Back-to-school and hopefully, back-to-bedtime-routine season is the perfect time to get cozy with some new books and re-engage that love of reading with your kiddos. From whimsical adventures and heartwarming stories with captivating illustrations and lyrical language, this fall’s bookshelf selection will ignite curiosity and inspire a love for finding adventure, embracing differences, and … pie. Enjoy this round-up of fall releases by local authors to add to your reading routine. And parents, there’s a recommendation for you too!
What books are bedtime favourites in your house right now? Here are our picks for new books on your shelf this fall.
VM Picks: Back-to-school book Roundup
For Kids
What Does It Mean To Be Smart?
Written by: Kelly Shuto
Illustrated by: Dima Mahmoud
This book challenges traditional use of the word ‘smart’ asking kids to consider what makes them fit in, but also what makes them unique. What Does It Mean to Be Smart? is about embracing all types of learning. This book offers kids of all ages the opportunity to decide what smart means to them. Whether that’s using imagination or being reflective when thinking, being smart looks different for all of us.
Bright, diverse and engaging illustrations show curious kids being smart in the way that suits them best, focusing on highlighting their abilities and interests each day. This book is proof that each of us is smart and every child has strengths and talents to share with others.
Find it at kellyshuto.ca
The Pie Reports
Written and illustrated by Hayley Lowe
This story about the bond between a grandparent and their grandchild is so special. Using pie as their connection, a young girl and her grandfather chat in person and while living apart sharing reports of lemon meringue, blueberry crisp, chocolate cream and other pie flavours. These conversations lead to chats about life and the two offer compassion to one another when challenges arise.
The gentle story explores generational connection and the realities of having family in other cities. Light hearted language and delicious descriptions show seasons and people changing and aging. The Pie Reports is a beautiful story to celebrate the bond and love between family and how to keep connection strong when distance and illness intervene.
Find it at orcabook.com
Theodore is Upside Down
Written by: Vanessa Frankard
Illustrated by: Sinem Kilic Rabito
This sweet book inspires kids to pursue the passions that make them unique. Theodore is Upside Down shares the story of a boy who loves to be upside down while other kids are content right-side up. When a new friend takes a chance and sees the world from Theodore’s perspective, others want in on the fun. The story encourages kids to be brave and explore a different point of view with curiosity.
Rhythmic language and charming rhymes show Theordore’s upside down ways, gently encouraging others to try life with another view. Engaging images show kids upside down, tumbling, rolling and cartwheeling encouraging readers to explore their own right-way-upness.
Find it on Amazon
Mother Aspen
Written by: Annette LeBox
Illustrated by:Crystal Smith
Publisher: Groundwood Books
This beautifully illustrated book tells the life story of a tree, an aspen grove, as it ages and changes through the seasons. Mother Aspen: A Story of How Forests Cooperate and Communicate, explores relationships throughout the forest community as the tree and fungi communicate and work together with animals and the forest’s many resources.
With lyrical rhythm, the book explores the concept of Mother Tree and her sprouted children. Together the trees adapt to raindrops, hot sun, wind and other natural elements as they listen to the messages sent from tree to tree throughout the forest.This book is a perfect blend of poetry, history and science. A great choice for outdoor schools or any nature-lover. Find it at houseofanansi.com
The World in our Backyard
Written and Illustrated by : Jami Gigot
Illustrated by: Jami Gigot
Published by: Groundwood Books
The backyard, whether that’s a city park, suburban plot or a country field, is full of wonder and adventure. The possibilities of a sandbox, a tree and even a puddle are as exciting as a child’s imagination. The World in our Backyard’s soft illustrations and simple phrases show wonder throughout the seasons and below the surface as imagination takes kids on journeys beyond the backyard, all while keeping their feet on the ground.
This book encourages and inspires little readers to explore their surroundings and be creative with what they find in their backyard, nature’s outdoor classroom.
Find it at simonandschuster.ca
The Blue Canoe
Written by: Sheryl McFarlane
Illustrated by: Laurel Aylesworth
Publisher: Familius
The connection and celebrated ritual between a mother and young child is heartwarming in The Blue Canoe. With a new baby’s arrival pending, they paddle together and discuss the things that will change and more importantly, what will stay the same once the baby is here. Exploring the natural wonders, wildlife and local flora on the water, the young girl dreams of her new family member and the adventures they’ll have.
The story’s thoughtful language and peaceful illustrations are soothing and calming. This is a great book to offer reassurance to both older siblings and expectant parents that bonds will only strengthen as families grow.Find it at familius.com
For the Grown-ups
Apocalypse Child
Written by: Carly Butler
This memoir was so action-packed, it read like fiction. Apocalypse Child: Surviving Doomsday and the Search for Identity at the End of the World explores an American child turned Canadian woman’s journey through a childhood shaped by white evangelicalism, conspiracy theories and unforeseen obstacles. The book spans an undocumented move from small town Montana to the wilderness of off-grid Northern BC in the depths of winter. Carly’s journey to her current identity as a queer, Mexican-Indigenous, Canadian mother is no easy road but throughout her story her spirit, determination and positive attitude give the reader faith she’ll conquer her fears and obstacles.
I found myself cheering for the author as she faced challenge after challenge. Recurring themes of friendship, faith and community were beautifully woven through love, discovery, relocation and more. This was an incredible read I recommend for any grown up who ever felt lost in childhood.Find it at caitlinpress.com
