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First and Best 2018
Our top picks of the best Canadian children's books for building reading readiness in kids under five. Because the first books you share with your child should also be the best!
Ages: 0-5 years
City Bugs
No matter where you live, nature is all around us! Readers are encouraged to take a closer look at their surroundings and discover new creatures.
Counting in Mi’kmaw/Mawkiljemk Mi'kmawiktuk
A vibrant and beautiful book by Mi’kmaq artist Loretta Gould that introduces numbers through traditional Mi'kmaw images. Look closely at each picture and see if it matches the number!
Fox and Squirrel Help Out
A baby bat has landed on Fox’s head! Can Fox and Squirrel work together to help their new friend?
Good Night, Good Night
Dreamy bedtime poems by Dennis Lee combine with Qin Leng’s cozy illustrations to make this a soothing and sleepy read-aloud for the end of a young child’s day.
Rosie’s Glasses
Can’t shake that bad mood? Maybe all you need is a change of perspective. Using bold illustrations and an inspired use of colour, Dave Whamond examines how a simple change can make a world of difference.
Also Available in eBook
Sloth at the Zoom
When sloth is accidentally dropped off at the Zoom, she has trouble making friends – nobody has the time! Will sloth be able to show her new neighbours how to chill out?
Splish, Splash, Foxes Dash!
Bold illustrations and playful text introduce children to Canadian wildlife and the vivid colours of each animal. Children will delight in the exuberant wordplay in this wonderful read-aloud book.
Square
Circle thinks her friend Square is a talented sculptor. When Circle asks Square to sculpt her likeness, Square struggles to carve a circle from a square block.
Sterling, Best Dog Ever
Sterling is delivered to his new family by the Butlery Cutlery Company and is determined to be the best fork ever! With humour and heart, Sterling discovers that his new family just needs him to be himself.
Sugar and Snails
What are little boys and girls really made of? Prepare yourself for a funny, silly ride through this new take on the old rhyme. The author and illustrator use fun text and quirky images to challenge old stereotypes.
Other Booklists You Might Like
Toronto Public Library- First and Best
Our top picks of the best Canadian children's books for building reading readiness in kids under five. Because the first books you share with your child should also be the best!
Ages: 0-5 years
Award Winners and Other Booklists
Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award
First Nation Communities Read: Aboriginal Literature Award- Children's
Forest of Reading- The Blue Spruce™
Governor General's Literary Award: Young People’s Literature – Illustrated Books