Ève GaronAutumn makes me want to slow down, to snuggle up with my kids. I love to get cozy when it’s getting cold outside (#slowlife), and it’s a good time to read books with my little loves, especially my 6-year-old.
So, I wanted to share a few kids’ books I discovered lately. I bought some books, received some through Sparks & Bloom, others are gifts for my son’s birthday, and some of them are gifts for my son’s friends. Here are my favourites with no order of preference.
The story
It’s a Quebec book, which we received it from the publisher Isatis. It’s written by Paul Martin. It’s a little journey amongst the stars and the planets for our little astronauts to learn more about the surrounding universe.
What I liked
The drawings are so beautiful! There are so many details on the different planets, their names and information about them. My eldest was really interested in all the information he learnt in this book. Then we decided to watch videos about space and learn more on the subject. A real boost for the curiosity!
The story
This book, originally from Quebec, was written and illustrated by Elise Gravel. I bought it for my son’s friend’s birthday. It’s the story of Ada, who is going to her ballet class, but she REALLY hates it! Will she find an activity she likes?
What I liked
I really liked the sense of humour of Elise Gravel, and you feel it in this book. It’s a little bit irreverent but so funny. And I really like the fact that this author gets beyond stereotypes, such as girls should like ballet. Girls like Ada can do whatever they want without discrimination. It’s all about Girl Power!
The story
This is exactly what you are thinking about! The films from our childhood! They were adapted into books with the collection of Qilinn, and illustrated by Kim Smith. One of my friends gave them to my son for his birthday.
What I liked
They are very representative of the movies. The stories were adapted, so they are understandable for kids, and the drawings are amazing! After reading the books, my son wanted to watch the movies, and I wanted to buy more books from the collection! For Christmas, he will get the Karate Kid and Home Alone. Shh! Keep the secret, please!
The story
It’s a funny Quebec book written by Nancy Montour and Yves Dumont. We received this book from the publisher Isatis. The children are playing in the parc and pretend to be in a circus.
What I loved
There are a lot of rhymes, so it’s great to read. We almost sing while we are reading LOL The story aimed at children younger than Laurent. I will keep it for my baby girl. She will be happy to learn more about clowns, tightrope walkers, acrobats and jugglers. Next step? Cirque du Soleil? Who knows…?
The story
This book was written by Morag Hood and illustrated by Ella Okstad. I bought it for a friend of my son who loves unicorns. Books are now my number one gift. This book tells the story of Sophie, who is having fun turning her stuffed animals (and even her little brother) into unicorns.
What I liked
For a child who is learning to read and/or who likes unicorns, this book is perfect. The sentences are short and easy to read and also funny. And the colours in the book are amazing (especially the glittered front cover). As beautiful as the mysterious creatures that are unicorns.
The story
This is a reissue of the book written in 1979 by the Quebec author Roch Carrier and illustrated by Sheldon Cohen. We received the book from Éditions Petit Homme. It’s about a boy in the 50’s who loves the famous number 9 of the Montreal Canadiens, Maurice Richard. Unfortunately, the sweater of the Toronto Maple Leafs is sent by Eaton’s, and the boy feels overwhelmed.
What I liked
My boyfriend told me (my bad) the National Film Board adapted the story into an animated short film. It was a classic airing on T.V. every year around Christmas. My boy really needed to discover this classic of youth literature. In a song named Rocket performed by Eric Lapointe, “Everybody is a Maurice Richard”! Right?
I hope you will find your next favourite book amongst my recommendations! It’s easy to get our kids to read because there are so many good books out there.
Quebec authors are accessible and prolific! We would be crazy not to read them! Keep in mind that there is a reader for every kind of book!
Happy reading, everybody!
** Some of the books were gifted to us. However, all opinions are ours and are 100% authentic as a way to inspire each and every one in our day-to-day lives. The Sparks and Bloom sisters swear by this!
This post was translated from French to English by:
Charlène Bessenay
I am Charlene. I was born in France but I live in Quebec City since 2007. I am a 32-year-old married mom of 2 (a boy and a girl), a part-time student (translation) and also a hockey mom 😉 I decided to go to university at 31 because I love foreign languages and I needed a new challenge. I love food and wine (I’m French you remember 😉 ), I have a very long travel bucket list and I practice Zumba and Yoga.
Sacha Nadeau
Léa Nadeau
