CATALOGUES - Children's Bookshop - Junior Fiction

This title is suitable for children of ages 3 to 5 years. When Princess Prissypants turns her kingdom into a pink paradise, not everything works out quite the way she planned - traffic becomes a mess, a marching band ends up in the river, and she steps on her beloved cat before realising everything was lovely as it was before. Written in rhyming verse that is fun to read aloud, this tale shows a relatable little girl who is independent, curious, courageous, and embracing of her inner princess. Using colourful illustrations to exemp... read more

In a world where thousands are dying over matters of religion, where do you go? What do you believe? Who do you put your own faith in? These questions, so relevant to growing up in 2006, are also questions faced by young people hundreds of years ago as they saw their cities and towns destroyed by the Christian Crusades. Based on a true story of a peaceful crusade in 1212 led by children of different faiths, this book traces the lives of three characters as they try to find answers to these persistent questions. Age 12 - 14

In the little village of Duk Padiet in southern Sudan, a boy named Jacob Deng thrives on the love of his mother, the companionship of his sisters, the excitement of learning how to look after his uncle's herds of cattle. The year is 1987, and suddenly in the night soldiers from the north invade the village, looting, burning, and killing. The war has arrived, and the life of Jacob will never be the same. This novel is based on the real life experiences of a Sudanese boy who, with thousands of other boys from the region... read more

"A compelling adventure story " In the early 20th century, an English doctor exposed the desperation of the people of the outports of Newfoundland and Labrador. The doctor's name Wilfred Grenfell soon became synonymous with one of the greatest missions to the poverty-stricken in North America. The Grenfell mission was the early headquarters for the doctor's work. Thousands of fishermen and their families had no access to medical care, despite the harsh conditions of the fishery and life along the north Atlantic shores. This book dr... read more

An alphabet book for kids, both city residents and visitors, this guide to the urban landscape offers clear photographs full of detail and simple captions that help build children's vocabulary in a fun, contemporary way. Age 2-4

"The ABCs of Yoga for Kids" uses the alphabet, rhyming vignettes, and colourful illustrations to introduce children to yoga in a kid-friendly way. Each of the fifty-six different poses featured in the book delightfully promote flexibility, strength, and co-ordination while encouraging children to incorporate healthy activity into their daily lives. Yoga is a non-competitive form of exercise, suitable for children (and adults) of all ages and athletic abilities. Any activity for young children is important because the nation, includ... read more

Twelve-year-old Adeline Mueller has to fight to make a place for herself when her family comes to Canada from Germany to join their father in their new life. Adeline hasn't seen her father for four years, but his letters promise a splendid new life and a house of their own. When they step off the train in Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan, the reality is very different. Home is a sod house in "Germantown," a squatter settlement on CPR land, and for a long time Adeline can't forgive her father for bringing her here. Life in her new home is d... read more

Max and Sam think they know a lot about the animals of the African jungle after a session at zoology camp, but when they travel to Africa for a real safari, they find themselves on a harrowing mission to rescue a baby elephant from animal thieves and save their tour guide, who has been been bitten by a black momba snake. Encounters with charging elephants, hyenas, and cheetahs add even more danger and suspense before everyone reaches safety. Information about African habitats and wildlife add an extra element of interest to young r... read more

Thirteen-year-old twins, one of whom has discovered a magical spell that makes her temporarily invisible, wind up on a Greek cruiseship with their grandmother, battling spies and trying to rescue their father. Jennifer Arnold is always getting her identical twin, Maggie, in trouble. Life's been difficult in their household since their pilot father went missing, and things get even worse when Jennifer finds an ancient spellbook and learns to become invisible. Then the girls get a wonderful offer - their Grandmother Arnold takes them... read more

Thirteen adventure stories introduce children to the concept of virtue and demonstrate how virtuous behavior can make the world a better place. Each tale is built around four of the 52 virtues that have been identified by The Virtues Project[trademark], a global grassroots initiative that inspires the practice of virtues in everyday life. The collected stories bring the virtues to life in lively, entertaining adventure tales designed to be read aloud to young listeners. Each tale is followed by clear, age-appropriate definitions of... read more

A school trip to an art gallery leads to an eerie meeting for a young boy, where he encounters magic, mayhem and murder. Age 8 - 12

Destination Dreamland! Hop aboard for a topsy-turvy ride through Wiggletown, Giggletown and Groggy Grove! Geraldo Valério’s fanciful illustrations and Melanie Harby’s engaging rhymes deliver a trainload of read-along fun to sleepy children, transporting them safely to the land of their dreams. AGe 3 - 5

With eyes wide open to the mysteries of nature, a child on a hike discovers that "a leaf is a boat for a beetle" and that "a nest is a cradle for eggs." Tired from her long walk, she sleeps-and in her dream she flies like a bird and marvels at the beauty around her. This planet that is home to so many creatures is magical when seen through the eyes of wonder. Age 3 - 8

Becky and her brother John were best buddies, telling jokes, caring for their dog Toby together, and playing soccer. John was always there to cheer her up and help her outuntil he died. Becky wishes everything could go back to the way it was. When she is surprised and feels guilty about enjoying a friend's birthday party, her mom wraps reassuring arms around her and says, "Don't you think he'd want you to laugh, even now?" She gradually realizes that she can still enjoy the things that they used to do together and that the memories... read more

Why does Amadi's mother insist he learn to read words when he is going to be a great businessman? Why should an Igbo man of Nigeria waste precious time on books, anyway? When Amadi disobeys his mother and runs off to the market instead of sticking around for a reading lesson, he encounters a much-admired older boy secretly reading at a book stall. Crowding himself in among the stacks of books, Amadi becomes intrigued by a storybook with pictures of a strange white creature with a carrot for a nose. Over the course of a typical misc... read more

Amber lo-o-o-v-e-s Kindergarten -- painting, looking at books, tying her shoes, sliding when it snows. But the one thing she can't control is being picked up on time. Her father is frequently late, so she must wait and wait and wait in the secretary's office after everyone else has left. It's so embarrassing. To deal with her frustration, Amber concocts a world in which she sends her dad to wait for her -- on the moon -- while she has all kinds of wonderful adventures. This, she knows, would teach Dad a lesson he'd never forget... read more

In this sweet story inspired by the author's childhood and imbued with Filipino cultural nuances, a coconut named Ambrosia is not accepted by the other fruits until one brave peach breaks the ice and leads the way to celebrating Ambrosia's differences. Fostering important values of diversity, tolerance, and positive self-esteem, this poetic, rhyming introduction to appreciating other cultures teaches the acceptance of others, even if they are different. Age 5 - 7

In bed at night, Amy peers from under her covers at the dark shadows on the wall. But what is that flicker of light from the window? As she discovers the source of the mysterious light in her own backyard, she also learns something important about herself. The light, like many things in life, is something to be treasured but not contained, appreciated but always free. Here is a story to light one's eveningsany time of year. Age 2 - 10

Kirkus Reviews:
"In Nutt’s debut, a magical encounter with fireflies helps a young girl overcome her fear of nighttime shadows. When Amy notices the glow outside her shadowy bedroom, she goes on a night time foray armed with a jar. Her childish enthusiasm and excitement are palpable as she collects the fireflies, the jar lighting the way back to her room. . . . . The illustrations blend the realism of photographs with the softer look of paint, creating a whole that is warm and shows depth and texture. His artwork excels at portraying the contrast ..read more

When Ben discovers that an alien is living in his house, he is less than thrilled. After all, the alien looks strange, eats only green food, and doesn't let Ben watch television when he wants to. The "Alien" is Ben's grandfather. The Alien isn't any happier. Convinced he is living with a monster, he complains about how Ben runs all over the house, yak-yaks like a parrot and eats only junk food. The "Monster" is his grandson, Ben. This imaginative full color picture book will delight readers aged eight and under as it explores the p... read more

"This book may amuse adults as much as it amuses children. . . . James Rice's . . . illustrations are darling." -Star Democrat "Richly detailed and colorful full-page illustrations accompany this Christmas poem featuring the customs and language of the Irish." --Children's Literature Written in an Irish brogue, this delightful children's story tells the classic "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" tale with a Celtic twist. Complete with James Rice's illustrations, this fun and festive coloring book inspires kids to use their imaginat... read more