Spring 2021 Reading List from the Ottawa Public Library

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some great spring-themed books with us. This month’s post is by Andrea Gowing, Centennial Branch, Ottawa Public Library.

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While Spring does not technically begin until March 20, I think we want to begin to see signs of renewed life with hopes for warmer days and getting outside to marvel at our amazing world.  The Life Cycle themes in these books should help, especially during these pandemic days.

The Bat by Elise Gravel

Who doesn’t love an adorable little bat?  This delightful beginning reader has cute illustrations that take the scary out of bats.  Informational and full of humour, this little bat narrates the text, so children stay engaged.   He is chatty while telling children about his uniqueness: that he hibernates, sleeps hanging upside down, and his special gift of echolocation.   Set out some evening this spring and summer to see if there are any bats in your neighbourhood!

Seed School, Growing up Amazing by Joan Holub

It’s March, time to start planting seeds!  This lovely story is not only a wonderful introduction to the science of seeds; but, a good introduction to diversity.   Children learn that seeds come from different plants; however, they are very similar in many ways.  The seeds follow a very similar day to young school aged children, and they will feel it is familiar.  A good pick for an one on one read so little ones will have time to look at the pictures and ask questions.  There is even a information page about plants and photosynthesis!  

A Drop of the Sea by Ingrid Chabbert

Grandmas and their grandchildren have such a special bond.  Young children always see their grandparents as “old” and young Ali is no different.  He knows his grandmother must have one wish that he can grant – she does.  Grandmother has never seen the sea.  Ali sets out on a four-day journey to bring back some of the sea to his grandmother.   Ali carefully collects a pail of water and heads home.  Grandmother is overjoyed even though there are but a couple of drops of sea left.  Sure to be a favourite story to share between grand parent and grandchild.

Life Cycles, Everything from Start to Finish by Steve Setford

What is a life cycle?  In this richly illustrated book, we discover how life cycles are interconnected.  From the new life of the seeds of the Giant Sequoia to the emerging dragonfly nymph.  From a Penguin march across the frozen Antarctica to human evolution.  We are all here together affecting each other.  Volcanoes, fossils, tornadoes and galaxies of our solar system – “everything from start to finish.”  This would be a wonderful addition to any library.  Children of all ages can simply look at the pictures or read all the small bits of information.  A good choice for a reluctant reader who enjoys facts!

Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord

Summer at the lake!  Who wouldn’t love that?  Lucy, that’s who!  She and her parents have moved to the lake permanently and Dad has gone off on a long photography shoot, so it is just Mom and Lucy.   As Lucy becomes friends with her neighbour Nate, he encourages her to enter her photographs in a contest judged by her dad.  As the summer goes on, Lucy discovers many things through her lens, and follows her dad’s advice to always “find the story” through the lens.  Through her lens, Lucy discovers beginnings and endings and about catching that perfect moment in time.   These include Nate’s grandmother’s life slipping away due to dementia, the protected nesting loons, and learning to kayak.  A special read for Ages 10 plus.  Budding photographers – take note! 

10 Books for Young Children from the Ottawa Public Library

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share more engaging book selections for young kids. This month’s post is by Xiao Feng Xing, Librarian, Youth Collections at the Ottawa Public Library.

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2020 was a difficult and challenging time for everyone, especially for young children. COVID-19 has turned their world upside down. They haven’t been able to go to the library, attend programs, play with their friends, or visit family.  Let’s hope some of these book suggestions will bring a bit of joy to children and help them get through this pandemic. 

1.     LIFT by Minh Lê and Dan Santat

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1227916026

I’m pretty sure that most kids like to push elevator buttons. I remember when my son was young and I took him to the library for a program, he snuck out of the room to play with the elevator buttons, going up and down in the elevator just to have some fun.

The character in this picture book is a little girl and her name is Iris.

Iris loves to push the elevator buttons in her apartment building, but she doesn’t like it when her younger brother presses them instead of her. In an act of rebellion, Iris pushes all the buttons and breaks the elevator. She takes the discarded buttons home and presses them. Magically, the buttons open a magic world, sometimes the jungle, and other times outer space. Iris realizes that sharing this discovery and adventure with her younger brother could be a wonderful experience. Beautiful art enhances this uplifting story that encourages children to share the world of magic with their siblings and friends.

“Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it, we go nowhere.”- Carl Segan

2.     The Blue House by Phoebe Wahl

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1227858026

Leo lived with his dad in an old blue house next to a tall fir tree. Even though the house was in very bad condition, at least it was theirs. When they found out that their house was going to be torn down. Leo and his dad were disappointed that they would need to leave a place that both of them loved so much. When they moved into a new house, it felt empty, but they coped with this hardship. They drew a picture of the old blue house on the wall, and little by little, familiar objects began to appear in the new house. With each passing day, the new house was becoming theirs. This is a lovely story of a single father and his son, who hand in hand, go through difficult moments and experience many emotions. This book can help teach children how to cope with difficult times, such as the current pandemic.

3.     Our little kitchen by Jullian Tamaki

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1246127026

Our Little Kitchen is a tiny, small place, just big enough, so squeeze in and make space. In this lively, rousing picture book from Caldecott Honoree Jillian Tamaki, a crew of resourceful neighbours comes together to prepare a meal for their community. One person’s power is small, but as they work together, they change the community and show kindness to the people around them who are struggling due to different reasons. This book will warm the hearts of children by showing what it means to be nice and to help the neediest persons in their community.

4.     My best friend by Julie Fogliano and Jillian Tamaki

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1206799026

New York Times bestselling author Julie Fogliano, and Caldecott Honor winner Jillian Tamaki, come together to tell a delightful story of first friendship. One girl thinks of some sweetly earnest and visually stunning criteria to judge that she has found the best friend. Together, they pretend to be ducks and pickles. They laugh and swing together. There are so many ways that this little narrator knows that she has found the best friend. They draw each other; they play together and laugh together. The sweet and slightly surprising twist at the end of the story, is that they don’t even know each other’s names, or if they will see each other the next day. The art on every page is dynamic and creates a sense of energy throughout in the book.

5.     I Talk Like A River by Jordan Scott and Sydney Smith

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1246086026

“What if words got stuck in the back of our mouth? What if they never came out the way you wanted them to?” Canadian poet Jordan Scott tells a powerful, uplifting, honest, and sincerely personal story, with a very internal voice, about his stuttering problem. “But I can’t stop thinking all day about my bad speech: all those eyes watching. My lips twist and twirl. All those mouths giggling and laughing. I feel a storm in my belly; my eyes fill with rain. My dad sees that I am sad and pulls me close; he points to the river and says “See how that water moves? That’s how you speak.”

This invigorating, gate-fold illustration, with a young boy in the shimmering, cleansing and refreshing water, transforms deep internal change into a light-filled moment. The young character feels less alone and opens his mind to think about his speech in a new way. Beyond the problem of stuttering, this book really encourages children to embrace who they are.

6.     If You Come to Earth by Sophie Blackall

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1246087026

This book was written by two-time Caldecott medal winner Sophie Blackall. If You Come to Earth is a book about a child writing a letter to a visitor from outer space, explaining our world. If You Come to Earth explains what you need to know:  where our planet sits in the solar system, the fact that it’s made of land and water, mountains and plains, cities and towns; that the people who live here come in all shapes and sizes, that we love each other, that we get cold and hungry; that we are always learning and always busy, and that we are not alone; that we share our planet with creatures in the sea and animals on the land and birds in the sky; that we make music and art, and mistakes; that that we tell stories in many languages. This book reflects the diversity of our world. It is the book that brings us together and encourages us to take care of the planet and each other. Every Monday for six weeks the author sat in a second-grade classroom in Brooklyn with 23 kids who helped her figure out how to explain the world to a visitor from outer space.

7.     I Am Every Good Thing by Derrick Barnes and Gordon C. (The creators of Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut )

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1246080026

The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. His curiosity, his creativity, his bravery, his kindness, his sense of humor and fun, his ability to get up again when he gets knocked down.

This book will inspire children who may feel marginalized and help them to see all the good things they have in themselves. The positive and supportive text of this book clearly and powerfully demonstrates the knowledge that all Black children are worthy and deserve to be loved for who they are. 

8.     Snail Crossing by Corey R Tabor

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1206675026

A slow and steady snail saw a plump cabbage on the other side of a wide road and was determined to cross the road to get it. The snail was cabbage bound! Nothing could stand in his way – not even a speeding van. But then the kind-hearted snail stops to help a colony of ants from drowning in a heavy storm – he offers them tea and safety inside his shell. Then he’s back on his way, scooting along the road, when a hungry crow wants to eat him. The clever snail uses evasive maneuvers to get away from the cow, but the spinning makes him dizzy and he ends back where he started instead of the other side of the road. Luckily, his new ant friends carry the cabbage from across the street for him. This book is a lovely tale of determination, kindness and friendship. 

9.     I Dream of a Journey, by Akiko Miyakosh

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1206774026

“People from all over the world come and go at the innkeeper's little hotel. He enjoys meeting them, and many even become his friends. Only, sometimes, when he goes to sleep at night, the desire to travel far away himself wells up inside him. He dreams of packing a big bag and journeying wherever he pleases, from one unfamiliar town to another. He imagines stopping to visit friends and having wonderful and unexpected experiences. The innkeeper continues to go about his daily routine at his hotel, but, someday, he is sure, he will explore the world.”

We’re all dreaming of journeys this year. This book starts out black and white and then slowly the colours begin to bloom on the page. The topic will resonate with children, especially this year, with many of them anxious to set off on a journey themselves, once COVID-19 is under control.

10.  The Barnabus Project by Terry Fan

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1249907026

Barnabus lived in a secret lab. He was half mouse and half elephant. The lab was full of perfect pets and hidden beneath a perfectly ordinary street. In a world of perfect pets, Barnabus is not quite perfect and is marked as a failed project. His pal Pip the cockroach tells him about the outside world: “Green hills and trees all the way to the sky, lit with their own stars”. In fact, they’re just high-rise buildings with lights. Because the Green Rubber Suits (the staff working at the secret lab) recycle all failed projects, Barnabus and all his failed project friends must escape very soon. Nothing is impossible, and his dreams of freedom lead him and his misfit friends on an adventure to find freedom and a place where he and his friends can finally be accepted for who they are. This book will appeal to young children and help them learn to be proud of who they are.

Children’s Summer Book Suggestions from the Ottawa Public Library

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some of their favourite summer reads for children ages 0 to 14. This month's post is by Kristina Roudiy, Children's Program Assistant at the Alta Vista Branch.

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Board book: Maisy explores: a First Words Book / Lucy Cousins

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1210040026

For ages 0-3. 

British author Lucy Cousins is back with a new board book of “Maisy the Mouse”. Did you know that Maisy's books have been translated into 27 different languages? In this bright, colourful title, each double page is themed around an early science concept, such as weather, growing plants, five senses, the human body, and technology. The tabs on the right make it easy for little fingers to browse.    

Picture book: Bunny’s Staycation / Lori Richmond

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1091141026

*Also available as an e-book on the library’s Overdrive catalogue

For ages 3-5.

When Mama leaves for a five-day business trip, Little Bunny understandably feels sad. Papa suggests that they take a virtual trip of their own, and travel to a different place each day. So on Monday, they build their own car out of cardboard; on Tuesday, they go to a tropical beach; on Wednesday, they cool off in a wintry wonderland; on Thursday, they go on a safari; on Friday, they design their own marshmallow campsite, just in time to welcome Mama home. With cute cartoon illustrations. This story might give fun ideas of activities to do as a family this Summer!

 Picture book: Khalil and Mr. Hagerty and the Backyard Treasures / Tricia Springstubb

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1206788026

For ages 4-6. 

Khalil lives with his large and noisy family in the upstairs apartment, while the elderly and quiet Mr. Hagerty lives downstairs. Both Khalil and Mr. Hagerty enjoy the peace and quiet in the shared backyard. While Khalil hunts for bugs and treasure, Mr. Hagerty tends to his garden. They soon become friends, helping each other with language and misplaced garden tools. One hot Summer day, Khalil suggests a hunt for buried treasure, which does not end up being too successful, but is nonetheless followed by tasty chocolate cake and milk! With detailed illustrations made in paper-cut collage, and one simple sentence per page. A lovely intergenerational book about making friends, no matter your age or your differences!

Picture book : My Singing Nana / Pat Mora

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1204732026

For ages 4-6.

This is the story of Billy and his beloved grandmother called Nana. On the morning of their family's big Summer show, Billy's sister wakes up with a cough. Billy turns to Nana for help, and together they manage to still put on a show and sing their favourite songs – in Spanish and English. But Billy has noticed that his Nana is getting forgetful. He talks about it with his mother, who reassures him that though Nana's memory is failing, they can still do all of their favourite activities together. Such as baking in the kitchen! The recipe of their cherry treat is included in the book (yum!) –  as well as talking points for discussing Alzheimer's / dementia with children. 

Early Reader: Don't Worry, Bee Happy / Ross Burach

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1187450026

For ages 6-8.

Some of you might start singing or humming when they notice the title of this early reader! This is the first book in the “Bumble & Bee” series, published earlier this year. Bumble and Bee buzz happily around the pool, until they notice that Froggy is rather cranky. They attempt to cheer him up by engaging him in their playful activities and also try to help him get rid of his hiccups. Reading about this unlikely trio and their funny adventures will for sure put a smile on your face! 

Early Reader: Swim, Mo, Swim! / David A. Adler

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1225646026

*Also available as an e-book on the library’s Overdrive catalogue

For ages 6-8. 

Well-known children's author David A. Adler (author of Cam Jansen, Bone, as well as numerous non-fiction titles) has created a new early reader series with young character Mo. In Mo's fifth adventure, he and his friends are at summer camp and competing in Field Day challenges. The winning team will get extra ice cream. But can Mo win a medal in the swimming competition?

Early Reader: TJ’s New Friend / Aviaq Johnston

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1187482026

For ages 6-8. 

Aviaq Johnston is a young Inuit author from Nunavut who spends some of her time in Ottawa, Ontario! She earned a Governor General's History Award in 2014. In this story, we read about a new girl named Sapa who moves to TJ's community. TJ and Sapa share common interests and end up spending all Summer playing and exploring the neighbourhood. When school starts in the Fall and TJ's classmates start teasing Sapa for being different, will TJ stand up for his new friend? 

Chapter book: Float / Laura Martin

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1168823026

*Also available as an e-book on the library’s Overdrive catalogue

For ages 9-12.

Twelve-year-old Emerson is spending summer at a camp designed to accommodate kids with superpowers. Problem is, none of those kids know how to control their power.  Emerson's uncontrollable floating, for example, means he has to wear weighted shoes just to stay on the ground! At Camp Outlier, he gets to meet the accidentally invisible Hank, the spontaneously combusting Anthony, the time-travelling Murphy, and Zeke with X-ray vision. As members of the Red Maple cabin, they become friends through canoeing, capturing the flag, playing pranks and overall having a lot more fun than they expected to. Until Emerson discovers that one of their own is hiding a deadly secret that could endanger them all. With lots of action, great dialogue and plenty of humour! Fans of Gordon Korman and Dan Gutman, in particular, will enjoy this book.

Graphic novel: Hicotea: a Nightlights Story / Lorena Alvarez

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1180945026

For ages 9-12.

In this enchanting sequel to “Nightlights”, ever-curious young Sandy wanders away from her classmates during a field trip to the local wetland and finds an empty turtle shell. Peering inside, she falls into a magical world where Hicotea, the shell's owner, maintains a museum of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts documenting a very special wetland – one that has been almost completely destroyed by an evil creature. Can Sandy help Hicotea and her friends fight against the creature destroying their home? Alvarez's stunning, Miyazaki-like style, with brightly coloured landscapes and intricately detailed illustrations, bring a sense of wonder and magic to the natural world, hinting at the complex ecosystems around us that frequently go unnoticed. Sandy is a delightful protagonist with her relentless questions and deep respect for the natural world; hopefully, she will inspire young readers to find the magic in their own backyards.  

Chapter book: Chirp / Kate Messner

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1205785026

*Also available as an e-book on the library’s Overdrive catalogue

For ages 10-14. 

When Mia's grandma has a mild stroke, the middle schooler's family moves from Boston to Vermont, to help her grandmother sell her cricket farm. Mia is quite happy to leave Boston, but not so happy to have to attend two summer camps instead of watch TV, her favourite pastime since her gymnastics injury last year. But the Launch (entrepreneurial) and Ninja Warrior camps will help her in ways she never expected. Since Gram is determined to get more people eating protein-rich crickets, Mia creates a business plan for the cricket farm and starts investigating on who is sabotaging her business. Amid common themes of friendship and overcoming fears, the author incorporates strong #MeToo messaging, most poignantly in Mia's experience with a former 7th-grade coach. This novel succeeds both as an engaging mystery with strong female characters and as an appropriate middle-grade introduction to a serious and relevant issue.

 ***The Ottawa Public Library is doing TD Summer Reading Club virtually this Summer! Please visit our “Summerland” page to find out what it's all about, and to register for online Family programs : https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/en/kid-zone/src.

Kids can also participate in a Summer Reading Draw, to be entered for prizes such as gift cards to a bookstore or the CineplexStore, or a six-month membership to a magazine. The ballot can be found here :   https://biblioottawalibrary.ca/sites/default/files/src_reading_draw_ballot_card.pdf

Feel free to also explore the OPL's e-book resources. Have a great Summer!***

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.

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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.

Financial Literacy for Children: Books available at the Ottawa Public Library

The Ottawa Public Library is back to share some of their favourite books for children with us. This month's post is by Kristina Roudiy, Children's Program Assistant at the Alta Vista Branch.

This month's booklist showcases various fun and helpful juvenile titles on Financial Literacy. There are also some workshops families can attend this month at the Ottawa Public Library! Special guest Tecla Kalinda from ZalaSmart will be visiting six branches (Manotick, Nepean Centrepointe, Ruth E.Dickinson, Blackburn Hamlet, Stittsville and Alta Vista) to talk about money with children ages 9-12. Other presentations, such as those about cyber fraud, bank accounts and savings, might be of interest to tweens & teens. Happy Financial Literacy month!  

Series of picture books: A Moneybunny book / Cinders McLeod

Save it! (2019) https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1187703026

Spend it! (2019) https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1149444026

Earn it! (2017) https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1163747026

Ages 4-6. Through these three titles, we follow the financial adventures of three different rabbit characters. The first one, Honey, is intent to save money to buy a playhouse, to find peace and quiet away from his five siblings. The second one, Sonny, learns that he has to make choices with his allowance and that he can't buy everything he wants. The third one, Bun, has a passion for singing and thinks she can get rich quickly through her music -but as her mother explains, it takes time and hard work to get successful. A sweet, simplistic introduction to financial literacy. 

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Picture book: Arthur's pet business / Marc Tolon Brown. 1990

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/337863026

Ages 4-7. This is adventure #14 in a classic series. In this book, well-known, well-loved character Arthur attempts to start a pet business. His objective is not so much to earn money (although his sister D.W. begs to differ!) as it is to prove that he is responsible enough to get a puppy.

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Picture book: My rows and piles of coins / Tololwa Mollel. 1999

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/200380026

Ages 4-8. This is the story of a Tanzanian boy, Saruni, who has been helping his mother at the market and saving coins with the hope to, one day, have enough money to buy a bicycle. But when will he have enough coins? With stunning watercolour paintings of a contemporary village. 

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Chapter book: Nancy Clancy seeks a fortune / Jane O' Connor. 2016

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/962878026

Ages 6-8. This is volume seven in a series of books with a grown-up (now in grade three) version of “Fancy Nancy”. Nancy Clancy still adores everything fancy, and also likes to play detectives with her friend Bree. In this book, they learn all about the California Gold Rush in school and decide to make their own fortune, one way or another. But they soon learn that money isn't everything... A fun, informative story about the perks and challenges of being an entrepreneur. 

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Chapter book: The unlucky lottery winners of classroom 13 / Honest Lee. 2017

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1059225026

Ages 7-9. The humorous tale of an unlucky teacher who suddenly wins twenty-eight billion dollars and, as previously agreed, shares the lottery money with her students. Each chapter focuses on a different child and shows the crazy ways in which they spend (or lose!) the money.

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Chapter book: Cleo Edison Oliver, playground millionnaire / Sundee Tucker Frazier. 2016

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/957650026

Ages 8-11. Meet Cleo, an African-American -Filipino fifth-grade entrepreneur! She is determined to follow in the footsteps of her TV idol, Fortune Davies and has lots of fun ideas (why not sell avocadoes? Or make a teeth-pulling business?) but soon starts to neglect her best friend Caylee.

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Graphic novel: The Finance Smurf: a Smurfs Graphic Novel / Peyo. 2014

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/794017026

Ages 8-12. Volume 18 in this graphic novel series. This time, Papa Smurf got badly injured in a lab accident and sent a Smurf to get a cure from a nearby wizard. The smurf witnessed the exchange of money among human beings and decided to introduce money in his own village.
 

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Non-fiction : Canada Up Close : Canadian Money / Elizabeth MacLeod. 2011.

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/602013026

Ages 7-9. This non-fiction title by award-winner author Elizabeth MacLeod is an informative read on Canadian Money. Children will learn about the money used by First Nations, The Royal Mint, Bank of Canada, how money gets printed, circulated and disposed of... and much more! 

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Non-fiction: The history of money: from bartering to banking / Martin Jenkins. 2014

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/785357026

Ages 9-11. A book in which children explore the history of money in a fun way, from the early forms of money (shells, precious metals, etc.) to more contemporary types of currency. Did you know that, in 1946, a European currency kept changing value every hour? Do you know what hyperinflation means? The author's simple examples are accompanied by cartoonish drawings.

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Non-fiction: Follow your money: who gets it, who spends it, where does it go? / Kevin Sylvester. 2013

https://ottawa.bibliocommons.com/item/show/715336026

Ages 10-13. Canadian authors Kevin Sylvester and Michael Hlinka introduce young consumers to the way in which money flows in the Canadian economy, through twenty-seven two-page chapters. The examples include common items used by teens, for example MP3 players, pizza or sneakers, and explain concepts such as : store sales, taxes, minimum wage, gross vs. net profit. A unique approach to economics & money, hopefully enabling youth to be smarter consumers.