Picture Books by Canadian Authors

This is not just a book list of my favorite Canadian picture books by Canadian authors; this is a love letter home. I am homesick and heartbroken by the rhetoric being thrown at my homeland by the leaders of the country I live in. I’m Canadian. I am a very proud Canadian who cries when I sing Oh Canada at hockey games, who makes Canadian baked goods for friends in the States every Christmas, and who can’t stand to see my homeland’s sovereignty be belittled. What can I do? I am a firm believer in doing what you can in your lane. As a teacher educator witnessing the destruction of so many federal grants that pay for many professional development opportunities in this country, I am offering early childhood educators Pay What You Can Professional Development this summer. As a Canadian, I am promoting Canadian goods, like these fantastic Canadian children’s books. I fondly remember reading many of these with my United For Literacy ( then Frontier College) reading buddies during teacher’s college in Ontario. That same year, while I was studying at Lakehead University, I worked as a reading tutor and saved that money to start my teacher library, which was filled with many of these same authors. On the inside cover, I wrote “Ms. McDonald” as I thought for sure I’d be teaching elementary somewhere in Alberta or B.C. I didn’t know I’d be off to the States and end up teaching preschool for my whole career. No life path is ever what you expect, but your home will always be your home. These books are from my home, here are my favorite picture books by Canadian authors.

Unlike most of my book lists, this one does not have links to Amazon. Instead, the links are all back to the authors’ home pages if they have them. Please check out these amazing Canadian authors’ other works. For a printable book list to take to your local bookstore or library, click here

20 of The Best Canadian Picture Books For Preschoolers

Stanley At Sea by Linda Bailey made me giggle. The story follows four dogs who unintentionally venture out to sea while searching for food. As they float in the vast ocean, they begin to wonder when their adventure will end since they are so far from land. One dog suggests that their journey will end when they hit a fence. To their surprise, they soon collide with what they believe is a fence, but readers know it is actually a tanker. The dogs are rescued and treated to a feast of steak and sausages before being returned to their owners—truly a doggie paradise! I love that the book is told from the dogs’ perspective; it gives young children a chance to laugh and correct the dogs’ amusing misconceptions about the things they enjoy.

Morris Micklewhite and The Tangerine Dress  By Christine Baldachinno. Morris is just who he is. Morris is a boy who loves to wear an orange dress. The adults in his story do not judge him; instead, they support him for who he is, without labeling or shaming him. Although it takes some time for all the children in his classroom to become accepting, they eventually realize that their similarities and shared interests outweigh their differences. Ultimately, everyone plays together harmoniously, and Morris does not have to change who he is to fit in with the group.

Nicola L. Campbell is a Nłeʔkepmx, Syilx, and Métis poet, author, and educator who lives in British Columbia. Her book A Day with Yayah is a sweet book about children spending the day searching for edible plants with their grandmother, Yayah,  and other elders. As they explore and discover the plants around them, they also enhance their understanding of the Nłeʔkepmx language. Many words are included throughout the text, and there is a guide at the back of the book to assist with proper pronunciation. The story emphasizes the importance of being respectful to the land, paying attention to what they gather, and recognizing what they choose not to collect.

When I first read it, Alphabeasts by Wallace Edwards was a new book, but it went on to win the Governor General’s Award in 2002. This book was one of the first alphabet books to have intricate illustrations of animals and objects that start with each letter of the alphabet. Children LOVE this book because long before they can read, they can find all the “hidden” details and animals crammed into an old mansion.

Ordinary Amos and the Amazing Fish by Eugenie and Henry Fernandes is a funny book that forces readers to look at pet fish in a whole new light. Amos is out fishing and gets caught by a family of fish, who decide to keep him as a pet. This book was a favorite in all my classrooms. Children love to imagine other worlds, and the idea of being a pet is both a little scary and quite silly! I appreciate the message of empathy, which the kids really grasp. They understand that Amos, once caught, feels sad and depressed in his bowl, and they recognize that being caged up isn’t fun at all.

Stella, Queen of the Snow by Marie-Louise Gay is my kind of book. If I were to quote all my favorite parts of this book, I would end up writing most of it out. I love the writing; it’s simple yet respectful of the reader’s intelligence. The characters are endearing without being overly sweet, and I particularly enjoy Sam’s curiosity. Although Stella is quite knowledgeable, she doesn’t come across as bratty at all! When Sam experiences snow for the first time, Stella eagerly shares all her insights about it as they explore the first snowfall of the year.

Something From Nothing by Phoebe Gilman is one of those books that you read and think, oh, I love it, but will kids? I am here to tell you yes! My students adore this old Yiddish folktale about a little boy, his very special blanket, and his grandfather who made it for him. Over the years, Joseph’s blanket transforms into a jacket, a vest, a tie, a handkerchief, and finally, a button. The story is beautiful, and the kids enjoy not only the repetitive text when the grandfather is sewing but also the ongoing storyline involving the mice that live under the floorboards and use the scraps of material for various purposes. There are no distracting gimmicks, lights, or sounds—just a great story and beautiful illustrations in this gem! It’s a fantastic book about family and growing up. I included this book on the list because, while tailors are traditionally men, many children rarely see men sewing and lovingly creating things for their loved ones. The grandfather in this book embodies gentleness and acceptance, which is such a valuable lesson for kids.

A Sea-Wishing Day by Robert Heidbreder is a wonderful tale of adventure, pirates, mermaids, and treasure! The best part is that the little boy and his canine companion never really leave their backyard in the city; instead, their adventure unfolds entirely in their imagination. Anyone with a preschooler will appreciate this book, as imaginative play is a significant part of most 3 to 5-year-olds’ playtime, which is important for their development. This book encourages and celebrates that imaginative spirit as the little boy embarks on adventures across the high seas.

Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan is a wonderful story about how many first-generation immigrant children often have to follow the rules that their parents set out for them, even if they don’t fit the cultural norms of their new country. In this story, Rubina receives an invitation to a birthday party, but her mother mistakenly believes that the invitation is for the whole family. She insists that Rubina bring her little sister along, which leads to some complications. Although things don’t go smoothly at the party, the family ultimately adapts to the way birthday celebrations are held in their new country, navigating a few challenges along the way.

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch has enchanted me for years, make that decades. I have read this story to hundreds of children, and I can’t recall a single child who didn’t like it. It’s the tale of Elizabeth, a princess who outwits a dragon to rescue her prince. I love that the author has flipped the typical damsel-in-distress narrative by making the princess the heroine. Some parents have expressed concern about Elizabeth calling the prince a “bum” at the end of the book. Personally, I appreciate it. I have always used that moment to explain why she was so angry and to remind kids that name-calling can be hurtful. That said, I think her reaction is completely justified!

Stephanie’s Ponytail  is my favorite Munsch book. I feel a little like I am cheating on The Paper Bag Princess, but I love Stephanie’s confidence. The story follows Stephanie, whose friends and teachers begin to mimic her unique ponytail styles. She experiments by moving her ponytail to the side, placing it on top of her head, and even letting it hang in front of her face. Each time, they copy her look. In the end, she cleverly outsmarts them, leading to surprising results. I enjoy this book, and while reading it to a class, I would rearrange my hair to match Stephanie’s styles, which always left the class in hysterics, especially when my ponytail blocked my view of the book. The underlying message is about being your own person—a powerful lesson for kids today.

Zoom!  is another of my son’s favorite Munsch books. The little girl in the book is searching for a new wheelchair and isn’t satisfied until she finds the fastest one available. What I love about this book isn’t just the abundance of absurd humor; it’s that having a character in a wheelchair is presented as the norm. There’s no lengthy explanation about why she uses a wheelchair, and there’s nothing preachy about disabilities. While I believe it’s essential to have books that explain disabilities and promote understanding, it is equally important to have stories like this one, where disabilities are seamlessly integrated into the narrative.

A Family Is A Family Is A Family by Sara O’Leary is a fantastic all-about-me book because families are part of who we are! This book begins with a child who feels nervous about discussing their family because it is different from others. However, as the students share what makes their families unique, the child realizes that all families are different, but they are still families. I love how the children describe their families in ways that move beyond the labels most adults would typically use. For instance, one illustration labels a same-sex family as, “Both my moms are terrible singers,” rather than just stating, “I have two moms.” This approach is not only more inclusive but also feels more authentic. The book features a variety of family structures, including same-sex parents, single parents, large families, families with a new baby, interracial families, families with divorced parents, families with foster children, and many others.

The Boy & The Bindi by Vivek Shraya is a beautiful book about a little boy who is very curious about his mom’s bindi. Traditionally a bindi is worn by Hindu and Jain women and girls, but not boys or men. But his mom sees that he is curious and gives him his own, and it awakens his sense of self and helps him express who he is. While this book doesn’t speak specifically of gender issues, the author is a transgender woman, and in many ways, this book reminds me of Julien dressing as a mermaid. It pushes gender norms and forces readers to see that being yourself doesn’t always fit into specific pre-made boxes.

The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires isn’t really about a specific magnificent thing; it’s about the magnificent process of creating, which requires a certain level of resilience. This story emphasizes the journey of creation, and my favorite aspect of it is the idea of failure. While making amazing things is exciting, the path to achieving them isn’t always easy. This book addresses the concept that failing and trying again are essential parts of the creative process in a fun way with engaging illustrations that will delight readers.

The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do by Ashley Spires is a realistic look at how it feels to be too afraid to try something our friends think is not a big deal. Lou can’t climb the tree, but her friends are like tree climbing ninjas and have no fear and way better tree climbing skills than Lou. So like most of us, she makes excuses… but not forever. By the end of the book, that seed of resilience takes root and she tries over and over. But she hasn’t succeeded yet and I love that the book ends before she does.

Hungry Bird by Jeremy Tankard is a class favorite! My students love it because it’s funny, and I appreciate it for its educational value. The story teaches that different animals, even those living in the same habitat, have different diets. In the story, Bird goes on a hike with some of his forest friends but becomes very hungry because he hasn’t packed a snack. As they offer him food they enjoy, Bird keeps turning his nose up at their suggestions. I won’t spoil the ending, but this is a must-read for your class—trust me!

Suki’s Kimono by Chieri Uegaki has been on my shelf at home and in my classroom for years. I really love this book; the message is fantastic! Suki adores her kimono, and she doesn’t care that her sisters think it’s not cool to wear it to school. Her grandma gave it to her, and that makes it special. I appreciate that Suki is portrayed as confident but not entirely sure of herself, which allows readers to connect with her. It reminds us of those times when we put up a brave front even when we feel uncertain inside. It’s a lovely book!

Scaredy Squirrel at  Night by Melanie Watt. This book about Scaredy Squirrel is truly enjoyable. His amusing anxiety, habit of pretending to be dead, and comical expressions always make me laugh when I read about him. The story is especially relevant for many young children who struggle with nighttime anxiety. I expected a humorous read, but I found it to be both heartfelt and informative about overcoming fears. When I first read it as a new parent, the sections on sleep deprivation really resonated with me. I always appreciate it when I can enjoy a picture book as much as the children I am reading it to can.

Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend by Melanie Watt is hilarious! I laughed out loud from start to finish! When I first read it to my then-18-month-old son he didn’t understand the humor but found my laughter amusing. Older preschoolers will likely grasp most of the jokes and, like my son, will enjoy the illustrations. My favorite line appears in very small print on the inside cover: “*Caution: this story is not suitable for walruses.” That made me laugh so much! Beyond the dry humor, the book follows an anxious squirrel searching for a friend—one that is safe and won’t bite. The underlying message is about taking risks, which kids will definitely understand. I absolutely love this book! Edited for 2025 – my PreK students love this book, and it’s become a staple for me when I teach about friendship, which is daily!

Need preschool activity ideas to go with these books?

If you like my ideas of small group games and activities for preschool & preK; My newest book, Everyday Preschool In The Classroom is exactly what you need. It’s packed with simple and effective activities you can throw together, and you can rest in knowing these are tried-and-true lessons that work! Find it on Amazon here. For those of you choosing not to support big retailers, I have a PDF of this book that I can sell to you directly.