For the little ones: in the land of what does not exist
“Ghosts don’t exist,” says the nursery rhyme. Like all nonexistent entities, the hero of this album lives in the Great Nowhere, a vast and crazy territory beautifully illustrated by Iris Boudreau. The ghost once ate ice cream there… until it was invented in the real world and disappeared from his universe. Tired of seeing what he likes to go through in the other world, the specter also wants to exist. A very imaginative book in which we reconnect with the deadpan humor of the late author François Blais.
The ghost who wanted to exist. Text by François Blais, illustrations by Iris Boudreau. Comme des géants editions. Ages 5 and up.
The ghost who wanted to exist
Editions Like Giants
From 5 years old
For primary school children: hand in hand
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Excerpt from Right there in our hands. Text by Vincent Bolduc, illustrations by Jimena Aragonés Rossetto.
Saya’s hands allow her to do so many things, like “build the most beautiful snow fort” or “fight imaginary enemies.” But sometimes, when emotions rise, her army of fingers does as it pleases. Her father also experiences times when his hands can no longer perform everyday gestures. However, when they are reunited, the hands of the little girl and her father regain their strength. A sweet album, signed by the actor, screenwriter and author Vincent Bolduc, on the power of the relationship between a child and his parent.
Right there in our hands. Text by Vincent Bolduc, illustrations by Jimena Aragonés Rossetto. Editions Dent-de-lion. From 6 years old.
Right there in our hands
Dandelion Editions
From 6 years old
For elementary school children: mysteries in Old Quebec
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Excerpt from College of Mysteriesvolume 1 — The Locker Orphansby Edith Girard
At the beginning of the school year, five first-year secondary students from the prestigious Collège Sainte-Hubertine are assigned lockers in the damp and dusty basement of the historic building in Old Quebec. No luck for them, they were last on the alphabetical list. The discovery of mysterious magical relics and the observation of supernatural phenomena will push the group to unite to protect the school. This promising new fantasy series, which highlights Quebec folklore, has, in our opinion, everything to charm fans of another very popular magical universe… that of Harry Potter.
College of Mysteriesvolume 1 — The Locker Orphansby Edith Girard. Quebec America Editions. Ages 9 and up.
College of Mysteriesvolume 1 — The Locker Orphans
Quebec America Editions
From 9 years old
For teenagers: the consequences of the housing crisis
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Excerpt fromOn the edge of wanderingby Valérie Fontaine
The housing crisis is often in the headlines. In fiction On the edge of wanderingauthor Valérie Fontaine explores the consequences by depicting a family forced to leave their apartment. In each chapter, we delve into the thoughts of either William, 15, or Julia, his mother. Despite the bad news that accumulates, the sacrifices and the moments of discouragement, the family sticks together. A story of resilience and mutual aid in the face of adversity around a theme that is unfortunately very current.
On the edge of wanderingby Valérie Fontaine. Leméac Jeunesse Editions. From 14 years old.
On the edge of wandering
Leméac Youth Editions
From 14 years old
Comic Strip: A New Beginning
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Excerpt from The news. Text and illustrations by Cassandra Calin, translation by Isabelle Allard.
Lia and her family leave Romania and fly to Montreal. This move is something the 12-year-old teenager did not want. Far from her friends and loved ones, she feels alone. Not to mention that she does not speak French. And, as if that were not enough changes, her body is going through major upheavals. Throughout the pages, we follow the endearing heroine in her reception class as she gradually adapts to her life in Canada and makes new friends. A comic strip sprinkled with humor whose story is inspired by the author’s own life.
The news. Text and illustrations by Cassandra Calin, translation by Isabelle Allard. Scholastic Publishing. Ages 8 and up.
The news
Scholastic Publishing
From 8 years old
Documentary: Surprising Jobs of the Past
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Excerpt from Funny story these jobs — Coffee sniffer and more than 80 other unusual professions. Text by Markus Rottmann, illustrations by Michael Meister.
From gladiators to mourners, wet nurses, armpit hair removers, chair carriers and sand merchants, this captivating documentary presents an overview of more than 80 unusual professions, the majority of which have now disappeared. Among the most disconcerting, we cannot ignore the fartomaniacs, those entertainers who transformed their flatulence into “music”. We are also surprised by the technique used by leech catchers, who used their legs as bait. The book offers a surprising journey into the past by shining the spotlight on forgotten professions.
Funny story these jobs — Coffee sniffer and more than 80 other unusual professions. Text by Markus Rottmann, illustrations by Michael Meister, translation by Laurence Richard. Éditions Québec Amérique. Ages 9 and up.
Funny story these jobs — Coffee sniffer and more than 80 other unusual professions
Quebec America Editions
From 9 years old