Parenting Times did not receive any financial compensation for this piece.Snow outside, a couple of hours with nothing you have to do, a cup of milky tea, some fresh-baked cookies (the slice-and-bake variety works, too!) and a brand-new book with an uncracked spine – this is possibly as close as we can get to paradise on earth during an Ottawa winter!
We rounded up some books by Canadian authors, illustrators and contributors that you may have missed from their fall release – and some highly anticipated books to be published later this winter (keep an eye on your favourite booksellers). Gather the kids around, put the screens away and check out some of these new titles.
For Preschool Readers
Bluey: A Big Pop-Up Book
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Licenses
Publishing date: September 2025
About the book: Young readers – and certainly in our house, their parents (my husband is more obsessed with this show than the kids are) – can relive their favourite Bluey moments through this large and sturdy pop-up book. Perfect for tiny hands, this book just begs to be handled and to live on your coffee table. The pop-up scenes feature favourite moments from the show, including Bandit’s dance following a visit from the fairies, a trip to the creek with Mackenzie, a swim in Uncle Stripe’s pool and an unreasonably long wait for Chinese food (and a bush wee).
If you choose this book, you’re likely already a Bluey fan, but Bluey: A Big Pop-Up Book will remind you why the blue heeler pup, her little sister Bingo, and parents Bandit and Chilli continue to rank #1 across preschool channels and have four million followers on TikTok and over nine billion lifetime views on YouTube.
Sarabeth’s Garage
By Melanie Florence, Illustrated by Nadia Alam
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publishing Date: February 10, 2026
About the book: A picture book that celebrates doing your own thing in the face of society’s expectations, Sarabeth’s Garage is the story of a young girl who loves cars and helping her dad at his garage. Sarabeth’s grandmother doesn’t approve. She thinks little girls should play with dolls and wear dresses and always have clean hands. “In my day…,” Grandma would say.
When Grandma’s car starts grumbling like a walrus instead of purring like a kitten, it’s Sarabeth to the rescue.
Nadia Alam’s wonderful illustrations of tomboy Sarabeth – with two messy space buns atop a mop of brown hair, and dirt on her cheeks and on her blue coveralls – left me smiling long after I put the book down.
About the Canadian author: Toronto-based award-winning writer Melanie Florence is also the author of The One About the Blackbird and Missing Nimâmâ, which won the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, the Forest of Reading Golden Oak Award and was a finalist for the First Nation Communities READ award. Her other picture book, Stolen Words, won the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award, was shortlisted for the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, and was given a starred review by Kirkus, who listed it as one of the best picture books of 2017 to give readers strength.
About the Canadian illustrator: Toronto resident Nadia Alam is a second-generation Bangladeshi-Canadian. She is also the illustrator of The Wishing Machine; Awake, Asleep; Mauntie and Me; and The House Without Lights.
The Bear Fairy
By Paul Coccia, Illustrated by Fred Blunt
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publishing Date: February 17, 2026
About the book: Who hasn’t tried to catch a fairy as after watching Tinkerbell movies as a kid? This book will make fairy lovers cackle and skeptics want to create fairy traps.
Meet an unlikely fairy and his new best friend in this picture book about acceptance, being yourself and standing up to anyone who tries to diminish your sparkle. Fairies should be pretty and sparkly and dainty . . . not chubby, not fluffy and NOT lured in by potato chips. But when Spencer catches a fairy in the park, he’s shocked to find that’s exactly what he’s got!
The Bear Fairy hogs the remote, drops crumbs everywhere and snores. But they hit it off, and share some fun times (and snacks). When Spencer’s friend Mariah insults the Bear Fairy’s appearance, Spencer steps up to defend his new friend in this heartwarming story.
Honestly, if I had a fairy, this is the exact one I’d want.
About the Canadian author: Toronto resident Paul Coccia is also the author of the young-adult novels Recommended Reading, which received a starred review from Kirkus Reviews; Leon Levels Up, which was a JLG pick, a CCBC Best Book for Kids and Teens pick and included on the 2024 Kid Committee Summer Red Maple Reading List; I Got You Babe, a CCBC BBKT starred selection and included on the 2024 Kid Committee Summer Red Maple Reading List; On the Line (co-written with Eric Walters), which won the Richard Allen Chase Memorial Award, was a Canadian Children’s Book Centre 2022 starred pick, and was shortlisted for the 2023 Red Maple; The Player, which was a 2021 Red Maple Summer Reading List selection, and Cub, which was a JLG selection and a Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Book of 2019, and the 2024 release I Got You Babe. Paul has a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia.
We Are Who We Are: An Ode to Indigenous Heroes Past and Present
By Wab Kinew, Illustrated by Janine Gibbons
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publishing Date: February 17, 2026
About the book: In this companion book to the bestselling Go Show the World, author Wab Kinew celebrates the triumphs of 13 more Indigenous heroes throughout history — and how their struggles and successes have made not just their communities but the world a better place for today’s youth.
From engineer Mary Golda Ross to interpreter George Bonga and from actor Chief Dan George to author Tasha Spillett, Kinew explores how each of these heroes embraced their most authentic selves, and encourages young readers to do the same.
Children of all ages will enjoy the story and Janine Gibbons’ art. Educators and parents will find enormous teaching value in the biographies and portraits of the heroes at the back of the book. The author’s and illustrator’s notes give additional insight.
About the Canadian author: Wab Kinew is the bestselling, award-winning author of The Everlasting Road, Walking in Two Worlds, Go Show the World and The Reason You Walk. A member of the Midewin and an Honorary Witness for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, Kinew is a former journalist, hip-hop artist and television host who was named by Postmedia News as one of “Nine Aboriginal movers and shakers you should know.” He lives in Winnipeg with his family.
Ruthie
by Esmé Shapiro
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publishing Date: March 17, 2026
About the book: This charmingly illustrated book tells the story of prince Ruthie (really a dog) who has it all: a bone, a fish, and a piece of cake he’s been saving for three years. He lives in a castle (a house), is beloved by his queen (his owner), and enjoys beauty naps, butterberry pancakes and staying squeaky clean with a daily bubble bath.
When a chance to escape presents itself, Ruthie finds himself cold, hungry and worst of all, stinky. Ruthie’s royal subjects (forest animals) do their best to help, but nothing is as perfect as it was in his castle and, worst of all, he misses his queen.
Ruthie is a companion book to Ooko that stands all on its own, Esmé Shapiro tells Ruthie’s side of this topsy-turvy story – and a heartfelt tale about breaking free of and longing for home.
The illustrations in this book are perfect for this story. Ruthie and his owner’s similar hairdos – each sports a big brioche of a bun – the happy face on the dog and the owner’s spiky leg hair cracked us up.
About the Canadian author: Esmé Shapiro grew up in Laurel Canyon, California and Ontario and is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design. Her picture books include Ooko, which was nominated for a Governor General’s Literary Award in 2016; Alma and the Beast; Carol and the Pickle-Toad; and Roy is Not a Dog which she co-wrote with her husband, Daniel Newell Kaufman.
Fly in the Chai
By Zenia Wadhwani, Illustrated by Chaaya Prabhat
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publishing Date: March 24, 2026
About the book: A grandfather and granddaughter visit a market where Nanu gets a cup of chai. But before he can take a drink, his granddaughter stops him just in time – there’s a fly in the chai! Thus begins an epic battle between Nanu and the fly: who loves chai more? Who will get the cup of chai?
The story’s unexpected ending will make you laugh out loud. The colours in this wonderful picture book brings the Indian market to life, and the smell of chai into a room. We loved the glossary and the author’s family chai recipe in the back of the book.
About the Canadian author: Toronto resident Zenia Wadhwani is also the author of the picture books Once Upon a Sari and ‘Twas the Night Before Diwali. Wadhwani is an avid reader, an advocate for literacy and a promoter of emerging writers. It took the pandemic and a looming milestone birthday to unleash her first children’s story. Many of her stories are inspired by her daughter Avani.
Billie Builds a RoboCorn
By José Avelino Gilles Corbett Lourenço, Illustrated by James Braithwaite
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publishing Date: April 14, 2026
About the book: When Billie’s family moves away, her father suggests that she go to the park to make new friends, but Billie has other ideas. The resourceful girl creates RoboCorn, a majestic robot unicorn capable of deep conversation, jumping over the sun and making pancakes. RoboCorn has some issues, but helps her with the thing she needs most – making a new friend.
About the Canadian author: José Avelino Gilles Corbett Lourenço is a Toronto-based writer and filmmaker. His debut feature Young Werther premiered in TIFF’s Special Presentations section, was longlisted for the Vallée Discovery Award, acquired by Lionsgate, and released theatrically around the world. A former Toronto Star columnist whose writing has appeared in McSweeney’s, Hazlitt, the Globe and Mail, and National Post, he now works across film, television, publishing, and advertising.
About the Canadian illustrator: James Braithwaite is a Toronto-based illustrator, animator and writer whose work has been nominated for an Oscar, was presented at the Guggenheim, and won an Emmy.
For Middle-Grade Readers
The Christmas Raccoons
By Chris McGuire
Publisher: Candy Jar Books
Publishing Date: November 2025
About the book: Forty-five years after The Christmas Raccoons first aired on television in Canada, the UK and the U.S., the Evergreen Forest is alive with festive magic once again.
The Christmas Raccoons is an interactive storybook that re-imagines the beloved 1980 holiday special, which launched the iconic Canadian animated series The Raccoons.
Originally broadcast on CBC Television, BBC, and syndicated nationally in the U.S., The Christmas Raccoons became a cherished part of holiday tradition and inspired one of the country’s most successful animated series, The Raccoons. Now, this re-imagined origin classic tale is spreading Christmas cheer with a sparkling new edition perfect for kids, and nostalgic grown-ups alike.
In a forest shimmering with festive sparkle and winter charm, The Christmas Raccoons follows Bert Raccoon and his Evergreen Forest friends as they uncover Cyril Sneer’s plan to chop down all the forest trees. With the help of Ranger Dan, his children Tommy and Julie, and their trusty sheepdog Schaeffer, the Raccoons discover the true meaning of Christmas, and save the Evergreen Forest. Themes of teamwork, kindness, and environmental awareness make this a story as relevant today as it was four decades ago.
From the Canadian creator of The Raccoons: “I really liked how Chris McGuire created some interesting new plot lines for the characters to reimagine the classic storyline for both parents and their kids,” says Kevin Gillis. Candy Jar Books, the publisher, did a cool job inserting QR code ‘Easter eggs’ that link to an animated music video tied to that moment in the plot. It creates a unique interactive experience between traditional reading interspersed with a touch of an imagination payoff.”
Britannica All New Kids’ Encyclopedia: Updated Edition – What We Know & What We Don’t
Edited by Christopher Lloyd, Illustrated by Mark Ruffle and Jack Tite
Publisher: Britannica Books
Publishing Date: Sep 2, 2025
About the book: A fully updated edition of Britannica’s landmark children’s encyclopedia, Britannica All New Kids’ Encyclopedia: Updated Edition – What We Know & What We Don’t contains up-to-the-minute facts and figures and images on everything kids want to know about, from the most unusual animals in the deep sea to planetary exploration from ancient Egypt to artificial intelligence.
This encyclopedia has more than 400 pages of information, including the latest facts and figures, cutting-edge expert insights, and over 1,000 illustrations, photographs, and maps, this gorgeous compendium will satisfy even the most curious minds.
Unlike encyclopedias that are structured from A to Z, this encyclopedia will take you on a journey from the beginning of time to the present day and into the future. One hundred experts from around the world and a whole team of Britannica fact-checkers, fulfill Britannica’s reputation for authentic, trustworthy information. This fact-packed tome is a must-have for every kid, whether they visit it to satisfy a question from time to time, or are the type to hide under the covers with a book and a flashlight.
For Teens and Young Adults
Into the Deep Blue
By Jennifer E. Archer
Publisher: Marble Press
Publishing Date: September 2025
About the book: Nick and Fiona were meant to be friends – best friends – and they wouldn’t change that for the world. At least, that’s what they tell themselves. Because they can’t be an us. Nick doesn’t believe in happy endings ever since they both lost their moms unexpectedly senior year.
When Fiona accidentally lets her guard down more than she intended to with Nick, it threatens to ruin their fragile balancing act. Luckily, Nick isn’t about to let a little misunderstanding get in the way of the weekend trip they’ve been planning for months. Fiona is just hoping for some closure on the first anniversary of her mom’s death – except grief isn’t that simple, and choosing to love again isn’t, either. Now the only thing standing between Fiona and Nick is the truth.
About the author: Toronto-based author and screenwriter Jennifer E. Archer won the 2022 Academy Nicholl Fellowship Award in screenwriting for her screenplay, Into the Deep Blue, based on her debut novel. Filming begins this spring with Damian Hardung (Maxton Hall) and Sara Waisglass (Ginny & Georgia) set to star.
Here For a Good Time
By Kim Spencer
Publisher: Swift Water Books
Publishing Date: March 10, 2026
About the book: In this coming-of-age story, Morgan, an Indigenous teen girl grapples with the effects of intergenerational trauma while navigating school, family and young love.
Morgan has lived all her life in the small fishing town of Prince Rupert in northern British Columbia. Ever since her mom took off when she was 10, Morgan has kept an eye on her dad, a commercial fisherman. After struggling to keep up and find a place at a public high school, Morgan’s best friend Skye convinces her to attend an alternate school. There, she meets Nate, who introduces her to a wider worldview and becomes a lifeline after an unimaginable tragedy strikes. In the aftermath, Morgan learns hard truths about her mother’s painful past and the resulting intergenerational effects of that trauma, and as she struggles to come to terms with her new reality, an unexpected development offers a chance of a fresh start.
About the Canadian author: Award-winning, bestselling author Kim Spencer’s debut novel, Weird Rules to Follow, won the 2024 Pacific Northwest Book Award, the 2023 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, and the 2023 Jean Little First-Novel Award. Named to both the USBBY Outstanding International Books list as well as the IBBY Honour List, the book also received a Kirkus starred review and was a 2023 Governor General’s Literary Award finalist. Spencer is from the Gitxaala Nation and lives in northwest British Columbia.
A Deadly Inheritance
By Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publishing Date: March 24, 2026
About the book: After discovering she’s an heiress to a billion-dollar corporation, 17-year-old Liliana finds herself at a new boarding school where she must navigate secret societies and a deadly competition. Lili realizes there’s more to the school than elite-level networking – something deadly. Liliana must race against time to connect the past with the present and discover the truth behind her inheritance.
About the Canadian author: Kelley Armstrong is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of three trilogies for teens: the Darkest Powers; Darkness Rising; and Age of Legends, as well as several thriller and fantasy series for adults and four YA thrillers (The Masked Truth, A Deadly Inheritance, Missing and Aftermath). She is also the author of the Royal Guide to Monster Slaying series and the co-author (with Melissa Marr) of the Blackwell Pages series, a middle-grade fantasy series based on Norse gods. Her book, Someone Is Always Watching was shortlisted for the Crime Writers of Canada Best Juvenile/YA Crime Book Award.
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