CANADIAN TOY TESTING COUNCIL TOP 10 GREAT BOOKS FOR CHILDREN 2008
Ages 1-3
What’s that Sound? By the Sea Written by Sheryl McFarlane and illustrated by Kim LaFave. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2006. ISBN 1-55041-957-9. Ages 1-3.
This bright, sturdy first book brings the sights and sounds of the seashore to life. From the LAP of waves against the shore to the PAT, PAT sound of shovels in the sand, the book makes sounds come alive through its words and pictures. Little ones will enjoy hearing this cheery book read to them during playtime and at bedtime.
Ages 3-6
AlphaBETTER Written by Dan Bar-el and illustrated by Graham Ross. Orca Book Publishers, 2006. ISBN 1-55143-439-3. Ages 3-6.
This fanciful book features bright, colourful illustrations and a story based on the alphabet... only better. Each page features a child's name beginning with a letter from the alphabet (Alberto, Benoît, Cara, etc.) as well as the mention of a missing object. The book's playful and clever use of language and charming illustrations lead the reader to a happy ending when the children decide to co-operate -- even when the alphabet won't!
Ages 3-6
D’Alex à Zoé Written by Bertrand Gauthier and illustrated by Philippe Béha. Québec Amérique Jeunesse, 2006. ISBN 978-2-7644-0478-2. Ages 3-6.
This lively book features bright, humorous illustrations and text that will engage both younger and older readers. Each page features a child's name beginning with a letter from the alphabet (Alex, Béatrice, Charles, etc.) as well as a short, descriptive sentence at the top of the page (for younger readers) and a more complicated sentence at the bottom of the page (for older readers). There is good use of alliteration, so all sentences are funny when they are read aloud, and the pictures are fanciful and inviting.
Ages 3-7
YOYO : Il n’y en a pas deux comme moi Written by Marie-Francine Hébert and illustrated by Marie-Claude Favreau. Dominique et compagnie, 2006. ISBN 2-89512-304-7. Ages 3-7.
This charming book follows little dog Yoyo as he discovers the differences and similarities between himself and his family. Children are attracted to the cheerful, colourful pictures of the cute dogs and puppies and enjoy discovering, along with Yoyo, just what makes each one of us unique. The text is easy to follow and young readers enjoy trying to pick out which dog is being discussed in the accompanying illustrations.
Ages 4-7
Who Likes the Snow? Written by Etta Kaner and illustrated by Marie Lafrance. Kids Can Press, 2006. ISBN 978-1-55337-842-6. Ages 4-7.
This book answers the question, "Who likes the snow?" -- and goes on to explain exactly what snow is. Each interior page spread has a fold-out flap that offers concise, easy-to-understand explanations of how snow is made, where snow goes in the spring, why snow melts around tree trunks first, and more. Part story book, part science book and brightly illustrated in an engaging style, this book will both entertain and teach inquisitive children.
Ages 4-8
The Hockey Tree Written by David Ward and illustrated by Brian Deines. North Winds Press: An imprint of Scholastic Canada, 2006. ISBN 0-439-95619-6. Ages 4-8.
When a missing puck threatens to end the fun of the first hockey game of winter, Owen and Holly learn the secret of "The Hockey Tree" from their father. Young readers are drawn to this book, which features evocative illustrations and a story that captures the spirit of Canada's national winter game. This story warms the heart even as it depicts the icy chill of the great outdoors and playing hockey on Saskatchewan's frozen Humboldt Lake.
Ages 6-9
Danger, Dinosaurs! Written by Frieda Wishinsky and illustrated by Dean Griffiths. Maple Tree Press, 2007. ISBN 978-1-897066-82-9. Ages 6-9.
This book, part of the time-travelling Canadian Flyer Adventures series, tells the exciting story of how Emily Bing and Matt Martinez are transported far, far back through time to the age of dinosaurs. The adventurous duo discover all manner of dinosaurs -- big, small, friendly plant-eaters and ferocious meat-eaters! In addition to the story, the book features Matt and Emily's "top 10 facts" about dinosaurs. The book presents a good mix of fact and fiction and is a great read for boys and girls who are fascinated with prehistoric creatures.
Ages 6-9
Petits monstres Les gusses Written by Lucie Papineau and illustrated by Daniel Dumont. Dominique et compagnie, 2006. ISBN 978-2-89512-483-2. Ages 6-9.
In this funny book, a boy named Jojo is studying some interesting creatures who live in his room... little monsters named "les gusses." These dust bunny-like monsters are not too scary, but they are entertaining and easily engage young readers. Children are amused when messy Jojo is faced with the ultimate challenge of cleaning up his room without harming his small monster friends. The colorful, cartoony illustrations lend an airy charm to this fun and appealing story.
Ages 9+
The Secret of Grim Hill Written by Linda DeMeulemeester. Lobster Press, 2007. ISBN 978-1-897073-53-7. Ages 9+.
This easy-to-read chapter book tells the story of Cat Peters, a bright girl who wins a soccer scholarship and begins attending Grimoire, a posh private school. However, Cat soon discovers that something is eerily amiss at Grimoire, and she must uncover its supernatural secret to save her younger sister. Readers will enjoy the book's blend of suspense, sports and magical mystery... from the first page to the last.
Ages 9+
Scholastic Canada Kid’s Almanac Written by Elaine Pascoe, Deborah Kops and Jenifer Morse, and illustrated by Bob Italiano and David C. Bell. Georgian Bay Associates LLC: Scholastic Canada Ltd., 2006. ISBN 0-439-94755-3. Ages 9+.
This 352-page book, which promises "all the answers you need for your homework... and all the trivia you need for fun" is indeed crammed with useful information and fun facts -- with the focus on Canada. Topics covered include aerospace, animals, arts and music, astronomy, business and money, chemistry, computers, earth science, education, environment, government, Canadian and world holidays, inventors and inventions, life science, plants, transportation, United Nations, weather, weights and measures, and much more. Filled with full-colour photos, illustrations and charts to support the cool tidbits of information, this almanac rocks!
