6 Awesome Books by Canadian Indy Authors
Everyone has a story… and I admire these Canadian women for not only sharing their story but publishing it.
A is for Alphabet
by Jessie Thiessen
I first discovered these books at the One of a Kind Show, probably three years ago now. I got to meet Jessie Thiessen of Winnipeg, Manitoba in person. I can tell you that she is just as lovely in real life as her brand, "Small Jane Kids", where she illustrates stories that inspires little imaginations to explore the beauty of nature. Jessie is so talented - every page of this book is frame worthy. The ABCs have never been so much fun, filled with silly alliterations and adorable characters.
Angus: Superhero Extraordinaire
written by Danielle de Pass
illustrated by Jenica Goertz
Danielle de Pass is a writer, teacher, and mama (to four!) who lives in London, Ontario, Canada. When her third child was born with cerebral palsy, family life became both completely unpredictable and wonderfully extraordinary. She wrote this adorable book about Angus, who isn’t like any other ordinary boy, he’s a superhero! Angus sets off to save people in need of saving, or at least he’s going to try.
Once Upon a Pandemic
Written by Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe
Illustrated by: Anna Despina Koprantzelas
I was SO excited when this book was first announced. Having been pregnant during the pandemic and giving birth right in the thick of everything in May 2020, The Pandemic Pregnancy Guide Instagram page was my go-to. Dr. Sheila along with a few of her colleagues from St. Mike’s Hospital in Toronto were sharing so much reliable guidance and knowledge. Once Upon a Pandemic was inspired by the strength and resilience of parents-to-be during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Sheila was on maternity leave with her newborn when the pandemic started so as a parent, she saw firsthand how raising a newborn (and toddler) during a pandemic was challenging, to say the least! This book is so beautifully illustrated, filled with heartwarming words. It is a hopeful account of being pregnant during the pandemic to share with their growing child and to remember this not only as a time of fear but as a time that demonstrated their resilience and love.
AVERY ASKS - Where is Everyone going?
by Andrea Lowe
illustrated by Harriet Taylor
Last month, Andrea from Vancouver, British Columbia, mama to two beautiful daughters (Avery and her sister) reached out to me and told me about her book - Avery Asks: Where is Everyone Going? Her book is inspired by her very curious daughter and all of her questions. This resonated with me, as my son is currently questioning EVERYTHING right now. He is so curious! I love how Andrea turned the concept of answering life's simple questions into a beautiful story. We instantly read it three times in a row. Again. Again! You never know where a simple question might take your imagination. Where is everyone going? The possibilities are endless and the answers open up a whole world to explore.
I AM. Magical ME!
by Sarah Kraftchuk
ILLusrated by sari richter
I AM. Magical ME! a sweet rhyming book that takes us through our senses exploring a range of feelings written by Sarah who is a mindfulness coach in Toronto, Canada.
A colourful, diverse, and inclusive book about self-love and recognizing that making the world a kinder place begins with being kind to oneself. I love the powerful message from Sarah’s Love To Be books.
The Tooth Troopers
by Dr. Emily Foldes
illustrated by Sari Richter
So this book quickly became a favourite in our house! We love all the adorable characters like Ellie the Tooth Explorer and Sanjay the Scaler but my son’s favourite are the sugar bugs! He literally LOLs at the sugar bugs. Dr. Emily, a dentist living and practicing in the Toronto area wrote the sweetest book about the experience at the dentist from the perspective of the dental tools. There are even certificates at the end of the book. We have been talking about the dentist way more and can’t wait for our next visit!
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#TMLbookclub