Bookshelf

By Jane Muller

I Am Canada: A Celebration

By Heather Patterson, illustrator Jon Klassen

This picture book about Canadian childhood features artwork from 13 of Canada’s finest children’s book illustrators. Heather Patterson’s free verse poem I Am Canada was originally published in 1996. In this new edition timed to celebrate Canada 150th anniversary and Scholastic Canada’s 60th, her words are accompanied by illustrations that should make us all proud of the talent Canadians possess. The beautiful and varied art combined with simple text provide a vision of our vast and varied country where children can experience freedom and opportunity. Ages 3 to 7 – Publisher, Scholastic Canada – $19.99 hardcover

Atlantic Animal ABC

By Angela Doak

Animals are intriguing enough for little ones but the images created by Angela Doak make them even more attractive. From Atlantic puffin to zooplankton, each star of this animal ABC shines on the plain white pages. This book is a wonderful way to celebrate Atlantic Canadiana and to begin to learn about animals and the alphabet.

Ages 0 to 2 – Publisher Nimbus – $14.95 board book

A Northern Alphabet

By Ted Harrison, illustrator

The vibrant, colourful illustrations in this very Canadian alphabet book distinctly capture the spirit of the north. This introduction to the letters by way of all things northern is now available in durable board book format, ideal to take along on summer adventures. Learning the ABCs is an exploration of Canada’s landscape, people, flora and fauna. The letter-by-letter journey goes from A for anorak and B for bear to Q for quilt and Z for zinc mine. Simple text names a few of the objects, animals and people depicted in each spectacular painting.A is for Arctic, B for Bering Sea, C for Clyde River – and Z for Zangeza Bay – all to be explored above the 60th parallel. Ages 0 to 3 – Publisher, Tundra – $12.99 board book

Thank You, Canada

By Andrea Lynnn Beck, illustrator

Described by its publishers as a “joyful letter of gratitude for all our country has to offer, past, present and future” this picture book is likely to be another bestseller for Andrea Lynn Beck. Like her award-winning picture books Goodnight, Canada and Good Morning, Canada it celebrates our country’s iconic landmarks, geography, animals and more. The rhyming verse and lively, character-filled illustrations make this a fun read. Ages 4 to 7 Publisher, North Winds Press – $16.99 paperback

We Live in Canada

By Veronique Petit, illustrator, Jane Horne, designer

Lift the flap books are terrific for engaging the youngest of children. This one introduces some of Canada’s best-loved animals with fun information under the flaps. The larger illustrations in this beautiful board book have the added dynamic of texture, from fuzz to felt to sand. From Petite Boutique, this is an ideal book for a baby shower or first birthday gift during Canada’s 150th year. Ages 0 to 3 – Publisher, Indigo Baby – $10 board book

Guess How Much I Love Canada

By Katrine Crow, illustrator Mark Kummer

Barry Beaver takes two young explorers on a trip across Canada from coast to coast to coast. Their journey highlights their favourite cities, parks, and landmarks while providing facts about Canada’s culture, history and geography with a fun and informative spin. The cute illustrations and colourful layouts add to the appeal of this nonfiction book. Ages 4 to 7 – Publisher, Flowerpot Press – $9.99 hardcover

The Big Book of Canada

By Christopher Moore, illustrator Bill Slavin

Updated for Canada’s 150th birthday, this lavishly illustrated book explores the wonders of each Canadian province and territory. Learn about Canada’s people, economy, places and important moments in our country’s history with the help of engaging text along with 140 photographs and 110 original pieces by award-winning artist Bill Slavin. Ages 9 to 12 – Publisher, Tundra – $45.99 hardcover

Canadian Railroad Trilogy

By Gordon Lightfoot, illustrator Ian Wallace

Lavish illustrations by an award-winning artist bring Gordon Lightfoot’s iconic song to a new generation in picture book form. A song commissioned by the CBC in 1967 to mark Canada’s centennial year it describes the construction of the transcontinental railway — “an iron road runnin’ from the sea to the sea” — a great feat of nation building that changed Canada forever. The book, nominated for a Silver Birch Award in 2012, includes Gordon Lightfoot’s music and lyrics, a brief history of the railroad and notes on the illustrations. Ages 4 and up – Publisher, Groundwood – $24.95 hardcover

Carson Crosses Canada

By Linda Bailey, illustrator Kass Reich

With free admission to Canada’s national parks this year there is extra motivation for Canadians to explore their country. Whether or not a road trip is on your compass this summer, this wonderful tale provides a cheerful ride across Canada with senior citizen Annie Magruder and her quirky dog, Carson. The pair travels from their home in Tofino British Columbia to Annie’s sister’s home on the east coast, sharing their province-by-province experience with readers. This is a trip that you’ll want to take again and again thanks to the light-hearted story line, lovely illustrations and endearing characters. Ages 4 to 7 – Publisher, Tundra Books – $21.99 hardcover