Orca Echoes

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.

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!"

Eleven-year-old Charlie Dembinski lives by the rules he writes down in his notebook. He knows that animals behave in predictable ways and it's easy for him to understand them. What Charlie doesn't understand is why people aren't the same way. Faced with a swarm of bees attached to a car, a cat with an unusual lump, a large dog who eats jewelry, a little dog who's lost his confidence, and a best friend who's upset for reasons he doesn't understand, Charlie is put to the test. Can his rules help solve these problems? The third book in the Charlie's Rules series from bestselling author Sigmund Brouwer, Hush, Puppy is sure to delight young animal lovers. The straightforward plot, black-and-white illustrations and unique animal stories make this the perfect chapter book for early readers.

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.

Eleven-year-old Charlie Dembinski likes to keep his life organized and quiet. This is a challenge when you live on a farm where your mother runs a veterinary clinic for the local livestock, neighbors' pets and sometimes rescued wildlife. To complicate Charlie's orderly life even further, his mother hires a bookkeeper to live on the farm who brings along her daughter, Amy Ma. And, Amy is anything but quiet! Her constant questions and attempts to spend time with Charlie really bother him, and he doesn't understand why the adults seem to like her so much. But when, a neighbor's beloved dog gets sick with a mysterious illness, Charlie realizes that Amy's outgoing approach might not be all that bad.

When eight-year-old Kiara discovers that her recently deceased grandmother left her a genie, trapped in a bottle of garam-masala, she's elated. She'll be a modern-day Aladdin and have someone to do her bidding. And, Kiara could really use a little magic. Third grade is just about to start and she's spent the summer worried about being in class with Matt, a bully who seems to have nothing else to do but make Kiara and her best friend Bai's lives miserable. Unfortunately, the genie has decided he's on vacation after working for ten thousand years and is looking for someone to do his bidding. A battle of wills ensues, and Kiara realizes that you don't really need magic to solve your problems.

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.

Lark and Connor are ready for a sunny day at the splash pad when their halmoni (grandmother) gets a call from her friend Miss June. Miss June's handmade quilt has been stolen right from her backyard-and on the day of the quilt show! Lark and Connor set aside their plans to help find the culprit. After scouring the crime scene, they gather their friends from the splash pad and head to the quilt show to interview suspects. Lark and Connor will have to follow the loose threads to discover who stole Miss June's quilt...and try to get it back before the show is over. The epub edition of this title is fully accessible. Key Selling Points • On the day of the quilt show, Halmoni's friend June has her newly finished quilt stolen-but eight-year-old twins Lark and Connor are determined to help her find the culprit and return the quilt before the show is over. • Books that include incidental neurodiversity and racial diversity (their family is Korean and Kenyan) continue to be in high demand, and the fact that Lark is not only dyslexic but that each book contains new vocab words she's learning is a real draw for teachers and young readers. • As it's centred on a local quilt show, the book showcases how diverse the quilt-making community can be (including people of different ages and genders), and will spark an appreciation for quilts in kid readers. • Central character Miss June uses a wheelchair and has a service dog, Daisy, which are incidental to the plot; Lark mentions a helpful tip about not petting service dogs while they're wearing their service dog harnesses. • Using a dyslexia-friendly font, the book introduces readers to idioms and advanced vocabulary via Lark's point of view and includes a section at the end that explains the words and figures of speech used. • Fast-paced plots, child-friendly intrigue, accessible language and short chapters featuring black-and-white illustrations make this series perfect for emergent readers. In this early chapter book, Lark and Connor help their halmoni's friend Miss June try to find out who stole her quilt and get it back in time to display it at the local quilt show. Natasha Deen loves stories-exciting ones, scary ones and, especially, funny ones! As a kid of two countries (Guyana and Canada), she feels extra lucky because she gets a double dose of stories. Natasha is the author of many books including the Lark Ba Detective series in the Orca Echoes line, Depth of Field in the Orca Soundings line and In the Key of Nira Ghani which won the Amy Mathers Book Award and was nominated for the Red Maple, MYRCA and R. Ross Arnett Awards. She is also a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. Natasha lives in Edmonton. Marcus Cutler is a freelance children's illustrator whose work has appeared in magazines, books, apps and more. He has worked with a variety of clients, including Chickadee Magazine, OWL Magazine, Macmillan Publishers and Parks Canada, and he is the illustrator of the Lark Ba Detective series, The Owl and the Two Rabbits and The Walrus and the Caribou. Marcus lives in Tecumseh, Ontario. Lively, entertaining short chapter books aimed at readers between ages seven and nine. These popular classroom favorites are well suited for social responsibility and character-building programs. Can Lark and Connor stitch together the case of the missing quilt? Lark and Connor are ready for a sunny day at the splash pad when their halmoni (grandmother) gets a call from her friend June. June's handmade quilt has been stolen right from her backyard...and on the day of the quilt show! Lark and Connor follow the loose threads to discover who took June's quilt and try to get it back before the show is over. Can Lark and Connor stitch together the case of the missing quilt?

Tom loves running through cow fields with his best friend, Peggy, and his dog, Amos-especially when he's pretending to be his favorite radio hero, the Lone Ranger. But when Tom learns the nearby Fraser River is about to flood, he may have to become a real-life hero and help save his family's herd of dairy cows. This story is based on real events that happened in the farming community of Agassiz during the Fraser River flood of 1948.

Bad weather, bugs, and boredom-DJ and the boys in Camp Lots-o-Fun's cabin six are starting to call it Camp Not-so-Fun. To make matters worse, one of the boys has it in for DJ. But DJ isn't about to let that bother him. His lively imagination and wit ensure there's never a dull moment. A bear in the woods, monsters in the lake, and a hermit's ghost make for a week at summer camp that none of the boys in cabin six will soon forget.

Googol and Googolplex are on a mission to learn about Earth by collecting a number of items including a blackbirdís song, snowballs, and a chocolate bar. Pippa and Troy are happy to help, especially when they get to ride to the North Pole in a spaceship. But when they return, Martin, the bully next-door, sees something that he shouldn't.

On returning to their home after a massive wildfire, nine-year-old Jasmin and her seven-year-old brother, Hunter, thought the biggest surprise would be whether their fire-resistant house had survived. Jasmin and Hunter did not expect to find an orphaned bear cub stuck in the neighbors' well. Rescuing the tiny cub from the well was the easy part, now they need to care for it until the people from the bear-rescue sanctuary can make it safely through the fires to pick it up. The cub turns out to be exactly what one would expect of a wild animal-a huge handful! The latest Orca Echoes early chapter book from award-winning author Eric Walters was inspired by Eric's visit to a wildlife sanctuary in Northern British Columbia. Bear in the Family tells the fictionalized story of a bear cub found by a family after the forest surrounding their home was destroyed by a wildfire.

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?

Just when Josh starts to think his break from school is going to be all chores and no cheer, his best friend, Mark, invites him to spend their break helping restore a historic home and mill in Oregon. With the help of their friends Angela and Mary Jane, and under the watchful eye of Aunt Sue and Uncle Doug, the kids spend weeks fixing up the grounds, basking in the freedom of country life, and learning about the surrounding area. Not to mention eating bugs, domesticating feral cats, and starring in a movie! But it's not all fun and filming. The mill is in financial trouble, and the kids have to figure out a way to help Aunt Sue and Uncle Doug keep it running, in spite of it being haunted. Ghost of the Mill House follows Bus to the Badlands, where we first met Josh and his classmates.

★ "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

Filip, the ten-year-old son of Croatian immigrants, lives in a boring suburb of the big city, where he passes his time either at school or in his cozy kitchen, googling everything from dinosaurs to the Hubble Space Telescope. When his favorite uncle gets sick, Filip turns to Google for answers. Instead he receives a visit from the Great Googlini, a tiny woman in Converse sneakers who swirls out of the computer vents. She's not really a genie, she explains: "I'm more of an archivist." Her visit is a little bit of magic that lets Filip see the magic all around him. Ultimately about the things we can know and the things we can't, this is a smart, touching, funny chapter book about growing up, braving tough times and looking for answers.

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.

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.

Googol and Googolplex are on a mission to learn about Earth by collecting a number of items including a blackbirdís song, snowballs and a chocolate bar. Pippa and Troy are happy to help, especially when they get to ride to the North Pole in a spaceship. But when they return, Martin, the bully next-door, sees something that he shouldn't.

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..

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!

Beatrice More is no average third-grader. She is a list-making, hyperorganized perfectionist whose laid-back parents and messy little sister consistently frustrate her high standards. And when a new house, a new neighborhood and new friends are thrown into the mix, Beatrice sends the family into a comic tailspin, all in the name of "professionalism." Despite her most feverish organizational efforts, Beatrice ultimately discovers that some of the best experiences are the ones you can't control.

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.

Googol and Googolplex are back from space, ready to continue their scavenger hunt. Pippa and Troy are eager to help, but runaway bulls and disappearing rainbows make their task difficult. And dangerous! Over the Rainbow with Googol and Googolplex is the third book in the Googol and Googolplex series. Book one is Down the Chimney with Googol and Googolplex. Book two is Under the Sea with Googol and Googolplex.

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.

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.

Nell makes two wishes on her birthday, but the next day they show little sign of coming true. Everyone in her household is busy and wants her out from underfoot and no one is willing to help her find her lost cat. In the end she finds more than a cat and she makes her own wishes come true with the help of a row of tall, bright, smiling sunflowers.

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.

Eleven-year-old Charlie Dembinski knows how to make his group project for science class an organized and informative success. Unfortunately for Charlie, his (reluctant) best friend, Amy Ma, would rather it be interesting, fun and just a bit gross. And, their other partner, Jenna Yee, is too worried about why her puppy, Diesel, keeps attacking her mom to think about their project. Luckily for Jenna, Charlie's mom is a veterinarian, and Amy and Charlie are keen to help figure out what Diesel's problem is. What the three classmates don't realize is that Diesel isn't trying to hurt anyone. Just the opposite in fact: Diesel is trying to save someone! But, will the kids figure out what he's trying to tell them before Diesel's behavior becomes too much to handle?

Jake, Tommy and Lexie are on a ski trip. In an attempt to squeeze one last run in for the day, the kids head out on their own to ski down Easy Street. But Lexie and Jake convince Tommy to try Wildcat Run instead. Wildcat Run presents the young skiers with more than they expect, including a cougar sighting. When Lexie has a bad fall, the kids are left stranded on the hill in the fading daylight. Will they be rescued or will they have to spend the night alone on the mountain with a cougar?

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

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?

Lightning sparks a forest fire deep in the mountains near the town of Waterton. Days later, the sky is blue and the air is clear, so it doesn't seem like an emergency, until crews of firefighters begin to arrive and townspeople start to prepare. Cricket and her friends watch deer and birds flee the forest and run right through town. But what about the slower animals? What about the porcupines and squirrels, the salamanders and snakes? Cricket searches for a way to help until the fire surprises everyone by quickly switching directions and racing towards the town. She hopes that the preparations and the firefighters' experience will be enough to save her home. But what about all the animals she loves? This is the fifth title in the Cricket McKay series, following Cougar Frenzy, Bats in Trouble, Ospreys in Danger and Salamander Rescue.

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?

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?

Seven-year-old Christina desperately wants a dog. When she visits a kennel with her parents, she comes home with Prince, a greyhound recently retired from his champion racing career. Christina is thrilled and spends all her time with her new pal. They are like two peas in a pod. But one day, when Prince is left alone in the backyard, he escapes. Christina's mother searches everywhere for him only to find him at the schoolyard gate waiting for Christina. Promising never to leave him alone in the backyard again, her father brings home a little Chihuahua named Chancho. Now Prince will always have a companion to play with.

Key Selling Points • It's the aftermath of World War II in Toronto and 10-year-old Barbara realizes that, while her father's away helping Jewish refugees in Europe, she has to be the one to solve the problem of the peacock living in their back garden before the winter comes. • The Peacock delves into the experience of being Jewish in 1947 in Canada, what it was like to be a child during the war, the treatment of refugees by the world at large, and how the acts of kind individuals can make huge positive change. • This historical fiction chapter book takes on a less-represented period of history, just after World War II, shining a light on the displaced persons living in encampments in Europe and what people tried to do to help, from the viewpoint of a Jewish Canadian family. • The metaphor of the peacock (a stand-in for the refugees Barbara's father is helping) gives readers an entry point to think about displaced people but in a lighthearted way (with a happy ending). • A bonus glossary will be online for readers interested in extra background about the book's context. • Contains 22 black-and-white illustrations. In this partially illustrated early chapter book set in 1947, when a young girl's father is away in Europe helping refugees, she is left to deal with a stray peacock who has arrived in her family's yard, much to her mother's dismay. The girl devises a plan to earn the peacock's trust and return it to its home at the zoo. Everyone needs a safe place to call home. What do you do about a peacock in your backyard? World War II has just ended and Barbara is waiting for things to get back to normal. But, instead, her father has to travel to Europe, leaving their Toronto home behind. His company has a plan to give Jewish refugees jobs as tailors so they can immigrate to Canada with their families. So Barbara gets left with her rabble-rousing brothers and her melancholy mother...and a peacock that has just moved into the backyard. Her mother won't go near it, and it clearly needs some other place to call home. The zoo says they don't have room for another animal, but they can't tell her how many they have. So what's one more? Barbara comes up with a plan involving peanut butter cookies and her trusty wagon to bring the peacock to a safe home at the zoo-before winter hits. Based on the true story of the author's own grandfather, Sam Posluns, who, along with several other Jewish business leaders, created the "Garment Workers' Scheme" (aka The Tailor Project). This was a way of unlocking Canada's harsh immigration laws and providing many refugees with a safer and happier future. Jennifer Tzvia MacLeod is a Canadian writer who lives in northern Israel. She writes award-winning books for Jewish kids and families, as well as fiction, nonfiction and poetry for a range of publications. She has won PJ Library's Author Incentive Award twice, along with the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators' Crystal Kite Award, the only peer-selected award for excellence in the field of children's literature. Jaimie MacGibbon is a children's illustrator living in the small mountain town of Nelson in British Columbia. She is a self-taught artist who enjoys working with both traditional and digital media. Jaimie loves using expressive line work, playing with light and creating characters full of life. Her work celebrates the beauty of everyday life, curiosity and imagination. "Told in short and digestible chapters, this chapter book packs a narrative punch…and provides a glimpse into a less well-known historical moment for readers to learn about." "A touching and educational illustrated chapter book that highlights empathy, resourcefulness, and the importance of community. An enriching addition to library bookshelves."

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.

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.

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! The epub edition of this title is fully accessible. 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. "A capable pair of siblings show initiative and perseverance as they help their mother and themselves. A gently told, wholesome adventure in apartment living."

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.

In this partially illustrated early chapter book, two friends bring a friendly dragon statue to life and must find a way to help her get home. The dragon is alive! When eleven-year-old Hailey and her friend Kyle make a wish on a Chinese lion statue, they accidentally bring a dragon to life. Scared at first, the kids soon realize that Zhu the dragon means them no harm, and they show the dragon around their city. It's all fun and games until Animal Control gets wind of a wild creature on the loose. The kids have to find a way to send their new friend back home before she's taken away. Key Selling Points • Two kids make a magical new friend when a wish on a Chinese lion statue comes true in this story about friendship, Chinese culture and, of course, dragons! • The book introduces and helps to promote an understanding of Chinese culture and traditions, which is timely in light of the increase in anti-Asian racism occurring in North America right now. • Marty Chan has a special connection to Edmonton's Chinatown, as it's where his parents lived when they first arrived in Edmonton. He has many memories of visiting the China Gate and rubbing the stone ball in the Chinese lion statue's mouth for good luck. • Features several black-and-white illustrations throughout. 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. Marty Chan is an award-winning author of dozens of books for kids, including Kung Fu Master, Haunted Hospital and Kylie the Magnificent in the Orca Currents line and the award-winning Marty Chan Mystery series. He tours schools and libraries across Canada, using storytelling, stage magic and improv to ignite a passion for reading in kids. He lives in Edmonton. Grace Chen is a Chinese-Canadian artist and illustrator. A graduate of Sheridan College's Illustration program, Grace has a strong foundation in traditional mediums that greatly influences her current art. She is inspired by moments in her life, as well as the world, and the works of those around her. She enjoys drawing animals and characters in amusing scenarios. Grace lives in Toronto.

Cricket McKay and her best friend, Shilo, are enjoying the last few weeks of summer vacation when they discover that something is killing bats around Grandpa McKay's farm. Could the new wind turbines be the cause? The kids do some detective work and then jump into action coming up with a plan to save the bats. Bats in Trouble is the third book featuring animal-activist Cricket MacKay, following Ospreys in Danger and Salamander Rescue.

When an osprey nest atop an electrical pole catches fire, the whole town of Waterton loses power. Being a park warden's daughter, Jenna (whom everyone calls Cricket) is there at the scene, where she finds three abandoned baby ospreys. Caring for the chicks proves to be challenging for Cricket. The birds are noisy, hungry and very picky eaters. But when she discovers that the power company is building a new anti-nesting device on the electrical pole, Cricket has an even bigger problem. How will she reunite the baby birds with their parents without a place for them to build a nest?

It's Ramadan, a time to focus on good deeds and to fast, and Badir and his brother, Anis, are out for a walk one evening while they wait for their iftar meal. In the park Badir sees a rat. A very, very large rat. He soon learns it's actually a beaver, an animal that doesn't live in Tunisia, the country Badir and his family have emigrated from. It turns out that some of the neighbors who enjoy the park think this beaver is a bit of a pest, but Badir thinks it's wonderful and learns everything he can about the iconic Canadian animal. When a petition is started to remove the beaver, Badir, who knows firsthand how difficult it is to leave your home behind, rallies his classmates to save it. And with a little help from new friends, the kids learn that collaboration and faith can change the way we think about the world.

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.

The rooster has been kidnapped by the fox. What is the little hen to do? Go to the shed and build a paper wagon, that's what. With two Herculean mice in place of horses, the little hen heads for the fox's house deep in the forest. On the way, she is joined by a cat, a brick, a needle and a hairy spider, all desperate for a ride. Will they be able to complete the rescue?

Reg and Keely are twins. Keely loves painting and bugs. Reg loves rocks. Keely sings crazy rhymes. Reg plays softball. Shawna and Burt are their friends. In this series of linked stories, the childrenís deep involvement with their daily activities never falters, from a bug walk, through incidents flying a kite and dividing labor at clean up time, to a chance to swim in the river on a hot summer's day.