What Do BC Kidlit Writers Read to their kids?

One of the first things I discovered after becoming a mother was just how eager people are to buy books for a new human. As a children’s author with shelves lined with my own titles and those of author friends— and as someone who has carefully kept every book from my own childhood stored away in boxes — I quickly found our home overflowing. 

When it comes to gifting books to children, people tend to gravitate toward three familiar categories:

1. Classic books they loved as kids.  Think Dr. Seuss, Beatrix Potter, and of course, the baby shower must-have: I’ll Love You Forever by Robert Munsch.  These are fabulous books that belong on every bookshelf, but make sure you’re also introducing your kids to more contemporary books that highlight issues that kids today are dealing with. 

2. Popular celebrity picture books, written by well-known public figures like Jimmy Fallon, Channing Tatum, and Reese Witherspoon.  While it’s certainly fun to receive a book written by a celebrity, these aren’t always literary masterpieces. Publishers know they will sell and earn big bucks, which allow publishers to take chances on lesser known authors.  (Celebrities who are early childhood educators like Rachel Accurso shouldn’t necessarily be lumped into this category. Ms. Rachel and Bean and the Bedtime Routine is a favourite in our house!) 

3.  Inexpensive children’s books commonly found in dollar stores. While value pricing can be appealing, these titles are often produced by small publishers that prioritize low cost over quality. They tend to be poorly constructed and rely on forced or awkward rhyme schemes. (Not all children’s books need to rhyme!)

While the books above all have their merits and are worth a read, it’s a shame and a missed opportunity that so many well-written books often don’t make it to children’s bookshelves:  award-winning, well-written, picture books at the height of their craft, especially those put out by Canadian publishers. 

Here are some books I’ve been reading this month—some with my toddler, and some on my own because you’re never too old for a well-told children’s story.  🍁means Canadian connection (publisher, author, etc.)! 

Baby and Toddler:

THE GRUFFALO BY Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler (Macmillan, 1999) Since it came out after my own childhood, this newer classic completely slipped my radar until I had a toddler. So fun to read aloud! 

🍁WE SANG YOU HOME by Richard Van Camp (Orca, 2022) is the perfect way for new parents to welcome a new baby to the family.  

🍁I SANG YOU DOWN FROM THE STARS by Tasha Spillett and Michalea Goade (Owlkids, 2021) I remember being floored by this gorgeous book even before I had my first child. This critically acclaimed book draws from Indigenous creation stories and traditional teachings to celebrate the bond between mother and child. 

Ages 4-8:

THE LONGEST LETS-GO-BOY by Derick Wilder and Catia Chien (Chronicle, 2021)  Heart-wrenching and beautiful, a must-have for any family who has experienced pet loss. Be sure to read it alone with a box of tissues before attempting to read it to your child.  

MILO IMAGINES THE WORLD by Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, 2021) While it doesn’t completely hold my 2-year-old’s attention just yet, I’m excited for her to grow into it. I won’t spoil the powerful ending, but it shows a young boy using his imagination to make sense of the world around him, while delivering a thoughtful message about how our assumptions about others aren’t always fair or accurate.  

🍁THE BARNABUS PROJECT by The Fan Brothers (Tundra, 2020) An absolutely gorgeous book about the “failed projects” living beneath a genetically engineered perfect pets store. 

🍁SOPHIE SHARES THE STARS by Heather Smith and Catherine Petit (Orca, 2025) A beautifully inclusive story about a young girl being raised by an adoptive father living with an invisible illness. 

I strongly recommend parents regularly visit the websites of Canadian publishers to see their new and upcoming releases.  Orca, Kids Can Press, Annick Press, Tundra and Groundwood are just a few Canadian publishers worth checking out. 

Contemporary children’s books are increasingly embracing inclusivity and diverse perspectives, which is why it’s important to not just read our children “classics” of the 1980s and 1990s. 

I also checked in with some other BC area authors to see what they are currently reading to the small humans in their lives. 

Jane Whittingham 🍁

Librarian in Burnaby, BC. Mom of a 7-year old boy who loves non-fiction. Jane Whittingham is the author of 10+ books for kids, including BEAR HAS A BELLY (Pajama Press, 2022), 24 SLEEPS TILL CHRISTMAS (HarperCollins Canada, 2025) and THE LAUGH-A-MINUTE JOKE BOOK (Simon & Schuster, 2026) 

Currently reading:  

🍁MEET THE CEPHALOPODS by Celia Svedhem and Filippa Widlund (Orca, 2026) – Beautifully illustrated look at some fascinating sea creatures and the people who study them.

🍁IF YOU MEET A BARFING BIRD: HOW NOT TO HELP ANIMALS by Etta Kaner and Heather Wilson (Orca, 2025) – Perfect for kids who are interested in helping animals, this nonfiction picture book tells you what not to do!

🍁BEASTLY PUZZLES by Rachel Poliquin and Bryon Eggenschwiler (Kids Can Press, 2019) – Can you guess the animal, based only on a description? This is a fun book for nature-loving kids who love riddles and puzzles.

🍁CHAMPION CHOMPERS, SUPER STINKERS by Linda Ashman and Aparna Varma (Kids Can Press, 2023) – Nonfiction poems describe some of nature’s most extreme creatures.

Recommendations to parents deciding what books to purchase/request for their kids?  My biggest recommendation for caregivers is to use your local library, not only for books and magazines, but also for suggestions and recommendations, especially if you’re trying to find just the right book to engage that reluctant reader. Borrow a bunch of books, give them a try, and if your kiddos don’t enjoy them, just exchange them for different ones! 

Changing/current trends you’ve noticed in kidlit?  Graphic novels are booming, and are available for a wider age range than ever before. Nonfiction is having a moment as well, with really engaging and exciting titles that will appeal to curious kids who want to know more about their favourite subjects. 

Cynthia Mackey 🍁

Early Years Educator in Victoria, BC.  Educator of 3–6-year-olds in a nature school, and auntie of two toddlers.  Cynthia Mackey is the author of IF A BUMBLEBEE LANDS ON YOUR TOE ( Yeehoo Press/Picnic Heist 2025) and BUTTERFLY SEA (Tielmour Press, 2026). Her poetry appears in Little Thoughts Press, The Toy, and The Dirigible Balloon. 

Currently reading:  

🍁ANGELA’S AIRPLANE by Robert Munsch (Annick Press, 1988) is a book my niece requests over and over from her Daddy. I mean, a child flies an airplane… what could be better?

🍁MÉTIS LIKE ME by Tasha Hilderman and Risa Hugo – (Tundra, 2024)  I love the multiple perspectives from each Métis child and the recipe for fried bread in the back of the book. 

HOW TO SAY HELLO TO A WORM by Kari Percival (Rise x Penguin Workshop, 2024) is a lovely way to introduce children to gardening with things that are easy and fun to grow like strawberries and snap peas.

🍁BUTTERFLY SEA by Cynthia Mackey and Marie-Laure Couët (Tielmour Press, 2026) is a magical sibling story that offers ideas for flowers to plant and attract butterflies to your garden. 

Recommendations to parents deciding what books to purchase/request for their kids?  In today’s world, it’s good to support Canadian authors and because we are a diverse country, to provide a variety of books that can connect to children’s lives, offering experiences that the adult reader and child can share after the story is done. Children like a story that treats them as the capable, intelligent beings they are. 

Changing/current trends you’ve noticed in kidlit? The word counts of the books are getting shorter and at the same time, there are more and more layers being added into today’s stories so that in one book, there are many take aways for the readers.

About Author

🍁Cassie Silva lives in the Fraser Valley, BC and is the author of HOLIDAY HANNAH (Clavis, 2026), THE FEARLESS STORYTELLER (Lerner, 2024) and LISTENING TO THE QUIET (Lantana, 2023), which was featured in The New York Times, a finalist for the Schneider Family Book Award, listed in Kirkus’ 150 Most Anticipated Books of the Fall, listed in Bank Street College’s Best Children’s Books of the Year, an Inclusive Books for Children top pick, one of Books For Topics’ 50 Best Books for Reception (Kindergarten) age, shortlisted for the UKLA Book Awards 2025, a Summer Reading Challenge 2026 Selection, and nominated for the 2027 Ibby Selection for Outstanding Books for Young People with Disabilities.