The Ottawa Public Library's top 10 most notable 2019 books for young kids
/The Ottawa Public Library is back to share their top 10 most notable 2019 books for young kids. This month’s post is by Xiao Feng Xing, Librarian, Youth Collections at the Ottawa Public Library.
Small in the City by Sydney Smith
Sydney Smith won the 2019 Governor General’s Literary Award for Children’s book illustrations as well as a lot of starred reviews. During one of the young boy’s monologue, he says: “I know what it’s like to be small in the city.” Then, he proceeds by giving a lot of friendly advice. It’s like a puzzle. We don’t know who his missing friend is. Then, suddenly, a big spread of a lost cat poster gives us a visual clue. The boy is on a search and rescue mission for his lost cat. Beautiful small panel watercolours and full spreads illustrate the snowy, noisy big city, and the little boy’s worried feelings for his lost cat.
My Winter City by James Gladstone
Our home town Ottawa is filled with snow in the winter. Even though this book uses Toronto as a background, kids in Ottawa will still appreciate the winter scenes and the watercolour pictures from each spread. Young readers will enjoy the adventures of a boy, his father, and their dog, from sunrise to sunset, on a snowy winter day. Maybe they’ll put the book down and go out to enjoy some winter fun themselves.
Sharon, Lois & Bram’s Skinnamarink by Qin Leng
The classic Canadian song is much loved since Sharon, Lois and Bram performed it to audiences for the first time in 1978. This beloved trio of children’s entertainers have sung the song at the UN General Assembly! It has come to symbolize friendship, inclusion, joy and love.
It is a must sing along in our children’s programs on Valentine’s day. In this special book version of the song, the author has added an introduction to the anthem, along with some additional verses. Qin Leng brings joy and love of life with her clear and simple soft tone watercolour illustration. She uses different kinds of people, families, and even animals. The sing-along story celebrates love, community, and the joy of music.
Albert’s Quiet Quest by Isabelle Arsenault
The words and images are by renowned Montreal author Isabelle Arsenault. A young boy named Albert just wants to find a quiet place to read. He finally finds a quiet corner with a painting of an ocean sunset. It’s a good spot for him to read and daydream by the seaside. He’s continually disturbed by different people who invite him to play outside until he can’t tolerate it anymore and makes a raucous. Gradually, his family and friends respect his quiet quest and they all came to his nook to read a book quietly together. The story unfolds using graphic novel like speech bubbles and panels. It shows how some kids, especially autistic kids, struggle to have their own private and quiet space.
Saturday by Oge Mora
Ava and her mother cherished Saturdays because it’s the only day that Ava’s mom doesn’t have to work. Ava is hoping to do a lot of things but then things go wrong. Storytime is cancelled; her hair gets messy; the park is too loud; and now they’ll miss the puppet show. Mom thinks she has ruined Saturday. During a touching moment, Ava uses the same words her mother uses to comfort and reassure her: “Mom, don’t worry. Today will be special. Today will be splendid. Because today is Saturday and I spend them with you!” And then they go home to do a puppet show together. The book uses a unique collage style that depicts the busy weekends of many families and working parents.
River by Elisha Cooper
River is one more excellent book illustrated by Elisha Cooper following Farm, Beach, and Train. The book uses iconic water colours to illustrate a young woman’s canoe journey down the Hudson River. She shares her challenges and adventures of navigating rapids, dams, and the experience of a storm and hardship in the dark night. Thanks to her resilience and determination, she finally meets her family at the end of her journey. This is a story of courage for young kids who will learn that with perseverance you can overcome many challenges.
Daniel’s Good Day by Micha Archer
“What is a good day for you?” Daniel is a young boy who wants to find out what a good day is for the people in his neighbourhood.
The author’s colourful collages and simple text tell us many simple things that give us joy. This is an inspiring and optimistic story.
The Important Thing About Margaret Wise Brown by Mac Barnett
This is a little longer than our average picture book, with 42 pages to remember the 42 years of life of Margaret Wise Brown. As author Mac Barnett says, “You can’t fit somebody’s life into 42 pages, so I am just going to tell you some important things.”
You will be amazed to learn that many of the author’s popular books, including Good Night Moon, are not recommended for purchase by experts in the New York Public Library. As a result, none of her books were purchased by public libraries at the time. This book, with vivid illustrations, depicts the author's great children’s short lifespan of 42 years.
Migration Incredible Animal Journeys by Mike Unwin
This is a non-fiction picture book. The stunning illustrations and simple text present a collection of epic animal migrations across our planet. Each animal has its own story to tell. Each spread depicts one animal’s unique journey, enduring harsh weather and dodging hungry predators.
Sweety by Andrea Zuill
Sweety is awkward, even for a naked mole rat. She knew that she didn’t always fit in. She has protruding front teeth, thick glasses and some very unusual hobbies, such as identifying different fungi. She gave a book report using interpretive dance. Her aunt Ruth had the same experience when she was young, so she always encourages Sweety. “Being different is one of the best things about life.” If you stay true to yourself, you’ll find your people.” Finally, Sweety finds her friend Sandy. Here are the words from Sandy’s speech bubble: “My name is Sandy. Your Shirt is wonderful! I wouldn’t mind having a shirt with a mushroom on it. I love mushrooms. My favourite is Gyramitra esculenta. It looks like a brain.”
The author’s end note dedicates the book to “all those who have accepted their inner oddball”. The pen and ink drawings with speech bubbles clearly depict the oddball that Sweety is with humour and charm. Author Andrea Zuill delivers a story about learning to embrace everything that makes you “you”, and that’s something many kids can relate to.
