Author: Tami Butcher
Illustrator: Feras Nouf
Publisher: Little Five Star Publications Inc. (2011)

It’s tough to talk to our kids about grown-up issues. Divorce is a very grown-up issue that unfortunately is a reality for many kids. It’s not easy for a young child to always grasp the harsh reality of these situations and this book is a fantastic and positive way to help you talk to your kids about it.

Aimed towards younger children, and written in rhyme, this book no more…

Author: Andy Cutbill
Illustrator: Russell Ayto
Publisher: HarperCollins Children’s Books 2011

A follow-up story to THE COW THAT LAID AN EGG, this is the story of Daisy, the cow who happens to look like a chicken. If you thought Daisy’s mom Marjorie had trouble fitting in, imagine how tricky it is for Daisy….

Daisy’s first experiences at cow school are a bit discouraging since she can’t seem to master all the skills that the other cows can do with ease. Hmmmm….I wonder why?? Daisy’s art looks different, and she struggles through the lessons on cud chewing. more…

Author: Andy Cutbill
Illustrator: Russell Ayto
Publisher: HarperCollins 2006

This is a fun and creative story about friendship and individuality! Marjorie is a cow who feels down because she’s not like the other cows. She doesn’t feel that she can do all the cow-like things that they do, like bike riding and handstands (so funny!) more…

Author: Christopher Aslan Kennedy
Illustrator: Stephanie Hill
Publisher: BENJAMIN Brown Books 2006

As grown ups, we sometimes forget to look at things through a child’s eyes. We take for granted that what seems insignificant and inconsequential to us, is very significant and often scary for a child. Shadows are a perfect example. A simple thing like a shadow can cause anxiety in children, and subsequently, sometime sleepless nights for us. It can lead to terrifying nights and often scary times during the day as we play in the sunshine. more…

Author: Leslie Muir
Illustrator: Betsy Lewin
Publisher: Disney Hyperion Books

This is such a lovely story about the sweetness of friendship, teamwork and creativity.  Written in rhyme, this book has such a beautiful flow and rhythm to it.  You’ll really enjoy reading this book aloud to your child.  The text is as rich as chocolate but as light as meringue.  It’s written so beautifully that all your senses will be engaged.  You can almost smell the “swirls of sweetness”.  more…

Author: Laura Buller
Publisher: DK Publishing Inc. 2005

This is such a wonderful book, and such an important educational tool. This non-fiction book is a collection of photographs and information about many different faiths, religions and cultural celebrations around the world. This book helps you to open your child’s eyes (and perhaps yours too) to the richness and diversity of more…

Author: Jodi Moore
Illustrator: Howard McWilliam
Publisher: Flashlight Press

One of the many beauties of children is their unlimited imagination. This book helps us to celebrate and appreciate the basics. The simplicity and wonders of the ocean and a child at play. This story awakens the sleeping dragon in us all and ignites our imagination. We sometimes need reminders to have fun more…

Author: Maxine Trottier
Publisher: Scholastic Canada Ltd

Wow! While this isn’t the typical book that I tend to review, it’s a wonderful book that is owed recognition. The story of Terry Fox means something different to everyone, but to all of us, it’s a source of inspiration and hope. On a personal level, I remember watching Terry’s run each night on the evening news when I was a kid. After he died, I remember participating in runs at school to more…

Author: Mike Leonetti
Illustrator: Greg Banning
Publisher: North Winds Press

Here’s a Great Canadian Book! Yes, Leonetti has given us many nostalgic and wonderful hockey books and what’s more Canadian than that? Well, this book is! Not only does this story touch upon the magic of two hockey greats, whose impact will be felt for generations, but Leonetti takes this book further, to speak about Leadership and the qualities that a good leader possesses. He has touched upon Canadian history to accomplish this. I absolutely more…

Author: Cheryl Kilodavis
Illustrator: Suzanne DeSimone
Publisher: Aladdin 2011

Wow! I was truly blown away not only by this story of unconditional love, acceptance, and support and tolerance, but the fact that this story is a non-fiction work makes the message so much more powerful. While there may be some (…okay, lots) of controversy surrounding the topic of a young boy more…