuring it that Naomi is safe and that one day she will return. And when she does, the tree will be waiting for her.
Based on the World War II story of Naomi and Stephen in Naomi's Road, Naomi's Tree is a poetic story about enduring love and its almost mystical power to heal the spirit.
On the Trapline
written by David A. Robertson
illustrated by Julie Flett
Tundra Books, 2020
for ages 4-8
A boy and Moshom, his grandpa, take a trip together to visit a place of great meaning to Moshom. A trapline is where people hunt and live off the land, and it was where Moshom grew up. As they embark on their northern journey, the child repeatedly asks his grandfather, "Is this your trapline?" Along the way, the boy finds himself imagining what life was like two generations ago—a life that appears to be both different from and similar to his life now. This is a heartfelt story about memory, imagination and intergenerational connection that perfectly captures the experience of a young child's wonder as he is introduced to places and stories that hold meaning for his family.
Available in French as Ligne de trappe from Éditions Scholastic.
One Can
written by Lana Button and Eric Walters
illustrated by Isabelle Malenfant
Groundwood Books, 2025
for ages 3-6
A child is excited to donate a can of their favourite Zoodelicious to the school food drive. Their teacher has explained that the food will be given to people in need, along with mittens from the “mitten tree.” In the classroom, there’s a carpet with one hundred squares, and the goal is to fill each square with a can of food. When the child places their can of Zoodelicious on square 100, everyone cheers, and the teacher puts a snowflake sticker on top to celebrate.
But a few days later, the child finds the same can of Zoodelicious among the groceries their mom has brought home. There’s a pair of red mitts, too. “Mom, are we the people in need?” the child asks. The next morning, after having thought of all the people who will receive food from the school and wondering what else they might need, the child donates their too-small blue mittens to the mitten tree at school.
Oscar Lives Next Door: A Story Inspired by Oscar Peterson
written by Bonnie Farmer
illustrated by Marie Lafrance
Owlkids Books, 2015
for ages 4-8
Long before Oscar Peterson became a virtuoso jazz pianist, he was a boy who loved to play the trumpet. When childhood tuberculosis weakened his lungs, Oscar could no longer play his beloved instrument. He took up piano and the rest is history: Oscar went on to become an international jazz piano sensation.
>This is a fictional story inspired by these facts. The book imagines a next-door neighbour for Oscar named Millie, who gets into mischief with him but also appreciates his talents: Oscar hears music in everything, and Millie calls him a magician for the way he can coax melodies from his trumpet. Millie writes to Oscar during his long stay in the hospital for tuberculosis, and she encourages his earliest notes on the piano.
Set in Oscar’s true childhood neighbourhood of St-Henri—now known as Little Burgundy—the book provides a wonderful sense of this 1930s neighbourhood where much of Montreal’s Black working class population lived. Detailed digital illustrations make the community’s culture and music almost tangible. The book concludes with a page of informational text about the author’s own connection to Little Burgundy and a short biography of the jazz legend.
Available in French as Mon voisin Oscar : Une histoire inspirée de l'enfance d'Oscar Peterson from Éditions Scholastic.
The Paper Bag Princess
written by Robert Munsch
illustrated by Michael Martchenko
Annick Press, 1980
for ages 3-5
When the fiercest dragon in the whole world smashes Princess Elizabeth’s castle, burns all her clothes, and captures her fiancé, Prince Ronald, Elizabeth takes matters into her own hands. With her wits alone and nothing but a paper bag to wear, the princess challenges the dragon to show his strength in the hopes of saving the prince. But is it worth all that trouble?
Available in French as La princesse dans un sac from Éditions Scholastic.
The Paper Boat: A Refugee Story
storyline and illustrations by Thao Lam
Owlkids Books, 2020
for ages 6-9
In The Paper Boat, Thao’s signature collage art tells the wordless story of one family’s escape from Vietnam—a journey intertwined with an ant colony’s parallel narrative.
At her home in Vietnam, a girl rescues ants from the sugar water set out to trap them. Later, when the girl’s family flees war-torn Vietnam, ants lead them through the moonlit jungle to the boat that will take them to safety. Before boarding, the girl folds a paper boat from a bun wrapper and drops it into the water, and the ants climb on. Their perilous journey, besieged by punishing weather, predatory birds, and dehydration, before reaching a new beginning, mirrors the family’s own.
A Prairie Boy's Summer
written and illustrated by William Kurelek
Tundra Books, 1975
for ages 5-9
Summer on the prairies during the Depression years was not a vacation from school; it was hard work. Considered a modern classic, A Prairie Boy's Summer depicts what it was like to grow up on the Prairie's in the 1930s through the paintings of Kurelek.
A young child and their family are having a wonderful time together celebrating Pride Day—meeting up with Grandma, making new friends and eating ice cream. But then something terrible happens: their dog gets lost in the parade! Luckily, there are lots of people around to help reunite the pup with his family.
This rhyming alphabet book tells a lively story, with rich, colourful illustrations that will have readers poring over every detail as they spot items starting with each of the letters of the alphabet. An affirming and inclusive book that offers a joyful glimpse of a Pride parade and the vibrant community that celebrates this day each year.
Red is Best
written by Kathy Stinson
illustrated by Robin Baird Lewis
Annick Press, 1982
for ages 2-5
Kelly's mom doesn't understand all of the reasons why red is the best colour. Through minimal text and elegant illustration, Kelly shows her mom why juice tastes better in the red cup, red pyjamas keep the monsters away at night, and red boots take bigger steps.
Available in French as Le rouge, c'est bien mieux ! from Éditions Scholastic
Salma the Syrian Chef
written by Danny Ramadan
illustrated by Anna Bron
Annick Press, 2020
for ages 4-7
All Salma wants is to make her mama smile again. Between English classes, job interviews, and missing Papa back in Syria, Mama always seems busy or sad. A homemade Syrian meal might cheer her up, but Salma doesn’t know the recipe, or what to call the vegetables in English, or where to find the right spices! Luckily, the staff and other newcomers at the Welcome Center are happy to lend a hand—and a sprinkle of sumac.
With creativity, determination, and charm, Salma brings her new friends together to show Mama that even though things aren’t perfect, there is cause for hope and celebration. Syrian culture is beautifully represented through the meal Salma prepares and Anna Bron’s vibrant illustrations, while the diverse cast of characters speaks to the power of cultivating community in challenging circumstances.
Available in French as Salma et les saveurs de la Syrie from Éditions Scholastic.
Scaredy Squirrel
written and illustrated by Mélanie Watt
Kids Can Press, 2005
for ages 4-8
Scaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It’s way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he’s well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel’s emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute.
Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day... his worst nightmare comes true! Scaredy suddenly finds himself out of his tree, where germs, poison ivy and sharks lurk. But as Scaredy Squirrel leaps into the unknown, he discovers something really uplifting...
Available in French as Frisson l'écureuil from Éditions Scholastic.
Shi-shi-etko
written by Nicola I. Campbell
illustrated by Kim LaFave
Groundwood Books, 2006
for ages 4-8
In just four days young Shi-shi-etko will have to leave her family and all that she knows to attend residential school.
She spends her last days at home treasuring the beauty of her world—the dancing sunlight, the tall grass, each shiny rock, the tadpoles in the creek, her grandfather's paddle song. Her mother, father and grandmother, each in turn, share valuable teachings that they want her to remember. And so Shi-shi-etko carefully gathers her memories for safekeeping.
Richly hued illustrations complement this gently moving and poetic account of a child who finds solace all around her, even though she is on the verge of great loss—a loss that Indigenous Peoples have endured for generations because of the residential schools system.
Available in French under the same name from Éditions des Plaines.
Sidewalk Flowers
storyline by JonArno Lawson
illustrated by Sydney Smith
Groundwood Books, 2015
for ages 4-7
In this wordless picture book, a little girl collects wildflowers while her distracted father pays her little attention. Each flower becomes a gift, and whether the gift is noticed or ignored, both giver and recipient are transformed by their encounter. An ode to the importance of small things, small people and small gestures.
Available in French as Les fleurs poussent aussi sur les trottoirs from Bayard Jeunesse.
Skating Wild on an Inland Sea
written by Jean E. Pendziwol
illustrated by Todd Stewart
Groundwood Books, 2023
for ages 3-6
Two children wake up to hear the lake singing, then the wind begins wailing... or is it a wolf? They bundle up and venture out into the cold, carrying their skates. On the snow-covered shore, they spot tracks made by fox, deer, hare, mink, otter… and the wolf! In the bay, the ice is thick and smooth. They lace up their skates, step onto the ice, stroking and gliding, and the great lake sings again.
In her signature poetic style, Pendziwol describes the exhilarating experience of skating on the wild ice of Lake Superior, including the haunting singing that occurs as the ice expands and contracts. Accompanied by Stewart’s breathtaking illustrations, this book will make us all long to skate wild.
Available in French as Le chant du lac from Mango Éditions.
Something From Nothing
written and illustrated by Phoebe Gilman
Scholastic Canada, 1992
for ages 4-8
Joseph's grandfather made him a beautiful blanket when he was a baby, but now it's frazzled and worn, and Joseph's mother says it is time to throw it out. Joseph doesn't want to part with his special blanket, and he's sure that his grandfather can fix it. Sure enough, Grandfather miraculously alters the blanket into useful items again and again. But when Joseph loses the final item, even Grandfather can't make something from nothing. But maybe Joseph can?
Based on the Yiddish folktale "Joseph's overcoat," Phoebe Gilman's gorgeous artwork charts the transformation of the blanket and the progress of Joseph's family through the years, subtly teaching young readers about a lost way of life.
Available in French as Un merveilleux petit rien ! from Éditions Scholastic.
Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox
written and illustrated by Danielle Daniel
Groundwood Books, 2015
for ages 4-8
In this introduction to the Anishinaabe tradition of totem animals, young children explain why they identify with different creatures such as a deer, beaver or moose. Delightful illustrations show the children wearing masks representing their chosen animal, while the few lines of text on each page work as a series of simple poems throughout the book.
In a brief author’s note, Danielle Daniel explains the importance of totem animals in Anishinaabe culture and how they can also act as animal guides for young children seeking to understand themselves and others.
Available in French as Parfois je suis un renard from Éditions Scholastic.
The Sour Cherry Tree
written by Naseem Hrab
illustrated by Nahid Kazemi
Owlkids Books, 2021
for ages 4-8
After her grandfather’s death, a young girl wanders through his house. As she tours each room, the objects she discovers stir memories of her grandfather—her baba bozorg. His closet full of clothes reminds her of the mints he kept in his pockets. His favourite teacup conjures thoughts of the fig cookies he would offer her. The curtains in the living room bring up memories of hide-and-seek games and the special relationship that she and her baba bozorg shared, even though they spoke different languages.
The Sour Cherry Tree is an authentic look at death and loss centred on the experiences of a child, both strikingly whimsical and matter-of-fact. Drawing on the Iranian-Canadian author’s childhood memories, this tender meditation on grief, love, and memory is at once culturally specific and universally relatable.
The Stamp Collector
written by Jennifer Lanthier
illustrated by François Thisdale
Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2012
for ages 8-12
A city boy finds a stamp that unlocks his imagination; a country boy is captivated by stories. When they grow up, the two boys take different paths—one becomes a prison guard, the other works in a factory—but their early childhood passions remain. When the country boy's stories of hope land him in prison, the letters and stamps sent to him from faraway places intrigue the prison guard and a unique friendship begins.
Stanley's Party
written by Linda Bailey
illustrated by Bill Slavin
Kids Can Press, 2003
for ages 3-7
Stanley’s people go out a lot. Stanley is a good dog, but one night, while they’re away, the temptation becomes too great and he sneaks up onto the couch. What a wonderful experience! Soon he’s also blasting the music, dancing around the living room and raiding the fridge. Stanley’s never had so much fun! But after a couple of weeks something is missing, and Stanley realizes that partying alone has lost its thrill.
Stella, Star of the Sea
written and illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
Groundwood Books, 1999
for ages 2-6
Stella and her little brother are spending the day at the sea. Stella has been to the sea before and knows all its secrets, but Sam has many questions: "Does a catfish purr? Does a seahorse gallop?" Stella has an answer for them all. The only thing she isn't sure of, and neither are we, is whether Sam will ever come into the water.
Exquisite, evocative watercolours bring a diaphanous day at the beach alive in this perfect summer story. Gently humorous, Stella, Star of the Sea also captures the relationship between an older sister and her baby brother—a responsibility that can be both lots of fun and very trying.
Available in French as Stella, étoile de la mer from Dominique et compagnie.
The Subway Mouse
written and illustrated by Barbara Reid
Scholastic Canada, 2005
for ages 3-7
Nib lives deep beneath the city, in a subway station the mice call Sweetfall. By day, the trains thunder past. At night, the old mice tell stories of the mythical land known as Tunnel's End, where the air is sweet and the nests are soft, but where scary, mouse-eating monsters roam. One day, Nib sets out on a quest to find Tunnel's End. Along the way he faces danger, finds a friend... and discovers a place more wonderful than he ever dreamed.
Available in French as Le souriceau du métro from Éditions Scholastic.
Sukaq and the Raven
written by Roy Goose and Kerry McCluskey
illustrated by Soyeon Kim
Inhabit Media, 2017
for ages 4-10
Sukaq loves to drift off to sleep listening to his mother tell him stories. His favourite story is the tale of how a raven created the world. But this time, as his mother begins to tell the story and his eyelids become heavy, he is suddenly whisked away on the wings of the raven to ride along as the entire world is formed! This traditional legend from Inuit storyteller Roy Goose is brought to life through co-author Kerry McCluskey's jubilant retelling.
Time Is a Flower
written and illustrated by Julie Morstad
Tundra Books, 2021
for ages 3-7
In this magical meditation on the nature of time, Morstad shines a joyful light on a difficult-to-grasp concept for young readers and reminds older readers to see the wonders of our world, including children themselves, through the lens of time.
Available in French as Le temps est une fleur from Éditions de la Pastèque.
Toes in My Nose: And Other Poems
(A Sheree Fitch Classic)
written by Sheree Fitch
illustrated by Sydney Smith
Nimbus Publishing, 2016
for ages 4-8
Silly, funny, and outrageous, Toes in My Nose is the book that launched Sheree Fitch's career as Canada's premier nonsense poet. From "Popcorn Pete" and "Mabel Murple" to "Zelba Zinnamon," these are some of the best-loved poems and characters in Canadian children's literature.
This edition of Canada’s nonsense poet’s classic book portrays a neighbourhood of kids flying to the moon, playing banjo with orangutans, and bathing with submarines.
Originally published in 1987, with illustrations by Molly Bobak, by Doubleday Canada.
Up Home
written by Shauntay Grant
illustrated by Susan Tooke
Nimbus Publishing, 2008
for ages 4-8
Happy memories sparkle in this journey through poet Shauntay Grant’s childhood visits to North Preston, Nova Scotia. Her words bring to life the sights, sounds, rhythms, and people of a joyful place, while Susan Tooke’s vibrant illustrations capture the warmth of one of Canada’s most important black communities. Up Home celebrates the magic of growing up, and the power in remembering our roots.
Viola Desmond Won't Be Budged!
written by Jody Nyasha Warner
illustrated by Richard Rudnicki
Groundwood Books, 2011
for ages 5-9
In Nova Scotia, in 1946, an usher in a movie theatre told Viola Desmond to move from her main floor seat up to the balcony. She refused to budge. Viola knew she was being asked to move because she was black. After all, she was the only black person downstairs. All the other black people were up in the balcony. In no time at all, the police arrived and took Viola to jail. The next day she was charged and fined, but she vowed to continue her struggle against such unfair rules. She refused to accept that being black meant she couldn't sit where she wanted.
Viola's determination gave strength and inspiration to her community at the time. She is an unsung hero of the North American struggle against injustice and racial discrimination whose story deserves to be widely known.
Available in French as La détermination de Viola Desmond from Éditions Scholastic.
Virginia Wolf
written by Kyo Maclear
illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault
Kids Can Press, 2012
for ages 4-8
Vanessa’s sister, Virginia, is in a “wolfish” mood—growling, howling and acting very strange. It’s a funk so fierce, the whole household feels topsy-turvy. Vanessa tries everything she can think of to cheer her up, but nothing seems to work. Then Virginia tells Vanessa about an imaginary, perfect place called Bloomsberry. Armed with an idea, Vanessa begins to paint Bloomsberry on the bedroom walls, transforming them into a beautiful garden complete with a ladder and swing “so that what was down could climb up.” Before long, Virginia, too, has picked up a brush and undergoes a surprising transformation of her own. Loosely based on the relationship between author Virginia Wolf and her sister, painter Vanessa Bell, Virginia Wolf is an uplifting story for readers of all ages.
Available in French under the same name from Éditions de la Pastèque.
Welcome to the Cypher
written by Khodi Dill
illustrated by Awuradwoa Afful
Annick Press, 2021
for ages 4-7
“Welcome to the cypher!
Now huddle up nice and snug.
You feel that circle around you?
Well, that’s a hip hop hug!”
Starting with beatboxes and fingersnaps, an exuberant narrator introduces kids in his community to the powerful possibilities of rap, from turning “a simple phrase/into imagery that soars” to proclaiming, “this is a voice that represents me!” As Khodi Dill’s rhymes heat up, the diverse crew of kids—illustrated in Awuradwoa Afful’s bold, energetic style—gain self-confidence and a sense of freedom in this wonderful picture book debut that is perfect for reading aloud.
Zoom at Sea
written by Tim Wynne-Jones
llustrated by Eric Beddows
Groundwood Books, 2013
for ages 3-7
This fanciful nautical adventure stars a winsome cat named Zoom, who stays indoors paddling in the sink or sailing in the bathtub all night when other self-respecting cats are out mousing and howling at the moon.
One day Zoom finds in his Uncle Roy's diary a map of the sea and how to get there, which leads him to the huge house of the beautiful Maria. When, with the turn of a large wheel, mysterious Maria launches him on a wonderful sea voyage, the first of Zoom’s adventures begins.
Originally published in 1983, by Douglas & McIntyre.
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How did we select these books?
This list was developed by the CCBC staff team based on various considerations. We selected books that have a history with the CCBC (they may have been reviewed or recommended, the author or illustrator might have toured for Book Week, perhaps the book was a finalist for one of our awards or appeared in one of book lists,).
We also thought about lots of other things, like geographical representation, including stories that are important to Canadian identity in all its many forms, diverse experiences, body of work, sub-genres within the picture book genre (poetry, wordless, Indigenous dual language, etc.) and so much more. Ultimately, we had to love them. These are just 50 must-read picture books, there are lots and lots of other must-read Canadian books!
We knew that everyone reading this list (us included) will be thinking "what about ...?". And that is the idea!
What books would YOU include on the list?
Stay tuned. To mark our anniversary AND to create excitement around Canadian kids’ books, we will be launching the Canada’s 50 Favourite Kids’ Books campaign shortly.
Throughout the coming months, we will gather votes and in January 2027 we will announce Canada’s 50 Favourite Kids’ Books—a list of beloved books, compiled by the CCBC, but created by all of you!