For younger kids and the adults (or siblings/sitters) who read to them, two books charm, amuse, and entice as they tell of serious emotions and a change of scenery. —Brett Josef Grubisic reviews Camping is a Terrible Idea, by Kirsten Pendreigh (illustrated by Tiffany Everett) (Ann Arbor: Sleeping Bear Press, 2026) $27.99 / 9781534113442 and I Sure Do, by Charles Demers (illustrated by Dorothy Leung) (Vancouver: Tradewind Books, 2026) $24.95 / 9781990598449
Full of saturated colours and painterly style, a children’s picture book inspired in part by a Grimm fable traces the arc of Tsa’kwi’ah. She’s shy and lacking in confidence… until she spies a smiling green frog. —Brett Josef Grubisic reviews Pipa:m̓: The Touch of the Frog, by Joseph Dandurand (illustrated by Elinor Atkins) (Gibsons: Nightwood Editions, 2026) $15.95 / 9780889715004
A charming and upbeat picture book takes a brisk and enthused tour through sports history to discuss women who broke with convention. A heavy skirt that’s too cumbersome for swimming? Grab some scissors! —Brett Josef Grubisic reviews This Skirt Won’t Work: How Women Athletes Changed Their Clothes and Changed the Game, by Jennifer Cooper (illustrated by Eva Byrne) (Naperville: Sourcebooks Explore, 2025) $28.99 / 9781728267845
Finding inspiration in a haiku by Matsuo Bashō, an author leads young readers on a strikingly-coloured and capricious journey into Edo-era Japan… and their own creativity. —Brett Josef Grubisic reviews A Pond, a Poet, and Three Pests, by Caroline Adderson (illustrated by Lauren Tamaki) (Toronto: Groundwood Books, 2025) $21.99 / 9781773068930
Distressed after an eye-opening story time at school, young Miyasisiwn returns home with questions for her mom. Capably tackling big, difficult topics, an accomplished picture book exhibits deep caring, generosity, and wisdom on every page. —Brett Josef Grubisic reviews Miya Wears Orange, by Wanda John-Kehewin (illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina)(Winnipeg: HighWater Press, 2025) $21.95 / 9781774921258
In a vibrant picture book for kids, a sleeping girl’s dreamscape grows uncomfortable and threatening. With the help of a radiant and wise elephant god (who sings too), she learns practical lessons about perspective that she can apply to real life.—Brett Josef Grubisic reviews I Dream of Ganesha, by Sonali Zohra (Boulder: Shambhala Publications, 2024) $18.95 / 9781645472957
The wonderstruck child narrator of a striking picture book for youngsters recalls four seasons worth of meals, adventures, and sights—and feels grateful for each and every one. —Brett Josef Grubisic reviews Wôpanâak / Seasons, by Carrie Anne Vanderhoop / illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (Vancouver: Tradewinds Books, 2025) $24.95 / 9781926890418
First published Dec. 12, 2017. Alison’s Fishing Birdsby Roderick Haig-Brown Illustrated by Sheryl McDougald Halfmoon Bay: Caitlin Press, 2017. $21.95 / 9781987915198 (First published by Colophon Books, 1980). Reviewed by Caroline Fox * Roderick Langmere Haig-Brown (1908-1976) gained an international reputation for his meditative books on fly fishing on Vancouver Island’s Nimpkish and Campbell rivers….
Read more #219 Early Haig-Brown
First published Sept. 29, 2017 REVIEW: Wolf Island by Ian McAllister (photographs) and Nicholas Read (text) Victoria: Orca Book Publishers, 2017. $19.95 9781459812642 Reviewed by Carol Anne Shaw * Wolf Island is a picture book co-created by photographer, author, and Pacific Wild founder Ian McAllister and author and former journalist Nicholas Read. It is one…
Read more #173 Always cry wolf