K-7 Grades 

Basic Package

Winter - 2008 - 2009

The book packages listed below are from our previous packages and are not currently for sale online.

They are presented here as a sample of the grade level appropriate type of books CanLit selects and offers to school libraries.

These book packages can be ordered (depending on availability of books) by email (canlit@shaw.ca) or by calling CanLit toll free at 1-888-656-9906.

PICTURE BOOKS

Back to Book Packages 2008 - 2009

A Bear in War by Stephanie Innes & Harry Endrulat

Brian Deines (Illustrator)

Regular List Price: $19.95

Suggested Grades: 2 to 4

In 1916, at the height of the First World War, a Canadian teddy bear traveled all the way to France in a care package destined for Lawrence Browning Rogers--a gift from his ten-year-old daughter, Aileen. When Teddy returned from the front lines, more than a year later, he did so alone: Lieutenant Rogers, along with many other Canadian soldiers, died at the battle of Passchendaele.

This book shares Teddy's remarkable story--from his life in East Farnham, Quebec, and his voyage overseas to his eventual journey home. Each chapter in Teddy's tale is brought to life through Brian Deines' poignant art. The result is a powerful, moving piece of literature--a picture book destined to become a Canadian classic.

Crocodiles Play! by Robert Heidbreder

Rae Maté (Illustrator)

Regular List Price: $16.95

Suggested Grades: K to 2

What will the silly crocodiles get up to when school is over? This delightful story in rhyme follows the crocs on the golf course, sports field, and tennis court. Students will laugh out loud when they see their favourite sport being enjoyed by the same crocodiles first introduced in the book "Crocodiles Say".

Reviewed by Ian Stewart. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, December, 2008 Highly Recommended. “Those crazy crocodiles readers met in Crocodiles Say.... are back at it again. They're all dressed up to play what should be hockey, football, golf, basketball and other popular sports, but they have their games all mixed up. Baseball morphs into basketball and golf into baseball, and on it goes. Early years students will enjoy the Crocs' absurd antics and will take pleasure in taking the book off the library shelf."

Ducks Don't Wear Socks by John Nedwidek

Lee White (Illustrator)

Regular List Price: $17.50

Suggested Grades: K to 3

Emily is a serious girl. She enjoys serious things like bird-watching, math, and playing the cello. But one day while she’s taking a walk, Emily runs into Duck, who is anything but serious.

Through a series of humorous run-ins, Duck teaches Emily the importance of laughing—especially at oneself. A witty and comical debut picture book, this hilariously illustrated story will have readers laughing along with Emily. A perfect read-aloud.

Reviewed by Margaret Snow. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, November, 2008 Recommended. “First time author John Nedwidek from Victoria, BC, has created an adorably, humorous picture book. The short text on each page makes it fast paced for young listeners. Children will love the repetitive nature of Emily mixed with the unpredictable antics of Duck as they giggle through the scenes. This drives home the theme of having fun and that a friend makes life more enjoyable."

The Littlest Sled Dog by Michael Kusugak

Vladyana Krykorka (Illustrator)

Regular List Price: $$19.95

Suggested Grades: K to 3

Igvillu is a little dog with big dreams. One of her favorite dreams is of becoming a sled dog. When Igvillu is adopted from her kennel by an Inuit storyteller and moves to northern Canada, she comes face-to-face with real sled dogs. Igvillu loves living in the North, chasing siksiks and dreaming about her future. She's a dog who believes anything is possible!

Reviewed by Ellen Heaney. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, November, 2008 Highly Recommended. "The Littlest Sled Dog is a charming story that meshes the reality of life in the north and the imaginary world of a dreamy little pet. Kusugak writes fluently but manages to retain some of the cadence of a traditional storyteller. Krykorka's stunning illustrations evoke a world of the tundra in both summer and winter... Recommended for all school and public library picture book collections."

Out of the Deeps by Anne Laurel Carter

Nicolas Debon (Illustrator)

Regular List Price: $19.95

Suggested Grades: 2 to 6

Like many children throughout Canada's history, Savino had to quit school when he was twelve to work and help his family. In this story, Savino spends his first day at the coal mine working alongside his father and Nelson, his father's pit pony. When Savino's headlamp goes out deep in the coal mine, Nelson leads him out of the mine and out of danger.

In 1944 the miners received their first paid holiday and insisted that their pit ponies receive a week's holiday too. In Out of the Deeps, Anne Laurel Carter captures a boy's first day at work in the mines and a special pit pony's first glimpse of daylight. The illustrations bring this mid-twentieth century story to life.

Reviewed by Keith McPherson. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, December, 2008 Highly Recommended. "This informative and highly enjoyable story can be read both independently and/or in a group setting. It can also be easily tied into explorations into the lives of early pioneers, especially early Canadian and North American pioneers. An excellent multifaceted story that presents informative and engaging insights into the dangers, drama, lifestyles, triumphs, and history of mid-twentieth century Eastern Canadian coal mining children, adults, and their workhorses."

Shin-Chi's Canoe by Nicola I. Campbell

Kim LaFave (Illustrator)

Regular List Price: $18.95

Suggested Grades: K to 3

This moving sequel to the award-winning Shi-shi-etko tells the story of two children's experience at residential school. Shi-shi-etko is about to return for her second year, but this time her six-year-old brother, Shin-chi, is going, too. As they begin their journey in the back of a cattle truck, Shi-shi-etko takes it upon herself to tell her little brother all the things he must remember: the trees, the mountains, the rivers and the tug of the salmon when he and his dad pull in the fishing nets. Shin-chi knows he won't see his family again until the sockeye salmon return in the summertime.

An excellent resource for Social Studies: Aboriginal studies and Canadian history.

Reviewed by Huai-Yang Lim. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, November, 2008 Highly Recommended. "Even though Shin-chi's Canoe is a picture book, it can fit readily into a Canadian children's literature course, a course focusing on First Nations or Canadian history, or a course about First Nations literature. It deals with cultural and historical issues that extend beyond its literary genre as a picture book and, in doing so, provides a text that can be shared and discussed by both children and adults alike."

Thing-Thing by Cary Fagan

Nicolas Debon (Illustrator)

Regular List Price: $20.99

Suggested Grades: K to 3

Thing-Thing was neither a Teddy bear nor a rabbit; not a stuffed dog or cat. It was something like each of those, and nothing at all you could name. But it had something special. It had the hope that one day it would find a child to love it and talk to it and make it tea parties and take it to bed. A child it could love back. Certainly Archibald Crimp was not that child. He had just thrown Thing-Thing out the open sixth-floor window of the Excelsior Hotel.

Cary Fagan and Nicolas Debon have created a story so rich in words and images that, despite taking place in a matter of seconds, it will be remembered as vividly as a child’s favorite toy. Not your typically sweet stuffed-animal tale but just as endearing.

Reviewed by Tara Williston. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, May, 2008 Recommended. "Thing-Thing is a very visually-appealing book whose bright colours and interesting perspectives draw readers in from its first pages (not to mention its cover), while the delightful tale it tells will surely please both children and adult readers. In Thing-Thing, Fagan and Debon have given readers a book which shows that, no matter how badly things may start out, sometimes they end up just right."

Starred Review by Gwyneth Evans. Quill and Quire, July, 2008 "Thing-Thing is about a homely toy that just wants to be loved, but his tale is told and illustrated in an unsentimental, funny, and contemporary style ... Fagan is a prolific and versatile writer for both adults and children, and his witty, expressive style is well served by the inventive illustrations of Debon, which play with typography and angle of vision to give a wonderfully funny account of Thing-Thing’s adventure."

Starred reviews for Quill and Quire indicate books of exceptional merit

FICTION

All Aboard! (Canadian Flyer Adventures #9) by Frieda Wishinsky

Dean Griffiths (Illustrator)

Regular List Price: $7.95

Suggested Grades: 2 to 4

Pages: 75

Emily and Matt are excited to land on an old train. What’s more, this one’s heading for Craigellachie, British Columbia, where the last spike will be driven into the rails celebrating the completion of the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Will Emily and Matt make it in time for that historic occasion? Hop on the rails and explore another exciting piece of Canada’s past with Matt and Emily.

Darkwing by Kenneth Oppel

Regular List Price: $14.99 (New in Paperback)

Suggested Grades: 5 to 9

Pages: 336

Before there were bats like Shade, Marina or even Goth, there was a young chiropter—a small arboreal glider—named Dusk.

Against a tableau of disappearing dinosaurs and the ascent of the mammal kingdom, Oppel has created an adventure fantasy that sets the stage for the birth of the bats, the story of the ancestors of Shade, the beloved hero of the Silverwing series. As with all Silverwing books, it is impossible to simply read Darkwing; each of us enters a world of convincing characters, warring theologies, incredible natural history and a story that roars through head, heart and imagination. A tale that can be read as a stand- lone or as a prequel, Darkwing will be a welcome classic for the millions of Kenneth Oppel fans.

Starred Review by Joanne Findon . Quill and Quire, July, 2007 "This is a thrilling page-turner that will captivate young and old alike. Oppel’s consummate skill at inhabiting the minds of non-human creatures is on stunning display here as Dusk’s story races from thrilling discoveries to heart-stopping perils...Fans of the Silverwing series will find this prequel immensely satisfying and will be clamouring for more."

Starred reviews for Quill and Quire indicate books of exceptional merit.

Going Places by Fran Hurcomb

Regular List Price: $7.95

Suggested Grades: 3 to 6

Pages: 122

Twelve-year-old Jess and her friends have been playing hockey with the boys in Fort Desperation, Northwest Territories, since they were six years old. They'd like to start a girls' team in their community, but is tiny Fort Desperation ready for it? Somebody is trying to scare them off through acts of vandalism. Not only do Jess and her friends have to organize a team, find a coach and learn to play together, they have to unmask the Hockey Vandal. Can they do it before the Vandal destroys their team's hopes?

This sports fiction has an action packed plot full of excitement both on and off the ice.

Lost in Skookum Valley: The Adventures of Jasper by Glen Lovett

Regular List Price: $18.95

Suggested Grades: 3 to 6

Pages: 49

In the spectacular Rocky Mountains a sudden avalanche separates Jasper from his human companion, Ruby. She picks up his trail and mushes her dogsled team deep into the mountains, determined to rescue her lost pup. Many natural dangers await them in the wilderness, but there is another enemy - poachers!

This graphic action adventure story will appeal to young fans of Tintin and the like. It is the first book in a planned series of Jasper Adventures.

- Gold medal winner of an 'IPPY' award in 2008 (North America-wide Independent Publishing Award)

Lost in the Snow (Canadian Flyer Adventures #10) by Frieda Wishinsky

Dean Griffiths (Illustrator)

Regular List Price: $7.95

Suggested Grades: 2 to 4

Pages: 75

Matt and Emily are off to Quebec in the mid-1600s. There they meet Marie, whose father is about to marry one of the filles du roi, the women the King of France is encouraging to go to Quebec to marry settlers. Marie doesn’t want a new mother. Distraught, she stomps out of her house as heavy snow begins to fall. Emily and Matt race out to follow Marie. Can they find her before she’s lost in the snow?

Many Windows: Six Kids, Five Faiths, One Community by Rukhsana Khan; Elisa Carbone; Uma Krishnaswami

Gabrielle Crimard (Illustrator)

Regular List Price: $12.95

Suggested Grades: 3 to 6

Pages: 84

In the midst of global turmoil, with people of various faiths in major conflict, three friends—a Muslim, a Christian and a Hindu—decided to write a book resulting in Many Windows: a book about young people who are friends despite their religious differences. It is a collection of seven stories about six children who are in the same class at school, two white boys, a black girl, a Chinese girl, an Indian girl and a Pakistani boy. They are not necessarily friends, but they all come together in one community at the end of the stories. Each story in the collection centres on a different celebration within the faith of that child.

In the appendix, each of the celebrations is explained in more depth, as it is celebrated within that faith community: Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism.

Reviewed by Myra Junyk. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, December, 2008 Recommended. "The aim of this book is to promote understanding among various faith communities in a time of global turmoil. ... All in all, this book is a wonderful way to promote religious tolerance through “many windows!”

Meeting Miss 405 by Lois J. Peterson

Regular List Price: $7.95

Suggested Grades: 3 to 6

Pages: 102

Life is hard enough for Tansy with her depressed mom away indefinitely and her dad making a mess of things at home. But then Dad sends her down the hall to a wrinkly old babysitter named Miss Stella, who Tansy hates on sight. Miss Stella has a unique perspective on life, to say the least, but with the help of her best friend Parveen, Tansy gradually learns to manage all the changes in her life and make unexpected new friends in the process.

This is a very satisfying novel weaving together several themes including bullying.

Reviewed by Claire Perrin. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, December, 2008 Recommended. "There are several storylines and themes that are skillfully intertwined in this novel... the physical presentation of the book and the uncomplicated vocabulary make the book readable for the 8-11 year old reader. It is written in the first person, adding to the novel’s readability."

Ramp Rats: A Graphic Guide Adventure by Liam O'Donnell

Michael Deas (Illustrator)

Regular List Price: $9.95

Suggested Grades: 3 to 7

Pages: 64

In graphic novel format, Marcus is helping his cousin, Bounce, learn to skateboard. Between learning how to ollie and do a 50-50 grind, Bounce and his friends also have to avoid the skate-park goons and take on the outlaw bikers who are terrorizing the small town. Excitement, action and some radical skating tips. Hang on for a wild ride!

The boys will love this one.

Reviewed by Dana Eagles-Daley. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, September, 2008 Highly Recommended. “Ramp Rats is a fun graphic novel with a unique storyline which incorporates many attractive features for many types of readers. The characters are believable and well-developed, while the situations are so common that most readers will be able to identify with many of them. ... Combined with a lot of useful information about skating, as well as helpful guidance about bullying, Ramp Rats is a worthwhile read for young readers.”

Voyageur by Eric Walters

Regular List Price: $12.99

Suggested Grades: 4 to 8

Pages: 204

Brian, his mom, and his sister Jennie have left their Manhattan home for a canoe trip in Northern Quebec in order to scatter the ashes of Brian’s father, whose most cherished memories were of his childhood summers spent at a boy scout camp in the area. Although the trip starts out well enough, it soon becomes clear that the 3 are in over their heads - literally, in Brian’s case - when they take a wrong turn into rapids! It is only the quick action of an old man named Pierre that saves Brian from drowning. Seeing just how ill-equipped the family is to complete their journey safely, Pierre kindly offers to guide them to their destination. Along the way Brian faces his grief and his deepest fears of life without his father while developing a friendship with Pierre, who turns out to be somebody far more important than Brian could have imagined. Vintage Eric Walters!

Reviewed by Catherine Howett. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, November, 2008 Highly Recommended. “The language of the book is appropriate for the intended audience, and the pace of the story will keep the reader engaged to the last chapters. The plot development, from out-of-control (as things go from bad to dramatically worse), to rebalance (through the resolution of their quest) is mirrored both in the journey and the characters' personal development. ... I really enjoyed this book.”

NON-FICTION

The First Beaver by Caroll Simpson

Caroll Simpson (Illustrator)

Regular List Price: $24.95

Suggested Grades: 2 and up

Pages: 32

This is a story of how the first beaver came to be and is vividly illustrated with distinctive colour paintings. The storytelling and illustrations not only capture the beauty of the Northwest and its flora and fauna, they also teach about Aboriginal culture in the details of everyday life portrayed in the articles of traditional clothing, baskets and boxes. The book includes a glossary of crests and their significance in First Nations culture.

Focus on Flies by Norma Dixon

Regular List Price: $19.95

Suggested Grades: 3 to 7

Pages: 32

The house fly shares horrible habits with thousands of other two-winged insects that belong to the family of true flies. Gnats and midges are members of the family, and so are black flies, horse flies, African tsetse flies, and mosquitoes. This is the most despised and dangerous family in the animal kingdom. Around the world, about two million people a year die from diseases spread by flies and mosquitoes.

Filled with fascinating facts, essential information, engaging activities, and full-colour photographs and illustrations, Focus on Flies takes readers inside the world of the house fly. A companion to Lowdown on Earthworms, this title is of the same high quality.

Reviewed by Gillian Richardson. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, December, 2008 Highly Recommended. “Getting up close and personal with the fly is the objective of this book which is full of amazing facts and bold, bright photos and illustrations. ... Generally, the book is fact-packed and informative and meets its objective. Kids looking for easy to access information will find it appealing.”

The Hilarious Adventures of Mish and Mash: The Story of How Two Monsters (and You!) Save the Day, and Make the Perfect Joke Book! by chickaDEE Magazine Staff

Remie Geoffroi (Illustrator)

Regular List Price: $14.95

Suggested Grades: 2 and up

Pages: 160

This collection of more than 600 jokes, riddles, tongue twisters, optical illusions and brain teasers is a joke book with a difference. Mish and Mash invite readers to solve riddles, match punchlines and learn to draw some of their favourite characters. This comprehensive collection of over 600 jokes will delight young readers wanting to get a laugh out of their friends, teachers, and parents as well as brightening up the library humour collection.

Reviewed by Devon Greyson. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, November, 2008 Recommended. “...a good contemporary joke book! Up-to-date content and good jokes are a strength. The puzzles are a bonus. ... I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a joke book for an elementary collection, a fun book for primary readers, or to any adult who needs a stash of kid-friendly jokes in their repertoire.”

Inside Hockey: The Legends, Facts, and Feats that Made the Game by Keltie Thomas

John Kicksee (Illustrator)

Regular List Price: $22.95

Suggested Grades: 3 and up

Pages: 64

This book introduces readers to the wild side of professional hockey past and present. Humorously illustrated and accompanied by exciting photographs, Inside Hockey explores the facts, adventures, and one-of-a-kind anecdotes that continue to make hockey one of North America’s most popular sports. This highly energetic book gives kids an inside look at the facts about male and female hockey superstars, inventions, rules that changed the game, and some of the dazzling science behind the sport. Perfect for diehard hockey fans and those new to the game, Inside Hockey has something for everyone. With insider information about the game and behind the scenes profiles on players and their incredible experiences, Hockey Night will never look the same way again.

A Native American Thought of It: Amazing Inventions and Innovations by Rocky Landon; David MacDonald

Regular List Price: $19.95

Suggested Grades: 4 and up

Pages: 48

Everyone knows that moccasins, canoes and toboggans were invented by the Aboriginal people of North America, but did you know that they also developed their own sign language, syringe needles and a secret ingredient in soda pop? With descriptive photos and information-packed text, this companion to A Inuit Thought of It explores eight different categories in which the creativity of First Nations peoples from across the continent led to remarkable inventions and innovations, many of which are still in use today.

NOTE: The term Native American refers to tribes of all of North America not just the USA.

Reviewed by Ian Stewart. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, November, 2008 Recommended. “Every chapter offers attention-grabbing facts that will intrigue students and inspire new learning. ... The unique archival images included in the volume have clearly been chosen with great care and add immensely to the book's worth to both students and teachers.”

One Peace: True Stories of Young Activists by Janet Wilson

Janet Wilson (Illustrator)

Regular List Price: $19.95

Suggested Grades: 4 and up

Pages: 32

One Peace celebrates the "Power of One," and specifically the accomplishments of children from around the globe who have worked to promote world peace. Janet Wilson challenges today's children to strive to make a difference in this beautifully illustrated, fact-filled and fascinating volume of portraits of many "heroes for today." Individual portraits feature the accomplishments of children from Sarajevo, Japan, the United Kingdom, Cambodia, Afghanistan and the United States. These moving testaments to the courage and initiative of youth will inspire readers young and old. Liberally illustrated throughout.

Reviewed by Elizabeth Walker. CM: Canadian Review of Materials, October, 2008 Highly Recommended. "Wilson includes enough information to give young readers the important facts, but she still leaves them wanting more. One Peace is an excellent starting point for research. ... One Peace is an outstanding addition to any teacher's or librarian's bookshelf and will no doubt be popular for its beautiful design and inspirational message."