Fabulous Folktale Books from the Ottawa Public Library

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share fabulous folktale books with us. This month’s post is by Véronique Dupuis, Librarian, Children's and Teen Services at the Sunnyside Branch of the Ottawa Public Library.

Usborne Little Board Books

Publisher Usborne has board books of all sorts for little hands, and this includes many favourite tales such as The Three Little Pigs, Little Red Riding Hood, The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse, always with lovely illustrations. Perfect for some quality lap time with your little one – without being afraid that they will tear the pages out! Ages 18 months to 4 years old.

Tomie DePaola’s Favorite Nursery Tales

First published in 1986, this collection of 30 classic tales by the Brothers Grimm, Aesop, Hans Christian Andersen and other authors is a must-have for any family’s library. Tomie DePaola’s illustrations are simple and timeless. The perfect book to keep at your children’s bedside. Ages 3-6.

Riding a Donkey Backwards / retold by Sean Taylor & the Khayaal Theatre

This collection of short tales (one page or two) feature Mulla Nasruddin, “the wisest fool of them all”, a beloved character that has been known all over the Middle East and Central Asia for centuries. They all end with a punch and are guaranteed to make you laugh. Ages  4-8.

Books by Jerry Pinkney 

Jerry Pinkney has received many prestigious awards over his extensive career, and you will know why simply by looking at the covers of his books – his watercolor illustrations are outstanding. Some retell much beloved-tales in detail (The Little Mermaid), and others have fewer words which make them easier to read with smaller children (The Tortoise & the Hare) or even no words at all (The Lion & the Mouse)! Recommended age varies from title to title.

On the Shoulder of a Giant / retold by Neil Christopher

The tale of a solitary hunter on the tundra who gets mistaken for a little child by a giant, Inukpak, who adopts him and cares for him. We liked that the book includes at the end an information section on giants, creatures which often appear in stories from all over the Arctic. Ages 5-7.

Delightfully Different Fairy Tales / by Lynn Roberts-Maloney and David Roberts

Imagine Cinderella at a 1930’s flapper party, Rapunzel as a David Bowie fan and living in a tall apartment building with her mean dinner-lady aunt, and Sleeping Beauty as a wanna-be engineer who dreams of seeing what cities will look like in the distant future. You will find these three tales in this wacky book! Ages 5-9.

Véronique Dupuis, Children's Services Librarian at the Ottawa Public Library.

Great Graphic Novels

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some great graphic novels books with us. This month’s post is by Lise Dumas, Supervising Librarian, Children's and Teen Services at the Main Branch of the Ottawa Public Library.

My love for graphic novels has not waned throughout the years. I still love how the story is told in both words and images, lending depth to a story that is not always possible with words alone.  The images can also evoke emotions words cannot. Graphic novels are particularly helpful for struggling readers, second language learners and reluctant readers as they help develop literacy skills. Many also address difficult issues children might face so they do not feel alone in their struggles. 

For those of you who love graphic novels, the Ottawa Public Library has a wonderful collection for all ages.  Here are some of my favourite children’s selections this year: 

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas

Ages 8—12

This story is about overcoming adversity and making friends in unexpected places. It is an inspiring book about facing challenges and working hard to achieve success. 

The Aquanaut by Dan Santat

Ages 8-12

Fun adventure story involving sea creatures, a marine park, and a daring escape!

Snapdragon by Kat Leyh 

Ages 10-14

This excellent graphic novel explores themes such as the acceptance of others regardless of gender, skin tone, age and body shape as well as the importance of friendship and love. 

Smaller Sister by Maggie Edkins Willis

Ages 8-12

This story explores the relationship between sisters, body image issues, self-acceptance and ultimately the healing of family ties. 

Button Pusher by Tyler Page

Ages 10-14

This autobiographical story chronicles Tyler’s experiences and struggles with ADHD.

Realm of the Blue Mist by Amy Kim Kibuishi

Ages 9-15

Engrossing science fiction adventure about a fifteen-year-old girl determined to find out what happened to her father as she travels in a distant world of magic. 

Apple Crush by Lucy Knisley

Ages 8-12

This book is the second in the Peapod Farm series for children. Its themes include a budding tween romance, awkward interactions, farming, autumn and overcoming new challenges. 

Lightfall. Book Two, Shadow of the Bird by Tim Probert

Ages 8-12

Fans of Amulet by Kazu Kibuishi will love this adventure.  Bea and Cad are on a quest to locate her grandfather Alfirid the Pig Wizard and stop the Kest from destroying their world.

Mystery and Adventure – Fantastic Fiction

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some of their favourite books. This month’s post was submitted by Elizabeth Fosbery Richardson, Children’s Programming and Public Services Assistant at the Ruth E. Dickinson Branch.

With the last days of summer upon us, why not take some time to indulge in some fun new adventure and mystery titles from the Ottawa Public Library?

For Grades 2 to 3

Chickadee Criminal Mastermind by Monica Silvie

Chickadee prides himself on being a criminal mastermind because he’s so good at scouting out and then stealing from seed vaults. Things change, however, when he finds out he’s not a rapscallion at all but just a cute bird. Filled with fun facts about chickadees.

Milk and Juice a Recycling Romance by Meredith Crandall Brown

Follow Juice on its adventure as it tries to reunite with Milk after finding itself in one recycling centre after another. What really happens when you put containers in the blue bin?

Batpig series By Rob Harrell

When a prank goes wrong, Gary the pig is accidentally bitten by his bat friend Brooklyn. Soon Gary realizes he has superpowers and becomes...Batpig! Join Gary and his friends as they battle a giant lizard and an evil butcher in this laugh-out-loud graphic novel series. Perfect for fans of the InvestiGators series and of author Dav Pilkey.

Sydney and Taylor series by Jacqueline Davies

Join Sydney the skunk and Taylor the hedgehog as they venture outside of their cozy burrow (and their comfort zones) to explore the big wide world. Cheer for them as they encounter new friends and overcome obstacles. This new early chapter book series is perfect for fans of Owl Diaries or Mercy Watson.

Sloth Sleuth by Cyndi Marko

The island of Winklefuss is crawling with criminals so it’s a good thing that Paz, a sleuthing sloth, lives on the island, too. When people start getting sick after eating at the local diner, it’s up to Paz to figure out who is poisoning the locals. This comical graphic novel is a great choice for those who love the Bad Guys series.

For Grades 4 and Up

 Realm of the Blue Mist by Amy Kim Kibuishi

Tabby is determined to learn what happened to her father, who was found deceased after researching a tree that leaks a mysterious mist in her neighborhood. What she discovers is that the tree is a portal to a distant world of magic and beauty called Rema. While searching for the truth surrounding her father's death, she meets Philip, who has his own dangerous secrets but has promised to help Tabby get home to Earth. For fans of magical worlds, books like Amulet or A Winkle in Time. Grades 4 and up.

Deadman’s Castle by Iain Lawrence

Igor is 12 years old, and Igor is his 6th name in six years. He and his parents have been in witness protection ever since his dad witnessed a horrible crime involving someone who is only known as lizard man. When Igor finally convinces his parents to attend the local middle school, after being home-schooled for years, he does so only under very strict conditions. However, when he befriends the school bully, things change as his new friends persuade him to be more adventurous.  Then he begins to question his Dad’s mental stability. That is only until the lizard man reappears. Grades 4 and up.

The arrival of a new sibling Ottawa Public Library

Thank you to Doris Jordan, Children’s Programming and Public Service Assistant from the Ottawa Public Library – Beaverbrook Branch for this submission!

 The arrival of a new sibling can have a big impact on a family.   

Welcoming a new baby to the family is a wonderful and exciting experience but for some toddlers and preschoolers, it can also be a time of uncertainty, confusion and anxiety.  Here are a few juvenile picture books from the Ottawa Public Library that can help prepare your child for the arrival of a new sibling.  

New Baby and Me by Christine Kidney (Illustrated by Hoda Haddadi  )

Awaiting the arrival of a new baby, five brothers imagine what their new sibling will be like. Will he be a scientist or a dreamer? An explorer or an artist?  It is a beautiful picture book with collage illustrations that celebrates individuality and imagination.  Additional ideas for art and collage activities included at the end of the book to help prepare for a new sibling.   

It’s big brother Time!  By Nandini Ahuja 

Illustrated by Catalina Echeverri 

Beautifully illustrated featuring a multiethnic family, this book focuses on the possibilities for fun and companionship rather than the disruptions that a new member, especially a newborn, brings to the mix.  A lovely heartwarming story focusing on the developing bond between big brother and his new sibling.   

The Big Sibling Getaway by Korrie Lear 

A new baby means a lot of crying.  It becomes too much for big sister Cassie and she needs some space.  An empty box is the perfect getaway vehicle to any place her imagination can take her.  After a much-needed break, she realizes she misses her new baby brother and that it’s not always fun being alone.   

Mama’s Belly by Kate Hosford (Illustrated by Abigail Halpin  )

A beautifully illustrated book about a curious little girl awaiting the arrival of her baby sister.  This charming picture book tells the story of a family’s journey through mama’s pregnancy.  The story addresses both the joys and anxiety of becoming a big brother or sister and does it in such a heartfelt way.  It not only describes the excitement the family feels as they approach the big day, but it also describes the realistic side of pregnancy.  It tells us sometimes Mama is too tired to play and sometimes she is grumpy.  It also shares some of the little sister’s concerns when she wonders if she will need to share her favorite blanket with her sister and when she asks her mama, “when my sister comes, will you have enough love for both of us?”  However, with lovely comforting words and illustrations, the book shows the joys that the little girl feels as she anticipates becoming a big sister and sharing the world with her.  

While We Wait by Judy Ann Sadler (Illustrated by Elodie Duhameau) 

A lovely story of a little boy and his grandma as they knit a gift, dance, sing, talk and play with their dog while they wait for the arrival of a new baby.  A sweet, endearing picture book showcasing the bond between generations, the value of patience and that some things are well worth the wait.   

Shhh! The Baby is Sleeping by JaNay Brown-Wood (Illustrated by Ellisambura)

An adorable rhyming picture book.  A story centering around the one issue parents and family members can all relate to ---- don’t wake the baby! Filled with humor, bright bold illustrations and bouncy rhyming text, big brother tries to keep his loud and expansive family from waking up his baby sister.  

I Can Survive Anything! Book Recommendations from the Ottawa Public Library

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some of their favourite books . This month’s post was submitted by Elizabeth Fosbery Richardson, Children’s Programming and Public Services Assistant at the Ruth E. Dickinson Branch.

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As we continue to adapt to changing times, we look at some books where the main characters must overcome obstacles to endure. From embarrassing situations to crazy animal antics to avalanches to climate change and war, these books offer lots of inspiration.

Something’s Wrong! A Bear, a Hare and Some Underwear by Jory John

Jeff sets out for his day, knowing something is wrong – but what is it? Something just doesn’t feel right and none of his forest friends have the courage to tell him. Good thing his friend Anders has a plan to help Jeff survive this most embarrassing situation.

Look Out, Leonard! By Jessie James

It’s moving day and Mrs. Shrew doesn’t want Leonard or any of his siblings to get lost. The plan is to have each of the siblings hold on to each other’s tails as they venture through the jungle. But Leonard is quite distractable and doesn’t always pay attention to what he’s grabbing. Follow Leonard’s adventures through the jungle to see whose tail he grabs next. Will it be a snappy crocodile? An angry baboon? A flying parrot?

Pea, Bee, & Jay Stuck Together by Brian “Smitty” Smith

Pea, Bee, and Jay are three unlikely friends that find themselves bonded together after surviving a thunderstorm. The three then must get themselves safely home while encountering more dangers in the forest in form of angry acorns, annoying raspberries, and a frisky fox. This charming new graphic novel series is a great choice for early readers.

Blue, Barry & Pancakes by Dan Abdo and Jason Patterson

This delightful trio of a bookworm, frog and giant bunny are best friends. They share everything, including their triplex. On a beach adventure, during a game of keep away, their ball ends up inside a whale! From there, the trio must survive a meeting with aliens, an erupting volcano, and a flight with a crazy pig. This new graphic novel series is perfect for emerging readers.         

Lost!            Avalanche!    Overboard!   Dust Storm!
Survivor Diaries by Terry Lynn Johnson

This four-book series each features a gripping survival story of siblings or friends, followed by important survival tips if the reader were to find themselves in a similar situation. The survival situations include being knocked overboard into the cold ocean, getting lost in the jungle, enduring a dust storm, and surviving an avalanche. Perfect for fans of the I Survived series. Grades 3-5.

Bear by Ben Queen

What happens when a service dog loses his own sight? On the questionable advice from some raccoons living under his house, Bear, a golden retriever/chocolate lab mix, embarks on journey into the forest in an effort to regain his eyesight. Along his dangerous journey he encounters all kinds of dangers. This beautifully illustrated graphic novel is recommended for grades 3 and up.

The Last Bear by Hannah Gold

There are no bears left on Bear Island, at least that’s what April’s dad tells her when they move to a remote Arctic outpost there. Then she meets Bear, a lone and injured polar bear, separated from his family because of climate change and rising temperatures. Can April and Bear survive the journey to reunite Bear with his family? Grades 3 and up. A perfect novel for animal lovers and budding activists.

Ground Zero by Alan Gratz

This is the story of Brandon, a nine-year-old boy, who is in an elevator when one of the planes hits the World Trade Center Tower, and of Reshmina, an 11-year-old girl, who lives in present day Afghanistan. The novel is told in alternating points of view between the two main characters. Both children are facing dire situations and the author weaves their two stories together beautifully. Grades 4 and up.