We’re celebrating food literacy AND amazing Canadian content with this selection of wonderful books written, illustrated and published by Canadians. 🇨🇦📚 These stories not only dig into the roots of how nature & food are connected, but also highlight how Canada’s voices are helping children appreciate what’s on their plate. With publishers & authors based in Winnipeg, Vancouver, and Toronto, it’s like a cross-country celebration of great reading!
Awâsis and the World-Famous Bannock Written by Swan River First Nation author Dallas Hunt & illustrated by Metis media artist Amanda Strong, follows the bold & brave Awâsis on a quest! When she drops her Kohkum’s (grandmother in Cree) special bannock — a traditional, tasty Indigenous bread — into the river, she’s determined to make things right. Luckily, some friendly forest animals lend a paw, bringing ingredients and teaching young readers Cree words along the way — like tohtosâpoy (milk)! With warm, earthy illustrations that pull little ones into the journey and a yummy bannock recipe at the end, this book is a beautiful way to explore Indigenous culture & language. Published by Highwater Press in Winnipeg, MB.
Sprout, Seed, Sprout! Written by Annika Sunklee and illustrated by Carey Sookocheff, it follows a boy and his faithful feline sidekick on a fruitful adventure—starting with a single avocado pit. When Dad slices open a ripe avocado, a little spark of inspiration leads to big dreams: could the inside seed grow into a whole tree? With patience, persistence, and a whole lot of plant love, the boy learns that good things come to those who wait, especially when it comes to gardening. It’s a tender tale that may just plant the gardening bug in budding green thumbs everywhere. 🥑 Published by Owlkids Books in Toronto, ON.
Mushrooms Know Written by Kallie George and Sara Gillingham, it’s spore-tacular fun for curious minds. Packed with colourful, vivid illustrations for little ones, and fun fungi facts for bigger kids, this book whisks everyone into the wild & wonderful world of mushrooms. From the teeny or tasty, to the strong, strange, and even glow-in-the-dark! They’ll meet delicious favourites used in their favourite meals, like button & oyster, and get a peek at the mysterious, but NOT munchable, mushrooms like the Fly Agaric (the iconic red cap with the white spots! 🍄). Reviewed by Canadian mycologist (a scientist who studies fungi) Keith Seifert, this book is the perfect pick for little nature lovers. Published by Greystone Books in Vancouver, BC.
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