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.

Find Mystery and Adventure at the Ottawa Public Library

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some great summer books for kids aged 7+. This month’s post is by Andrea Gowing, Centennial Branch, Ottawa Public Library.

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Mysteries and Adventure are this month’s theme.  Cows who talk, world travel, time travel, magical settings, hidden tunnels, and sound science abound in these books for readers aged 7+. 

The Mystery of the Golden Coin / Harper Paris   Series: Greetings from Somewhere - 10 in series.

Who wouldn’t want to travel the world, especially these days?  Join twins Ethan and Ella as they follow their parents around the world on travel assignments.  On every stop around the globe, Ethan and Ella dive into a mystery with the help of their grandfather’s emails.  Sure to become a favourite of Magic Treehouse fans.  Illustrations on each page may help reluctant readers. 

Lost in Bermooda / Mike Litwin 
Series: Welcome to Bermooda – 4 in series.

Lost at sea, Dakota is washed up on an island of cows!   How will his being a “hu’man” not be discovered and how will he fit in?  Along comes Chuck with a “cowmouflage” to save the day.  Lots of bovine puns, a buddy friendship, and even a mystery!  A great read for new readers of chapter books.  Parents love this series too!  Each chapter is short and peppered with illustrations to help keep readers interested. 

Winterhouse Mysteries /  Ben Guterson

When you live with an uncaring aunt and uncle, being shipped off for the Christmas Holidays, may seem very cruel.  Young Elizabeth is nervous; however, she soon realises that the Winterhouse Hotel has a wonderful kind owner, a new friend, and many secrets!  Winterhouse is magical world that is fun and includes a huge library!  What more could you want?  Well, a mystery, a couple of creepy villains, and finding out that you have family you never knew!  This is a terrific first book in a trilogy for middle grade readers but could also be a good read-a-loud for the whole family.

Agatha Oddly / Lena Jones

Are you passionate about mysteries?  Would you love to be named for the most famous of mystery writers?  If so – meet Agatha Oddly – Agatha has always loved mysteries and crime novels.  Agatha lives alone with her dad in Hyde Park in London, England, which is a wonderful setting for this series of books since she is close to the secret underground tunnels where her first mystery starts.  What is this little key that her mother gave her for, is it connected to the mystery?  Can Agatha save the City of London from a toxic algae?  Dive into the first of this series for all the answers.  Another fun read for middle grade readers.

Explorer Academy /  Trudi Strain Truiet

Cruz lives in Kauai, Hawaii.  Surfing every day, eating wonderful exotic treats and spending time with his best friend Leilani, who’d want to be anywhere else.  Both Cruz and Leilani do.  They both have applied to the exclusive Explorers Academy.  Cruz is accepted and off he goes to Washington D.C. to start.  New friends await and super exciting classes begin.  Cool gadgets and cutting-edge science blend in with a mystery surrounding Cruz’s mother’s death.  Traveling the world on a Science ship, Cruz and other students learn so much about geography, anthropology, astronomy and much, much more.  Readers will get swept up in the mystery and adventure of the National Geographic publication.  A wonderful beginning to an at least 5 book series for lovers of science and adventure. 

Tangled in Time / Katherine Lasky

I love greenhouses, and a greenhouse that is portal to the past?  Add to that a mystery about my family?  AND to go back and live in the court of Queen Elizabeth I?  Oh, that would be amazing!  Follow Rose to her grandmother’s house, into the green house, and into the past.  What family secrets are held in the found locket with mysterious pictures inside?  Book 1 of a series will grip mystery and historical fiction fans alike.  A great summer read!

Keep Calm and Dream On with Books from the Ottawa Public Library

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some of their favourite books for ages 0 to 12. This month’s post was submitted by Sarah Godding and Kristina Roudiy, Children’s Program Assistants at the Alta Vista Branch

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Dream big! Now dream BIGGER! Find a quiet spot and take a moment, maybe before or after reading a book. Sit quiet and take some deep breaths. Think about what you really want out of your life. What would you like to do? Who would you like to be? Where do you want to go? Now, forget about all the reasons why you can’t. What’s left is a dream, your dream. You can keep it in your heart. Tend to it often. Give it opportunity to grow and soon this dream may become your reality!

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1- Picture book : Most Marshmallows / Rowboat Watkins. Published in 2019. For ages 3-5

 A dream is a wish your heart makes, when you’re awake or asleep. It is a hope for the future, and it is something to be cherished. With charming collage art and delicate drawings, the whimsy tale “Most Marshmallows” shows us what can happen when some marshmallows dream of different things.

2- Picture book : Brontorina / James Howe. Published in 2010. For ages 2-6

This is a playful and empowering tale of a young Brontorina and her pursuit of her passion: dance! Sometimes, in life, it may seem like something isn’t for you; that in order to participate, you need to be taller or smaller, faster or slower, but that simply isn’t true. The desire to do is permission enough! Our dream is the voice we must pay the most attention to. Brontorina shows us how if there is a will, we can find a way.

3- Picture book : I Dream of Popo / Livia Blackburne. Published in 2021. For ages 3-6

Change is hard at any age, but when a young girl and her family emigrate from Taiwan to America, she leaves behind a lot, including her beloved Popo. The girl misses her Popo and thinks of her every day.  Even as their visits prove to be fleeting, their love remains true and strong. Our love for others can be like a dream. It is a hope the binds and connects us, no matter how near, or far our loved one may be. This book highlights the power of the unconscious mind to bring us closer to the ones we love.

4- Picture book : The Girl Who Spoke to the Moon: A Story About Friendship & Loving Our Earth / Land Wilson. Published in 2020. For ages 4-9

After a young girl named Sofia befriends the Moon, she decides to depart on a dreamy adventure to visit her new friend. From up above, the Earth looks different than she imagined. As Sofia looks down, she sees the Earth as the Moon does and is moved to act in its protection.  Sofia decides to help the Earth in whatever way she can.

5- Picture book : Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah / Laurie Anne Thompson. Published in 2015. For ages 4-8

When Emmanuels was born he only had one good leg. Some people in his life shirked him for it, but his mother did not. His mother sowed the dreams of independence and hope in him. These dreams carried him further than most could ever imagine. This is the tale of a boy who understood that his disability was not an inability. He decided that if he can dream it, he can do it, and so he did.

6- Illustrated book : Drum Dream Girl : how one girl’s courage changed music / Margarita Engle. Published in 2015. For ages 4-8

This is a story based on the life of a Chinese-African-Cuban girl, Millo Castro Zaldarriaga. From a young age, she was passionate about music and dreamed of becoming a drummer. But her father refused to let her play, saying only boys could be drummers in their country. Millo refused to give up, practiced in secret and persisted until her father accepted to let her take music lessons. She eventually got to perform in public... and became famous enough to perform for the Roosevelt presidential home! A hopeful story that shows the power of perseverance and the importance of following your dreams. The text and illustrations work well together, with vibrant acrylic paintings and bright tones transporting readers to the tropical setting. *This title is available at the Ottawa Public Library as a special picture book, an e-book, an audiobook and a DVD. Enjoy!

7- Early Reader : The best first game / Meg Braithwaite. Published in 2019. For ages 6-8

This beginner chapter book will be of interest to the school-aged hockey lovers. It tells the story of Auston Matthews, an American hockey player, who dreamed of playing hockey, and ended up scoring 4 goals in his first NHL game! Auston now plays with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and occasionally against the Ottawa Senators. *Once you’ve read this book, there are 5 more to discover in the “I can read : level 2” series”! Click here to see the other books by Meg Braithwaite.

8- Non-fiction book : Dream builder : the Story of Architect Philip Freelon / Kelly Starling Lyons. Published in 2020. For ages 6-9

 This is an inspirational picture book biography about Philip Freelon. The story starts and ends with a dream... From the first line, Philip Freelon’s world is described as a place where “art breathes dreams to life”, to the last line that describes Philip as “having become a builder of dreams”. As a young child, Philip had difficulty reading, but he didn’t let that stop him. He was able to visualize pictures and angles in his head, and was creative with his hands. He eventually mixed his love of science, math and art in architecture. He became known as an architect who chose to build only places that connect people with heritage and fill their hearts with joy, such as schools, libraries and museums. Philip used his family history and deep understanding of Black culture in his role as lead architected for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). This book is sure to inspire the next generation of dreamers & builders!

8- Chapter book : A Wish in the Dark / Christina Soontornvat. Published in 2020. For ages 9-12

 This may be a stand-alone book (no sequel planned), but it has it all : a colorful setting, a sympathetic hero, humor, adventure, an epic conflict and a dash of magic. The main character is Pong, who was born in Namwon Prison, in Thailand. He dreams of serving the Governor and rescuing civilization, using his unique magical power. When he escapes from prison, Nok, the prison warden’s daughter, embarks on a quest to find him... Some will recognize the plot of this book as being inspired from “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo. *This Newberry Honor book is also available at the Ottawa Public Library as an e-book.

9- Graphic novel : Hex Vet : Witches in training / Samantha Davies. Published in 2018. For ages 9-12

This is volume 1 in the series “Hex Vet” by acclaimed cartoonist Sam Davies. Nan and Clarion are two young apprentice veterinarian witches, who are pursuing their dreams of caring for magical creatures. As part of their apprenticeship, they use magic potions to help creatures of all kinds, ranging from adorable to terrifying : witches’ cats with claw injuries, dragons, phoenix birds suffering from bird flu, snakes, etc. One day, while the vet is away, a rabbit with hypnotic powers shows up at the Willows Whisper Clinic, putting their skills to the test... A sweet, funny story, with pastel-coloured illustrations.

10- Chapter book : Love, Ish / Karen Rivers. Published in 2017. For ages 10-12

 Twelve-year-old Misha is scientifically minded and intelligent. She has known for years that she’s going to be a Mars colonist. She dreams to be amongst the members of the expedition scheduled to visit the planet in ten years and has already sent 46 applications for it! However, on her first day of 7th grade, she blacks out at school and awakens in the hospital with a brain tumor diagnosis –yet manages to find humor in her situation. This story of love and courage includes a unique, funny main character and some interesting scientific facts. *If you’re more of a Comic Book reader, you could check out this one about Snoopy’s dream to be the first beagle in space! Or if a younger family member wants to also read about going to space, for real, check out “Mae Among the Stars” here.

By the way, did you know that the week of April 12th (Spring Break 2021) will be all about Imagination? Visit this webpage to find out about the Virtual school-aged Library Programs being offered that week.