Orca Echoes

Nine-year-old Skye has always had a fascination with flying. She'd love to be a pilot someday, like both of her parents, but deep down she really wishes she could be a bird. When Skye's parents take her to Costa Rica, she is thrilled about all of the beautiful exotic birds she'll get to see. What she doesn't realize is that her parents have three big surprises planned, and each will offer her a different opportunity to feel what it's like to fly. From snorkeling with baby sea turtles to parasailing out on the open ocean to zip-lining through the Costa Rican rainforest, Skye will have more than one chance to fly like a bird before this trip of a lifetime is through.

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?

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.

Jack loves and misses his bus-driving grandfather. When Grandpa Nod got sick, Jack's mother said eight-year-old Jack was too young to visit his grandfather in the hospital. When Grandpa Nod died, Jack's mother said Jack was too young to go to the funeral. One day after school, Jack gets on the wrong bus. To his surprise he discovers Grandpa Nod is in the driver's seat of the empty bus. Grandpa Nod takes him to all the places Jack was too young to go-the hospital, the funeral home and the cemetery. By the end of the ride, Jack has had the chance to tell his grandfather how much he misses him. And with his birthday coming soon, Jack receives a very special gift-Grandpa Nod's bus schedules. So even if he does get on the wrong bus, Jack will always be able to find his way home.

One spring, a nine-year-old Cree boy is visited by a master soapstone carver named Lindy, who gives him four pieces of soapstone. The primary secret to carving, the boy learns, is recognizing that each piece of soapstone already holds its true form inside. Lindy teaches the boy to listen to the soapstone and look to the world around him for signs as to what to carve. As the seasons change, the young boy's experiences lend him opportunities to develop his carving skills and become attuned to the signs around him. He eagerly awaits the following spring, which will bring Lindy's return and a chance to show off his carvings.

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.

After Morgan's backyard is flooded by the nearby river, her dog, Shire, finds a baby beaver that has been washed out of its den. Realizing that its parents aren't coming back, Morgan must quickly learn to care for the beaver, which she names Sammy. Morgan's parents warn her that he can't stay with them forever. Will Morgan be able to find a safe home for Sammy?

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."

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!

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.

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.

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..

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.

The dog shows up the way snow does on a winter's day. She just drifts in and stays, becoming the friend of a young Cree boy. The boy and the dog set out on an adventure that ends in a quandary involving quills and a big brother who swears to take revenge on the porcupine. But Lindy, a Cree elder and master carver, reminds the brothers of the importance of the great porcupine. After a day spent carving in town, the boy learns some truths about human nature and realizes that sometimes, like the porcupine, you must put your quills up to keep from getting pushed around. Soapstone Porcupine is the second book, after Soapstone Signs, narrated by a young Cree boy.

After moving into their new home, a keeling-over farmhouse in the country, nine-year-old Cyrus and his brother, Rudy, have trouble adjusting to all the changes. The fresh-from-the-farm egg yolks are blindingly yellow. The eccentric girl next door has a very unusual sense of style. And Rumpley, a donkey they inherited with the farmhouse, doesn't even know how to bray. Nothing about the country feels warm or familiar. But when Cyrus is stranded one evening by the tide, he finds his lifeline in an unlikely companion.

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!

Sara loves her grandmother's bakery. It's a special place-not only because of its delicious Japanese buns and pastries. She enjoys spending time with her obaachan, her grandmother. But things aren't going well for the bakery. When the bakery's lucky cat statue goes missing, Sara wonders if the bakery's luck is gone for good. But then a mysterious cat appears in the backyard one night and inspires a plan. With the help of her friend, Jake, Sara just might find the statue and restore the bakery's lost luck.

Sam, a seven-year-old boy, is devastated when his mother leaves him for two weeks on his grandfather's ranch. Grandpa has a lot of rules, and Sam isn't happy about having to stay with him. But Sam's time on the ranch isn't all bad. He learns to ride a horse and also discovers some surprising things about his father, who died when Sam was a baby. When Sam is forced to overcome his fear of riding in order to help rescue Grandpa, Sam grows to appreciate both his grandpa and life on the ranch.

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.

Inventors invent inventions! That's what Ben and his best friend Jack like to say. So when Ben discovers that Jack's family is planning to move to another city, he decides they should put their inventions to work. The boys figure that if no one buys Jack's house, Jack won't have to move away, so all they need is a plan to scare off potential buyers! Inventors are good at coming up with plans. But when Plans A, B and C fail to bring the results the boys had hoped for, Ben discovers that not everything in life stays the same-and that while change can be hard, sometimes it isn't all bad.

Angelica isn't a liar. She just loves making up stories. When she goes to sleepaway camp and is mistaken for a princess, she could easily clear up the misunderstanding...but pretending to be royalty is way more fun! When her best friend from home surprises her at camp, Angelica is forced to fess up. Luckily, she also has a talent for repairing things, and when disaster strikes on the girls' kayaking trip, Jelly has to repair more than just her newfound friendships.

Hyper organized perfectionist Beatrice More is determined to plan a spectacularly professional birthday party for her little sister, Sophie. But she is foiled at every turn: her mother insists on making a homemade cake (disaster!), her father offers up discount mismatched decorations (debacle!), guests are hard to find in their new neighborhood (dire!), and no gift seems remotely special enough (defeated!). Will Beatrice's organizational skills are enough to turn this party around, or will she need a little help from her friends and maybe even from Sophie herself?

Seven-year-old Ben loves pretending to be a robot, but his best friend Jessy is tired of being ordered to oil his knee joints and check his batteries. She says the robot game is boring and runs off to play with someone else. So Ben decides to build a real robot instead. He's built all kinds of things before: wind generators, solar-powered marble launchers, pinball machines. But none of his creations have ever really worked. Until now. When his robot begins talking, Ben is thrilled. However, nothing goes quite the way he thinks it will. Ben's robot is rather difficult to get along with. He complains a lot. He's bossy. He never wants to do anything Ben suggests. Having a real robot isn't nearly as much fun as Ben thought it would be. And to make things worse, no one-not even Jessy-will believe him.

Harriet has a large collection of stuffed animals. Her favorite is an intrepid bear, Theodora (Teddy, to her friends), who leads the others in a variety of attempts to boss Harriet around and to claim the spot of alpha animal in the household. It is all Harriet can do to get her own way once in a while. Visit the website for Theodora Bear.

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.

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?

Matt is desperate to fit in at summer camp. One night he gets lost when he goes off on his own to retrieve a forgotten life preserver. A wolf appears and Matt overcomes his fears and follows it. He finds a half-wolf, half-dog pup whose mother is dead. Is the big wolf who guides him the same wolf that his father rescued years before from a trap?

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.

Justine McKeen is on another mission, this time to rid homes and schools of energy vampires. Justine and her friends, with the help of Principal Proctor, are working to reduce the energy consumption of electronics that suck power from the school when they aren't being used. By cutting down on the miscellaneous electrical load of these electronics, the team is also saving money, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fighting global warming. Too bad they didn't warn Grandpa Blatzo before they started slaying the vampires! Justine McKeen, Thermostat Chat is part of the Justine McKeen series featuring the Queen of Green.

It's a good thing young sleuths Lark and Connor Ba are always prepared because mysteries find them wherever they go. Lark and Connor are excited to visit the local art gallery where some of their classmates have been invited to exhibit their paintings. But when their friend Franklin is accused of stealing Kyle's masterpiece, the twins are sure Franklin is being framed-especially because Kyle has been nothing but mean to Franklin. Now the detectives are in a race to prove their friend's innocence as they collect clues and sort through red herrings. Will this be Lark and Connor's first unsolved case and is their friend doomed to be painted with a guilty brush? Includes bonus material as Lark shares the meanings behind her favorite words and idioms from the story. This is the sixth title in the Lark Ba Detective series, following Lark Has the Shivers, Lark and the Dessert Disaster, Lark Takes a Bow, Lark and the Diamond Caper and Lark Holds the Key.

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.

In their fourth adventure together, Jake and his younger brother, Tommy, visit their grandparents' farm, Thunder Creek Ranch. When Jake spots a kid on the neighbor's farm, he goes over to investigate and meets Cory McNash, a city kid. Cory thinks he's tough and likes to brag. He offers Jake a ride on a quad bike, and Jake can't resist. When Cory leaves a gate open and a young calf chases Tommy over the creek and into the woods, Jake and Cory follow on the quad. There's a storm coming, and they soon discover why the trickle of water in the creek bed is called Thunder Creek. The boys are stranded, and the tiny creek in now a raging torrent too dangerous to cross.

Kate has decided on a pirate theme for her party. She thinks that seven is going to be the best age to be. Her friend Jake is going to teach her to ride a two-wheeler. And her party is going to be fabulous. That is, until Violet starts spreading stories. Kate goes right on with her planning, but she is worried. When Violet is the only one to show up on the big day, Kate thinks that her worst fears have come true.

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.

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! 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.

Kelly loves the cabin she has made from a refrigerator box. It has a window with curtains, pictures on the walls, a cabin-sized table and a wonderful view. It sits in the vacant lot next door, transformed into the rugged farm of a pioneer family. Now if only Kelly can find the right person to share it with.

When Violet thinks that she isn't invited to Kate's birthday party, she spreads rumors that threaten to ruin everything. When Violet thinks that she isn't invited to Kate's birthday party, she spreads rumors that threaten to ruin everything. Kate has decided on a pirate theme for her party. She thinks that seven is going to be the best age to be. Her friend Jake is going to teach her to ride a two-wheeler. And her party is going to be fabulous. That is, until Violet starts spreading stories. Kate goes right on with her planning, but she is worried. When Violet is the only one to show up on the big day, Kate thinks that her worst fears have come true. "Creating suspense around the eventual outcome and incorporating a clever twist into the story's resolution, Wishinsky affirms the value of friendship in resolving Kate's dilemma." "Will resonate with young readers, but parents will identify with the turmoil and energy as well." "Many young children will take great pleasure from Kate's perseverance and indomitable spirit as she plans a truly excellent pirate-theme party...A good choice for readers who are becoming confident with beginning novels." "Laliberte's cartoony illustrations ooze personality." "An engaging story with which new readers can easily identify....School and public libraries, plus classroom collections, should add A Noodle Up Your Nose to serve the newly emerging independent reader who wants the challenge of moving on to chapter books." This year Kate was going to have the best birthday party. The only trouble was her parents insisted she invite her whole class... "I can't invite Violet," said Kate. "She's so bossy, she always wants everyone to do everything her way." "Just boss her back," said Kate's dad. Kate sighed. That was easy for her dad to say. No one could boss Violet back. Violet always got her way.

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.

Bagels sets sail! In this early chapter book, the third in a series about an adopted puppy named Bagels, the Bernsteins hop aboard a cruise and find themselves in the midst of a detective caper. 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! Bagels on Board! is the third book in the series about Bagels Bernstein, following Bagels Come Home! and Bagels the Brave! "This third installment of Bagels continues the fun and fast-paced story of Bagels and the Bernstein family...Whamond continues his excellent illustrations that frequent each chapter. The plot moved along quickly, and readers will be curious to know how Bagels is discovered, kept secret, and helps out in stopping the bad guys...Yet another success for Joan Betty Stuchner." "The action is fast paced...This is a book to read for fun."

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!"

A boy's love of pirate treasure leads to unexpected events. A boy's love of pirate treasure leads to unexpected events with Captain Kidd. Jake loves to hunt for treasure, so when the famous pirate Captain Kidd asks him to be his cabin boy, he can't refuse. But Jake soon learns that bringing home an invisible pirate can be a real disaster, particularly when the pirate is mortally terrified of his teenage sister. There are many rules of the sea, and Captain Kidd's own cabin boy, Richard Barleycorn, teaches Jake how to face his biggest fear, Boris Baxter, the meanest boy in the whole school. "A good beginning chapter book for younger students...Recommended." "Shannon Stewart definitely knows what appeals to young boys... Recommended." "This easy-to-read, beginning chapter book blends fictional character with real facts...Large print, short chapters and many full page illustrations make this a good chapter book for developing readers." "Fast-paced easy fiction that many boys and girls would enjoy. The theme of bullying is addressed in a simple, light-hearted yet relevant matter. Recommended." "The plot of the story is very well developed for a young reader, and doesn't lend itself to sugary sweetness, but hilarious humor that readers will enjoy and relate to in their own family. This is an excellent mix of plot, theme, and character development that will push a beginning reader into chapter books without a struggle." Jake saw something very strange. Even stranger than his older sister Gladys after she dyed her hair green. There was a pirate standing on top of a teeter-totter. The pirate rocked back and forth as if he were on a ship in a stormy sea. Jake rubbed his eyes and stared. "Ahoy, my hearty!" roared the pirate when he saw Jake. "Me?" squeaked Jake. "Ahoy, cabin boy! What are you doing in those bushes?"

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.

Brianna Banana has the best secret in the history of Grade 3: she knows she is Helper of the Day! But when Miss Dee, a new substitute teacher, takes over her class and doesn't know anything about Helper of the Day, all Brianna's hopes are dashed. Soon she's in trouble for yelling and the principal is giving her another lecture. But when a fire drill is called and Brianna uses her fire drill experience to make sure both Miss Dee and her classmate Rumi make it safely outside, Brianna learns that there is more than one way to be the Helper of the Day! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible. ★ "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 for Brianna Banana, Helper of the Day Key Selling Points • In this funny and feel-good story of helping and heroism, quirky Brianna Ross misses out on being Helper of the Day when a substitute teacher takes over the class. But she realizes that by adjusting her expectations and adapting to new circumstances, she can still be a helper without the title. • 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 struggles at school. She relates her adjustment to that of a brand-new teacher who is subbing for the day. • 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. Growing up, her own nickname was Lana Banana! • Illustrator Suharu Ogawa is Japanese Canadian and immigrated as a teenager. Suharu's playful illustrations bring Brianna's unique and humorous voice to life. • This high readability book features a dyslexia-friendly font, cream paper and increased line spacing to increase accessibility for dyslexic and other striving readers. In this illustrated chapter book, Brianna's dreams of finally being the classroom helper are foiled when her class has a substitute teacher. Lana Button is an early childhood educator and the author of more than a dozen books for children, including Brianna Banana, Helper of the Day, 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 for Kids and Teens, OLA's Best Bets and as 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, S

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

In this partially illustrated early chapter book, Bailey is nervous about their first day at the Hero Academy, an elementary school for young superheroes. Bailey is SUPER nervous for their first day. Nine-year-old Bailey Kaufman is nervous for their first day of school at the Hero Academy, the elementary school for young superheroes. Surrounded by classmates with incredible powers, like flying and super snot, Bailey isn't sure where they fit in. However, a new machine designed to help students discover and learn to control their powers might have the answers Bailey is looking for. It was created by Mr. Kaufman, the new principal and Bailey's dad. But when another student thinks they recognize Mr. Kaufman from an old comic book, Bailey is shocked. It couldn't be their dad...could it? Either way, fitting in is going to be harder than Bailey thought. Key Selling Points • A nine-year-old is excited to be attending a school for young superheroes. • Super Switch is a humorous story that explores themes of acceptance and redemption. • There are 25 fun black-and-white illustrations throughout. • The main character is nonbinary and their gender identity is incidental to the storyline. • Part of the Orca Echoes line of early chapter books with character-building themes and curriculum tie-ins. Jeff Szpirglas and Danielle Saint-Onge are married, live together in Kitchener, Ontario, and teach in classrooms with students of diverse backgrounds. Jeff has written several books and enjoys writing scary fiction like Tales from Beyond the Brain and Tales from the Fringes of Fear. Danielle is an early reading specialist for young students and also works as an abstract painter. Besides teaching, they spend their time writing stories and taking care of their twins. Rachel Smith is a Queer cartoonist living on the unceded territory of the Lekwungen peoples, and the Songhees, Esquimalt, and W̱SÁNEĆ First Nations (Victoria, British Columbia) with their spouse, and beloved dog Stella. They have a passion for surf and skate culture and spend most of their time in nature. Rachel has published illustrations and comics in several anthologies, including Cloudscape Comics and Vagabond Comics. They are also the creator of the autobio-comic SKULL, which chronicles their experiences with mental health. Rachel has a certificate in Comics & Graphic Novels from Camosun College.

★ "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