Pre-School

PRESS HERE. Hervé Tullet, $17.99

This joyful and imaginative book is an absolute delight — for kids and adults alike!


Love Waves. Rosemary Wells, $10.00

Love waves are coming your way… flying through the air, around the corner, down the street — even from around the world!


It’s a Pain to be a Princess! Carmen Gil & Daniel Montero Galan, $15.95

Rhythmic verse and bright, fantastical illustrations tell the story of a princess with the courage to be herself, rather than what others expect her to be.


I’m Bored. Michael Ian Black, illustrated by Debbie Ridpath Ohi, $19.99

Just when a little girl thinks she couldn’t possibly be more bored, she stumbles upon a potato who turns the tables on her by declaring that children are boring. But this girl isn’t going to let a vegetable tell her what’s what, so she sets out to show the unimpressed potato all the amazing things kids can do. Too bad the potato is anything but interested!


Pete the Cat: I Love My White Shoes. Eric Litwin & James Dean, $18.99

Pete the Cat goes walking down the street wearing his brand-new white shoes. Along the way, his shoes change from white to red to blue to brown to WET as he steps in piles of strawberries, blueberries, and other big messes! But no matter what color his shoes are, Pete keeps movin' and groovin' and singing his song . . . because it's all good.


Stuck. Oliver Jeffers, $9.99

Floyd gets his kite stuck up a tree. He throws up his shoe to shift it, but that gets stuck too. So he throws up his other shoe and that got stuck, along with... a ladder, a pot of paint, the kitchen sink, an orangutan and a whale, amongst other things! Will Floyd ever get his kite back?


In a Minute. Tony Bradman & Eileen Browne, $10.50

Jo is eager to get to the playground in the park with her friend Sita and Patch the dog. But Mum and Dad take so long she thinks they’ll never get there!


Olivia and the Fairy Princesses. Ian Falconer, $19.99

Olivia likes to stand out, and she definitely marches to the beat of her own drum. So how will Olivia manage to be different from all her friends?


Little Canada. Matt Napier, $10.95 (boardbook)

Lots of fun with rhyming riddles that take young readers from coast to coast.


The Gift of the Inuksuk. Mike Ulmer, illustrated by Melanie Rose, $18.95

Unique and as beautiful as a snowflake or footprint, an Inuksut is one of the stone figures that can be seen dotting the Canadian Arctic region. Many made by ancient hands, the Inuksui purposes are varied, from earthly uses such as navigation and message centers to those of the spirit, as sites of reverence. Author Mike Ulmer explores the connectedness of all Arctic life in his tale, THE GIFT OF THE INUKSUK.


Tickle Time! Sandra Boynton, $8.95

If you're feeling blue and don't know what to do, there is nothing like tickle time to make you feel like new!


Happy. Mies Van Hout, $19.50

Dive into this beautiful book and be swept along with some remarkable fish; from curious to sad; from shy to proud, and from angry to happy.


Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing. Judi Barrett & Ron Barrett, $9.99

This classic story is full of the troubles that animals would get into if they wore clothing! Guaranteed to make parents and kids giggle.


Chicken, Pig, Cow's First Fight. Ruth Ohi, $6.95

Chicken, Pig and Cow were best friends. They had never had a fight. Then one day Pig is in a bad mood and the best of friends have a big, bad fight. Can everyone still be friends?


Everything I Need to Know Before I'm Five. Valorie Fisher, $19.99

This delightfully playful concept book makes learning as easy as 1,2,3!


Mind Your Manners in School. Arianna Candell & Rosa Curto, $8.50

Sharing, listening, and playing nice make the school day more fun!


Alfie's Feet. Shirley Hughes, $10.95

Splish, splash, splosh! Alfie has new yellow boots that are perfect for walking through puddles and stomping in mud.


Emily’s House. Niko Scharer & Joanne Fitzgerald, $9.95

There’s just too much noise in Emily’s house!


I’ll Be There. Ann Stott, illustrated Matt Phelan, $17.00

A warmhearted portrayal of a child taking those first, gentle steps toward independence.


My Little One and Me. Alana Hosein, $17.99

A sweet book about the wonderful moments we share as families.


OLIVER Who Would Not Sleep. Mara Bergman & Nick Maland, $12.99

A perfect bedtime story for busy little minds.


Snow Happy! Patricia Hubbell, illustrated by Hiroe Nakata, $18.99

Snow days are fun days!


First the Egg. Laura Vaccaro Seeger, $16.95

Which came first — the chicken or the egg? 

Acclaimed children’s author and illustrator Laura Vaccaro Seeger gives an entirely fresh and memorable presentation to the concepts of transformation and creativity.  Seed becomes flower, paint becomes picture, word becomes story — and the commonplace becomes extraordinary as children look through and turn the pages of this novel and beautifully illustrated book.


My New Preschool. Moira Butterfield & Estelle Corke, $11.99

George feels shy on his first day of school but his friends soon help him to feel at home.


A Flock of Shoes. Sarah Tsiang & Qin Leng, $8.95

Abby loves her sandals — she wears them everywhere until one day her sandals flip right off her feet and fly away!


Jeremy Draws a Monster. Peter McCarty, $18.99

Jeremy draws a monster… but he doesn’t expect it to get hungry! Or bored! Jeremy’s  monster turns into a monster of a problem. Will it ever leave?


Deron Goes to Nursery School. Ifeoma Onyefulu, $21.95

Deron has a lovely time doing all kinds of new things and makes some friends on his first day at nursery school.


Stella, Fairy of the Forest. Marie-Louise Gay, $7.95

Stella and her little brother Sam venture across the meadow and into the forest, in search of fairies and adventure.


Kiki’s Blankie. Janie Bynum, $16.50

Kiki adores her blankie — she never goes anywhere without it. But when a wind blows her blankie away, Kiki must figure out how to get it back!


Me and You. Geneviève Côté, $16.95

Two very different friends explore what it would be like to be like each other … and discover that they are both just perfect the way they are!


K is for Kissing a Cool Kangaroo. Giles Andreae & Guy Parker-Rees, $8.99

This delightful ABC book has everything from gentle giants and lovely lions to peaceful piglets and tea-drinking tigers.


ARCTIC A to Z. Wayne Lynch, $7.95

Each page of this beautiful book tells the story of a different plant, animal or natural wonder found in the arctic — one for each letter of the alphabet.


I Call My Grandma Nana. Ashley Wolff, $19.99

I Call My Grandpa Papa. Ashley Wolff, $19.99

Abuelo. Abuelito. Awoway. Dadu. Opa. Lolo. Nonna. MeMaw. What do you call YOUR grandparents?


My Two Grannies. Floella Benjamin, illustrated by Margaret Chamberlain, $10.95

Alvina has two grannies she loves with all her heart. So when her parents go on vacation, Alvina can’t wait for her two grannies to take care of her. But the two grandmothers like difference food, music and stories — and they are competing for Alvina’s affection! Can clever Alvina think of a way to help her two grannies to get along?


Goodnight Sweet Pig. Linda Bailey & Josée Masse, $7.95

Sleep doesn’t come easily for sweet little pig number one, until the other little pigs help her count her way down to a sleepy good-night!


Bringing Down the Moon. Jonathan Emmett, illustrated by Vanessa Cabban, $7.50

Mole thinks the moon is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen — and he wants it. But some things are not as simple as they look!


Thing-Thing. Cary Fagan, illustrated by Nicolas Debon, $20.99

Thing-Thing is a stuffed animal in search of a good home and he finds it — but what an adventure he has along the way!


Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel. Virginia Lee Burton, $10.99

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel has been read to generations of children. Delighted by the inseparable duo and their friendship, children continue to love this classic story of ingenuity and hard work.


Augustine. Mélanie Watt, $7.95

Moving from the South Pole to the North Pole isn’t easy for the young penguin Augustine. She misses her friends, her grandma and grandpa and her old bedroom. But with the help of a few colored pencils and some inspiration from Picasso, this shy, artistic young penguin discovers a way to break the ice with her classmates and feel at home on the other end of the world.

Augustine’s “penguinized” versions of van Gogh, Munch, Picasso and others are a delightful way to introduce children to art. A clever, charming story told from a penguin’s eye view, in a language everyone understands.


Mixed Beasts: Or, a Miscellany of Rare and Fantastic Creatures. Illustrated by Wallace Edwards, verses by Kenyon Cox, $19.95

In these pages lurk bizarre beasts, such as the Bumblebeaver and the Rhinocerostrich, depicted in their natural environment. Readers possessing a sharp eye and an inquisitive nature will be rewarded with exotic flora and fauna hidden in each remarkable painting. So delay not, seekers of the strange and undiscovered. Step into the world of Mixed Beasts!


Hey, Daddy! Animal Fathers and Their Babies. Marg Batten, illustrated by Higgins Bond, $18.95

In this new natural science book for children, award-winning writer Mary Batten offers a fascinating and entertaining look at paternal behavior in the animal world.


My Dad. Anthony Browne, $6.95

Silly, fun and full of love, My Dad is a great book for sons and daughters and especially for dads!


Sunshine. Jan Ormerod, $10.95

It's morning and the first rays of sunlight shine into a little girl's bedroom and wake her up. She gets out of bed, goes to wake her parents and soon she is ready to start her day…


Moonlight. Jan Ormerod, $8.99

It's nearly bedtime and a little girl eats her dinner, then plays in the bath and says goodnight to her dollies. But she's not quite ready to go to sleep yet…


Victoria’s Day. Maria de Fatima Campos, $20.95

Four-year-old Victoria is going to school, playing with friends, dancing at ballet class, helping Mummy with dinner and reading a story … This is a day in the life of Victoria, a young girl with Down syndrome.


33 Uses for a Dad. Harriet Ziefert & Amanda Haley, $14.95

Dads are terrific and these are just a few of the reasons why. Count all 33 and then add some of your own!


The Complete Adventures of the Mole Sisters: Ten Stories. Roslyn Schwartz, $19.95

"The irrepressible Mole Sisters turn any situation into pure fun. From their moonlit nights to their rainy days, rediscover the irresistible enthusiasm of this lovable pair in this complete collection of all ten Mole Sisters tales."


Olivia. Ian Falconer, $19.95

Olivia is a pig with attitude! Follow Olivia through her day, as she dresses up, dances, sings, paints on walls and takes a nap - sort of. Her exuberance is contagious. The illustrations are delightful and the story will leave everyone laughing. Also in board book format, $11.99.

Olivia Forms a Band. Ian Falconer, $19.95

Everyone's favorite piglet is back! There are going to be fireworks tonight, and Olivia can hardly wait to hear the band. But then she finds out that there isn't going to be a band. How can there be fireworks without a band?! So Olivia decides to put a band together herself...all by herself.

Olivia Saves the Circus. Ian Falconer, $24.50

Olivia remembers her trip to the circus very well…because all the performers were sick so she had to do everything herself!

Olivia…and the Missing Toy. Ian Falconer, $19.99

"One day, Olivia was riding a camel in Egypt…" So begins the latest adventure of that most wonderful, imaginative pig, Olivia.


OLIVIA Goes to Venice. Ian Falconer, $19.99

Look where Olivia is headed now! Ciao, bella!!


Kids Cook! Fabulous Food for the Whole Family. Sarah Williamson & Zachary Williamson, $16.95

From snacks to Sunday brunch, these step-by-step recipes are sure to please and give kids eight and up a chance to start cooking.


See our Parenting 2-6 booklist for adult titles.

I Love You, Nose! I Love You, Toes! Linda Davick, $19.99

Our wonderful bodies — aren’t they amazing? Come celebrate all the things that make us who we are — from the tops of our heads to the tips of our toes, to our tummies, our freckles, our dimples, our skin, and everything in between! With silly, rhyming text and bold, simple illustrations, this fun and frank approach to exploring body parts provides factual information that is just right for the young reader.


Noisy Poems for a Busy Day. Robert Heidbreder & Lori Joy Smith, $18.95

From sun up to sun down, this lively and lyrical collection of playful poems captures the big and small adventures of a child’s day.


The Day My Mom Came to Kindergarten. Maureen Fergus & Mike Lowery, $18.95 (ages 4-6)

When Mom comes to kindergarten for the day, she’s so excited that she completely forgets her manners. She barges in line. She talks all through story time. She shouts out answers. It’s going to take some time for her to get used to something new!


Pete the Cat: Rocking in My School Shoes. Eric Litwin & James Dean, $18.99

Pete the Cat is back — and this time he’s rocking in his school shoes. Pete discovers the library, the lunchroom, the playground, and lots of other cool places at school. And no matter where he goes, Pete never stops moving and grooving and singing his song... because it’s all good.


Wait and See. Tony Bradman & Eileen Browne, $10.50

It’s Saturday and Jo has some money to spend, so she and her mum go shopping. But what should she spend her money on? Wait and see!


How to Catch a Star. Oliver Jeffers, $9.99

There once was a boy who loved stars so much that he wished he had one of his very own. Every night he watched the stars in the sky from his bedroom window and dreamed of how he could be their friend and how they could play hide-and-go-seek together. So, one day, he decided to set about catching a star for himself.


The Way Back Home.  Oliver Jeffers $9.99

One day a boy finds an aeroplane in his cupboard. Up, up, up and away he flies, high into the sky. He whizzes past clouds and stars until suddenly, phut, phut phut, the plane runs out of petrol. Miles from earth, the boy crash lands on the moon. Just as he is beginning to get cold and lonely, a Martian appears from the darkness — could this be the start of an unlikely friendship? And will the boy ever manage to get home again?


Every Little Thing. Cedella Marley, Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, $19.99

Bob Marley’s songs are known the world over for their powerful message of love, peace, and harmony. Now a whole new generation can discover one of his most joyous songs in this reassuring picture book adaptation written by his daughter Cedella and exuberantly illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. This upbeat story reminds children that the sun will always come out after the rain and mistakes are easily forgiven with a hug. This cheerful book will bring a smile to faces of all ages — because every little thing’s gonna be all right!


No More Pacifier for Piggy! Bernette Ford & Sam Williams, $7.95

A sweet and playful story about giving up a pacifier.


Old MacDonald Had Her Farm. JonArno Lawson, illustrated by Tina Holdcroft, $9.95

Old MacDonald whips her farm into shape in this zany and delightful twist on an old rhyme.


A Wild Day with Dad. Sean Callahan, illustrated by Daniel Howarth, $8.99

Let's hop like kangaroos, stretch like cats and swing like monkeys. Let's go WILD!


Five Minutes' Peace. Jill Murphy, $7.99

Mom wants just a few minutes' peace from her energetic children — but they have very different ideas!


The Bump. Mij Kelly, illustrated by Nicholas Allan, $15.95

The story of your mom's love for you began even before you were born.


Birthday Suit. Olive Senior, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes, $8.95

Johnny loves to splash and crash in the ocean waves — naked. Then one day Mom says he's too old to run around without clothes on. What will it take to get Johnny to start wearing clothes?


Too Princessy! Jean Reidy, illustrated by Geneviéve Leloup, $15.00

For cooped-up kids everywhere, here's a great tale about a boring, rainy day.


Picture a Tree. Barbara Reid, $19.99

A tree can be so many things...


The Vole Brothers. Rosalyn Schwartz, $16.95

From the creator of the Mole Sisters comes an irresistible take about the Vole Brothers, two tiny ravenous rodents, with HUGE appetites for life!


Let’s Count to 100! Masayuki Sebe, $16.95 A riot of brightly coloured cartoon characters and action packed scenes, this book explores that magical milestone number — 100!

Thomas' Snowsuit. Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, $6.95 (Boardbook)

Thomas refuses to wear his snowsuit — no matter what!


Wemberly Worried. Kevin Henkes, $7.99

Wemberly worried about spilling her juice, about shrinking in the bathtub, even about snakes in the radiator. She worried morning, noon and night. Most of all she worried about her first day of school.


Cinnamon Baby. Nicola Winstanley & Janice Nadeau, $18.95

A deliciously told, enchantingly illustrated fable that celebrates the special bond between mother and child and the power of the senses — even from our earliest days.


Without You. Geneviève Côté, $16.95

After a falling out, two friends explore all the things they can do without each other … and discover that life is much sweeter when it’s shared with a friend.


Mad at Mommy. Komako Sakai, $18.95

Meet a little rabbit with BIG feelings, and a Mommy who loves him — no matter what.


Up and Down. Oliver Jeffers, $19.99

"Once there were two friends, one of whom wanted to fly …".

Up and Down is an endearing story of what it means to stick by your friends.


KATY and the Big Snow. Virginia Lee Burton, $9.99

Katy the snowplow loves to work so when a big blizzard blankets her little city, Katy comes to the rescue in this classic tale of determination and heart.


Chicken, Pig, Cow  Horse Around. Ruth Ohi, $6.95

Chicken, Pig and Cow do everything together — just the three of them. So not everyone is happy when one day Horse arrives, until they realize that the more friends they have, the more fun the can have.


Lola Loves Stories. Anna McQuinn & Rosalind Beardshaw, $7.95

Lola and her Daddy love to go to the library together. Each night Lola reads a story and the next she acts it out. Lola becomes a fairy princess, a pilot, a farmer and a tiger!


Chicken, Pig, Cow and the Purple Problem.  Ruth Ohi, $6.95 (ages 4-6)

Who ever heard of a purple cow? Fed up with being different, Cow sets of to change how she looks.


My Mother’s Sari. Sandhya Rao, illustrated by Nina Sabnani, $8.95

A young child’s connection to her mother is observed through the colors and textures of her mother’s saris.


Brothers: Best Friends Growing Up. Sherry Ramrattan Smith & Benjamin Eric Smith, $14.95

Two brothers invite you to share their adventures of growing up together.


Ella’s Umbrellas. Jennifer Lloyd, illustrated by Ashley Spires, $18.95

Ella loves umbrellas, but she has too many! Does her mom really expect her to give them away?


When Mommy Travels. Emily Bolam, $6.95

Lift the flaps to find out how Lily and George count the days until Mommy comes home. They miss her very much but know she will be back soon.


Together. Hazel Hutchins, Art by Alice Priestley, $8.95

What keeps your feet from dancing out of your shoes? Find out in this colourful book that explores everyday life.


Five Little Penguins Slipping On the Ice. Steve Metzger, illustrated by Laura Bryant, $6.99 (ages 3-5)

How much fun can five little penguins have on a winter day? Find out!


On My Very First School Day I Met.... Norman Styles, illustrated by Bill Mayer, $11.95 (ages 3 to 6)

The characters in this book will have kids looking forward to the first day of school!


If You’re Happy and You Know It! Anna McQuinn & Sophie Fatus, $24.99 (ages 4-7)

In this multicultural version of the traditional song, children from cultures all over the world clap their hands, stomp their feet, pat their heads and much more. The accompanying sing-a-long CD continues the interactive fun!


When Stella Was Very, Very Small. Marie-Louise Gay, $18.95

Marie-Louise Gay has gone back in time to answer the questions often asked by the children who read and love her Stella books. Although she didn’t know what she would find when she started to explore Stella’s early years, Marie-Louise Gay soon realized that when Stella was very, very small, she saw the world in her own unique way — with wonder, curiosity and magic.


Curious Kids Go to Preschool. Ingrid Goldman, $18.95

Wonderful and fun pictures help illustrate an exciting day at preschool.


Shoe Shakes. Loris Lesynski, illustrated by Michael Martchenko, $9.95

Funny and melodious poems that will have kids and grownups reading — and laughing — out loud.


Bearcub and Mama. Sharon Jennings, illustrated by Mélanie Watt, $6.95 (preschool age)

Told in simple, evocative language and illustrated in rich, luminous colors, Bearcub and Mama is a reassuring story about growing up and the powerful bond between mother and child.


Un Deux Trois: First French Rhymes. Opal Dunn, illustrated by Patrice Aggs, $11.95

Un Deux Trois takes young children on a fun-filled journey in French. With a host of delightful children, animals and birds illustrating the simple rhymes and songs, this introduction to hearing and speaking French will delight parents and children alike.


My First Book of Tagalog Words: Filipino Rhymes and Verses. Liana Romolo & Jaime Laurel, $15.95

Bold and bright illustrations accompany this fun rhyming ABC book.


I’m Telling the Truth: a First Look at Honesty. Pat Thomas, $8.50

This delightful picture books helps children understand that even though being honest can be hard sometimes, it is worth it.


ABC of Canada. Per-Henrik Gürth & Kim Bellefontaine, $8.95

Discover Canada through the alphabet on this colourful coast-to-coast tour.


This Little Light of Mine. Illustrated by E.B. Lewis, $24.50

E.B. Lewis has taken This Little Light of Mine, an African-American spiritual and illustrated it with warm, loving drawings of a young boy who lets his light shine for his neighbours, friends and family. The score is included so you can learn to play and sing and shine your light for everyone to see.

Giraffes Can't Dance. Giles Andrede & Guy Parker-Rees, $18.99

"With light-footed rhymes and high-stepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness."


Homemade Love. bell hooks, illustrated by Shane Evans, $23.99

"Always loved, Girlpie is the sweet, sweet centre of her parents' heart."


So Many Bunnies: a Bedtime ABC and Counting Book. Rick Walton & Paige Miglio, $8.95

I Will Never NOT EVER Eat a Tomato. Lauren Child, $7.50

Lola is a fussy eater. A very fussy eater. She won't eat her carrots (until her brother Charlie reveals that they're orange twiglets from Jupiter). She won't eat her mashed potatoes (until Charlie explains that they're cloud fluff from the pointiest peak of Mount Fuji). There are many things Lola won't eat, including - and especially - tomatoes. Or will she?

I Am NOT Sleepy and I Will NOT Go to Bed. Lauren Child, $8.00

Night owl Lola likes to stay up coloring and scribbling and wriggling and bouncing and chattering. Lola never gets tired. How can big brother Charlie convince her it's time for bed?


I Am Too Absolutely Small for School. Lauren Child, $9.99

"I am absolutely not big, I am really still quite small … and I do not have time to go to school. I am extremely busy doing important things at home." So says young Lola, when faced with the prospect of starting school.


You Read to Me, I'll Read to You: Very Short Stories to Read Together. Mary Ann Hoberman, illustrated by Michael Emberley. $23.95

This unique book uses traditional reading techniques like rhythm, rhyme and repetition and delivers them in two voices — for beginner reader and adult or reading companion. Full of delightful humor, wordplay and illustrated with a liveliness that catches the spirit of the text, You Read to Me, I'll Read to You is an exuberant and clever way to celebrate the wonders of reading together.

A Duck in New York. Story and Songs by Connie Kaldor, $24.99

Connie Kaldor's delightful storybook and CD with original lyrics and French translations just picked up a Juno award!


Four Special Questions: a Passover Story. Jonny Zucker & Jan Barger Cohen, $8.50

Here is a simple and delightful introduction to the Jewish festival of Passover, suitable for even the youngest children. Follow a family as they prepare for and celebrate their festival of freedom.

Also available in this series: Apples and Honey: a Rosh Hashanah Story; Eight Candles to Light: a Chanukah Story and It’s Party Time! A Purim Story. $9.50 each.


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