Summer 2021 Picks

Chicken Little: The Real and Totally True Tale

Chicken Little: The Real and Totally True Tale

By Sam Wedelich | ISBN 9781338359015
Ages 4-8 | Picture Books | June 2020

Chicken Little is NOT afraid of anything. Well, okay, maybe a mysterious BONK to the head can produce panic. But only momentarily. It's not as though she meant to send the barnyard into a tailspin, thinking that the sky was falling. How ridiculous! But can she calm her feathered friends with facts and reason?

A timeless favorite becomes a clever cautionary tale in this FUNNY, fresh, and timely picture book debut by cartoonist, Sam Wedelich!

I Really Want the Cake

I Really Want the Cake

By Simon Philip | Lucia Gaggiotti | ISBN 9781338589412
Ages 3-5 | Picture Books | May 2020

This deliciously funny story chronicles the battle of one little girl who tries, with all her might, to resist her greatest temptation: cake. Readers join our mischievous heroine and her devoted side-kick pup as the temptation mounts, and a little lick becomes a bite. With bouncing rhyming text and bold, expressive illustrations, this story playfully tackles all-important themes of impulse control, truth-telling, and making amends (or at least trying to), with humor, authenticity, and heart. Includes a recipe at the end of the story!

Friends for Real

Friends for Real  Canadian

By Ted Staunton | Ruth Ohi | ISBN 9781443175159
Ages 3-8 | Picture Books | May 2020

When Emma loses Squeezy, her favourite stuffy, she tries to find another toy to replace her best-loved “pet.” It’s hard. But instead of finding Squeezy, Emma ends up discovering an unexpected friendship, and that two imaginations are better than one. This touching, smart story of lost-and-found treasures is a great reminder that things don’t always go as planned, but they can turn out better than expected. When Emma makes a friend in Frank, she finds what she’d been missing all along!

The Grumpy Pirate

The Grumpy Pirate Canadian

By Corinne Demas | Artemis Roehrig |Ashlyn Anstee | ISBN 9781338222975
Ages 3-5 | Picture Books | June 2020

Gus the Pirate complains about everything — ARRRRRGH! Gus grumbles about his lumpy bed and his itchy clothes. He complains about the yucky food and doing his chores on the pirate ship. After Gus spends the day with a parrot who's just as grumbly and grouchy as he is, Gus realizes his bad attitude might be a little hard to deal with. Can Gus turn his frown upside down before the other pirates make him walk the plank?

Fast Friends

Fast Friends  Canadian

By Heather M. O'Connor | Claudia Dávila | ISBN 9781443170406
Ages 3-7 | Picture Books | June 2020

In this appealing, energetic picture book, two kids with different challenges and strengths find they are just what the other needs to navigate classroom life. Tyson does everything fast — so fast he often disrupts the class. His teacher is always saying, “Too fast, Tyson!” And often he ends up playing all alone.

Suze, the new girl, is nonverbal with special needs. Sometimes her classmates don’t know what those needs are. Tyson forms a special friendship with Suze, and teaches his classmates what it means to listen and understand others. Claudia Dávila’s bright, energetic art captures the joy of moving at your own speed and connecting with a friend who can ride alongside.

Three

Three

By Stephen Michael King | ISBN 9781443182263
Ages 3-7 | Picture Books | May 2020

Every day was a skip and a hop for Three. He was happy to walk from here to there, wherever his nose led, or wherever his legs took him . . . all the way to new friends. Three is a homeless three-legged dog who loves life and is thankful for his three legs. When Three meets a loving family they become a perfect four. The soft watercolour illustrations are full of humour as Three muses on how many legs other objects and people have. This is a beautiful, happy story about finding your place in the world.

War Stories

War Stories  Canadian

By Gordon Korman | ISBN 9781338290202
Ages 8-12 | Middle Grade | July 2020

There are two things Trevor loves more than anything else: playing war-based video games and his great-grandfather Jacob, who is a true-blue, bona fide war hero. At the height of the war, Jacob helped liberate a small French village, and was given a hero's welcome upon his return to America. Now it's decades later, and Jacob wants to retrace the steps he took during the war — from training to invasion to the village he is said to have saved. Trevor thinks this is the coolest idea ever. But as they get to the village, Trevor discovers there's more to the story than what he's heard his whole life . . .

Waiting Under Water

Waiting Under Water  Canadian

By Riel Nason | ISBN 9781443175135
Ages 9-14 | Middle Grade | May 2020

Hope’s world is shaken when her parents announce that they’re leaving their small New Brunswick town and moving to Toronto for her father’s job. Hope’s anxiety skyrockets as she fears making new friends and leaving her beloved ocean. At least there’s a tremendous diversion for her final summer — her village of St. David’s is one of five entrants in a nationwide TV contest that celebrates “Canada’s Tiniest Treasures.” In the countdown to the summer’s end — and the move date — Hope and her best friend, Willa, dedicate themselves to the St. David’s campaign, celebrating what is unique about small town life.

Connect the Dots

Connect the Dots

By Keith Calabrese | ISBN 9781338354034
Ages 8-12 | Middle Grade | August 2020

In the town of Howler's Hollow, conjuring magic is strictly off-limits. Only nothing makes Delpha McGill's skin crawl more than rules. So when she finds her family's secret book of hexes, she's itching to use it to banish her mama's money troubles. Trouble is, Katybird Hearn is hankering to get her hands on the spell book, too. Their quarrel accidentally unleashes a hex so heinous it resurrects a graveyard full of angry zombies! In order to reverse the spell in time to save everyone in the Hollow from rampaging zombies, they'll need to mend fences and learn to work together.

Out of This World

Out of This World

By Chris Wooding | ISBN 9781338289343
Ages 8-12 | Middle Grade | August 2020

If he had it his way, Jack would spend his days drawing aliens and epic space battles. But it seems Jack's daydreams of action and adventure will remain just that: daydreams. Until his 12th birthday, that is. That's when Thomas, the annoying kid from school, stumbles upon a weird machine that sends a beam of light into the sky. Suddenly, Jack's world is turned upside down when intergalactic beings appear on Earth and try to kill him. His only hope for survival is a ragtag team of alien bounty hunters! Jack learns of the mysterious Gradius Clench, the universe's most wanted kid, who happens to look just like him!

Trespassers

Trespassers

By Breena Bard | ISBN 9781338264210
Ages 8-12 | Middle Grade | May 2020

Gabby Woods is looking forward to another summer vacation at her family's lake house, even though she would rather bury herself in a mystery novel than make new friends. But soon Gabby meets Paige, a snarky kid from Chicago, and they get caught up in a local mystery: the sudden disappearance of a glamorous couple and the extravagant lake house they left behind. To gather clues about the missing couple, Paige coaxes Gabby into trespassing. With suspicions mounting about foul play, Gabby must decide what she's willing to risk to uncover the truth, or if solving this mystery — and keeping her friendship with Paige — are more trouble than they're worth.

Donut the Destroyer

Donut the Destroyer

By Sarah Graley | Stef Purenins | ISBN 9781338541922
Ages 8-12 | Middle Grade | May 2020
Middle Grade | June 2020

Donut (middle name: The; last name: Destroyer) has a heart of gold and incredible strength. She lives in a world where everyone is born with a special ability and can choose whether to develop it for good or evil. Donut has just received the best news of her life — she's been accepted to Lionheart School for Heroes! But her parents are the most infamous villains around, and her best friend, Ivy, can't understand why Donut would choose a life of boring heroism and ruin their plans to cause chaos. Donut is determined to prove that, despite her last name, she's meant to go her own way and be a hero!

Heartstopper: Volume 1

Heartstopper: Volume 1

By Alice Oseman | ISBN 9781338617436
Ages 12 and up | Young Adult | May 2020

Shy and softhearted Charlie Spring sits next to rugby player Nick Nelson in class one morning. A warm and intimate friendship follows, and that soon develops into something more for Charlie, who doesn't think he has a chance. But Nick is struggling with feelings of his own, and as the two grow closer and take on the ups and downs of high school, they come to understand the surprising and delightful ways in which love works.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel)

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (A Hunger Games Novel)

By Suzanne Collins | ISBN 9781338635171
Ages 12 and up | Young Adult | May 19, 2020

It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute. The odds are against him. He's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined — every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute... and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.

You Should See Me in a Crown

You Should See Me in a Crown

By Leah Johnson | ISBN 9781338503265
Ages 12-18 | Young Adult | June 2020

Liz Lighty has always believed she's too black, too poor, too awkward to shine in her small, rich, prom-obsessed midwestern town. But it's okay — Liz has a plan get out: attend the uber-elite Pennington College, play in their world-famous orchestra, and become a doctor. But when the financial aid she was counting on falls through, Liz is reminded of her school's scholarship for prom king and queen. The only thing that makes it halfway bearable is the new girl in school, Mack. Only, Mack is also running for queen. Will falling for the competition keep Liz from her dreams . . . or make them come true?

Where We Go From Here

Where We Go From Here

By Lucas Rocha | Translated by Larissa Helena | ISBN 9781338556247
Ages 14 and up | Young Adult | June 2020

Ian has just been diagnosed with HIV. Victor, to his great relief, has tested negative. Henrique has been living with HIV for the past three years. Victor can't help but question his entire relationship with Henrique, the guy he has — had — been dating. Henrique didn't disclose his positive HIV status to Victor until after they had sex, and Victor is livid. That's when Victor meets Ian, a guy who's also getting tested for HIV, only Ian's test comes back positive. Despite being furious with Henrique, Victor puts the two of them in touch, hoping that he can help Ian navigate his new life. In the process, the lives of Ian, Victor, and Henrique will become intertwined in a story of friendship, love, and self-acceptance.

Meet Terry Fox (Scholastic Canada Biography)

Meet Terry Fox (Scholastic Canada Biography)  Canadian

By Elizabeth MacLeod | Mike Deas | ISBN 9781443182065
Ages 6-10 | Non-Fiction | August 2020

Terry Fox’s remarkable story, just in time to mark the 40th anniversary of the Marathon of Hope! In Meet Terry Fox, the legendary story of how Terry Fox came to run the Marathon of Hope is chronicled: —his love of sports as a child and teenager; his devastating bone cancer diagnosis; the hospital stay that inspired him to do something to raise awareness about this disease; the poignant moment he dipped his artificial leg in the waters of St. John’s, Newfoundland; and the heartbreaking moment he ended his run. This was also the moment his truly inspiring legacy began.

Eat Your Rocks, Croc!: Dr. Glider's Advice for Troubled Animals

Eat Your Rocks, Croc!: Dr. Glider's Advice for Troubled Animals  Canadian

By Jess Keating | Pete Oswald | ISBN 9781338239881
Ages 4-8 | Non-Fiction | May 2020

Dr. Sugar Glider travels around the world to help animals (and, on occasion, plants!) with all sorts of problems. Whether it's a crocodile with a sick stomach, a creeped-out krill, a stressed meerkat, or a male praying mantis trying to date, Dr. Glider is ready to offer advice! Eat Your Rocks, Croc! features hilarious stories, charming illustrations, and awesome true facts that will leave young readers enthralled by the real world of the animal kingdom. Robust back matter features a glossary and a list of the featured creatures.

It Seemed Like a Good Idea . . . : Canadian Feats, Facts and Flubs

It Seemed Like a Good Idea . . . : Canadian Feats, Facts and Flubs  Canadian

By Ted Staunton | Will Staunton | ISBN 9781443113120
Ages 8-12 | Non-Fiction | June 2020

Where else but Canada would you find a town that turns its main street into a giant tubing run? Or witness a Mission Impossible-style heist where a thief drops down through the ceiling and makes off with over $120,000 worth of hockey sticks? Not to mention the slippery — or was that sticky? — bandits who stole 20,000 litres of maple syrup . . . In an engaging, hilarious and always fascinating exploration of geography, history, wildlife, science, culture, food, art . . . and giant roadside attractions — this is our nation at its most jaw-droppingly unusual and innovative!

Pas moi

Pas moi  Canadian

By Elise Gravel | ISBN 9781443181730
Ages 3-8 | French | August 2020

See below for English description.

L’auteure adorée des enfants Elise Gravel pose l’éternelle question : Qui a fait tout ce désordre? Quand leur papa demande qui a laissé traîner des chaussettes partout, Nico et sa soeur répondent tous les deux : « Pas moi! » Leur père est sûr qu’ils ne disent pas la vérité, jusqu’à ce que ceux-ci lui présentent Pas Moi, qui accuse Pas Vrai, qui dévoile le vrai coupable : Pas Juste. Les monstres, qui personnifient les réponses typiques des enfants, permettent à l’auteure d’aborder brillamment et avec humour le fait de blâmer les autres et d’inventer des excuses. Les parents et les éducateurs vont adorer cette histoire dans laquelle ils se reconnaîtront autant que les enfants.

From beloved children’s author Elise Gravel comes an ode to the perpetual question: Who made this mess? When their dad asks who left socks laying all over the place, Nico and his sister insist that it was “Not Me.” Disbelievingly, their dad is sure they are not telling the truth, until he is introduced to Not Me, who in turn accuses Not True, who exposes the real sock bandit: Not Fair. Monsters personifying a child’s typical responses brilliantly addresses blaming others and excuse-making by focusing on the humour of the situation. Parents and caregivers will appreciate this highly relatable book just as much as children.

English title: Not Me (publishing Fall 2020)

L’épouvantail

L’épouvantail Canadian

By Beth Ferry | Eric Fan | ISBN 9781443180337
Ages 4 and up | French | August 2020

See below for English description.

Tous les animaux savent qu’il ne faut pas se frotter à l’épouvantail. Pourtant, il réagit de façon surprenante quand un petit corbeau apeuré tombe du ciel… L’auteure à succès Beth Ferry et les illustres frères Fan présentent ce récit tendre et chaleureux qui évoque le pouvoir réconfortant de l’amitié et la joie d’aider les autres. Les frères Fan démontrent encore une fois leur extraordinaire maîtrise du crayon graphite comme de la peinture, avec une palette époustouflante et des personnages charmants et pleins de vie.

All the animals know not to mess with old Scarecrow. But when a small, scared crow falls from midair, Scarecrow does the strangest thing… Bestselling author Beth Ferry and the widely acclaimed Fan Brothers present this tender and affectionate tale that reminds us of the comforting power of friendship and the joy of helping others. The Fan Brothers once again demonstrate their mastery of illustration with sweeping settings, a breathtaking and beautifully curated colour palette and charming, lifelike characters.

Original title: The Scarecrow

Art © 2021 by Victo Ngai from Wishes by Mượn Thị Văn. All rights reserved.