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First and Best 2020
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
The Egg
When a gust of wind blows a crane's egg from the nest, the heartbroken crane flies away and spots what appears to be another egg in need of a home. This wordless picture book shows us that loving families come in all shapes and sizes.
Fast Friends
Tyson is not listened to because of his sometimes disruptive behaviour. Suze is nonverbal with special needs. Learning to interpret Suze's nonverbal cues improves Tyson's ability to understand and communicate, and he ultimately finds his own voice by helping Suze find hers.
The Haircut
With hair flopping in his eyes, it's time for this toddler's first haircut. He is nervous at first, but his father's hand is a comfort and the barber's chair is fun. Soon his milestone first haircut is complete.
My Ocean Is Blue
During a day at the beach with her mom, a girl is inspired to examine and celebrate every part of her ocean. Vivid illustrations and poetic text are sure to awaken the explorer in every child.
Nattiq and the Land of Statues: A Story from the Arctic
A ringed seal, known in Inuktitut as ᓇᑦᑎᖅ nattiq, has returned to his Arctic home after a long journey south and his friends – a polar bear, caribou, raven, walrus and narwhal – gather round to hear about his trip.
Not Me
From beloved children's author Elise Gravel comes a hilarious twist to the perpetual question: Who made this mess?
Raven, Rabbit, Deer
In an intergenerational winter's story full of quiet wonder, a little boy takes his grandfather for a walk down a forest trail.
The Truth About Wind
When Jesse finds a toy horse and names him Wind, his imagination runs wild thinking about all the adventures that await. There's just one problem: Wind doesn’t actually belong to Jesse. Is there a way to make everything okay again?
Two Drops of Brown in a Cloud of White
A little girl and her mother walk home from school on a snowy winter day. Ma misses the sun, warmth and colours of home, but her daughter sees magic in everything.
Weekend Dad
Naseem Hrab writes a poignant yet hopeful story, strikingly illustrated in Frank Viva's signature style, about what happens when parents separate, and the new reality of having two homes.
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
Coretta Scott King Book Award – Illustrator
First Nation Communities READ: PMC Indigenous Literature Award - Children's
Forest of Reading – The Blue Spruce Award
Governor General's Literary Award: Young People’s Literature – Illustrated Books