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A lively look at the journey of a West Coast tugboat towing a log boom, as seen through the eyes of a young boy. 

"I’m helping Dad on the tugboat. We’re going to tow a log boom to the sawmill on the river… I look out for ferries and other boats in the harbor… Then I see it — a deadhead!"

Follow a child and his father through their workday on a tugboat on the West Coast as they watch a log boom being made, then tow it to a mill upriver. The pair must steer clear of other ships, race against the tide and weather a storm along the way. 

Told from a child's perspective, this fun, accessible picture book explores the key role of a tugboat in the logging process. As explained in the author's note, the story is inspired by Scot Ritchie’s childhood memories of seeing tugs and log booms off the coast of Vancouver, British Columbia, with additional information provided in the note about forestry on the West Coast today.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 6.

Key text features: author's note, diagrams, glossary, illustrations, facts, map, speech bubbles, writing inspiration

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.75" x 10.75" | Hardcover

When Malaika moves to Canada, there’s a lot to get used to, especially Carnival in the wintertime!

Malaika is happy to be reunited with Mummy, but it means moving to Canada, where everything is different. It’s cold in Québec City, no one understands when she talks and Carnival is nothing like the celebration Malaika knows from home!

When Mummy marries Mr. Frédéric, Malaika gets a new sister called Adèle. Her new family is nice, but Malaika misses Grandma. She has to wear a puffy purple coat, learn a new language and get used to calling this new place home. Things come to a head when Mummy and Mr. Frédéric take Malaika and Adèle to a carnival. Malaika is dismayed that there are no colorful costumes and that it’s nothing like Carnival at home in the Caribbean! She is so angry that she kicks over Adèle’s snow castle, but that doesn’t make her feel any better. It takes a video chat with Grandma to help Malaika see the good things about her new home and family.

Nadia L. Hohn’s prose, written in a blend of standard English and Caribbean patois, tells a warm story about the importance of family, especially when adjusting to a new home. 

Reviews
"Hohn contrasts Caribbean and Canadian cultures tenderly, with deep understanding of both, and she and Luxbacher have created a sweet, immersive and loving book that will benefit both young new arrivals to a country and those just meeting them." — Kirkus Reviews, July 2017

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 3 to 7.

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.6
With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.2
Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate understanding of their central message or lesson.

Additional Information
36 pages | 10.00" x 9.00" | Hardcover 

Find out where honey comes from as Grandpa the Beeman teaches the basics of beekeeping to his young grandson. This rhyming story includes 7 pages of educational endnotes full of essential facts about bees, beekeeping, honey, and the vital part that bees play in the natural world.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 to 8.

With rhyming text and warm, expressive paintings, this lovely picture book takes the reader through a year of beekeeping from the point of view of a little girl helping her beloved grandpa, who's known in town as the Beeman. Full-color illustrations.

An accessible and engaging introduction to the behavior of bees, including: where they live, how honey is made, and what a beekeeper does. Children will love learning about the vital role of bees in the ecosystem, and will be delighted to find a delicious muffin recipe on the final page!

Additional Information
40 pages | 10.00" x 10.00" | Paperback

In this young reader novel, ten-year-old Jeanie Leclare has just moved to the West Coast from Saskatchewan. She's desperately lonely and longs for a new friend. When the girl sitting in front of her at school seems friendly, she feels a little better. Then an excavator arrives and demolishes the cute house next door. Everyone, including Jeanie's new friend, Isabelle, is aghast. But Jeanie has a secret, a secret that she knows will turn her new classmates against her. At recess time, the excavator heads for a huge and beautiful cedar next to the school. Isabelle leads a band of kids, including Jeanie, to stop it. That's when they discover Jeanie's secret: the contracting company that destroyed the house belongs to Jeanie's uncle and father. Jeanie promises her new classmates that she'll do whatever it takes to protect the cherished tree. Trouble is, she can't convince her uncle and father to agree not to cut it down. So now it's totally up to Jeanie and Isabelle to come to the cedar tree's defence. They are the Tree Musketeers.

Reviews
"Norma Charles shows exactly what it's like to feel new and different and judged, and leaves us knowing we're going to be okay" - Jennifer Mook-Sang 

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 9 to 12.

Tree Musketeers is a successful portrait of kid-sized eco-warriors and finding one’s voice – a homespun tale of triumph with a touch of socially responsible charm.

Additional Information
110 pages | 5.25" x 7.63" | Paperback

Lila vient tout juste de déménager dans une nouvelle ville. Excitée à l'idée de se faire de nouveaux amis, elle est abasourdie lorsque, dès le premier jour d'école, un petit garçon montre du doigt ses cheveux couleur ébène et la traite de corneille. Les autres élèves chuchotent et ricanent, et le coeur de Lila devient lourd. Le jour suivant, Lila cache ses cheveux. Mais cette fois, le petit garçon montre du doigt sa peau foncée en riant. Et quand Lila cache sa peau, ce sont de ses yeux que le petit garçon se moque.

Lila aperçoit une corneille sur sa route. Elle tente de chasser l'oiseau, mais il semble l'attendre chaque soir. Doucement, cet oiseau si sombre donnera un peu d'espoir à Lila et lui insufflera le courage d'être elle-même et de briller.

Une histoire poignante sur l'intimidation et sur l'acceptation de nos différences et de celles des autres.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 5 - 8.

This resource is also available in English as Lila and the Crow.

Subjects/Themes: diversity; self-esteem; conflict resolution; Native peoples; prejudice; bullying; school; animals

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.94" x 8.96"

Leira is about to start her initiation as a priestess when her world is turned upside down. A violent earthquake leaves her home--and her family--in pieces. And the earth goddess hasn't finished with the island yet.

With her family, Leira flees across the sea to Crete, expecting sanctuary. But a volcanic eruption throws the entire world into darkness. After the resulting tsunami, society descends into chaos; the status and privilege of being noble-born are reduced to nothing. With her injured mother and elderly nurse, Leira must find the strength and resourcefulness within herself to find safety.

A thrilling new Bronze Age survival story from the award-winning author of Dragonfly Song and Nim's Island.

Reviews
"[Orr's] mixture of prose and free verse to tell Leira's story is lyrical and magnetic—and devastating. Not for readers searching for a simple or happy journey, this is a beautiful song of a book that shows that life isn't always fair, but change is always constant."—Kirkus Reviews

"Leira's lyrical first-person narrative advances the story along beautifully with a fitting sense of urgency, and free-verse songs clue readers in to her emotional development. Immersive historical fiction."—Booklist Starred Review

"Some chapters written in verse make the more emotional plotlines sing. An eye-opening look at how difficult it is when one's status changes in life, and how attitude can shape outcome. VERDICT: Beautiful writing and a fast-moving plot will give young historical fiction fans much to love."—School Library Journal

"Leira's protracted fall from grace is effectively punctuated by seamless narrative shifts among prose, verse, and song, which fans of Orr's Dragonfly Song will recognize. What she endures—the uncertainty of her family's fate and becoming a servant herself—makes for a gripping exploration of privilege during her journey toward womanhood."—Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books

"Swallow's Dance is a sweeping tale of courage, fortitude, hardship and perseverance against all odds. It is also a coming of age story, an intimate glimpse into the life of a young girl adjusting to puberty at a time when her family, friendships and her understanding of her place in the world are brutally torn apart. Wendy Orr has crafted a sympathetic, memorable heroine whose struggles and challenges transcend time from the Bronze Age to modern day....While suitable for middle-grade students and a wonderful introduction to mythology and discussions surrounding puberty, spirituality, class, mental health, death and disaster, Swallow's Dance is one of those rare books that is also just a great story, an epic tale for all ages. Highly Recommended."—CM Magazine

"Top notch historical fiction for those who like it ancient!... The scenes of devastation – earthquake in Santorini, tsunami in Crete – are riveting to experience through the lens of a survivor."—Youth Services Book Review

"Orr's attention to character development is extremely well done....Swallow's Dance could be used in conjunction with the grades-five-to-eight Language Arts or Social Studies curriculum and would be great to teach students how to incorporate symbolism and imagery through free verse and poetry. In addition, Swallow's Dance could also be used to teach students about family, culture, history and the importance of the role of women in society. A fantastic novel to use as a read-aloud or novel study!"—Canadian Children's Book News

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 10-14

Themes/Subjects: Legends, Myths, Fables - Greek & Roman / Historical - Ancient Civilizations / Action & Adventure - Survival Stories / Coming of Age.

Additional Information
288 pages | 5.50" x 8.00"

Dominique passe la fin de semaine chez son cousin Étienne. Celui-ci en profite pour l’initier à son sport favori : mieux que le hockey, le hockey bottine ! La seule et unique règle est de s’amuser, en marquant le plus de buts possible. Le match s’annonce mouvementé. Actions d’éclat, culbutes et fous rires sont au rendez-vous !Un album qui sent bon l’hiver et les copains.Une histoire signée David Bouchard et Dean Griffiths, à la fin surprenante qui plaira aussi bien aux garçons qu’aux filles.

Il y a très longtemps, dans un pays lointain, deux bandes d'oiseaux vivaient sur des territoires voisins : les paons et les cygnes. Leurs différences firent peu à peu naître la méfiance et chaque groupe se mit à accumuler des armes pour se défendre en cas de danger... 

Puis, un jour, aveuglés par leur propre frayeur, les paons déclenchèrent une guerre sanglante, jusqu'à ce qu'il ne reste que deux oeufs.

Comment se comporteront les oisillons qui en naîtront ?

Educator Information
This resource is also available in English: Feathers and Fools

Additional Information
Dès 7 ans | 32 pages | 28 x 21 cm

In 2007, when a new edition of the Oxford Junior Dictionary — widely used in schools around the world — was published, a sharp-eyed reader soon noticed that around forty common words concerning nature had been dropped. Apparently they were no longer being used enough by children to merit their place in the dictionary. The list of these “lost words” included acorn, adder, bluebell, dandelion, fern, heron, kingfisher, newt, otter, and willow. Among the words taking their place were attachment, blog, broadband, bullet-point, cut-and-paste, and voice-mail.

The news of these substitutions — the outdoor and natural being displaced by the indoor and virtual — became seen by many as a powerful sign of the growing gulf between childhood and the natural world. 

Ten years later, Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris set out to make a “spell book” that will conjure back twenty of these lost words, and the beings they name, from acorn to wren. By the magic of word and paint, they sought to summon these words again into the voices, stories, and dreams of children and adults alike, and to celebrate the wonder and importance of everyday nature. The Lost Words is that book — a work that has already cast its extraordinary spell on hundreds of thousands of people and begun a grass-roots movement to re-wild childhood across Britain, Europe, and North America.

Reviews
“Gorgeous to look at and to read. Give it to a child to bring back the magic of language - and its scope.” — Jeanette Winterson

“The most beautiful and thought-provoking book I've read this year.” — Frank Cottrell-Boyce

Educator Information
All over the world, there are words disappearing from children's lives. These are the words of the natural world. The rich landscape of wild imagination and wild paly is rapidly fading from our children's minds. The Lost Words stands against the disappearance of wild childhood. It is a joyful celebration of nature words and the natural world they invoke. With acrostic spell-poems by award-winning writer Robert Macfarlane and hand-painted illustrations by Jackie Morris, this enchanting book captures the irreplaceable magic of language and nature for all ages.

Additional Information 
128 pages | 10.75" x 14.50"

A child's first experience of death involves love, laughter, and some big questions about life.

Norma and her parents are going to her great-uncle Frank’s funeral, and Norma is more excited than sad. She is looking forward to playing with her favorite cousin, Ray, but when she arrives at the church, she is confronted with rituals and ideas that have never occurred to her before. While not all questions can be answered, when the day is over Norma is certain of one thing — Uncle Frank would have enjoyed his funeral.

This sensitive and life-affirming story will lead young readers to ask their own questions about life, death and how we remember those who have gone before us.

Educator Information
Recommended for ages 4-7.  

Curriculum Connections

• Health / human development
• Social studies / heritage and identity 

Additional Information

40 pages | 8.75" x 12.00"

The Strong Readers Métis Series launched in December 2014.

Single sets include 1 copy each of the 8 titles in the Métis Series.

The Métis Series includes a mixture of fiction and non-fiction books that provide cultural reflections of the Métis.

The series includes titles ranging from levels 3 to 18:

LV. 3 - My Métis Sash
LV. 6 - Métis People Travel!
LV. 8 - I Can Bead
LV. 10 - Giving Thanks
LV. 12 - A Métis New Year
LV. 14 - Two Métis Vests
LV. 16 - A Red River Cart
LV. 18 - Ways To Carry A Métis Baby

Educator Information
This resource is also available in French HERE!

Additional Information
ISBN: 9781771745918

The Strong Readers: Métis Series launched in December 2014.

Guided Reading bundles include 6 copies of each of the 8 titles in the Métis Series.

The Métis Series includes a mixture of fiction and non-fiction books that provide cultural reflections of the Métis.

The series includes titles ranging from levels 3 to 18:

LV. 3 - My Métis Sash
LV. 6 - Métis People Travel!
LV. 8 - I Can Bead
LV. 10 - Giving Thanks
LV. 12 - A Métis New Year
LV. 14 - Two Métis Vests
LV. 16 - A Red River Cart
LV. 18 - Ways To Carry A Métis Baby

Educator Information
This resource is also available in French HERE!

Additional Information
ISBN 9781771746649

Teachers! This book is like a whole unit on migration wrapped in a winning combination of easy verse, factual language, and beautiful illustrations.

For animals, migration is a powerful compulsion to travel, sometimes over long distances, often skipping many meals. Sometimes, as in the case of the monarch butterfly, a round-trip takes several generations. Why do they do it? How do they succeed? The ten featured species offer a broad representation of migration: loggerhead turtles, monarch butterflies, manatees, ruby-throated hummingbirds, Pacific salmon, Canada geese, California gray whales, caribou, Arctic tern, and emperor penguin.

The book is loaded with additional tips for teachers. Once again Marianne Berkes combines her teaching, writing, and theatrical skills to combine entertainment with education--creative non-fiction at its best.

Reviews
"Teachers especially will welcome this poetic look at animal migration patterns. Ten critters, ranging from Canada geese to caribou and loggerhead turtles, celebrate their “going home” with a rhyme, a small paragraph of information, and a colorful, realistic illustration spreading across facing pages. A large map helps readers follow migratory patterns, and a closing section contains a look at the “mystery” of migration, further data on the creatures in focus, and a handy-dandy passel of suggestions, such as to “Write Your Own Story” about an animal not included in this book.... [T]he book is a pleasant way to tie creative writing and natural history in a simple package." — School Library Journal

"A winning combination of verse, factual language, and beautiful illustrations that describe the mysterious migration patterns of animals from loggerhead turtles to monarch butterflies to ruby-throated hummingbird to caribou. Resources at the end of the book include websites to learn more about the featured animals, and several lesson and activity ideas for educators." — ForeWord Reviews – Teresa Scollon

Educator Information
A poetic, yet factual, book on animal migration patterns that includes a map of migration routes, detailed information on each species mentioned, teaching tips, activities, and a list of books and websites for further study.

Recommended Ages: 4-10

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.50" x 9.00"

Born in St. Boniface in 1837 of French and Indian parentage, Gabriel Dumont's childhood was spent in the Saskatchewan country, where he grew accustomed to the semi-nomadic existence of the Métis. These were the proud days of the Métis nation, when its people roamed freely throughout the Prairies. The most stable social institution was the annual buffalo hunt with its rules. When Gabriel Dumont became head of the Great Saskatchewan Hunt in 1862 the end of the nomadic lifestyle was already in sight.

As the buffalo herds dwindled, the Métis began to form more permanent settlements, but were alarmed when their pleas for recognition of their land rights were ignored by Sir John A Macdonald's government. Dumont appealed to Louis Riel, leader of the Red River Rebellion.

Riel spoke up for the Saskatchewan Métis, but their petitions were ignored. In 1885, the Métis took up arms against the government forces. Dumont spurred the outnumbered rebels to several victories. After the Métis defeat, Dumont fled to the United States where he spent time with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show until an amnesty was declared and he was able to return to his home.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of The Canadians Series.

Recommended Ages: 10-13 

Additional Information
64 pages | 6.50" x 8.50"

This stunning nature alphabet book explores the fascinating ecosystem of the Pacific west coast — a magnificent area that combines an ancient rainforest, a rugged beach and a vast, open ocean, and where whales, bears, wolves, eagles and a rich variety of marine species thrive in an interconnected web of life.

Author Deborah Hodge has spent more than forty years on the west coast, frequently visiting the Pacific Rim region, and she knows it intimately. From A to Z she describes in vivid language the rainforest, ocean and beach, and a great variety of animals that a child might see walking along the shore — from tiny sea jellies to inquisitive sandpipers to leaping orcas. Illustrator Karen Reczuch brings her remarkable talent to the book, and has created image after image that is simply breathtaking. The text and art have been carefully checked for scientific accuracy.

Includes a note about the Pacific west coast and suggestions for exploring the region and further reading.

Follow along as Pup learns how to eat spiky sea urchins, somersault beneath the waves and groom himself. He still needs a lot of help from Mother, but one day Pup will be old enough to dive down below the waves and search for food on his own.
Accompanied by beautiful illustrations and set in the North Pacific, this heartwarming tale is perfect for little ones who still have lots to learn themselves.

Written by Richelle Lovegrove and illustrated by Amber Green, A Big Mistake? is a beautiful children’s book that explores friendship, gifts and generosity.

When Summer’s best friend compliments the necklace her kokum gave her, she remembers her Elder’s teaching and gives the necklace away. But when her kokum comes over for supper, Summer worries that she made a big mistake by giving away such a special gift.

Children are aware that they should not waste water -- "turn off the tap when you brush your teeth", "take a quick shower". But do they understand why? And that they could do more?

In Enough Water? children will discover the reasons that water warrants concern. In simple text, the book explains the actual "cost" of the water that sustains their lifestyle. This "water footprint" is the amount of freshwater used to produce the goods and services they consume, including manufacturing, growing, harvesting, packaging, and shipping to market where they buy it. The human water footprint contributes to an irreversible loss of Earth's finite water supply.

Aimed at children, the clear info-graphics show how much water is used to make everyday things -- what they wear, what they eat, and so on. The examples will shock: 240 gallons of water (visually comparable to 240 ice cream containers!) to make a smartphone; 92.5 gallons to make a T-shirt and 2,100 for jeans; and 634 gallons to make a cheeseburger (no toppings). The water footprint of just one bottle of cola is equivalent to 350 bottles of water which if stacked on top of each other would reach the roof of a 25-story building.

Enough Water? introduces a cross-section of water issues, including personal and industrial consumption, pollution, irrigation, Earth's limited freshwater supply, and drought which affects all continents. The clever, easily understood info-graphics raise awareness of how our all-consuming lifestyle is literally made of water.

For home, school and the library, Enough Water? is essential for this generation of inquisitive children facing an uncertain future.

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 9-12.

Introduction from Steve Conrad, the Associate Director of the Pacific Water Research Centre at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia. He is a content expert on assisting organizations, municipalities, and regional governments reach sustainability goals in energy, water demand and supply, greenhouse gas management, and operational efficiency. 

Additional Information 
72 pages | 9.00" x 9.00" | color infographics and photographs throughout, bibliography, glossary, index | Corporate Author: Editors at Firefly Books

These twenty-five rhyming poems invite children to believe in themselves, learn from mistakes, cooperate, share, help others, solve problems, be kind, tell the truth, make positive choices, and more. The short poems are quick to read, easy to learn, and fun to recite—making them perfect for teaching social skills to young children. Children can memorize their favorite poems, talk about them, act them out, and get ideas for creating their own. Accompanying photographs show children from diverse backgrounds in realistic settings, and back matter provides adults with ideas for thought-provoking discussion, activities, and learning. This charming update to a popular volume of poetry for children is a book that adults and children will love sharing again and again.

Educator Information
Reading Level: Grade 2
Interest Level: Ages 4–8
Guided Reading Level: L

Additional Information
64 pages | 8.23" x 7.83"

The critically acclaimed Uumajut series of books is now available in French!
These beautiful books introduce the youngest readers to the diets and habitats of arctic species such as the siksik, ermine, wolf, muskox, eider duck, ringed seal, harp seal, and walrus. Kids will also learn about traditional Inuit uses for these animals, from traditional food preparation to clothing and household uses.

Educator Information
This resource is also available in English: Uumajut, Volume 2: Learn More About Arctic Wildlife!

A beautiful new counting book by an award-winning author! 

There is so much to count at the seashore - one lighthouse, two freighters, three eagles - and on and on, until you get to ten. Then a pod of orcas explodes out of the sea - so many, you can't begin to add them up. But wait. At the end of the day, you can count from ten all the way down again, as ten sailboats, nine fishboats, eight beach umbrellas - and on and on - gradually settle for the evening or pack up and drift away. 

A gentle and poetic counting book by the award-winning author of Waiting for the Whales and Jessie's Island, Sheryl McFarlane's A Pod of Orcas is just the right bedtime read for eager little counters. Artist Kirsti Wakelin makes her picture book debut with exquisite watercolor paintings that glow with dreamy light and warmth.

Parents and educators will appreciate the simple, yet effective design. Each number appears spelled out and in numerical form. And small pictorial "clues" will lead pre-readers to every counting subject.

Additional Information
10.00" x 9.00"

Think of all the rocks there are: the skipping rocks, the splashing rocks, and the chalk rocks. Whether the found treasures are climbing rocks or wishing rocks, children can't help collecting them. With joyful text and luminous photographs, If You Find a Rock celebrates rocks everywhere--as well as the mysterious and wonderful places they are found.

Features 18 hand-tinted photographic illustrations

Junior Library Guild Selection

Educator Information
Recommended Ages: 4-7.

Additional Information
32 pages | 10.00" x 9.00"

Would you be surprised if you came face to face with a Drumming Katydid, Red-eared Slider or Brown Bullhead? Would you know what to do if Dalmatian Toadflax or Giant Hogweed landed in your neighbourhood? Alex Van Tol can help. In Aliens Among Us, she identifies more than 50 species of animals and plants that have invaded British Columbia. With the help of colour photographs and illustrations, she exposes the invaders, explains how they got here and what they’re doing to the environment.

In this first-ever children’s book published by the Royal BC Museum, Van Tol has harvested the knowledge of museum biologists to alert the next generation of responsible environmentalists. Her list of serious invaders includes the colourfully named Purple Loosestrife, Violet Tunicate, Eastern Grey Squirrel and Yellow Perch, species that tend to take over an area and crowd out or destroy native species. She names the creatures that can eat their way through an ecosystem, like Smallmouth Bass, Gypsy Moths and American Bullfrogs, as well as vandals like Norway Rats and European Starlings that cause damage to property. And she points out the species that might do serious harm to humans and other animals, such Rockpool Mosquitoes, Giant Hogweed and Poison Hemlock. Some aliens, like European Wall Lizards and Giant Garden Slugs, haven’t yet posed problems in BC, at least not that we’re aware of – but they still need to be watched. And finally, Van Tol raises the alert on species that haven’t yet arrived but may be coming soon, like Northern Snakeheads, Fence Lizards and Zebra Mussels. This readable and alarmingly informative book will help young people prepare for the invasion, and arm them with the tools to stop the spread of unwanted aliens in British Columbia.

Reviews
"Chapters include examples within every class of animal and a selection of herbaceous and woody plants found in BC. One chapter discusses three animals (e.g. zebra mussel) not yet in the province, but likely to appear soon. Another chapter looks at native species (e.g. northern raccoon) that can dominate enough to upset ecology. Finally, the author offers a few examples of aliens that have become so familiar (e.g. cattle) that we forget they are not native here. An important feature is the section “You Can Help” which outlines ways to stop the spread of aliens and urges the reporting of sightings. There’s a Glossary of terms, several pages of scientific names and a useful list of sources, both print and web. The book is packed with concise, intriguing details gathered by the BC author, a former teacher who loves to research. It is published by the Royal BC Museum which attests to its relevancy and accuracy." - CM Magazine, 2016

Additional Information
128 pages | 7.50" x 9.00"

A girl who founded a charity for girls’ education, a boy who raised money with every baseball he could hit. True stories of children who opened up their hearts and minds to the unfairness of the world and decided to try and make a difference, because everyone deserves to be happy.

Andrew Adansi-Bonnah from Ghana raised thousands of dollars for refugee children in Somalia after seeing their terrible situation on the news. Jonathan Lee from South Korea was given special permission to travel to North Korea to talk about the environment. Mimi Ausland from the USA, nicknamed “Dr. Doolittle,” started a website to collect donations for shelter animals. All of them are everyday heroes, and you can be one too.

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Kids Are Making a Difference Series.

Recommended for ages 7 to 12.

Additional Information
32 pages | 8.50" x 8.50"

The little girl in this story lives in a trailer near a forest in Saskatchewan, where her father is building a dam. She knows and loves everything about the place, but the dam is nearly finished, and when summer comes the family will move to Toronto - a city marked by a big red star on the map at school.

“Have the people in Toronto seen what I've seen?” the little girl asks, thinking of her road, her school, the forest where she plays hide-and-seek and where the wolf howls at night, the hill where she goes tobogganing in winter… And with her teacher's help, she finds a way to keep everything she loves about home.

This simple, beautifully written story, complemented by Matt James's vibrant, imaginative illustrations, will resonate deeply with anyone who has had to leave their home for a new place.

Additional Information
40 pages | 7.30" x 9.40"

Explore the fascinating world of Nunavut's insects in this richly visual, informative book. Through beautiful photographs and a broad range of information—including traditional knowledge compiled through interviews with Inuit elders—readers will learn about the appearances, adaptations, life cycles, and behaviors of the diverse array of arthropods that live in the North.

This detailed non-fiction book is perfect for middle school and high school students looking to learn about the insects that survive in one of the world's coldest climates.

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.00" x 6.50"

Explore the fascinating world of Nunavut's diverse bird populations in this richly visual, informative book.

Through beautiful photographs and a broad range of information, readers will learn about the appearances, traditional uses, and behaviours of Arctic birds. With detailed information on more than 50 species, this book provides an in-depth look at Arctic birds.

Far from a barren land of ice and snow, this book will introduce readers to the vibrant natural life of Nunavut through its distinct ornithology.

Educator Information
While mainly a book about birds in Nunavut for young adults (pre-teens or teens) and adults, this resource also contains cultural information about the Inuit, including the Inuit's relationship to Nunavut birds, such as the value and uses of these birds, the Inuktitut names for birds, as well as local ecological knowledge.

This resource is also available in French: Les oiseaux du Nunavut

Additional Information
174 pages | 9.00" x 6.50"

Nearly 200 species of birds nest in the North American Arctic. While a few hardy species live in the Arctic year-round, most birds travel seasonally to the Arctic to lay their eggs and raise their young. In this first volume of A Children's Guide to Arctic Birds, young readers will learn about twelve of the birds that call the Arctic home, whether that be for the whole year or just for the summer. With a simple layout and easy-to-follow headings for each bird, this beautiful book is filled with fun, useful facts, including where each bird nests during the short Arctic summer, and how young readers can recognize each bird's song in the wind.

Wiggly baby on the floor. What is baby reaching for? Celebrate the many ways that babies reach out to discover and learn about the world around them. With lively rhyming text and vivid black-and-white photos of babies in action, this book is sure to engage babies and grown-ups alike. A great baby board book for floortime or anytime!

What can baby do today? Reach . . . and move, play, eat, cuddle, and rest. The books in the Happy Healthy Baby series include appealing black-and-white photographs of babies and whimsical full-color illustrations that capture the moments and moods of baby’s day. Little ones will love the photos of baby faces, and the rhythm and rhyme will hold baby’s attention. 

Educator & Series Information
This book is part of the Happy Healthy Baby Series. Bouncy rhythms and bright photos and illustrations capture the moments and moods of baby’s day and hold baby’s attention. As the books are shared with them, babies absorb concepts of love, safety, and confidence. These sturdy-format books include tips for parents and caregivers. A perfect gift for baby showers, newborns, and birthdays.

Additional Information
22 pages | 5.63" x 5.24" | black and white photos, colour illustrations

Amazing babies are on the move in this lively board book that celebrates all the joyful ways babies propel themselves and interact with the world. Push, baby, push! Look how strong you are. Climb, baby, climb! You are going far. Babies, parents, and care providers will all enjoy the close-up black-and-white photos of babies’ faces and the colorful illustrations in this bouncy, spirited book.

What can baby do today? Move . . . and reach, play, eat, cuddle, and rest. The books in the Happy Healthy Baby series include appealing black-and-white photographs of babies and whimsical full-color illustrations that capture the moments and moods of baby’s day. Little ones will love the photos of baby faces, and the rhythm and rhyme will hold baby’s attention.

Series Information
This book is part of the Happy Healthy Baby Series. Bouncy rhythms and bright photos and illustrations capture the moments and moods of baby’s day and hold baby’s attention. As the books are shared with them, babies absorb concepts of love, safety, and confidence. These sturdy-format books include tips for parents and caregivers. A perfect gift for baby showers, newborns, and birthdays.

Additional Information
22 pages | 5.71" x 5.43" | black and white photos, colour illustrations

Follow along as Pup learns how to eat spiky sea urchins, somersault beneath the waves and groom himself. He still needs lots of help from Mother, but one day Pup will be old enough to dive down below the waves and search for food on his own.

Accompanied by beautiful illustrations and set in the North Pacific, this heartwarming tale is perfect for little ones who still have lots to learn themselves.

Seen from space, our planet looks blue. This is because almost 70 percent of Earth's surface is covered with water. Earth is the only planet with liquid water — and therefore the only planet that can support life.

All water is connected. Every raindrop, lake, underground river and glacier is part of a single global well.

Water has the power to change everything — a single splash can sprout a seed, quench a thirst, provide a habitat, generate energy and sustain life. How we treat the water in the well will affect every species on the planet, now and for years to come. One Well shows how every one of us has the power to conserve and protect our global well.

One Well is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens.

Ages: 8 to 12

Reading Levels:
Fountas & Pinnell: R
Grade Level: 4
Accelerated Reader: MG 6

Curriculum Connections:
Social Studies
- Cultures, Local & Global Community, global awareness

Science & Technology
- Life Science, habitats and communities

Earth Science
- environment, water

The 2nd Edition of the best-selling book which has sold over 400 000 copies in 17 languages – updated with new content and insights about the world's people.

First published to wide acclaim in 2002, this eye-opening book has since become a classic, promoting "world-mindedness" by imagining the world's population – all 6.8 billion of us – as a village of just 100 people.

Now, If the World Were a Village has been newly revised with updated statistics, several new activities and completely new material on food security, energy and health. By exploring the lives of the 100 villagers, children will discover that life in other nations is often very different from their own.

Educator & Series Information
If the World Were a Village is part of CitizenKid: A collection of books that inform children about the world and inspire them to be better global citizens.

Ages: 8 to 12

Reading Levels:
Fountas & Pinnell: R
Grade Level: 4
Accelerated Reader: MG 5

Curriculum Connections: Social Studies - Cultures, Local & Global Community, human geography, multiculturalism, global awareness

Additional Information
32 pages | 9.37" x 12.50"

This beautifully bound and illustrated 8 ½ X 11 hard cover book contains the work of thirty-nine young Aboriginal authors from the grade six classes at Jack River School in Norway House, MB. Each of the student stories and artwork reflects one of the Seven Teachings.

Jack Rawlins, fifteen years old, is growing into manhood fast at Fort Carlton on the North Saskatchewan River. The son of an English war hero, he is equally at home in the fort and with his Métis friends in the countryside.

Just before the foolhardy confrontation between the government forces and Gabriel Dumont?s men at Duck Lake in the Riel Rebellion of 1885, Jack misinterprets a public action by his father and comes to believe he is a coward.

Will Jack fight with his friends the Métis and betray his own people?

Experience the exciting world of arctic giants through traditional tales from around Nunavut. Based on elder interviews from more than one hundred years ago, these stories reveal the fearsome giants that once stalked the arctic. From enormous beings strong enough to pick up a walrus with one hand, to massive creatures that towered over mountains and could carry humans on the lace of one boot, these Inuktitut language stories will introduce readers to a vast array of arctic giants.

Additional Information
128 pages | 8.50" x 10.88"

When Molly learns a talent competition is coming to town, her friend Murphy (A Different Game, Murphy and Mousetrap) becomes her manager. Molly is certain she is a good singer—she has been singing in her head for as long as she can remember. She doesn't sing out loud because of a promise she made to herself. Years ago, Molly vowed that her mom would be the first one to hear her sing. The only problem is, Molly knows nothing about her mom, who left when Molly was a baby. With the talent competition only weeks away, she has to decide whether to break her promise to herself and let her voice out into the world, or wait for her mother's uncertain return before singing for anyone else.

Reviews
"An elementary school audience [will be able to] relate to Molly's struggles...Recommended." — CM Magazine, February 2013

"In this small book with a lot of story packed into it, readers will enjoy the high drama...[and] relate to Molly’s uncertainty as she tries something completely new." — School Library Journal, May 2013

"An accessible, easy-to-read text with surprising depth...Deals quietly with issues like race, class, various kinds of sickness, and how families differ. The novel should generate lots of conversation in a class or reading group...A smart selection for anyone who has ever struggled with a secret or worried about being different. It's also an inspiring story of a girl who's learning to get along despite difficult circumstances. Many readers will identify with and enjoy Molly's story." — Resource Links, April 2013

Educator & Series Information
Themes: singing, competition, friendship, family, absent parent.

This book is part of the Orca Young Readers series, which are award-winning, bestselling chapter books for ages 8–11. Titles in this series include historical and contemporary stories with age-appropriate plots.

Additional Information
136 pages | 5.00" x 7.50"

Pīsim Finds Her Miskanow is about a week in the life of Pīsim, a young Cree woman living in the late 1600s. The 1993 archaeological excavation of the remains of a woman and her belongings from Nagami Bay at South Indian Lake, Manitoba, was the inspiration for the story. In the story, Pīsim begins to both recognize her purpose for being and develop her gifts for fulfilling her purpose. This beautifully illustrated book includes drawings of artifacts, definitions and descriptions, historical facts and information, Cree songs and words, maps, recipes, and much more.

Feathers and Fools is an allegory about how wars can begin with a simple fear of others based on misconceptions. For some time the swans and peacocks have lived peacefully by a pond. One day the peacocks begin to contemplate the differences between themselves and their neighbours. This then leads to the fear that the swans may one day change the peacock's way of life. With this fear fully ingrained in their minds, they begin to build arms against their neighbours. "We shall hurl these arrows at their throats and slaughter everyone should they ever try to change our way of life."

Upon hearing this, the swans began to build arms against the peacocks in fear that they would be attacked. The fear grew as each group acquired more and more arms against each other. The peacocks soon mistook the action of a swan as an act of aggression and thus, a war began. "Soon cries filled the sir and blood darkened the earth." When all the feathers had settled, there were no birds to be found, both swans and peacocks had been destroyed.

Fox's antiwar story touches on a common issue many nations face and how humans handle the concept of war. As history has revealed, humans have begun wars oftentimes with very little knowledge of their opponents on the battlefield. The author artfully displays how mankind, although similar in many ways can decimate each other because of our lack of knowledge of the similarities amongst all groups. At the end of the story, Fox gives us a hopeful ending with the hatching of a lone peacock and a lone swan. These young birds meet and notice how similar they are and soon become friends. "So off they went together, in peace and unafraid, to face the day and share the world." Fox recognizes that present and future generations hold the keys to ending war.

The main characters, swans and peacocks are interchangeable with any nation, country, or people who have endured wars and their aftermaths. The book also emphasizes the importance of learning from history and not repeating it. Illustrator Nicholas Wiltons paintings bring out the beauty of the worlds of the peacock and swan. With acrylic jewel tone paints, he captures the beauty of the peacocks bright feathers and the swans graceful profile. As the story progresses, you can see the changes of the birds body language and actions helping bring emphasis on how the building toward war changes reactions and opinions of the two sides. The paintings were created to evoke the feeling of a folktale or fable with its aged looks and block style borders. Feathers and Fools is a wonderful book that could open the possibility for the discussion of topics such as war, the arms race, and similarities amongst people and their ways of lives. This book could be used at all levels for discussion.

Educator Information
This resource is also available in French: Plumes et prises de bec

Additional Information
36 pages | 11.00" x 8.50"

A boy and his dog go walking in the swamp.

They spot a frog in the water.

Can they use a net to catch him?

A great wordless book to promote building vocabulary.

Additional Information

Here is a stunning, poetic exploration of the universal energy force within us all. Award winner Molly Bang presents the amazing story of how light from the sun is transformed into energy on Earth—and becomes YOU! Clear, accessible, and dazzling, Living Sunlight shows children, teachers, and parents alike the remarkable magic of what makes us human. This informative yet dramatic book will mesmerize readers and help further a child's understanding of the energy we share with all living things in nature. We are all living sunlight. A perfect addition to any library!

Additional Information
40 pages | 9.34" x 11.34"

Pema, Bounce and Jagroop are battling a greedy developer for control of the airwaves.

When Karl Reed, Owner of Oasis Developments, tries to force the sale of a local fruit farm—through whatever means necessary—Pema, Bounce and Jagroop decide to expose him through the media. Little do they realize that when it comes to the news and the advertisers who make it possible, the truth is not always part of the story and nothing can be taken at face value. While learning about media consolidation and the power of money over truth, Bounce, Pema and Jagroop decide to take on the developers and the media.

Media Meltdown is another exciting graphic novel adventure from the winning team of Liam O'Donnell and Mike Deas. The first three books in the series have all been best-sellers, and two of them, Soccer Sabotage and Ramp Rats, have been Junior Library Guild selections. 

Educator & Series Information
This graphic novel is part of the A Graphic Guide Adventure series.

Recommended Ages: 9-12.

Additional Information
64 pages | 5.75" x 8.00"

Book Six in the Graphic Guide Adventure series.

Devin and Nadia team up with Bounce, Pema and Marcus as they all travel to Northern Ontario to watch their parents present to the Summit of World Leaders. A swarm of politicians, lobbyists, corporate bosses and protestors have all converged on the summit to get their messages heard. A tragic accident just hours before their parents' presentation plunges the kids into their biggest mystery yet and sets them on the trail of a murderer bent on stopping their parents' controversial message from being heard.

It's a fight against the planet's power players as the kids dive into the world of politics, uncovering how government works, the history of democracy, the influence of lobbyists and corporations on politicians and the potential of civil society to change it all.

Educator & Series Information
This graphic novel is part of the A Graphic Guide Adventure series.

Recommended Ages: 9-12.

Additional Information
64 pages | 5.75" x 8.00"

Action, adventure and some spot-on soccer instruction.

Nadia is playing for her local soccer team, and they have made it all the way to the national tournament—against some very determined opposition. Unfortunately, Nadia's challenges don't just come from her opponents but from her teammates as well. After their coach is injured in a suspicious accident and the threats against the team mount, it is up to Nadia and her younger brother Devin to pull the team together and take a run at the championship. Another wild ride!

Educator & Series Information
This graphic novel is part of the A Graphic Guide Adventure series.

Recommended Ages: 9-12.

Additional Information
64 pages | 5.75" x 8.00"

Devin, Nadia and Marcus are on their way to visit their environmentalist parents who are working to stop a logging company from clear-cutting a remote valley. When their plane crashes and the pilot is killed, the kids are left to survive in the wild with Wiley, a government bureaucrat, who is the only other passenger on the plane. Learning to build a shelter and make a fire in the woods, they discover that Wiley is working with the logging company and will do anything to stop the secret getting out. On the run and in mortal danger, the three must outrun Wiley, escape a raging forest fire and outwit a hungry grizzly bear to make it to safety.

Combining pulse-pounding adventure and survival skills in a colorful graphic novel format, Graphic Guides are sure to be a hit with young readers. Wild Ride is packed with survival tips including how to build a fire and set a broken limb.

Educator & Series Information
This graphic novel is part of the A Graphic Guide Adventure series.

Recommended Ages: 9-12.

Additional Information
64 pages | 5.75" x 8.00"

Canadian Children’s Book Centre, Our Choice 1997
Communication-Jeunesse, Sélection 2008
Prix de littérature jeunesse Sheila A. Egoff, finaliste 1996

Tous ceux qui connaissent les Prairies pour y être né et y avoir grandi conservent des souvenirs aigres-doux de ce riche terroir, souvenirs qui leur sont aussi chers que les êtres qui les auront marqués.

Si tu n’es pas de la prairie… est un retour en images et en poésie à ces souvenirs d’enfance au pouvoir évocateur. Par sa plume, David Bouchard nous rappelle la force du vent, le ciel infini et le froid mordant. Les magnifiques illustrations de Henry Ripplinger sont des instantanés du passé — parties de hockey sur la rivière, moments de rêvasserie dans les hautes herbes, quête de grenouilles dans l’étang. Grâce à eux, nous découvrons avec nostalgie un lieu et un mode de vie uniques. Voici un baume pour l’esprit et l’âme.

Educator Information
This resource is also available in English: If You're Not from the Prairie...

Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards, Médaille de bronze 2007
Prix du meilleur livre jeunesse - Anskohk Aboriginal Literature Festival, Lauréat 2007

Nokum, ma voix et mon coeur est le récit poétique d’un jeune autochtone qui livre à sa grand-mère son questionnement sur le monde au-delà du contexte rassurant des siens et de sa communauté. Nokum accompagne son petit-fils dans sa quête par des questions l’invitant à reconnaître l’importance pour lui de découvrir le monde au-delà de la réserve et d’y participer. Comprend le livre en français et en cri accompagné de son enregistrement sur CD lu par le talentueux auteur/raconteur sur une trame sonore de chants et tambours du groupe albertain Northern Cree.

Educator Information
This resource is also available in English: Nokum Is My Teacher

Additional Information
32 pages couleur avec CD
couverture rigide sous jaquette

Corbeau rêva… et créa les Quatre-pattes, les Ailés, les Rampants.
Il continua à rêver… à rêver… et il créa sa plus belle oeuvre jamais réalisée.

Gaagaagi gii-pawaajige ogii-pawaanaa’ gaa-niiyogaadenid,
gaa-bimisewaad, gaa-bimoodewaad. Geyaabigo gii-pawaajige …
Gii-pawaajige ezhi-mino-ozhiitaad …

Il y a autant de versions de la Création que de peuples des Premières nations en Amérique du Nord. L’histoire qui suit est le fruit d’un rêve de David Bouchard, auteur métis membre de l’Ordre du Canada. Dans la pure tradition des Métis et de leur art du conte, David Bouchard initie le lecteur au monde du Ciel, au peuple de la Terre, au mythe du Corbeau, à l’Île de la Tortue, à l’apparition des Deux-pattes (les humains).

Comme dans tous ses ouvrages qui ont reçu prix et récompenses et réuni des artistes autochtones tels que Allan Sapp, Dennis Weber, Michael Lonechild, Buffy Sainte-Marie et Susan Aglukark, David Bouchard joue un rôle de rassembleur en s’entourant une nouvelle fois d’artistes et de musiciens reconnus pour leur excellence.
Le lecteur découvrira la passion et le talent de la peintre cherokee Brigitte Lopez et de la chanteuse lumbee Jana Mashonee. Bien au-delà de l’oeuvre littéraire, de la fierté et de la culture d’un peuple, ce livre proclame la complémentarité et l’extrême richesse de l’expression artistique des Premières nations au niveau des mots, de l’image et du son.

Album couleurs couverture rigide avec jaquette

Large, captivating photographs fill this delightful new book for primary students on the basic facts of bear cubs. Children will be amazed to discover how tiny a bear is when it is born! Easy to read text provides brief, simple descriptions of the parts of a cub's body, how the mother bear cares for her cubs, the different kinds of habitats in which different bears live, how some bears sleep during winter, and how bears find their food.

Educator & Series Information
Reading Level: Gr. 1-2
Interest Level: Gr. K-3
Guided Reading Level: J

This book is from the It's Fun to Learn About Baby Animals series.  This beautiful series uses adorable pictures of baby animals to introduce basic curriculum concepts, such as animal classification, color and pattern, habitats, animals anatomy, sense, diet, family structures, the role of play, and life cycles. Children will love the pictures of the cute baby animals and will be thrilled to learn about how each animal lives.

Additional Information
24 pages | 8.20" x 9.10" | Glossary and Index

“Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way, from Victoria to Halifax, across the Hudson Bay"

Whether read or sung aloud, this book is designed as a fun learning tool that will instigate discussion about all things Canadian.

Learn about each province and territory as Santa travels across Canada delivering gifts on Christmas Eve in this delightful Canadian rendition of a holiday favourite.

In Manitoba, Santa has a scare when he almost lands on a sleeping polar bear and in PEI he finds Mounties in the stables eating turkey dinner with Anne of Green Gables.

Additional Information
40 pages | 10.00" x 9.50"