I Read Canadian Day is here! Initially created to encourage and inspire young readers to dedicate 15 minutes at school during this special day to reading Canadian books, it has now blossomed to include readers of all ages.

We are so lucky to live in a time of diverse, exciting, and unique books by Canadian authors and illustrators. WPL’s catalogue has a tonne of great Canadian books for all ages – here are some of my favourites over the past two years! Add them to your TBR list, place a hold and enjoy.

— Jackie M.

Picture Books

My Day With Gong Gong written by Sennah Yee, illustrated by Elaine Chen (ages 3-5)

Our Little Kitchen by Jillian Tamaki (ages 3-5)

The Baranabus Project by The Fan Brothers (ages 5-9)

Early Chapter Books

Polly Diamond and The Magic Book by Alice Kuipers (ages 6-8)

Arlo & Pips : Volume 1, King of The Birds by Elise Gravel (ages 6-8)

Megabat written by Anna Humphrey, illustrated by Kass Reich (ages 6-8) (Kitchener author!)

Middle Grade Chapter Books

Coyote Tales by Thomas King (age 8-12)

The Case of Windy Lake by Michael Hutchinson – (ages 8-12: great for fans of The Boxcar Children, Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys, and any little detectives)

The Ghost Collector by Allison Mills (ages 8-12)

Young Adult (YA)

Charming As A Verb by Ben Phillipe (ages 12+)

No Fixed Address by Susin Nielsen (ages 12+)

Seraphina by Rachel Hartman (ages 12+, this book is older but amazing YA fantasy)

Adult Fiction

The Subtweet by Vivek Shraya

Noopiming : The Cure For White Ladies by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson

Shut Up, You’re Pretty by Tea Mutonji

Adult Non-Fiction

Gather : A Dirty Apron Cookbook by David Robertson, photography by Kevin Clark

A History of My Brief Body by Billy-Ray Belcourt

A Mind Spread Out on the Ground by Alicia Elliott

Looking to add more Canadian authors to your list? Check out the Forest of Reading 2021 nominees!

Still on the hunt for Canadian books? Why not try WPL’s Surprise Book Bundles? Our talented team hand selects new books just for you, based on your specific tastes. Bundles are available for both kids and adults. We’ll email you when your bundle is ready for pick-up at your favourite WPL location.