New Books for Young Readers

Up, Up, Ever Up! – Junko Tabei: A Life in the Mountains

By Anita Yasuda

Few humans ever make it to the top of Mount Everest, the planet’s tallest peak, and until 1975, no woman had achieved this incredible feat. A Boston Globe–Horn Book non-fiction honour book, Up, Up, Ever Up! is the engagingly illustrated biography of Junko Tabei, a Japanese mountaineer who was determined to reach the roof of the world. Turned down by sponsors and discouraged by other mountaineers, Tabei joined an all-woman team. In the unforgiving Everest landscape, they faced avalanches, a lack of oxygen and exhaustion. But finally, inch by inch, step by step, Tabei stood on the spot where Earth meets sky – and went on to climb the highest peak on every continent and advocate for the protection of mountain landscapes everywhere.

Also the author of Diwali: A Festival of Lights, Yasuda lives in Orangeville. (Clarion Books, $24.99)

A Summer Without Anna

By Kate Jenks Landry

When Junie’s big sister, Anna, becomes ill and must stay in the hospital, Mum and Dad take Junie to her grandparents’ house in the country. There, for the first time, she will spend the summer without her sibling. Before her parents leave, they hand Junie a box containing Anna’s prized possession – her camera – and a note that says, “In case you find Edmund.” Trying her best to adapt, Junie explores the woods, fishes with Pop and searches for Edmund, the elusive, ancient turtle, until her family is reunited.

Landry, who grew up in Orangeville, is also the author of Beatrice and Barb. (Kids Can Press, $23.99)

This Plant Is Not Boring

By Marie Hoy-Kenny

Whimsically illustrated by Michael Deas, Marie Hoy-Kenny’s story deals with a question many parents dread: “Can we get a dog?” Mia’s mom buys her a plant instead. Of course, Mia finds plants boring, but not for long. The plant suddenly begins eating everything in sight, from her baloney sandwich to her shoes, roller skates and framed photos – until Mia figures out a solution. This engaging story for young children will help introduce kids to plants and gardening.

In addition, Hoy-Kenny’s short story “Incarnation” is included in an anthology titled Shadow Lab. Timely, intense and oddly sensual, Shadow Lab proves once again that science fiction is the genre of genres, the laboratory where all stories are reinvented for our time. 

Hoy-Kenny is also the author of The Girls from Hush Cabin. She lives in Dundalk. (Orca Book Publishers, $21.95)

One Love. One Dog. – Marley’s Incredible Journey

By Stacey Tarrant

With a title echoing Jamaican reggae star Bob Marley’s biggest hit, “One Love,” it isn’t surprising that Stacey Tarrant’s picture book highlights themes of community and connection. While on vacation in Jamaica, Tarrant’s family finds a pup, hungry and alone, on the beach – and the holiday instantly becomes a rescue mission. But it’s the help of many strangers that enables the family to successfully navigate the process of getting the pup, named Marley, to her new home in Canada. This uplifting true story will definitely inspire readers to “feel all right.”

Tarrant lives in Orangeville, where she operates Say it with Stacey. Part of the proceeds from sales of the book will support animal rescues in Jamaica. (Stacey Tarrant, $29.95)

Christopher’s Adventures in Time

By Constance P. Scrafield 

Loaded with mythical creatures and mysterious characters, Constance P. Scrafield’s illustrated stories follow Christopher and his winged friend, Kazuri, as a grey Cloud transports them through time. The two encounter fire-breathing dragons, knights and their faithful steeds, giants whose voices boom like thunder, and even a legendary wizard who needs their help. Along the way, Christopher not only learns about the ways of those he meets, but also teaches them about modern times. Each short chapter in this book makes a perfect bedtime story.

A journalist, Scrafield lives in Orangeville. She is also the author of Katie and Her Dinosaur. (Xlibris, $19)

Alfreda the Freeloader

By Theresa B. Daubney

In the woods, Alfreda, the wild turkey, awakens and spots blue jays, cardinals and other birds enjoying the seeds scattered on a rickety wooden table. “Breakfast!” she cries as she struts toward the group, hungry for a meal. But being the biggest bird isn’t easy! Under Alfreda’s weight, the table collapses, scattering the seeds on the ground – and enabling all the other forest critters to join the feast.

An Inglewood resident, Daubney has included in her comic tale a colouring page and information about wild turkeys. Part of the proceeds from sales of the book will support the work of the Canadian charity Earth Rangers. (FriesenPress, $11.49)

Lily Goes to Kindergarten 

By Suzette Daley

The first day of school is always a big moment in a child’s life, but Lily isn’t looking forward to starting kindergarten. The classroom won’t have her favourite toys, and she’s sure she’ll miss playing with her little brother. But with her family’s help, Lily decides to be brave and embrace this new adventure.

Daley is a literacy advocate and founder of Shelburne’s Young Entrepreneurs Program. (Miniintel Publishing, $16.99)

Have You Ever Seen a Grumple?

By Tracey Morrell 

If you are in a grumpy mood and can’t seem to get out of it, Tracey Morrell has a diagnosis: you probably have a Grumple! Having spent many years in a school setting, Morrell has first-hand experience of Grumples, including where they live (most likely in your belly button), what time they strike (typically in the morning) and how to get rid of them (with a good old-fashioned monster tickle!). Once you’ve found your Grumple, yank it out, give it a good stomping and get ready for a better day.

An educational assistant who works with students in special education, Morrell lives in Orangeville. (Alanna Rusnak Publishing, $15)

Clara’s Traveling Piano 

By Ann Magee 

More than a hundred years ago, a little girl named Clara discovered her love for playing the piano. But as the decades passed, Clara grew old and moved into a nursing home. So Piano was sent on a perilous 2,500-mile journey to the home of Clara’s son, James. But James didn’t know how to play the piano, and after that, Piano was moved, over and over, into storage units, basements and cramped living rooms. Piano longed to be played again, but would this ever happen? The answer to this question will warm readers’ hearts.

Magee splits her time between Florida, Muskoka and Caledon, home of the piano that inspired this story. Proceeds from sales of this book will be donated to the David Foster Foundation. (FriesenPress, $11.99)

Melville the Church Mouse – A Grand Rescue

By Peter Probst 

Inspired by the history of a Caledon landmark, Peter Probst cleverly melds fact and fancy in this story for children. While burrowing in the cemetery of the Melville White Church, Melville the Church Mouse and Mortimer the Mole accidentally awaken the ghost of John Kirkwood, an original Rockside settler who is buried in the churchyard. Suddenly, the pals find themselves swept back in time as Kirkwood’s ghost recounts the story of his childhood working in a Scottish woollen mill, his perilous voyage across the Atlantic, and his hopes for a new life in Caledon.

In 1837, Kirkwood helped build the church, which remained in use till 1964. When the building later fell into disrepair, the Belfountain Heritage Society mobilized to restore and maintain it.

Probst lived in Caledon for many years and was active in the campaign to restore the church, located on Mississauga Road south of Belfountain. The book is beautifully illustrated by his daughter, artist Leah Probst. (Rockside Publishing, $10; Melville the Mouse, a stuffed toy, $10, sold separately) 

Beyond the Chair

By Mark Rodgers 

Born with cerebral palsy, Mark Rodgers shares his personal story in this illustrated book about navigating a world not designed for children with mobility challenges. The eldest of six siblings, Rodgers describes his desire to be independent and his determination to find a place in the world. As he faces life’s challenges, he becomes his own advocate and draws on his inner strength, giving the advice to “never let someone else’s doubts become your reality.”

A Shelburne resident, Rodgers was inspired to publish his book through his participation in the town’s Young Entrepreneurs Program, founded by Suzette Daley. (Mark Rodgers, $20.45)

By Emily Dickson and Peter Yan. With thanks to the staff of BookLore in Orangeville for their invaluable help in compiling this year’s list – and for supporting local writers.

Note: Prices listed may be subject to change. Unless specified otherwise, prices are for paperback editions.