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Only the Trees Know

Written by Jane Whittingham, illustrated by Cinyee Chiu

The story of an impatient little rabbit who just can’t wait for spring, with perfectly wintery art. Published by Kids Can Press, 2022.

“Here’s to spring green, togetherness, and looking to the trees.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The mindfulness theme of the story encourages readers, like the young rabbit, to slow down and be aware of their surroundings.” —Booklist

Beware the Burmese Pythons

Written by Etta Kaner, illustrated by Phil Nicholls

A fact-packed, highly visual investigation into invasive animal species — and how we can stop them. Published by Kids Can Press, 2022.

“Playful comics panels … keep the tone light but emphasize the real damage these animals can do in their non-native habitats … A strong pick for fans of the popular Science Comics series.” —Booklist

Hiders Seekers Finders Keepers

Written by Jessica Kulekjian, illustrated by Salini Perera

A lyrical look at how different animals prepare for winter, illustrated in gorgeous autumnal tones. Published by Kids Can Press, 2022.

“An excellent book to use in earth and life science units” —School Library Journal

“… a lovely, fascinating book for nature lovers.” —Book Riot

Rover and Speck: This Planet Rocks!

Written and illustrated by Jonathan Roth

A fast-paced space adventure starring two mismatched rovers who become an unlikely duo of scientific investigators. Published by Kids Can Press, 2022.

“An appealing tale that suggests that music is the path to interplanetary harmony.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Space-loving readers will feel right at home …”— Booklist

Poopy Science

Written by Edward Kay, illustrated by Mike Shiell

A hilarious, informative, delightfully disgusting look at all things poop and pee! Book three in the Gross Science series. Published by Kids Can Press, 2022.

“Fun, enlightening, and gross in all the best ways.” —Kirkus Reviews

Itzel and the Ocelot

Written and illustrated by Rachel Katstaller

The story of an intrepid girl who finds a way to journey into the jungle and bring back the rain for her community. Based on a traditional story from El Salvador. Published by Kids Can Press, 2022.

“An inspiring adventure.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This story encourages readers to hold dear to stories and tales of the past, as they may just be the key to the future.” —Children’s Literature

Can You Believe It?: How to Spot Fake News and Find the Facts

Written by Joyce Grant, illustrated by Kathleen Marcotte

An entertaining and accessible guide to spotting fake news that takes readers through real journalism, different types of fake news, key things to watch out for, and important critical thinking strategies. Published by Kids Can Press, 2022.

“A valuable — and entertaining — guide to an important subject.” —Kirkus Reviews

“This is an excellent introduction to media literacy for young readers who are bombarded with information daily.” —Youth Services Book Review, STARRED REVIEW

Chickadee: Criminal Mastermind

Written by Monica Silvie, illustrated by Elina Ellis

A funny, sly story told from the point of view of a mischievous chickadee, who claims to be an expert thief. Published by Kids Can Press, 2022.

“… I expect you’ll read this book over and over again. There’s no crime in that!” —The New York Times

“A snappily told picture book, and visually striking, too.” —Publishers Weekly

Our Green City

Written by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated by Colleen Larmour

The charming, brightly illustrated story of a fully sustainable city and its denizens, with a uniquely positive environmental message. Published by Kids Can Press, 2022.

“… this city will garner return visits from green-keen readers.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A great guide for all shelves, and a recommended purchase.” —School Library Journal

Franz’s Phantasmagorical Machine

Written by Beth Anderson, illustrated by Caroline Hamel

The inspiring true story of Franz Gsellmann, a self-taught inventor who pursued his passion to invent an incredible, phantasmagorical machine. Published by Kids Can Press, 2022.

“A thought-provoking and stimulating historical episode.” —Kirkus Reviews

Before We Stood Tall

Written by Jessica Kulekjian, illustrated by Madeline Kloepper

Expressive text and exquisitely rendered art combine in this story of the life cycle of trees, told in reverse. Published by Kids Can Press, 2021.

“… readers are advised to simply go through it aloud, savoring its sound and enjoying its rhythmic use of words and phrases that invoke magic and monarchies while weaving in arboreal vocabulary.” —Kirkus Reviews

Germy Science

Written by Edward Kay, illustrated by Mike Shiell

A perfectly revolting, perfectly timely primer on all things germs by an award-winning comedy writer. Published by Kids Can Press, 2021.

“A fast-paced and fun introduction to the mysteries of microbes.” —Kirkus Reviews

“… a highly entertaining and informative introduction to germs.” —School Library Journal

Orca Rescue!

Written by Donna Sandstrom, illustrated by Sig Burwash

The gripping, inspiring true story of orphaned orca Springer and her rescue — the only successful orca rescue and re-release in history! Published by Kids Can Press, 2021.

“… has a strong impact. The choice to use illustrations rather than photographs gives it a storybook feel, and its happy ending gives the reader hope that nature can be healed and that we can learn from our mistakes. VERDICT: A strong addition to youth collections.” –School Library Journal

“Impressive.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

Snoozefest

Written by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated by Valéry Goulet

The fact-packed, fascinating story of sleep — why we need to sleep, why we dream, why you never feel like you’ve gotten enough, and much more. Published by Kids Can Press, 2021.

“Solidly research based …” —Kirkus Reviews

“A fun choice for browsable nonfiction shelves and reports.” —School Library Journal,

The Science of Song

Written by Alan Cross, Emme Cross, and Nicole Mortillaro, illustrated by Carl Wiens

An engaging, comprehensive look at the history and science of music technology, from the phonograph to streaming, with fun playlist features to help kids listen their way through music history. Published by Kids Can Press, 2021.

“Engaging and relevant, this attractively designed book will inspire further exploration.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A strong and well-curated text sure to engage young people on multiple levels of music history and science.” —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

100 Ways to Make the World a Better Place

Written by Karen Ng and Kirsten Liepmann, illustrated by Mona Karaivanova

An encouraging, hands-on activity book to inspire change, with over 100 puzzles, crafts, games, experiments and tips for learning about global issues. Original English edition by Studio Press/Bonnier. Published by Kids Can Press, 2021.

Arnold the Super-ish Hero

Written by Heather Tekavec, illustrated by Guillaume Perreault

The endearing story of un-super Arnold, who answers phones at superhero headquarters — until he’s sent out on a call and has to find a way to save the day. Published by Kids Can Press, 2021.

“A sweet and funny picture book about the power of doing good deeds.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“… Tekavec’s humorous underdog story is endearing, reminding readers of the truism that one can “change the world with a few good deeds.””— Publishers Weekly

That’s No Dino!

Written by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Marie-Ève Tremblay

Discover what a dino is by learning what it’s not in this deep-dive into fascinating prehistoric creatures who are not dinosaurs (or… are they?). Published by Kids Can Press, 2021.

“The perfect addition to a budding zoologist’s collection of dinosaur books …” —Montreal Review of Books

“Well-researched, with an interesting approach…” —CM Magazine

Walking for Water

Written by Susan Hughes, illustrated by Nicole Miles

An inspiring story of individual activism and a boy whose small action makes a big difference in his community. Published by Kids Can Press, 2021.

“A lovely story with many uses.” —Kirkus Reviews

“… activism-encouraging …” —Publishers Weekly

Mad for Ads

Written by Erica Fyvie, illustrated by Ian Turner

A thoroughly researched, entertaining adventure into the world of advertising, taking kids through how brand campaigns are created and how they can learn to think critically about the advertising they see every day. Published by Kids Can Press, 2021.

“This upbeat, up-to-date look at advertising helps young readers understand just how insidious marketing can be.” —Booklist

“Mad for Ads is a wonderful introduction to the expansive topic of advertising.” —Quill & Quire

“Judicious as well as useful …” —Kirkus Reviews

Emmy Noether: The Most Important Mathematician You’ve Never Heard Of

Written by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Kari Rust

A lively picture book biography about groundbreaking mathematician Emmy Noether, whose discoveries continue to influence how we see the world today. Published by Kids Can Press, 2020.

“This book doesn’t disappoint.” —Elizabeth Bird, School Library Journal

“A vivid biographical depiction of history, math, science, and the importance of women in STEM.” —Kirkus Reviews

This Is Your Brain on Stereotypes

Written by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated by Drew Shannon

An essential look at the science of stereotypes — why our brains form them, how we can recognize them, what we can do to fix our unconscious biases — written in engaging, clear prose that makes uncomfortable topics accessible. Published by Kids Can Press, 2020.

“A must-read primer for change.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Alongside Drew Shannon’s colourful illustrations [Lloyd Kyi] encapsulates key sociological and scientific research on racism and stereotyping.” —The New York Times

“A worthwhile purchase … that will help readers recognize, understand, and eradicate stereotypes.” —School Library Journal

In the Dark

Written by Lisa Deresti Betik, illustrated by Josh Holinaty

An informative, engaging primer on what happens after dark for humans, animals, plants, and the night sky, answering questions such as why do we sleep? Why do stars twinkle? Why are some animals nocturnal? And what do plants do at night? Published by Kids Can Press, 2020.

“Illuminating insights for nocturnal naturalists.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Fun science.” —School Library Journal

2022 Yellow Cedar Award (Forest of Reading) nominee

A Portrait in Poems

Written by Evie Robillard, illustrated by Rachel Katstaller

A fascinating picture book biography about the life of Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas, told in charming second-person free verse. Published by Kids Can Press, 2020.

“This accessible, kid-sized portrayal of Stein and Toklas’ famous relationship is a charmer.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“… this delightful book presents their charmed life in Paris as a model of creativity…” —The New York Times

“… what emanates from these pages, through the chatty, accessible verse and the buoyant artwork, is a sense of the integrity that comes with a well-observed and well-lived life.” —The Wall Street Journal

“A book that is rich in strong personalities and perspectives on art.” —School Library Journal

Wanted! Criminals of the Animal Kingdom

Written by Heather Tekavec, illustrated by Susan Batori

A hilarious look at thirteen criminals of the animal world, wanted for such crimes as spitting, thievery, and crying wolf. Published by Kids Can Press, 2020.

“In addition to their previous felonies, the animal criminals may end up stealing readers’ hearts!” —Booklist

Nature All Around: Birds

Written by Pamela Hickman, illustrated by Carolyn Gavin

A beautifully illustrated resource that takes budding bird-watchers through a year in the life of a bird, exploring feathers, eggs, nests, and other seasonal changes. Includes a bird identification guide for young readers. Published by Kids Can Press, 2020.

“Excellent for fledgling naturalists.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

Nature All Around: Plants

Written by Pamela Hickman, illustrated by Carolyn Gavin

An introduction to plants, where and how they grow, and how important they are, for aspiring naturalists. Includes a plant identification guide for young readers. Published by Kids Can Press, 2020.

“Another charming entry in a delightful natural-science series.” —Kirkus Reviews

It Started with a Big Bang

Written by Floor Bal, illustrated by Sebastiaan Van Doninck

An accessible informational picture book about how Earth came to be, starting with the Big Bang and ending with life today. Original Dutch edition by Gottmer. Published by Kids Can Press, 2019.

“A simple, effective introduction to some big ideas for curious young readers.” —Kirkus Reviews

“… a fine introduction to a complex topic …” —School Library Journal

The Pencil

Written by Susan Avingaq and Maren Vsetula, illustrated by Charlene Chua

A heartwarming family story, set in the Arctic, about cherishing our possessions and using what we have wisely. Published by Inhabit Media, 2019.

“[A] wonderful and touching story about resilience and thrift and community.” —The New York Times

“[A] rich and moving story about how small things can make a tremendous difference in children’s lives.” —The Globe and Mail

The Fox Wife

Written by Beatrice Deer, illustrated by DJ Herron

An atmospheric retelling of a traditional Inuit story from celebrated singer-songwriter Beatrice Deer. Published by Inhabit Media, 2019.

“The story of a divide that cannot be bridged will leave readers with much to ponder. ” —Kirkus Reviews

Simonie and the Dance Contest

Written by Gail Matthews, illustrated by Ali Hinch

A heartwarming story about a boy who overcomes his nerves to enter his community’s annual dance contest. Published by Inhabit Media, 2019.

“A relatable story about perseverance and facing your fears…” —School Library Journal

“The protagonist’s good cheer and determination will strike chords in like-minded readers.” —Kirkus Reviews

It’s Time for Bed

Written by Ceporah Mearns and Jeremy Debicki, illustrated by Tim Mack

A charming and funny bedtime story about a little girl who doesn’t want to go to bed — it’s so much more fun to stay up and play with all the animals of the Arctic! Published by Inhabit Media, 2018.

“… a modern lullaby for younger children.” —The Globe and Mail

Takannaaluk

Written by Herve Paniaq, illustrated by Germaine Arnaktauyok

A traditional Inuit story about the mother of sea mammals brought to life by elder Herve Paniaq and renowned artist Germaine Arnaktauyok. Published by Inhabit Media, 2018.

Animals Illustrated: Bowhead Whale

Written by Joanasie Karpik, illustrated by Sho Uehara

A fact-filled, striking illustrated introduction to bowhead whales from an Inuit author. Published by Inhabit Media, 2018.

Nelson Social Studies 1–6

A complete social studies program for Grades 1–6, aligned to Ontario’s 2013 curriculum. Two student books, a teacher’s resource, and a set of activity cards, in addition to digital ancillary materials, at each grade level. Published by Nelson Education, 2014–2017.