What to read | Our youth favorites of the year

Among the youth novelties published during the year, here are our favorites, from here and elsewhere.

Véronique Larocque
Press

For the little ones

Baby war

Where does Madame Hachida’s new baby come from? wonder Violette and Lilou. From Morocco ? asks Violette. Of the hospital ? as Tom asserts. From a uterus? as Mehdi says. All the children of the district put forward their hypothesis in a frenzied debate. It was then that Mr. Samir and Ms. Hachida all agreed with them. The album provides a fun and informative answer to the essential question: where do babies come from?

Baby war, text by Carole Tremblay, illustrations by Élodie Duhameau. Short Scale Editions. From 5 years old.

The little wood robot and the log princess

In 2021, the popular cartoonist Tom Gauld released a children’s album for the first time. The one who collaborates regularly with The Guardian and The New York Times offers children a contemporary fairy tale filled with humor. The story ? We follow the quest of a little wooden robot who goes beyond the limits of his kingdom to find a log, which is actually his sister. A wacky adventure that will appeal to both children and their parents.

The little wood robot and the log princess, text and illustrations by Tom Gauld, translation by Christiane Duchesne. Editions Comme des Géants. From 4 years old.

The end of lice?

The physical distancing measures imposed by the pandemic have not only changed the daily lives of human beings. They have had a major impact on the lives of lice. How can they migrate from one hair to another if there are no more reconciliations? Very funny, this album imagines how these tiny parasites lived the last 21 months. Has COVID-19 signed the death warrant for lice? All parents in Quebec know that these unwanted people have not said their last word.

The end of lice? Text and illustrations from Orbie. Les 400 coups editions. From 5 years old.

The song of the changing world

On January 20, 2021, Amanda Gorman made history in the United States by becoming the youngest poet to take part in the inauguration ceremony of a president. Translated by Angélique Kidjo, The song of the changing world allows children to discover the words this committed woman. “I don’t want to raise the barrier that separates us. I want to build a bridge that brings us together, ”she wrote. A call for solidarity launched in a very beautiful way.

The song of the changing world, text by Amanda Gorman, illustrations by Loren Long, translation by Angélique Kidjo. Fayard editions. From 4 years old.

Coco, where are you?

How do you approach the departure of a loved one with a little one? By focusing on memories shared with the person we loved, Aurélien Galvan’s album offers a bright way to experience mourning (but also a move or the loss of an animal). The enchanting universe where Coco now resides will amaze children. Like his friend Simone, they will conclude that the little bird can only feel good in his new home.

Coco, where are you?, text and illustrations by Aurélien Galvan. Éditions Monsieur Ed. From 3 years old.

For kids

Matchstick soup

Lolo is a superhero. His power ? Be super nice. His mission ? Save the world. While he is usually good at it, he faces a great challenge when he has to help a dragon regain its flame. Very creative, all his attempts fail. What if the solution was in front of his eyes? This first youth album by singer-songwriter Patrice Michaud is fun and offers a few nods to the news that will also amuse parents.

Matchstick soup, text by Patrice Michaud, illustrations by Guillaume Perreault. Fonfon editions. From 6 years old.

Truffle

This year, Fanny Britt and Isabelle Arsenault have reconnected with the family of Louis among the specters by featuring Truffe, Louis’ little brother, in three different stories. We quickly get attached to this young rock lover, whether when we see him creating a group with his friends, talking about love with the pretty Nina or even wondering about death. Touching and funny dive into the imagination of a young boy.

Truffle, text by Fanny Britt, illustrations by Isabelle Arsenault. La Watermelon Editions. From 7 years old.

Whales and us

Whales and us is not an animal documentary like the others. Forget the pictures. Rather, they are beautiful illustrations that represent these large marine mammals. Another particularity: anecdotes and legends serve as a starting point for presenting scientific facts. Thus, the song of the whales is approached thanks to the sirens, while Pinocchio is a pretext to speak about anatomy. This original documentary book, written by a cetacean lover, also leads us to reflect on our impact on these giants of the seas.

Whales and us, text by India Desjardins, illustrations by Nathalie Dion. La Bagnole editions. From 7 years old.

Failures

Simone loves to draw. But beware: it must above all not exceed. Otherwise, it’s a disaster. The young girl is inconsolable and the leaves are piling up in the recycling bin. Meeting an artist will allow him to see his “failures” in a new light. Behind the mistakes can be masterpieces. A perfect book to calm the anxieties of little perfectionists.

Failures, text by Tania Baladi, illustrations by Mathieu Potvin. Quebec America Publishing. From 6 years old.

Vinyasa Ninja, volume 1 – The power of yoga

Like the year before, 2021 will have been a source of anxiety for many people. Between manga and yoga book, volume 1 of the Vinyasa Ninja series can serve as a tool for young people and allow them to regain their calm. We like the illustrations explaining different positions. Perfect for doing yoga like a ninja.

Vinyasa Ninja, volume 1 – The power of yoga, Olivier Hamel and Olivier Carpentier. Presses Aventure editions. From 9 years old.

For teens

If i disappear

At 14, Brianna Jonnie wrote an open letter to the Winnipeg Police Chief imploring him to “do better” when an Indigenous person goes missing. This graphic novel takes the essence of this missive and adds the poignant images of Neil Nshannacappo. A topical book that opens eyes to inequalities and sends a clear message: “The disappearance and murder of Indigenous women and girls are NOT Indigenous issues: they are human rights issues. ”

If i disappear, text by Brianna Jonnie and Nahanni Shingoose, illustrations by Neil Nshannacappo, translation by Nicholas Aumais. Isatis editions. From 12 years old.

Behind the sparkle of your smile

A teenage girl learns of her brother’s death while on a school trip. When his father tells him that it was not an accident, his memories darken, the questions multiply, the guilt rises, the anger too. “This visceral feeling: I was your confidante as you were mine / Was this complicity that we all envied a lie? Sophie Gagnon-Roberge was inspired by the suicide of her brother to write these free verses which translate in a moving way all the distress of those who remain.

Behind the sparkle of your smile, Sophie Gagnon-Roberge. Heritage Editions. From 12 years old.

Fab: The recruit

Shortly before entering high school, Fabiola sees her world crumble. His mothers tell him that they are separating: one will go to live in Rouyn-Noranda, the other in Rimouski. We follow the difficult integration of the teenager in her new school in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. If she takes up themes often approached in novels for adolescents, Émilie Ouellette manages to distinguish herself by her humor and thanks to the inspiring Fab.

Fab: The rookie, Émilie Ouellette. Little man editions. From 11 years old.