Orca Echoes

Elsie is about to have puppies, and Elizabeth is going to help. Her grandmother shows her exactly how to make the den for the dog and how to be ready when the puppies come out. After they are born, Elizabeth helps Elsie care for them. Most important of all, though, she helps her grandmother find just the right home for each, especially the very last one.

In this illustrated chapter book, twins Henry and Allie buy their mom a pair of headphones for her work-from-home meetings, but they soon discover something much better: an empty room in the basement that they can fix up just for her. Henry and Allie need a solution to their mom's online meetings-fast! Can Allie and Henry help their mom and get their apartment back at the same time? Twins Henry and Allie love the apartment they share with their mom, Sam, but their space has been feeling cramped ever since Sam started working from home. Her online meetings mean the siblings can barely use the living room! At first, Allie and Henry figure out a quick fix-buying their mom some headphones. But when Allie stumbles upon a secret locked room in the basement, she and Henry ask the custodian, Mr. Jeff, for his help to turn it into an office. As they work away, the twins make new discoveries about themselves, Mr. Jeff and their amazing apartment building's history. They can't wait to show their mom her new workspace! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible. Key Selling Points • The Secret Office shows how self-sufficient kids can be, as Allie and Henry use their problem-solving smarts throughout; the real-world setting will help empower readers to take on their own projects. • Reflects the contemporary reality of many adults working from home, and its setting in an apartment building will be refreshingly relatable to many. • Sara Cassidy's children's books include finalists for the Governor General's Literary Award in Young People's Literature, the Chocolate Lily Award, the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award, the Diamond Willow Award and the Silver Birch Express Award. Her book Genius Jolene won the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize. • There are 25 black-and-white illustrations throughout. • Part of the Orca Echoes series of early chapter books with character-building themes and curriculum tie-ins. Sara Cassidy is a writer and editor. She is the author of 17 children's books, including Genius Jolene, winner of the Sheila A. Egoff Children's Literature Prize, and Nevers, which was shortlisted for the Governor General's Literary Award. Her books have been nominated for numerous awards, including the Silver Birch Express Award, the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award, the Rocky Mountain Book Award and the Chocolate Lily Award. Sara also writes nonfiction and poetry for adults and works in communications for the BC Ministry of Health. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia. Alyssa Hutchings is an educator and illustrator based in Guelph, Ontario. She holds a BA in French studies and fine arts from the University of Waterloo and a BEd from Queen's University. Her art style is whimsical and bright, and she strives to depict a sense of adventure in everyday life. When not making art, you can find her experimenting with vegan cooking and baking, sewing her own clothes, reading comics and manga, and playing board games with her husband. Orca Echoes are lively, entertaining short chapter books aimed at readers between ages six and eight. These popular classroom favorites are well suited for social responsibility, growth mindset and character-building programs. "A capable pair of siblings show initiative and perseverance as they help their mother and themselves. A gently told, wholesome adventure in apartment living."

All the kids at Alpine Elementary School love the Fart Face book series, and Drita is their newest fan. She and her fellow library helper, Josh, even start the Fart Face Fan Club. But when parents get a whiff of the books' "toilet talk," they wonder if the books are appropriate for their children. In response, the school decides to take the Fart Face books off the library shelves. Drita and Josh know this isn't fair, so they resolve to save their favorite series. Drita hatches a plan to prove that the Fart Face books offer more than just fart jokes-they encourage scientific learning and a love of reading. Key Selling Points • When parents get wind of the Fart Face books and their "toilet talk," Drita's school takes them off library shelves-but Drita, with help from her friends Josh and Aisha, is determined to get them back. • In a funny and light way, this book takes on the issue of book banning, especially of kids' books, and shows that kids can handle challenging (or, in this case, goofy) content, and that as silly as some books may be, they encourage further reading and learning. • Readers will delight in the "toilet talk" throughout the book as they learn about the fictitious Fart Face book series, with its eponymous hero as well as Poo Poo Poodle and the villain Barfbeard. • Encourages creative problem-solving, as Drita and her friends have to devise ways of resolving the book ban. • Illustrator Alyssa Waterbury creates not just the world of Drita's school but also, in a separate style, some hilarious illustrations from the Fart Face series. • Authors Jeff Szpirglas and Danielle Saint-Onge have worked together on previous Echoes, including Shark Bait! and Super Switch. • This book is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Danielle Saint-Onge is an early reading specialist for young students and also works as an abstract painter. Danielle is the co-author, with Jeff Szpirglas, of the Orca Echoes titles Messy Miranda, X Marks the Spot, Something's Fishy, Shark Bait! and Super Switch. She lives with her family in Kitchener, Ontario. Jeff Szpirglas is the author of several works for young people, including the horror collections Tales from Beyond the Brain, Tales from the Fringes of Fear and most recently, the Book of Screams series. He is also the co-author, with Danielle Saint-Onge, of a number of Orca Echoes titles, including Shark Bait!, X Marks the Spot and Super Switch. Jeff has worked at CTV and was an editor at Chirp, Chickadee and Owl magazines. In his spare time, he teaches grade school. Jeff lives with his family in Kitchener, Ontario. Alyssa Waterbury is an illustrator from London, Ontario. Her first published illustrations appeared in Brooke Carter's Ghost Girl, which was named an honour book at the Forest of Reading program's 2025 Silver Birch Express Awards. Orca Echoes are lively, entertaining short chapter books aimed at readers between ages six and eight. These popular classroom favorites are well suited for social responsibility, growth mindset and character-building programs. The Fart Face books are causing a big stink! "Humorously approaches the topic of book banning. Presents kid characters stepping up and taking charge as they exercise their agency and right to protest in an affirming novel that recalls the charm of Captain Underpants."

Nine-year-old Andrew's parents run an animal rescue center from their home. When they get a call about a wolf hit by a vehicle, they rush to the scene to find the wolf's three orphaned wolf pups. The pups are unable to survive on their own, and the family brings them home to care for them. Andrew forms a strong bond with the pups, feeding them and even sleeping outside their pen so they feel less scared. He promises to do everything he can so the pups can be re-released into the wild. With the help of a local trapper, Andrew and his family locate the pups' old den and leave a blanket with their scent to help the pack remember them. Soon the pups are old enough for release. Even though Andrew wants them to be free, it's hard to let them go. He will miss them, but this was always the plan: for the wolves to get back to their wilderness home and rejoin their pack. Praise for Eric Walters: ★"A profound, realistic story of a multiracial family...This brilliantly written tale is a lovely introduction to the important topics of wildfires and animal sanctuaries for young readers. Great for animal lovers and children curious about nature."-School Library Journal, starred review for Bear in the Family Key Selling Points • A boy and his family, who run a wildlife rescue center from their home, take in three orphaned wolf pups and help raise them until they're ready to go back to their pack. • Teaches kids about respect for animals and how human incursion into their habitats puts them at risk, with a focus on what people can do to help. • A fun combination of nonfiction elements (with interesting facts about wolves and wolf packs) and the wish fulfillment of a kid getting to take care of three adorable wolf pups. • Emphasizes the main character's compassion for and bond with the wolves, yet also how important it is to return them to the wild. • Olga Barinova's inviting artwork finds a perfect balance between the details of the animals and environment and the warmth of an early chapter book, with plenty of action and fun. • As he explains in an author's note, Eric Walters based this story on a tale he wrote when he was in fifth grade, which started him on the path to writing. In this partially illustrated early chapter book, Andrew and his parents rescue three orphaned wolf pups who can't survive on their own. Andrew befriends the pups and helps take care of them at his parents' wildlife rehabilitation center until they can be released back into the wild. Eric Walters is a Member of the Order of Canada and the author of over 130 books that have collectively won more than 100 awards, including the Governor General's Literary Award for The King of Jam Sandwiches. A former teacher, Eric began writing as a way to get his fifth-grade students interested in reading and writing. Eric is a tireless presenter, speaking to over one hundred thousand students per year in schools across the country. He lives in Guelph, Ontario. Olga Barinova is an award-winning children's book illustrator based in Calgary, Alberta. Olga has a design degree from the Alberta University of the Arts and over six years of experience as an illustrator. Her chosen medium is digital, but she strives to give her artwork a traditional look inspired by materials like gouache and color pencils. She has illustrated Maxy Survives the Hurricane, Buckle Up, Let's Celebrate Halloween and the Day of the Dead and Bear in the Family. Three wolf pups need their help! "Walters offers smooth pacing and the seamless integration of teaching moments. This enthralling book will capture hearts of animals lovers who will be rooting for the successful release of the wolf pups. Recommended for collections seeking fresh, nature-centered stories."

All the kids at Alpine Elementary School love the Fart Face book series, and Drita is their newest fan. She and her fellow library helper, Josh, even start the Fart Face Fan Club. But when parents get a whiff of the books' "toilet talk," they wonder if the books are appropriate for their children. In response, the school decides to take the Fart Face books off the library shelves. Drita and Josh know this isn't fair, so they resolve to save their favorite series. Drita hatches a plan to prove that the Fart Face books offer more than just fart jokes-they encourage scientific learning and a love of reading. Key Selling Points • When parents get wind of the Fart Face books and their "toilet talk," Drita's school takes them off library shelves-but Drita, with help from her friends Josh and Aisha, is determined to get them back. • In a funny and light way, this book takes on the issue of book banning, especially of kids' books, and shows that kids can handle challenging (or, in this case, goofy) content, and that as silly as some books may be, they encourage further reading and learning. • Readers will delight in the "toilet talk" throughout the book as they learn about the fictitious Fart Face book series, with its eponymous hero as well as Poo Poo Poodle and the villain Barfbeard. • Encourages creative problem-solving, as Drita and her friends have to devise ways of resolving the book ban. • Illustrator Alyssa Waterbury creates not just the world of Drita's school but also, in a separate style, some hilarious illustrations from the Fart Face series. • Authors Jeff Szpirglas and Danielle Saint-Onge have worked together on previous Echoes, including Shark Bait! and Super Switch. • This book is a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection. Danielle Saint-Onge is an early reading specialist for young students and also works as an abstract painter. Danielle is the co-author, with Jeff Szpirglas, of the Orca Echoes titles Messy Miranda, X Marks the Spot, Something's Fishy, Shark Bait! and Super Switch. She lives with her family in Kitchener, Ontario. Jeff Szpirglas is the author of several works for young people, including the horror collections Tales from Beyond the Brain, Tales from the Fringes of Fear and most recently, the Book of Screams series. He is also the co-author, with Danielle Saint-Onge, of a number of Orca Echoes titles, including Shark Bait!, X Marks the Spot and Super Switch. Jeff has worked at CTV and was an editor at Chirp, Chickadee and Owl magazines. In his spare time, he teaches grade school. Jeff lives with his family in Kitchener, Ontario. Alyssa Waterbury is an illustrator from London, Ontario. Her first published illustrations appeared in Brooke Carter's Ghost Girl, which was named an honour book at the Forest of Reading program's 2025 Silver Birch Express Awards. Orca Echoes are lively, entertaining short chapter books aimed at readers between ages six and eight. These popular classroom favorites are well suited for social responsibility, growth mindset and character-building programs. The Fart Face books are causing a big stink! "Humorously approaches the topic of book banning. Presents kid characters stepping up and taking charge as they exercise their agency and right to protest in an affirming novel that recalls the charm of Captain Underpants."

Nine-year-old Andrew's parents run an animal rescue center from their home. When they get a call about a wolf hit by a vehicle, they rush to the scene to find the wolf's three orphaned wolf pups. The pups are unable to survive on their own, and the family brings them home to care for them. Andrew forms a strong bond with the pups, feeding them and even sleeping outside their pen so they feel less scared. He promises to do everything he can so the pups can be re-released into the wild. With the help of a local trapper, Andrew and his family locate the pups' old den and leave a blanket with their scent to help the pack remember them. Soon the pups are old enough for release. Even though Andrew wants them to be free, it's hard to let them go. He will miss them, but this was always the plan: for the wolves to get back to their wilderness home and rejoin their pack. Praise for Eric Walters: ★"A profound, realistic story of a multiracial family...This brilliantly written tale is a lovely introduction to the important topics of wildfires and animal sanctuaries for young readers. Great for animal lovers and children curious about nature."-School Library Journal, starred review for Bear in the Family Key Selling Points • A boy and his family, who run a wildlife rescue center from their home, take in three orphaned wolf pups and help raise them until they're ready to go back to their pack. • Teaches kids about respect for animals and how human incursion into their habitats puts them at risk, with a focus on what people can do to help. • A fun combination of nonfiction elements (with interesting facts about wolves and wolf packs) and the wish fulfillment of a kid getting to take care of three adorable wolf pups. • Emphasizes the main character's compassion for and bond with the wolves, yet also how important it is to return them to the wild. • Olga Barinova's inviting artwork finds a perfect balance between the details of the animals and environment and the warmth of an early chapter book, with plenty of action and fun. • As he explains in an author's note, Eric Walters based this story on a tale he wrote when he was in fifth grade, which started him on the path to writing. In this partially illustrated early chapter book, Andrew and his parents rescue three orphaned wolf pups who can't survive on their own. Andrew befriends the pups and helps take care of them at his parents' wildlife rehabilitation center until they can be released back into the wild. Eric Walters is a Member of the Order of Canada and the author of over 130 books that have collectively won more than 100 awards, including the Governor General's Literary Award for The King of Jam Sandwiches. A former teacher, Eric began writing as a way to get his fifth-grade students interested in reading and writing. Eric is a tireless presenter, speaking to over one hundred thousand students per year in schools across the country. He lives in Guelph, Ontario. Olga Barinova is an award-winning children's book illustrator based in Calgary, Alberta. Olga has a design degree from the Alberta University of the Arts and over six years of experience as an illustrator. Her chosen medium is digital, but she strives to give her artwork a traditional look inspired by materials like gouache and color pencils. She has illustrated Maxy Survives the Hurricane, Buckle Up, Let's Celebrate Halloween and the Day of the Dead and Bear in the Family. Three wolf pups need their help! "Walters offers smooth pacing and the seamless integration of teaching moments. This enthralling book will capture hearts of animals lovers who will be rooting for the successful release of the wolf pups. Recommended for collections seeking fresh, nature-centered stories."

Key Selling Points • Eight-year-old twins turned private investigators are the main characters in this original and amusing series. • The main character struggles with dyslexia but demonstrates various tricks throughout the story that she uses to work with her learning disability. • The latest in the Lark Ba detective series, Lark Goes the Distance showcases teamwork and strategy, telling the truth, forgiveness and empathy. • Books that include incidental neurodiversity and racial diversity (their family is Korean and Kenyan) continue to be in high demand, and the fact that Lark is not only dyslexic but that each book contains new vocab words she's learning is a real draw for teachers and young readers. • Using a dyslexia-friendly font, the book introduces readers to idioms and advanced vocabulary via Lark's point of view and includes a section at the end that explains the words and figures of speech used. • Fast-paced plots, child-friendly intrigue, accessible language and short chapters featuring black-and-white illustrations make this series perfect for emergent readers. In this illustrated early chapter book, super sleuths Lark and Connor Ba must investigate a threatening note and stolen watch while they are helping set up for the Run in the Sun fundraiser. The clock is ticking for Lark and Connor to solve this case! Kate's watch has been stolen! Lark and Connor Ba are off to the park to set up for the Run in the Sun fundraiser. But trouble is brewing: Their friend Kate's heirloom watch has been stolen! The thief left a note of warning-she must drop out of the race, or she'll never see the watch again. Everyone knows how important this race is to Kate, especially her little sister Nola, who has seen how much she's trained for it. Lark, Connor and their friends interview people around the course and try to find the culprit. There are several people with motives, including Timothy, who's super competitive, and even Kate herself, whose time in the race hasn't been as good as she'd hoped. They have only until 3:00 pm to find the culprit or Kate might lose her watch forever. Includes bonus material, as Lark shares the meanings behind her favorite words and idioms from the story. Lark Goes the Distance is the seventh title in the Lark Ba Detective series, following Lark Steals the Show, Lark Has the Shivers, Lark and the Dessert Disaster, Lark Takes a Bow, Lark and the Diamond Caper and Lark Holds the Key. The Lark Ba Detective series features a pair of plucky eight-year-old twins turned private investigators. Accessible language, short chapters and eye-catching illustrations make the Lark Ba series the perfect choice for mystery-minded emergent readers in your life. Natasha Deen loves stories-exciting ones, scary ones and, especially, funny ones! As a kid of two countries (Guyana and Canada), she feels extra lucky because she gets a double dose of stories. Natasha is the author of many books, including the Lark Ba Detective series in the Orca Echoes line, Depth of Field in the Orca Soundings line and In the Key of Nira Ghani, which won the Amy Mathers Teen Book Award and was nominated for the Red Maple, Manitoba Young Readers' Choice and R. Ross Arnett Awards. She is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. Natasha lives in Edmonton. Marcus Cutler is a freelance children's illustrator whose work has appeared in magazines, books, apps and more. He has worked with a variety of clients, including Chickadee Magazine, OWL Magazine, Macmillan Publishers and Parks Canada, and he is the illustrator of the Lark and Connor Ba Detective series, The Owl and the Two Rabbits and The Walrus and the Caribou. Marcus lives in Tecumseh, Ontario

When Kyle finds a young dog almost drowned in a heap of seaweed on the beach, he claims the dog as his own and is happy for the first time in a while. He knows that his dog loves him, but whenever they walk on the beach, the dog swims out to sea and doesn't come back until Kyle calls and calls. Then one day, they run into an old man and it turns out that the dog may not belong to Kyle alone.

Birthdays, hiccups, swim lessons, summer holidays-growing up is fun! This is the second collection of stories about Bruno, an imaginative boy with a humorous personality. Seven-year-old Bruno is back and tackling problems with his trademark originality. He defeats hiccups. He trades his mother for a new hat. He skillfully avoids math. And thanks to his special Flutter Kick, he easily advances to the next level-in swimming and in life! Bruno is ready for any challenge as he learns all there is to know about being a boy. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible. Told with humor and originality, this early chapter book series tells the adventures of seven-year-old Bruno as he uses his vivid imagination to tackle problems with his trademark originality. "Young readers will enjoy Bruno's funny stories, short chapters and cartoon illustrations." "Bruno has so much personality he almost leaps off the page, and the energy of the book marches its main character. Bruno's hijinks are entertaining and true to life, with every chapter acting as a fast-paced, self-contained story...Highly recommended." "With a teacher who turns any conversation into a math lesson, Bruno tackles daily life with a great sense of humor and originality. Cartoonish pen and ink drawing complement the silly tone and create an appealing transitional chapter book." "Where did you get that funny hat?" Mom asked him. "I swapped for it," Bruno told her. Dad looked proud. "Did you? What did you swap?" "I swapped Mom." Mom put down her fork. Her face turned white. "Don't worry," Bruno told her. "I got you back." Dad said, "Thank goodness! I like your mother." "Me too," said Bruno. "I like her so much I swapped my plastic teeth to get her back again." In Bruno for Real, the sequel to I, Bruno, award-winning author Caroline Adderson shares more of Bruno's really real adventures. Caroline lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband and the son who lied to her when he said he'd always be seven.

Nell makes two wishes on her birthday, but the next day they show little sign of coming true. Everyone in her household is busy and wants her out from underfoot and no one is willing to help her find her lost cat. In the end she finds more than a cat and she makes her own wishes come true with the help of a row of tall, bright, smiling sunflowers.

Bad weather, bugs, and boredom-DJ and the boys in Camp Lots-o-Fun's cabin six are starting to call it Camp Not-so-Fun. To make matters worse, one of the boys has it in for DJ. But DJ isn't about to let that bother him. His lively imagination and wit ensure there's never a dull moment. A bear in the woods, monsters in the lake, and a hermit's ghost make for a week at summer camp that none of the boys in cabin six will soon forget.

When an osprey nest atop an electrical pole catches fire, the whole town of Waterton loses power. Being a park warden's daughter, Jenna (whom everyone calls Cricket) is there at the scene, where she finds three abandoned baby ospreys. Caring for the chicks proves to be challenging for Cricket. The birds are noisy, hungry and very picky eaters. But when she discovers that the power company is building a new anti-nesting device on the electrical pole, Cricket has an even bigger problem. How will she reunite the baby birds with their parents without a place for them to build a nest?

Beatrice More is no average third-grader. She is a list-making, hyperorganized perfectionist whose laid-back parents and messy little sister consistently frustrate her high standards. And when a new house, a new neighborhood and new friends are thrown into the mix, Beatrice sends the family into a comic tailspin, all in the name of "professionalism." Despite her most feverish organizational efforts, Beatrice ultimately discovers that some of the best experiences are the ones you can't control.

Just when Josh starts to think his break from school is going to be all chores and no cheer, his best friend, Mark, invites him to spend their break helping restore a historic home and mill in Oregon. With the help of their friends Angela and Mary Jane, and under the watchful eye of Aunt Sue and Uncle Doug, the kids spend weeks fixing up the grounds, basking in the freedom of country life, and learning about the surrounding area. Not to mention eating bugs, domesticating feral cats, and starring in a movie! But it's not all fun and filming. The mill is in financial trouble, and the kids have to figure out a way to help Aunt Sue and Uncle Doug keep it running, in spite of it being haunted. Ghost of the Mill House follows Bus to the Badlands, where we first met Josh and his classmates.

Googol and Googolplex are back from space, ready to continue their scavenger hunt. Pippa and Troy are eager to help, but runaway bulls and disappearing rainbows make their task difficult. And dangerous! Over the Rainbow with Googol and Googolplex is the third book in the Googol and Googolplex series. Book one is Down the Chimney with Googol and Googolplex. Book two is Under the Sea with Googol and Googolplex.

Googol and Googolplex are on a mission to learn about Earth by collecting a number of items including a blackbirdís song, snowballs and a chocolate bar. Pippa and Troy are happy to help, especially when they get to ride to the North Pole in a spaceship. But when they return, Martin, the bully next-door, sees something that he shouldn't.

Eleven-year-old Charlie Dembinski knows how to make his group project for science class an organized and informative success. Unfortunately for Charlie, his (reluctant) best friend, Amy Ma, would rather it be interesting, fun and just a bit gross. And, their other partner, Jenna Yee, is too worried about why her puppy, Diesel, keeps attacking her mom to think about their project. Luckily for Jenna, Charlie's mom is a veterinarian, and Amy and Charlie are keen to help figure out what Diesel's problem is. What the three classmates don't realize is that Diesel isn't trying to hurt anyone. Just the opposite in fact: Diesel is trying to save someone! But, will the kids figure out what he's trying to tell them before Diesel's behavior becomes too much to handle?

Meet Bagels Bernstein-backflipper, jig dancer and escape artist extraordinaire. Josh learns just how much work a puppy can be when he adopts Bagels. When eight-year-old Josh and his family adopt an energetic puppy with a big personality and a talent for escaping, everyone is sure that obedience school will teach him good manners. But Bagels turns out to be a bigger handful than anyone predicted. He gets into the laundry, the groceries and the neighbor's koi pond. He even gets expelled from obedience school. Josh and his little sister, Becky, are worried that if Bagels doesn't shape up, their parents will send him back to the shelter. Can Bagels redeem himself before it's too late? "Whimsical and humourous. The crazy adventures that Bagels gets into are close enough to reality that many dog-owning adults will be able to relate to this book as well...Readers will be left with the feeling of fun and mischief that only owning a dog can bring...The illustrations are funny and worth having a good long look at as you read." "This lively, easy to read novel will certainly attract the young reader's interest. Filled with humourous puppy antics as well as a sly cat in the background, this story is highly entertaining and fun. Included also in the story are some valuable messages for young readers, such as adopting a dog from a rescue shelter, and making sure that it is well looked after...A good read-aloud for the classroom, this short tale should promote lively discussion and more stories." "Accented with delightful illustrations that children will love. Pet owners will be able to relate to Bagels' mishaps." "Josh is eight when his family decides to adopt a dog in order to round out the pet names in their home. They already have a fish named Lox and a cat named Cream Cheese so, of course, they need a dog named Bagels!..Family relationships and pet responsibility themes are explored in this story...Bagels' escapades are fun to read about." "A hilarious story that will greatly amuse young readers." "This engaging, entertaining and exciting story provides a lesson in how difficult it can be to take care of a dog. The value of tza'ar ba'alei chayim (proper treatment of animals) can certainly be reinforced by educators and parents while reading this tale." "A fast-paced, funny story, perfect for first grade readers transitioning to a slightly longer, beginning chapter book. It will keep a young reader's interest-in fact, even adults can become entranced…A great book!"

Jake, Tommy and Lexie are on a ski trip. In an attempt to squeeze one last run in for the day, the kids head out on their own to ski down Easy Street. But Lexie and Jake convince Tommy to try Wildcat Run instead. Wildcat Run presents the young skiers with more than they expect, including a cougar sighting. When Lexie has a bad fall, the kids are left stranded on the hill in the fading daylight. Will they be rescued or will they have to spend the night alone on the mountain with a cougar?

Lark and Connor are ready for a sunny day at the splash pad when their halmoni (grandmother) gets a call from her friend Miss June. Miss June's handmade quilt has been stolen right from her backyard-and on the day of the quilt show! Lark and Connor set aside their plans to help find the culprit. After scouring the crime scene, they gather their friends from the splash pad and head to the quilt show to interview suspects. Lark and Connor will have to follow the loose threads to discover who stole Miss June's quilt...and try to get it back before the show is over. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible. Key Selling Points • On the day of the quilt show, Halmoni's friend June has her newly finished quilt stolen-but eight-year-old twins Lark and Connor are determined to help her find the culprit and return the quilt before the show is over. • Books that include incidental neurodiversity and racial diversity (their family is Korean and Kenyan) continue to be in high demand, and the fact that Lark is not only dyslexic but that each book contains new vocab words she's learning is a real draw for teachers and young readers. • As it's centred on a local quilt show, the book showcases how diverse the quilt-making community can be (including people of different ages and genders), and will spark an appreciation for quilts in kid readers. • Central character Miss June uses a wheelchair and has a service dog, Daisy, which are incidental to the plot; Lark mentions a helpful tip about not petting service dogs while they're wearing their service dog harnesses. • Using a dyslexia-friendly font, the book introduces readers to idioms and advanced vocabulary via Lark's point of view and includes a section at the end that explains the words and figures of speech used. • Fast-paced plots, child-friendly intrigue, accessible language and short chapters featuring black-and-white illustrations make this series perfect for emergent readers. In this early chapter book, Lark and Connor help their halmoni's friend Miss June try to find out who stole her quilt and get it back in time to display it at the local quilt show. Natasha Deen loves stories-exciting ones, scary ones and, especially, funny ones! As a kid of two countries (Guyana and Canada), she feels extra lucky because she gets a double dose of stories. Natasha is the author of many books including the Lark Ba Detective series in the Orca Echoes line, Depth of Field in the Orca Soundings line and In the Key of Nira Ghani which won the Amy Mathers Book Award and was nominated for the Red Maple, MYRCA and R. Ross Arnett Awards. She is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. Natasha lives in Edmonton. Marcus Cutler is a freelance children's illustrator whose work has appeared in magazines, books, apps and more. He has worked with a variety of clients, including Chickadee Magazine, OWL Magazine, Macmillan Publishers and Parks Canada, and he is the illustrator of the Lark Ba Detective series, The Owl and the Two Rabbits and The Walrus and the Caribou. Marcus lives in Tecumseh, Ontario. Lively, entertaining short chapter books aimed at readers between ages seven and nine. These popular classroom favorites are well suited for social responsibility and character-building programs. Can Lark and Connor stitch together the case of the missing quilt? Lark and Connor are ready for a sunny day at the splash pad when their halmoni (grandmother) gets a call from her friend June. June's handmade quilt has been stolen right from her backyard...and on the day of the quilt show! Lark and Connor follow the loose threads to discover who took June's quilt and try to get it back before the show is over. Can Lark and Connor stitch together the case of the missing quilt?

When eight-year-old Josh and his family adopt an energetic puppy with a big personality and a talent for escaping, everyone is sure that obedience school will teach him good manners. But Bagels turns out to be a bigger handful than anyone predicted. He gets into the laundry, the groceries, and the neighbor's koi pond. He even gets expelled from obedience school. Josh and his little sister, Becky, are worried that if Bagels doesn't shape up, their parents will send him back to the shelter. Can Bagels redeem himself before it's too late?

At the end of The True Story of George, George, a small plastic man, went for a ride on a rocket and flew apart. Now, with Katie and Mackenzie's help, all his parts must find each other. But his head has been frozen deep in a bag of blackberries. Will he ever be whole again? George Most Wantedis the second of three books in the George series. Book one is The True Story of George Book three is George, the Best of All!

Filip, the ten-year-old son of Croatian immigrants, lives in a boring suburb of the big city, where he passes his time either at school or in his cozy kitchen, googling everything from dinosaurs to the Hubble Space Telescope. When his favorite uncle gets sick, Filip turns to Google for answers. Instead he receives a visit from the Great Googlini, a tiny woman in Converse sneakers who swirls out of the computer vents. She's not really a genie, she explains: "I'm more of an archivist." Her visit is a little bit of magic that lets Filip see the magic all around him. Ultimately about the things we can know and the things we can't, this is a smart, touching, funny chapter book about growing up, braving tough times and looking for answers.

When eight-year-old Kiara discovers that her recently deceased grandmother left her a genie, trapped in a bottle of garam-masala, she's elated. She'll be a modern-day Aladdin and have someone to do her bidding. And, Kiara could really use a little magic. Third grade is just about to start and she's spent the summer worried about being in class with Matt, a bully who seems to have nothing else to do but make Kiara and her best friend Bai's lives miserable. Unfortunately, the genie has decided he's on vacation after working for ten thousand years and is looking for someone to do his bidding. A battle of wills ensues, and Kiara realizes that you don't really need magic to solve your problems.

I'm Brianna Ross. And what I love is: • Kicking leaves. • Digging soft sand. • Helping others. What I don't love is: • Having zero friends in my class. • Getting in trouble every single day. • Being called Brianna Banana. Nine-year-old Brianna struggles to fit in. She can be impulsive and distracted, and sometimes she loses her temper, but she's also thoughtful and brave and ready to be a friend. Brianna thinks that being chosen for classroom helper duty will make the other kids like her. When new girl Rumi is named Helper of the Day instead, Brianna is disappointed. But could a new friend be just around the corner?

In behind the raspberry bushes is a special place, a place Abby doesn't trust to just anyone. Then she looks through a knothole in the fence and right into a blue, blue eye. A toy tractor appears on her side of the fence and she pokes her little brother's stuffed blue monkey into the hole. The next morning she finds it with its tail ripped off. Who does the blue eye belong to?

Googol and Googolplex have come back to earth to continue their scavenger hunt. Tutus, sand dollars and peacock feathers are on their list. Luckily Troy and Pippa are ready to help, and the ocean is nearby, but so is Martin Kelly, the boy next door, who will ruin everything if he gets a chance. Under the Sea with Googol and Googoplex is the second of three books in the Googol and Googolplex series..

Googol and Googolplex are on a mission to learn about Earth by collecting a number of items including a blackbirdís song, snowballs, and a chocolate bar. Pippa and Troy are happy to help, especially when they get to ride to the North Pole in a spaceship. But when they return, Martin, the bully next-door, sees something that he shouldn't.

Googol and Googolplex have come back to earth to continue their scavenger hunt. Tutus, sand dollars, and peacock feathers are on their list. Luckily Troy and Pippa are ready to help, and the ocean is nearby, but so is Martin Kelly, the boy next door, who will ruin everything if he gets a chance.

Cricket McKay has lived in Waterton all her life, so she is surprised to discover an animal she hasn't seen before: the long-toed salamander. She finds a band of them migrating from the pond to their hibernation grounds at Crandell Mountain. Crossing the road that lies between the pond and the mountain is dangerous enough, but now a newly-constructed curb makes their journey even more challenging. Can Cricket and her friends come up with a solution to help the salamanders? Salamander Rescue is the second book featuring Cricket and friends, following Ospreys in Danger.

To Jessie and Johnny, their friendship is easy. Jessie and Johnny have been inseparable ever since Jessie moved to the small island town during summer break. But as they begin fourth grade together, the new school year gets off to a rocky start when outside pressures and differences in their home lives threaten their friendship. Jessie lives comfortably and never worries about money while Johnny lives with his father and stepmother on the reserve outside of town. With guidance from Raven and spiritual teacher, Steven, the two friends bridge the gaps between them and learn to lean on each other through family troubles and cultural differences. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible. Key Selling Points • Two friends face the fourth grade together while learning to overcome cultural prejudices. Reconciliation is exemplified by a friendship between a white child and an Indigenous child. • The authors use fictional versions of their younger selves to reimagine what it would be like if they met as children today. • Extended family is celebrated with positive relationships with a grandmother, aunties, and a cousin. • Coast Salish culture is celebrated by Johnny Aitken's own experiences and teachings. • Contains about 25 black-and-white illustrations. • An Indigenous character, who identifies as 2Spirit, acts as a role model and educator to the two friends. • Raven, a trickster and wise teacher in many Indigenous stories, guides the two friends through the story. After a young girl moves to a small island community, she and a local Indigenous boy form a strong friendship over the summer. When they begin the fourth grade together, the two find adventure while navigating the challenges and prejudices of their lives. Elder Johnny Aitken is an interdisciplinary artist, actor, writer, carver, filmmaker, activist and educator. Johnny's mixed ancestry includes Coast Salish, Scottish and Haida, and he self-identifies as a Two-Spirit First Nations individual. Johnny's twenty-foot-tall carved Honouring Figure stands in the Emma and Felix Jack Park on Mayne Island-a park named after his grandparents from the Cowichan Tribes. As a self-proclaimed "cross-cultural bridge builder," Johnny enjoys collaborating with members of both Indigenous and Settler communities and has dedicated himself to a lifetime career in creating stories that lead to a place of healing. He lives on Mayne Island, British Columbia. Jess Willows has had a long career as a teacher in the Gulf Islands School District of British Columbia. With a bachelor's and a master's degree in education, Jess is currently pursuing a PhD in Educational Psychology and Leadership Studies at the University of Victoria while also working as a sessional instructor with the teacher education program. She has been involved with professional development (PD) for teachers, offering workshops and serving as the PD Chair. Jess also works with the BC Teachers' Federation as a facilitator of the Teacher Inquiry Program and as a workshop facilitator throughout the province. She lives on Mayne Island, British Columbia. Alyssa Koski is an illustrator, animator and entrepreneur. She graduated from the Alberta College of Art and Design (now Alberta University of the Arts) with a major in Character Design. Alyssa specializes in whimsical and narrative-based illustration, following the themes of adventure, magic and belief in the impossible. She mostly works on children's books, graphic novels and short film 2D animation. She is also the curator of her grandma's traditional Blackfoot dress collection, which she showcases in museums, pop-up exhibits and fashion shows. She has a mixed heritage of Blackfoot and European ancestry and is a member of the Kainai Nation. She lives in her hometown of Okotoks with her family and many dogs. Orca Echoes are lively, entertaining short chapter books aimed at readers between ages six and eight

Puppies and people make great pairs. Elizabeth spends a summer with her grandmother preparing for the birth of puppies, caring for them, and finding just the right home for each. Elsie is about to have puppies, and Elizabeth is going to help. Her grandmother shows her exactly how to make the den for the dog and how to be ready when the puppies come out. After they are born, Elizabeth helps Elsie care for them. Most important of all, though, she helps her grandmother find just the right home for each, especially the very last one. "A Puppy is For Loving is a very strong book....Mary Labatt's intimate knowledge of raising puppies is evident in the text and the passion with which she tells this story. Highy recommended." "This story could turn any kid into a dog lover." I sat in the rocker for long hours. And I watched Elsie care for her babies. She washed them with her tongue. She lay on her side and fed them. She nudged them over on their backs to clean them... Three times a day, I put five of the puppies in the basket. Then I let the little runt feed by herself. Once a day I held her in my arms and fed her a bottle. It was special milk from the vet. The little runt got stronger every day.

In this sequel to Bagels Come Home, Josh, his younger sister, Becky, their parents and Bagels head off on a three-day trip to Sasquatch Lake. But the vacation gets off to a rocky start. The cabin is a bit more "rustic" than advertised, with a few too many holes in the roof. Then Josh starts catching glimpses of a hairy figure in the woods nearby. When household items begin disappearing, from pickles to pj's to Becky's birthday cake, the family heads out to investigate, with Bagels in the lead. Who's behind the mysterious happenings at Sasquatch Lake? And could Sasquatches be real?

★ "Reminiscent of Junie B. Jones. Well-meaning Brianna's smart narration relates her struggles coping with family upheaval, bullying, and frequent communication snafus and misunderstandings with adults as well as her yearning for a best friend. Grayscale illustrations by Ogawa evoke Raina Telgemeier vibes and bring funny scenes of this charming read by Button to vivid life."-Publishers Weekly, starred review I'm Brianna Ross. And what I love is: • Kicking leaves. • Digging soft sand. • Helping others. What I don't love is: • Having zero friends in my class. • Getting in trouble every single day. • Being called Brianna Banana. Nine-year-old Brianna struggles to fit in. She can be impulsive and distracted, and sometimes she loses her temper, but she's also thoughtful and brave and ready to be a friend. Brianna thinks that being chosen for classroom helper duty will make the other kids like her. When new girl Rumi is named Helper of the Day instead, Brianna is disappointed. But could a new friend be just around the corner? Key Selling Points • In this funny and feel-good story of friendship, Brianna Ross realizes she doesn't need a special job to make friends-she just needs to be her empathetic, spunky self and find the people who love and accept her for who she is. • Readers who have experienced big feelings, social struggles, emotional dysregulation or difficulties with attention will find Brianna a sympathetic and relatable character. Although Brianna doesn't have a diagnosis through which to understand her challenges, her family and school do their best to offer support, guidance and kindness as she navigates the everyday ins and outs of school. • Brianna comes from a lower-income family and has recently moved in with her grandmother after her parents separated and her dad moved away. She is grappling with these changes as she navigates her social struggles at school. Her new friend, Rumi, has emigrated from Japan and is adjusting to life in small-town North America. • Author Lana Button has a passion for social-emotional literacy and found inspiration for this story from her experiences as an early childhood educator and parent. • Illustrator Suharu Ogawa is Japanese Canadian and immigrated as a teenager, when her brother was around Rumi's age. She drew from reflections on her and her brother's experiences while illustrating both Brianna's and Rumi's points of view. Suharu's playful illustrations bring Brianna's unique and humorous voice to life. In this illustrated early chapter book, Brianna is convinced she will finally make a friend in her class if she is chosen to be classroom helper, but the new girl, Rumi, is picked instead. Lana Button is an early childhood educator and the author of more than a dozen books for children, including Stay My Baby, Tough Like Mum and the Kitty and Friends series. Her books have been shortlisted for the Blue Spruce Award, Shining Willow Award, IODE Jean Throop Book Award and Rainforest of Reading, and they have been recognized as Canadian Children's Book Centre's Best Books and an IBBY Outstanding Book for Young Children. Lana is a former actress who considers every read-aloud a mini performance. When not writing new stories, Lana spends her time travelling to schools and festivals to share her passion for social-emotional literacy. She lives in Burlington, Ontario. Suharu Ogawa is a Toronto-based illustrator. Her love for drawing started in a kindergarten art school after being kicked out of calligraphy class for refusing to convert to right-handedness. Formally trained in art history and cultural anthropology, she worked for several years as a university librarian until her passion for illustration called her out of that career and into the pursuit of a lifelong dream. Since then, Suharu has created illustrations for magazines, public art projects and children's books, including All Consuming, Cities: Ho

The poems in this book tell stories of animals and nature, from two sweaty hippos, a smiling lizard and some creepy crawlers to a few tricky dandelions. At the end of each poem, find out more in an interview with a key character or a list of fascinating facts.

George stood up in the saddle and waved his hand in the air. He went up and down, up and down. The lights of the night sky glittered in his eyes. He would get himself a hat. He would get himself a pair of silver spurs to match his silver saddle. He would blaze a new trail clear across the country! George is back, more popular than ever. And Katie and Mackenzie are just one step behind him. But George will have an adventure or two of his own before the three will come together again. George, the Best of All! is the third and final book in the George series.

Jake and his younger brother Tommy are on their first camping trip. While exploring in the woods on Marsh Island, they lose their way. When the boys start to feel like they're not the only ones wandering in the woods, they begin to wonder if the story their dad told them about old Alfred Marsh and his lost fortune is true.

Josh, Mark, Angela and their friends have been waiting for years to go on the class trip to Drumheller, Alberta. Now they are finally the oldest kids at Pleasant Valley grade school and can get excited about the overnight outing. But first, they have a lot of learn about what they'll see in the dinosaur capital of the world. And they have to raise money for all the pizza they are going to eat on the trip! Once they finally get going, a frightening encounter with a slithery serpent leads to an amazing discovery. One that might be even better than all-you-can-eat deep dish!

All aboard! The Bernsteins are heading off on a cruise, and Aunt Sharon offers to take care of the family pets, Lox (the fish), Creamcheese (the cat) and Bagels, an energetic puppy with a talent for escaping. Trouble is, Bagels is up to his usual disappearing act. When he turns up unexpectedly on the cruise ship, Josh and his little sister, Becky, must keep Bagels hidden. But when an onboard mystery begins to unfold involving two potential spies and a mysterious woman with a secret envelope, Bagels just might be able to help crack the case!

Jamie loves sharks. He reads about them. He talks about them. Sometimes he even pretends to be a shark. Too bad no one else wants to join his Shark Club. His peers and parents are quickly growing tired of his current obsession. When Jamie's teacher, Mr. Claxton, brings in a new class pet, Jamie is put in charge. But Jamie has an accident while feeding it, and everyone becomes upset with him. He needs to find a way to make things right. In the end, he comes up with a solution that pleases both his teacher and classmates, a solution that also gives Jamie an opportunity to share his newest obsession-lizards.

George is hardly bigger than a child's middle finger. His knees and his elbows don't bend and his legs are fused together. When Katie and Mackenzie find him at the edge of the ocean, they are unimpressed, but George keeps turning up in their lives. And what may seem ordinary to a girl and a boy can be an awesome adventure if you are six centimeters tall.

Lawrence hates being teased about his dimples, but nothing he does seems to make any difference. Joe goes right on teasing him, and the teasing gets meaner and meaner. Finally, Lawrence notices something about his friend Stewart that may provide the tool he needs to tease-proof himself once and for all.

A natural-born explorer, Leo loves to make maps and experiment with new ways of getting around the schoolyard. But explorers sometimes get sidetracked, which can lead to getting in trouble. When Leo's teacher, Mr. Chang, announces he'll be giving out an award for responsibility, Leo is determined to redeem himself. The upcoming class field trip to the woods seems like the perfect opportunity. He'll get to use his handy compass watch and show Mr. Chang he can be extra-responsible! But when two of Leo's classmates wander out of bounds, Leo is faced with a tough decision.

Sam and Nate tells the story of a developing friendship between two boys. Through letters, notes, school projects, a pregnant teacher and a substitute who has never taught children before, Sam and Nate support each other as best they can, but get into some funny scrapes while they're at it.

Lark and Connor are judges for the annual baking contest at the community center. When they arrive, they discover that someone has destroyed a contestant's entry. And not just any contestant's entry - Sophie's! Sophie is Lark's best friend (she just doesn't know it yet). The twin sleuths can't simply roll with it. To save the contest they'll have to take a whisk risk and start investigating the other contestants. With the timer ticking, Lark and Connor have to find the culprit before someone actually takes the cake.

Charlotte and her brother, Jacob, are thrilled to head off on an adventure in their grandpa's boat, The Seawind. As they set sail for Pirate Island, they look forward to a day of beachcombing, playing pirates and storytelling. There are plenty of great treasures to be found, but Charlotte, who can be very bossy, is having trouble sharing with Jacob. When Charlotte accidentally loses one of Jacob's best finds, a piece of driftwood that looks just like a pirate's cutlass, it's the final straw. Feeling horrible for upsetting her brother, Charlotte is determined to set things right.

Cyrus and Rudy spend the last days of summer selling dahlias, blackberries and tomatoes at their roadside stand. When a neighbor drops off a bin full of red wigglers, California earthworms that break down compost into fertilizer, Rudy and Cyrus become worm moguls as they discover just how in demand the Eisenia fetida are. Black Gold is the third book featuring Cyrus and Rudy's adventures on the farm, following Not for Sale and Blackberry Juice.

Reg and Keely and Burt and Shawna are back, and ready for new adventures from hunting for treasure to sledding together and building fearsome creatures in the snow.