The Next Chapter's children's book panel suggest 9 great holiday reads for young readers
This week, a beloved holiday tradition is back! Every holiday season, The Next Chapter convenes a children's book panel to provide book recommendations that will keep kids engaged over the holidays.
This year, the panel includes writer and retired children's librarian Ken Setterington, writer and activist Michele Landsberg and writer and broadcaster Bee Quammie.
The three children's book enthusiasts spoke to Shelagh Rogers about some of their favourite titles this year.
Weird Rules to Follow by Kim Spencer
What it's about: Weird Rules to Follow is a middle-grade novel set in 1980s Prince Rupert. Best friends Mia and Lara are pre-teens who have known each other since kindergarten. Lara comes from a well-to-do white family while Mia's Indigenous family have their fair share of economic and personal struggles. But Mia and Lara are determined to stay friends forever, no matter what or who gets in their way.
Weird Rules to Follow is for ages 9 to 12.
Kim Spencer is a writer and member of the Ts'msyen Nation in northwest B.C., and currently lives in Vancouver. She is a graduate of the Writers Studio at Simon Fraser University and her work has appeared in Filling Station magazine and shortlisted for the Alberta Magazine Publishers Association Award.
I've read this a few times and each time I see more and more in it.
Ken Setterington says: "I've read this a few times and each time I see more and more in it. I just think, isn't it wonderful that we have this author who has written a beautiful book — and has not followed the same pattern of every coming-of-age middle-grade book?
"She has written in her own style that I think is quite spectacular."
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
What it's about: The Gilded Ones is a story about a teen named Deka who lives in a village where a blood ceremony determines if you can become a member of the community. But when Deka learns that her blood is "impure," she is forced into a dangerous situation where she must fight to survive.
Namina Forna is an American screenwriter and author of The Gilded Ones series.
The Gilded Ones is for ages 12 and up.
This YA read is a mix of dystopian fantasy, horror and a little bit of romance.
Bee Quammie says: "This YA read is a mix of dystopian fantasy, horror and a little bit of romance. It's the first book in a series by Forna and it's a New York Times bestseller.
"If you love Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi, then this is another one that you should have in your collection."
The Three Billy Goats Gruff by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
What it's about: The Three Billy Goats Gruff is a reimagining of the classic Norwegian fairy tale. In this retelling, the goats once again must confront a hungry troll and cross the bridge to make it to the other side.
Mac Barnett is the author of many picture books, including The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown, The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse, the Caldecott Honor Book and E.B. White Read Aloud Award-winner Sam and Dave Dig a Hole , and the Caldecott Honor Book and Boston Globe-Horn Book Award-winner Extra Yarn. He is also the co-author of the bestselling Terrible Two series with Jory John. Mac lives in Oakland, Calif.
Jon Klassen is a Canadian author and illustrator now based in Los Angeles. His books include The Rock from the Sky, Skunk and Badger and the Hat series — I Want My Hat Back, This is Not My Hat and We Found a Hat. He has also frequently collaborated with American author Mac Barnett on books like Triangle, The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse, Sam and Dave Dig a Hole and Circle. In 2018, it was announced that Klassen was selected to become a member of the Order of Canada for "his transformative contributions to children's literature."
The Three Billy Goats Gruff is for ages 4 to 8.
I wanted pure delights, fun and escape into a book and that's what The Three Billy Goats Gruffoffers.
Michele Landsberg says: "I wanted pure delights, fun and escape into a book and that's what The Three Billy Goats Gruff offers. One of my favourite nursery tales, this is a new version by Mac Barnett and the indomitable Jon Klassen.
"The story is retold in a charming way. These verses never fail."
Professor Goose Debunks Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Paulette Bourgeois, illustrated by Alex Griffiths
What it's about: Professor Goose Debunks Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a funny and charming children's book about Professor Goose, a character determined to show why and how Mother Goose's fairy tales are not scientifically accurate.
Paulette Bourgeois is best known for creating Franklin the Turtle, the character who appears in the bestselling picture books illustrated by Brenda Clark. She is also the author of other children's books for children including Oma's Quilt, and more than two dozen nonfiction science books. The Winnipeg-born, Toronto-based author is a member of the Order of Canada.
Alex Griffiths is a children's book illustrator originally from London, now living in Canada.
Professor Goose Debunks Goldilocks and the Three Bears is for ages 3 to 7.
It's written by an author that is probably well known to every parent grandparent, Paulette Bourgeois, the creator of Franklin the turtle.
Ken Setterington says: "For those that are familiar with the original story, we've got Professor Marie Curious Goose revealing the truth about the fairy tales.
"She's really looking at the science that goes along with the fairy tales. It's just a lot of fun. The question of, 'This bowl of porridge is too hot, this bowl of porridge is too cold and the little one is just right" — even when I was a kid, I thought, 'That doesn't work!'
"In some ways, it's a silly book, but it also really makes a kid think."
Princess Charming by Zibby Owens, illustrated by Holly Hatam
What it's about: Princess Charming is a tale about a young girl figuring out how what she's good at doing. She's tried everything from cooking to cartwheels to hip-hop, and hasn't been able to get anything just right. And when the kingdom holds a special celebration, Princess Charming learns what makes her special.
Zibby Owens is an American author, editor, podcast host and the founder of a digital media company that focuses on creating content for moms. She is the editor of the anthology Moms Don't Have Time To and the memoir The Book Messenger.
Holly Hatam is a Canadian illustrator. She is known for her whimsical, quirky mixed-media art style. She has illustrated the New York Times Bestseller, Dear Girl, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Paris Rosenthal, as well as other children's books. She is the creator of the Mythical Creatures Are Real! series, including Mermaids Are Real!
Princess Charming is for ages 3 to 6.
Bee Quammie says: "We meet Princess Charming, who's living with a lot of Princess pressure. She says everybody thinks it's easy to be a princess but it isn't. She tries her best, but she can't seem to find her thing...[the book is a] really fun and digestible way for kids and parents to use as a good lesson as well."
Apartment 713 by Kevin Sylvester
What it's about: Protagonist Jake Simmons hates his new home, an old apartment building called The Regency. But, when Jake begins meeting the other residents and exploring the mysteries behind each door, he just might change his mind — and run out of time. When Jake learns The Regency is set to be demolished, he embarks on a time-traveling quest to save his new home.
Kevin Sylvester is a Canadian broadcaster and the award-winning illustrator and writer of middle-grade books such as the Neil Flambé Capers series and the MiNRS space adventure series. He is the co-author of the book The Fabulous Zed Watson!, written with his child Basil Sylvester.
Apartment 713 is for ages 8 to 12.
Michele Landsberg says: "It's a very charming book — one of the few time-travel books that doesn't have dungeons and swords and dragons. I looked up reviews of it to see what other people thought and almost everyone said they cried at the end.
"It is that kind of book, but a good kind of cry!"
The Blue Scarf by Mohamed Danawi and illustrated by Ruaida Manna
What it's about: The Blue Scarf is a thoughtful and imaginative refugee story about emigration and acceptance: Layla lives in a beautiful blue world. One day, when the blue scarf her mother gave her goes missing, the child sets on an adventure to find it. Along the way, Layla learns more about identity, belonging and home.
Mohamed Danawi is an illustrator, professor and founder of an artist's agency. He left Lebanon at age 18 during the civil war to start a new life in Canada and then the United States. He currently lives in Georgia. The Blue Scarf is his first children's book.
Ruaida Mannaa is a Colombian and Lebanese illustrator and designer.
The Blue Scarf is for ages 4 to 8.
It represents the idea of finding your place and belonging.
Bee Quammie says: "Danawi tells the story of immigration and belonging so beautifully through the story of Layla who was given a blue scarf by her mom. One day a gust of wind carries it away.
"The blue scarf represents identity and the journey through these different worlds. It represents the idea of finding your place and belonging."
Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon
What it's about: Dory Fantasmagory is a children's book about a child who seeks more attention as the youngest in her family. Dory has a wild imagination, imaginary friends and lots of energy — and when her family needs her help, she learns that she is important and loved after all.
Abby Hanlon is a Brooklyn-based teacher and children's book author and illustrator.
Dory Fantasmagory is for ages 6 to 8.
Dory Fantasmagory is a very Ramona-like, spunky six-year-old with a wild imagination.
Michele Landsberg says: "Dory Fantasmagory is a very Ramona-like, spunky six-year-old with a wild imagination. She's always tormenting her older brother and sister by wanting to play with them. The dialogue is so pitch-perfect. But Dory is unstoppable.
"Even if other people don't believe in her friendly monsters and her fairy godmother, she does and she won't be deterred."
The Prisoner and the Writer by Heather Camlot and illustrated by Sophie Casson
What it's about: The Prisoner and the Writer is set in 19th century France. It's a historical look at Jewish army captain Alfred Dreyfus who was falsely accused and imprisoned for treason — and what happens when Emile Zola writes a famous letter arguing for his innocence and freedom.
Heather Camlot is a journalist, writer and translator who grew up in Montreal and now lives in Toronto. She is also the author of the book, The Other Side, YA novel Clutch and the picture book What If Soldiers Fought with Pillows?
Sophie Casson has illustrated a number of children's books, including The Artist and Me, a finalist for the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award and Helen's Birds.
The Prisoner and the Writer is for ages 9 to 12.
It's a beautiful book in that it really makes kids think about right and wrong.
Ken Setterington says: "This is a very thoughtful middle-grade book about the Alfred Dreyfus Affair. It amazes me that in 60 pages, with information about the affair, a child gets the sense of the unfairness of what happened.
"It's a beautiful book in that it really makes kids think about right and wrong."
Comments have been edited for length and clarity.
