Children's Picture Books: Stories set in Canada

Nibi’s Water Song

2021

"When Nibi, an Indigenous girl, turns the tap in her house, only mucky brown water comes out. That starts her on a search for clean water to drink. Though she must face polluted rivers, unfriendly neighbors, and her own temporary discouragement, Nibi's joyful energy becomes a catalyst for change and action as her community rallies around her to make clean drinking water available for all. The hopeful tone and lively read-aloud quality of the text open the door to conversations and action with young children, while the distinctive, delightful artwork conveys the themes of vitality, resistance, and resilience. The word "Nibi" means "water" in the Anishinaabe language, and Nibi's Water Song is as refreshing and revitalizing as its protagonist's name." -- Publisher

Song in a Rainstorm: The Story of Musical Prodigy Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins

2021

by Glenda Armand, Bea Jackson and Brittany Jackson

Born blind into a life of slavery in Georgia, Thomas Wiggins was dismissed as a "useless burden." But through the loving protection of his family, he went on to become one of the greatest musicians of his time --

The Doll

2021

by Nhung N. Tran-Davies and Ravy Puth

"Two little girls come to North America as refugees, a generation apart, and both are welcomed with the gift of a doll. A young girl and her family arrive in an airport in a new country. They are refugees, migrants who have travelled across the world to find safety. Strangers greet them, and one of them gives the little girl a doll. Decades later, that little girl is grown up and she has the chance to welcome a group of refugees who are newly arrived in her adopted country. To the youngest of them, a little girl, she gives a doll, knowing it will help make her feel welcome. Inspired by real events." -- publisher

When I Was Young in Nunavut

2021

by Deborah Kigjugalik Webster and Natasha Donovan

"An introductory memoir sharing the author's experience growing up Nunavut. In Nunavut, there are lots of fun things to do, no matter the season. This book introduces children to the memoir genre and describes different activities the author did when she was growing up in Nunavut." -- Publisher

Willy’s New Pup

2021

by Sherry Blake and Lenny Lishchenko

"When Willy's friend Sid comes to visit, he brings Willy a surprise—a new pup! Willy's new pup is strong and fast, but he needs a lot of training before he can become the new lead dog. When Willy finally decides his new pup is ready for his first hunting trip, something happens that puts the dog's strength and bravery to the test. Based on true events, this story from Labrador shows the powerful bond between a dog team driver and his lead dog." -- publisher

Clam Digging with Grandma

2020

by Hannah Gifford and Tamara Campeau

"Silu can’t wait to go clam digging! Follow along as Silu and her grandma spend a fun day digging for clams." -- publisher

Fauja Singh Keeps Going

2020

by Simran Jeet Singh and Baljinder Kaur

"The inspiring true story of Fauja Singh, who broke world records to become the first one hundred-year-old to run a marathon, shares valuable lessons on the source of his grit, determination to overcome obstacles, and commitment to positive representation of the Sikh community. Every step forward is a victory. Fauja Singh was born determined. He was also born with legs that wouldn’t allow him to play cricket with his friends or carry him to school miles from his village in Punjab. But that didn’t stop him. Working on his family’s farm, Fauja grew stronger to meet his own full potential. He never stopped striving. At the age of 81, after a lifetime of making his body, mind, and heart stronger, Fauja decided to run his first marathon. He went on to break records all around the world and became the first person over 100 to complete the grueling long-distance race. With inspiring text by Simran Jeet Singh and exhilarating illustrations by Baljinder Kaur, the true story of Fauja Singh reminds us that it’s both where we start and how we finish that make our journeys unforgettable." -- publisher

Going to the Library

2020

by Monica Ittusardjuat and Anton Kotelenets

"What will you find at the library? This wordless sequence book features a girl and her mother on a trip to the library. Children can reflect on their own love of books and reading as they watch the story unfold." -- publisher

Inuit Games

2020

by Thomas Anguti Johnston and Sigmundur Thorgeirsson

"Inuit games have been played as long as anyone can remember! Learn all about Inuit games and why they are important for staying healthy and strong for life in the Arctic." -- publisher

Inukpak and His Son

2020

by Neil Christopher and Germaine Arnaktauyok

"Discover this gigantic Northern tale. This book introduces children to a traditional Inuit legend. Learn how the great giant Inukpak adopted a human hunter as his son." -- publisher