Author of over 40 award winning books for children, Margriet conducts writing workshops and author presentations in schools around the world. Contact her directly to book.
Interesting, and perhaps slightly scary books for Halloween and beyond!
Broom For Two by Jennifer Maruno, with art by Scot Ritchie, is a funny story about a Little Witch has is learning how to fly her broomstick. She always flies in circles and lands with a bump. The other witches laugh at her because her broomstick looks tattered and scratched. And when Little Witch goes for her flying test, she does not pass because her broomstick dips and doodles. But one night, when lightning strikes, Little Witch is the only one who hears Ramshackle Rat’s cries for help when his house is struck. And as she rescues him to bring him to her own home, her broomstick runs smooth as can be. The extra weight of a friend is just what she needed. A fun story for little readers, but also for those about to get their learner’s permit! ISBN 978-1-77278-320-9, Pajama Press
Zoom in on Zombies by Kari-Lynn Winters and Catherine Rondina is a deliciously gross book that will appeal to elementary school readers. From explanations of our fascination with the walking dead, to unusual facts about animals, this book is chock full of stinky information. It even has lots of zombie jokes. The book looks at zombie behaviour of cockroaches and sloths. But it also has survival tips and fascinating tidbits about ecosystems. A good book to use around Halloween! ISBN 978-1554556083, Fitzhenry & Whiteside
Eli and the Real, Live, Dead Mummy, written by Sam Fisher, illustrated by Judy Hilgemann, is a great story for kids who are collectors, dreamers or mummy scientists. Even better, it is based on a true event. Eli loves to explore. He climbs mountains and digs for treasure. But one day he has a bad fall and is taken to the hospital for x-rays. And there, to his utter surprise, he spots of real, live, dead mummy. But no one else sees it and no one believes Eli until the doctor brings him in for his x-ray and there is the mummy from the Royal Ontario’s Egyptian Display. It is also in for x-rays. And the kind doctor even gives Eli and x-ray image to keep. ISBN 978-0889957-305, Red Deer Press
Margriet Ruurs is the Canadian author of over 40 books for children. Her next title is Celebrations Around The World, Kids Can Press. Book her for author visits to your school, here:
Welcome to a new school year. Start it off right by sharing books in the classroom!
Bounce! by Robert Munsch with art by Michael Martchenko is yet another wild story by Munsch – a much welcome romp in a hospital bed. Two sisters scrape a knee and get hauled off in an ambulance. But when they are placed in a waiting room, they get tired of waiting and soon discover the bed has buttons. Buttons to move the bed up, and down, and down and up! Until the entire bed folds double with the sisters inside. Funny doctors show up with interesting instruments, until the janitor saves the day by fixing the bed. Typical Munsch fantasy that will delight many young readers! ISBN 987-1-0397-1004-7, Scholastic Canada
It’s My Brain by Elise Gravel is a deceptively simple picturebook about brains. Adorable critters explain how our brains work and how each one is unique. Senses send messages to our brain, which in turns sends signals to other bodyparts to act on it. Your brain helps you to stay safe and is always learning new things. It explains how we all learn at different speeds and in many different ways. Brains also need to be looked after with healthy foods, sleep, even helmets. This is a great book to discuss feelings, perceptions and different ways of thinking or having opinions. ISBN 978-1-0397-1009-2, North Winds Press/Scholastic
Inside Scouts Help the Strong Cheetah by Mitali Banerjee Ruths, with art by Francesca Mahaney is part of the Inside Scouts series of early chapter books. The pages have very little text and the book is more like a graphic novel for beginning readers. Written by a medical doctor, the stories all focus on a physical problem that is fixed by the scouts who can travel inside a body to fix a problem. In this story, the scouts help a cheetah with leg cramp. Back pages explain some of the physiology in simple terms. ISBN 978-1-338-89504-9-50599, Scholastic
Mrs. Nobody by Y.S. Lee, with art by Marie Lafrance tells the story of Alice and her imaginary friend, Mrs. Nobody. Together they get up to no good – cut their hair, draw on walls, and are in separable. Until they start to argue. Mrs. Nobody is bossy and Alice has had enough. She knows she has to speak up and follow her heart. Alice learns to find her own voice and make her own decisions in this imaginary world.
ISBN 978-1773-068381, Groundwood Books
Today I Am is a collection of short stories by twelve different authors, edited by Jael Richardson. Each of the stories deals with the theme of ‘belonging’. Have you ever felt left out, like you were the one who did not belong? In a new city, a new school? These stories are placed in regular families in a variety of circumstances, like Thanksgiving Dinner, in a new school where one is a minority, but also on different planets. From sci-fi to realistic fiction, from free verse to graphics. These stories will appeal to anyone who has needed the courage to feel find themselves and feel accepted. ISBN 978-1-4431-9235-4, Scholastic
Margriet Ruurs reads, reviews and writes books from her home in BC, Canada. She conducts author visits to schools around the world.
In his book The Butterfly Lion, Michael Morgurpo writes, ‘I met the best friends I ever had in books.’ Books can be your best friends and best friends in school are important to all children. Here are some great books about books ánd friendships. A good way to start off a new school year!
Welcome The New Kid/The New Kid Welcome, by Suzanne Slade, illustrated by Nicole Miles, is a story told forward and backward. The text, printed in the center of the book, is used one way from start to end, and then used from end to start in the other half of the book. Interestly, this changes the story of how to welcome a new child in a school. Do you make friends and include him? Or do you feel that it is not necessary to welcome him and leave him alone instead? An interesting story concept that will be fun to read and discuss with students, especially when a new student is coming or at the start of a new school year. ISBN 978-0-593-42632-6, Random House Kids
Yours in Books by Julie Falatko, illustrated by Gabriel AlborozoOwl loves reading but his neighbourhood is noisy and there are too many interruptions. He embarks on a correspondence with B. Squirrel who runs a lovely book shop. Squirrel tries to send Owl helpful books and has many suggestions for Owl to share books with the critters around him. Not only does Owl read to the little ones, he also starts baking and making crafts with them. Through the love of books, each makes new friends and, together, they have a fabulous tea party and Owl ends up reading books to a wider audience. A beautiful picture book to share and have a classroom tea party, this is one of those wonderful books that kids will remember fondly. ISBN 978-1-951836-20-7, Cameron Kids
Books Make Good Pets by John Agard, with illustrations by Momoko Abe, is a fun picturebook to share out loud when introducing new readers to the library. ‘Books make good pets and they don’t need to go to the vet!’ is the repeated sentence in this poetic story. The lovely illustrations compare books to birds or puppies, rodents or lizards. And the books win out every time because they set your imagination soaring. ISBN 978-1-4083-5988-4, Hachette Childrens
Is There A Boy Like Me? by Kern Carter is a wonderful novel for teens, perhaps especially for kids in international schools. London is a teenager. Like many teens, he faces complex friendships in school. He also has a lot of parental pressure on having to be the best in many areas, including in coding class which his father wants him to take but in which he himself is not at all interested. His own passion is drawing, reading and writing but his father believes there is no future in that. London navigates between these obstacles while trying to stay true to himself and his best friend, who happens to be a girl. Teen pressure at school and parental pressure at home don’t make life easy for this fourteen year old but London uses his talents and unleashes both critique and support when he creates web-comics that go viral. Not only does this lead new friendships, it also realizes London’s dream of writing a graphic novel. A fun and interesting read.
ISBN 978-1-4431-9842-4, Scholastic Canada
Book Two in the Nish series by Isabelle Picard is called Northern Lights. Nish in Innu means ‘two’ and is linked to the experience of being an indigenous person as well as to the fact that the two main characters in this novel are twins.
Leon and Eloise and their family have moved south from the Arctic to Quebec. Not only do the twins have to learn French, they have to go to a new school and make new friends. Students in international schools will be able to relate to their story of trying to fit in, make friends and pursue their interests in a new environment. The book uses some sentences and words in Innu and also shows the kids’ connections with old friends via text messages. ISBN 978-1-0397-0455-8, Scholastic Canada
Margriet Ruurs writes books for children and makes new friends in international schools around the world when she conducts author visits. http://www.margrietruurs.com
Summer is the time when educators might be lucky enough to curl up with a good book that is not work related. So here are some of my favourite books I recently read. Most will have something of interest to people who travel and work in different countries. Happy reading!
Blue Latitudes: Boldly Going Where Captain Cook Has Gone Before by Tony Horwitz is the nonfiction tale of two epic exploration voyages. The first is that of James Cook, who left England without GPS, any technology or even maps, and sailed off into an unknown world of dangerous oceans, climates and unfamiliar cultures. The second story, woven skillfully in between, is the contemporary journey undertaken by the Australian author as he retraces Cook’s footsteps and follows in his wake. He visits every Cook memorial site and museum, even meets descendants of those who met the famous explorer who changed our world forever. The intertwined story is often hilarious and has many unexpected details. It is a great, well researched read by a Pulitzer price winning author with a sense of humour and adventure.
ISBN 978-0312422608, Picador Publishing
The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell is a great read. It was written in 2015, I ‘discovered’ it in 2025 and loved it. And shortly after I read it, it appeared in cinemas as a movie. As is often the case, this book was better than the movie, even though it was enjoyable to watch. But the book offers the reader a chance to live inside the head of a young man, ready for adventure and for his first teaching job overseas. He gets hired, leaves England and embarks on his teaching career in Argentina in the ’70’s. But Tom is more keen on travel and exploring the country than being stuck in a classroom. During one of his first breaks, he rescues a penguin from an oil spill. What do you do with a penguin? Tom ends up smuggling it into his room at the posh, all boys boarding school where the penguin lives in hiding. But not for long. Eventually, the feisty bird becomes a favourite with boys and staff alike and leads them to new adventures and challenges. A great, nonfiction read!
ISBN 978-0718181635, Michael Joseph Publisher
The Nine Lives of Charlotte Taylor by Sally Armstrong is a fascinating read about explorers, pioneers and settlers and the early formation of Canada as we know it today. Using a seamless blend of fact and fiction, the story of Charlotte Taylor is based on the real life of the author’s great-great-great-grandmother who, in 1775, at the age of twenty, flees her English country home to boarded a ship to Jamaica with her lover, the family’s black butler. Soon after reaching shore, Charlotte’s lover dies of yellow fever, leaving her alone and pregnant in Jamaica. In the sixty-six years that follow, she finds refuge with the Mi’kmaq First Nation of what is present-day New Brunswick. Eventually Charlotte becomes a feisty homesteader, survives three husbands, has nine more children and a lifelong relationship with an aboriginal man. A book that sheds a realistic light on the period of first contact between white settlers and Canada’s original inhabitants – an important part of Canadian history in the form of a fascinating novel.
ISBN 978-0679314059, Vintage Canada
Margriet Ruurs is the author of 40 books for children and an avid reader. She is currently taking bookings for Author Visits to International Schools during the 2025/26 school year.
From Africa to Asia and around the world, these picturebooks are perfect for all ages. One is even published in two languages: English and French on the same page – great to use in an international classroom. Have fun reading books and exploring other cultures!
Shake The Mango Tree/Secouez Le Manguier. This bilingual story is written by Ruth Beardsley and illustrated by Jackson Muthoni is the story of Rupat who was born in Congo, Africa. His family lived on a small plot with goats and chickens. Growing up, he loved the sweet fruit their mango tree. But when he was a teenager, civil war broke out. His father had managed to hide him from soldiers but one day, his village was attacked and Rupat managed to escape. He walked and walked and walked for days, weeks, months Together with others, he slept in hiding places. They scrounged for food but were so hungry. Until one day they came upon a mango tree. They shook and pulled and then filled their bellies with juicy mangoes, just like at home. A map show the route Rupat walked to finally reach a UN refugee camp in Burundi where, eventually, he met a woman who became his wife. Now they have children and were accepted to immigrate to Canada where they all study and work hard. And any time Rupat eats a mango, he is reminded of long ago, his home in Africa.
A good story to discuss what it means to become a refugee and to settle in a new environment. The story is published in both English and French on the same page.
ISBN 978-1-0383-29592, Friesen Press
The Light from my Menorah, Celebrating Holidays around the World, written by Robin Heald, illustrated by Andrea Blinick is a gorgeous picturebook to share in classrooms around the world. A child looks at the light of the menorah in the windowsill. He knows that it reminds of a miracle and wonders about that. The light travels far around the world. Is that the miracle? We see a church and a woman with a crown of candles. There’s a tree hung with lights, too. Then the light travels fast across mountains and water. Is that the miracle? We see a buddha figure and floating candles, lanterns and marigolds. The light swirls around people in different clothing, eating different foods before returning to where it started. In the end, seeing light in different cultures is the miracle. The back pages explain similar customs that celebrate many different beliefs: Diwali, Kwanzaa, St. Lucia Day, Christmas and more. All focused on light. Perhaps focusing on similarities is more important than seeing differences. ISBN 978-1-77278-289-8, Pajama Press
Sometimes I Eat With My Hands by Kid Haile is a good picturebook to share with young kids in an international school since they may recognize the different foods and the different ways f eating.With a fork, with a spoon or with your hands. Watermelon, soup or brociolli. But Feven’s favourite food is prepared when her grandmother comes. Then the entire family eats injera and they all use their hands. ISBN 978-1-77306-924-1, Groundwood Books
Suki’s Kimono by Chieri Uegaki, with art by Stéphane Jorisch, is not a new book but a lovely one nonetheless. And perfect to have in an international school! Spunky Suki is excited about her first day of school. Her older sisters want to wear cool clothes but Suki wants to wear the beautiful kimono her grandmother gave her. It reminds her of the day they dances at a festival. She wants to wear her Japanese sandals, geta, but her sisters discourage her. “You’ll get laughed at,” they warn. But Suki just wants to wear her beautiful Japanese clothes. She makes a friend on the swings and, in class, she shows her kimono with its lovely wide sleeves. She dances in front of the whole class. After then, instead of laughing, Suki gets applause. A good story to instill pride in one’s heritage – unusual as it may be.
ISBN 1-55337-084-8, Kids Can Press
Margriet Ruurs travels the world to speak at international schools. She is the author of over 40 books for children and loves making friends in different cultures.
Readers can also be writers. And all writers should be readers. Here are some wonderful books about books or writing.
Yours in Books, by Julie Falatko, lovely illustrated by Gabriel Alboroza, is the perfect picturebook for all booklovers – both in text and art. Grumpy Owl lives alone and wants peace and quiet to read books. The entire book is an exchange of letters between Owl and Squirrel, who owns a bookshop, all delivered by Snail. The letters start off formal but the two become friends as Owl orders books and Squirrel tries to send him titles he might like. But the noisy neigborhood children keep interfering. Owl doesn’t know what to do when the children keep coming, making a mess of his house and wanting to hear stories. Not only is this a wonderful story of the love of books, but also of making friends and sharing. ISBN 978-1-951836-20-7, Cameron Kids
Biblioburro, a True Story from Colombia, by Jeanette Winter, is the lovely, true tale of Luis who loves books. When his wife tells him that he has enough books in their house, Luis and his two donkeys – Alfa and Beta, start sharing the beloved books with people in remote villages. Now, the people of the hillsides look forward to Luis’ regular visits when they can get more books to read. And people around the world have heard of his mobile library. With simple text and lovely illustrations, this picture book is perfect for younger students. ISBN 578-1-4169-9778-8, Simon and Schuster
Best Wishes – Like A Boss by Sarah Mlynowski and Hena Khan is a fun chapter book. Maya Amir has a hard time making decisions. She really wants to be president of her school’s environmental club. Should she put her hand up? Would they vote for her? By the time Maya makes up her mind, it’s too late. Later that day, Maya receives a mysterious package and finds a beautiful, magical bracelet. With the help of online friends, Maya discovers that the bracelet will grant her a wish. But she has a hard time deciding until she does so inadvertently. Her wish comes true – she becomes a true leader, not just of her environmental club, but of her class, her school and ultimately her country. Could she get world leaders to agree on climate change while she is in charge? A fun read with a bit of magic. ISBN 978-1-5461-0269-4, Scholastic
Two Tales of Twenty-Six, written by Stephanie Simpson McLellan and illustrated by Mike Deas, is an unusual chapter book for beginning readers. One side features Liam and the Letters, a tale about a boy struggling to learn how to read. He wrestles his way through the letters that seem to jumble and jut everywhere. But slowly Liam starts to recognize them: the first letter of his name, the letters in the stop sign and much more. Until one day, when the seasons have changed, he has untangled all 26 letters of the alphabet and can read the entire story about a mouse who sets of on a dangerous journey past cats. Liam is thrilled. And when the story ends, you turn the book around and there…. is the story of the mouse and twenty six cats! In Walter and the World the mouse faces obstacles, too, but by wise observation he too, manages to learn a new skills by the time the seasons change. And at the happy ending of his adventure, you can turn the book around and read the other side again. A clever, endearing story that beginning readers will likely fondly remember for the rest of their life. The text and art form a wonderful coherent whole that jointly tell the story. ISBN 978-0889957466, Red Deer Press
Half Truths, Carol Baldwin
In this excellently written historical fiction novel for teens, Anna Katherine (Kate) lives in North Carolina, in 1950. Her tobacco grower father can’t afford to send her to college but Kate dreams of becoming a newspaper reporter. To achieve her dream in that era, she is even willing to move to Charlotte and stay with her strict grandparents.
The period and setting are reminiscent of To Kill A Mockingbord. As Kate snoops around her grandparents’ house and meets more people, she uncovers many half-truths. The town, too, is torn over unequality between whites and blacks. Do reporters cover things up or do they have a responsibility to report the whole truth?
“Journalists have lots of opportunities to speak the truth. I hope you do it,” her black friend Lilian tells her.
Between forming new friendships, going to a new junior highschool and caring for her goat, Kate has plenty of problems. And while exploring her grandmother’s attic, Kate unearths a secret that rocks her world and her new friend Lillian’s too. The shocking discovery reveals half-truths that threaten the girls’ friendship.
Through a mentorship with a newspaper editor, Kate realizes that journalism requires honesty. But if she reveals what she has learned, what price will she pay?
This book deals admirably with racial discrimination and segregation. The language is historically accurate and depictions of southern towns, segregation, KKK activities and relationships are all depicted based on thorough research. Written with sensitivity and historical accuracy this book encourages critical thinking, empathy, and discussions about past and present social issues. Highly recommended. ISBN-13 : 978-1957656854, Monarch Educational Services
Margriet Ruurs writes books for children and reads nonstop. She conducts author workshops at International Schools and is available for the 2025/26 school year: www.margrietruurs.com
These new titles are not just great reads. They also focus on the importance of friendship and helping each other, making valuable tools for any classroom.
The One and Only Question by Norma Charles and Andrea Charles, illustrated by Ken Daley, is a great picture book to use in schools or anywhere else! Zeke starts at a new school and is very worried that he will be teased because of his skin colour. The first day does not start of great. Zeke knows it will not be a good day. He does not expect much. His teacher doesn’t smile, his lunch is soggy, he doesn’t win a race. But then a bigger kid doesn’t call him names but compliments him. And, to his surprise, Zeke’s first day at his new school is not so bad after all! And who knows, tomorrow may even be better! A great story for kids to recognize themselves, and a perfect tool for educators and parents to discuss racial discrimination and bullying.
ISBN 978-1-77306-965-4, Groundwood Books
Here is a great article about this book, by the author, for educators:
The Lion and The Bird by Marianne Dubuc is a tender, touching story. This akmost wordless picturebook works on many levels and for many ages. Lion is satified, working in his garden. But when a wounded bird lands in his garden, he gently nurses it and, throughout that winter, Lion and Bird hang out together. They read, they eat, they tell tales by the fireplace. But when spring arrives, and Bird’s flock returns, Bird flies off. Lion is sad and lonly but tends his garden as he did before. His garden flourishes but Lion is lonely. Until one Fall day, Bird returns to spend winter with his favourite friend. A beautifully illustrated book that subtly shows the joy of friendship.
ISBN 978-1-59270-151-3, Enchanted Lion Books
Shanti Fights For Her Rights by Marcia E. Barss is a novel about Shanti, a 15 year old girl in a village in India. Shanti loves school but her father is making plans to have her married. In their culture, women obey the men in their families and both Shanti and her mother are powerless to convince him otherwise. Until Shanti visits her married sister in a nearby village and learns about a community support group in which women help each other to the betterment of their village. Shanti learns about new laws and ways to make her father see the benefit of a girl’s education. With the help of her friends, things change for the better – both for Shanti and for their community. The book is based on a real NGO in India called Tharuni which supports girls and women to combat child marriages and increase health and nutrition. A fascinating read for young people anywhere to become aware of how others live.
This is a great book to help celebrate International Women’s Day in schools, especially when paired with books I previously discussed: I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai and Burying The Moon by Andrée Poulin.
ISBN 978-1-989833-32-2, OC Publishing
Stopping The Shots by Lorna Schultz-Nicholson is a good novel that hockey lovers won’t be able to put down. Mike, and his brothers Eric and Liam, live on a farm in Alberta. And, like good Canadian kids, they love nothing better than to play hockey. The realistic story is full of exciting games but also of brother rivalry and worry about their family farm. Mike, as the oldest, feels responsible for his younger brother. But this story also shows that everyone should take ownership of their own behavior and its consequences. When Eric has an accident, he finally sees that he can’t blame his brother and needs to change his own behavior. And Mike learns that honesty is more important than new hockey pads. A page turner!
ISBN 978-1-0397-0119-9, Scholastic Canada
Margriet Ruurs is the writer of over 40 books for children. She visits International Schools around the world:
What is life like for other people in different places? How was life in different times? We can find facts online but the best way to create empathy and understanding is through books and good stories.
The Moon’s Journey by Beryl Young, illustrated by Sean Huang, is based on the true story of an Irish family immigrating to Canada in the 1950’s. Faith is sad to leave home. She has to give away her dearest possessions, including her dog, and say goodbye to the house she loves. She will also miss the moon that always shone in the night sky. But her brother promises to ask the captain of the ship that will take them across the ocean, to tow the moon behind the ship. All through the voyage, Faith worries because the moon is not there, in the cloudy, foggy skies. But she is happy to see her father again, who takes them from Pier 21 in Nova Scotia to their new house, where a kitten awaits her. And when the family gathers outside that night, a bright full moon greets them over their new home. A lovely story about immigration and moving to a new place. ISBN 978-088-9957-473, Fitzhenry & Whiteside
One World, One Day by Barbara Kerley is not a new book by any means. But it is a perfect book. Especially for international schools. With sparse language and gorgeous photos, this picturebook shows that people, and especially children, around the world do similar things in their daily lives. They wake up, make breakfast, go to school albeit in many different ways. They have chores or homework and spend time with their families. A perfect book that will interest readers of all ages and can lead to wonderful shared reading, discussions and writing of personal stories in the classroom. ISBN 978-1-4263-0460-6, National Geographic Partners (I also see a Scholastic edition. If you can’t find it in your local bookstore, you can order it online at: www.betterworldbooks.com)
The Bluest Sky by Christina Diaz Gonzalez is a novel set in the 1980’s in Cuba. Héctor has grown up in a country under communist regime. He doesn’t really know his father, who spoke out against the regime and consequently spent time in prison and was then exiled to the USA. Now his mother wants to leave, too. But if that fact becomes known, his family would be labeled as traitors and their lives would be in danger. Does Héctor really want to know his home country, his friends and family? Will he leave everything behind and find freedom in the US or will it cost his family their lives? This exciting story paints a realistic picture of what life was life in Cuba in the 1980’s.
ISBN 978-0-593-37279-1, Random House Kids
Book Uncle and Me by Uma Krishnaswami is a fun chapter book for young readers based in a city in India. Yasmin and her friends are upset when they discover that the Free Little Lending Library on the street near their apartment building has been ordered to close. But the books Book Uncle has lent them, encourage Yasmin to take action. Upcoming city elections help her to get her teacher and class involved. Many letters to the candidates running for mayor help to get Book Uncle back in business. A fun read for booklovers and young activists. ISBN 978-1-55498-808-2, Groundwood Books
Margriet Ruurs writes books for children in Canada. She reads all the time and presents writing workshops at International Schools. Book now for the next school year: www.margrietruurs.com
Today I would like to share great books about nature: trees, animals, water and also a book for children on taking action for causes like animal rights.
When Nature Calls is a nonfiction picture book about the ‘Unusual Bathroom Habits of the World’s Creatures’, written by Maria Birmingham and illustrated by Dave Whamond. The illustrations are hilarious while the facts are fascinating, as well as nice and gross for kids. Did you know that some critters use their poop as shields to ward off enemies? And which is the only animal in the world to make square poops? A sloth only goes once a week while a housefly poops hundreds of times a day. This book is full of interesting facts that help us realize that poop is helpful, even necessary, to the planet. ISBN 978-0889957244, Red Deer Press
Mother Aspen, A Story of How Forests Cooperate and Communicate, written by Annette LeBox and illustrated by Crystal Smith, is based on the popular research by Suzanne Simard in her book Finding The Mother Tree. This beautiful picture book for young nature lovers shows an aspen tree through her lifetime and her relationships with saplings. Not only does the story show a tree’s interaction with other species, it also tells how a mother tree supports other trees around her by sending nutrients nad messages. And as the tree grows old, a new tree takes over the important role of nurturing the forest. ISBN 978-1-77306-935-7, Groundwood Books
Water Day by Margarita Engle, with art by Olivia Sua, is the story of how important water is to people who don’t have easy access. In a young girl’s town in Cuba, water days are a highlight. It is when the water truck comes and supplies people with just enough clean water that they will need for a week – to cook, to clean, to drink. The girl’s grandmother recalls how rain used to come but how things have changed. This gentle story sheds light on both the importance of water and on global warming, by sharing a specific event in Cuba – a picturebook that can open doors for many valuable classroom discussions. ISBN 978-1-6659-1871-8, Atheneum Books for Young Readers
A Strange Place to Call Home, the world’s most dangerous habitats & the animals that call them home – is not a new book but it’s so gorgeous that I do want to share it with you. Written by Marilyn Singer with art by Ed Young, this book will appeal to kids as well as adults. It features unusual creatures that dwell in unusual, often harsh habitats. Have you ever heard of petroleum flies? In this pages you will meet monkeys who live in snow, penguins who live in warm places and fishes that walk. Each animals is described in a skillfully crafted poem. The back of the book explains not only the animals and their habitats but also the various forms of poetry used. A must read for classroom everywhere. ISBN 978-1-4521-0120-0, Chronicle Kids
Tizzy & Me: Fifteen Ways to Love a Mink, is written by N.M.L. Hazard and illustrated by Alice Priestley. This is a chapter book in a new series aimed at independent readers aged 7-9. It’s an engaging read that shows us Georgia and her best friend Winona. Georgia is very excitable and readers will relate to her problems and interests. She cares deeply about animals and is thrilled when her teacher helps her to set up a club for animal lovers at school. They take action by writing letters and making posters. This book is entertaining but it does more than that: it shows kids that it’s OK to care, how they can learn more about their interestes and how to make a difference. Highly recommended for elementary classrooms and libraries. ISBN 978-088995-7503, Red Deer Press
Margriet Ruurs is the author of many books for children. She conducts author presentations at international schools. To book contact her at: www.margrietruurs.com
Here are some wonderful, new novels for young readers to curl up with – at home or in school.
The Party Diaries by Mitali Banerjee Ruths, illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel, is a fun series of early read chapter books. Fairy Tale Puppy Picnic, the newest installment, is the story of Priya who runs a successful business planning parties, always with a good cause. This time she organizes a puppy party to benefit endangered wild dogs in Africa. The early chapter books are divided into chapters and use mostly speech bubbles. Bright illustrations add to the contents. The story includes how Priya deals with her tasks (making lists, planning ahead), handles anxiety, learns new skills and more. But mostly it focuses on topics that readers will enjoy and learn from. There is also information on the wild dogs and their habitat. Simple books that work on many levels!
ISBN 978-1-338-89690-9, Scholastic
The Go-Between by Jennifer Maruno is based on a true story. Set on British Columbia’s west coast in the 1920’s, Sumi is the 12 year old daughter of a Japanese family. She was born in Canada but discriminated against by many white Canadian people. Sumi takes her sister’s place to work as a housemaid for a doctor on the Sunshine Coast, enabling her sister to get trained as a dressmaker. The setting, the strike at a cannery, as well as most of Sumi’s other experiences, are all based on the author’s mother-in-law’s life in BC as a young Japanese girl. Spunky Sumi loves reading the newspaper and wants to become a reporter. But the treatment she encouters as a girl of Asian descent makes it clear that she may not have that choice. The story is a fascinating read, both as Sumi’s story but also as a historical account. Highly recommended as a good read that can lead to classroom discussions on discrimination and racial tensions.
ISBN 978-088995-7312, Fitzhenry & Whiteside
Ephemia Rimaldi by Linda Demeulemeester is a wonderful read. Set in the early 1900’s during the time of suffragists, in a fictional town, and in a traveling circus – this is a refreshingly different setting for a fun adventure story in which a spunky girl fights for equal rights. The tone of the book reminds me of the great books by Eva Ibbotson. Ephemia was raised by an aunt who believed in women’s rights and equality, who encouraged her to go to college and taught her to believe she could do anything. But the father who abandoned her as a baby, turns out to be a stern ringmaster who is not waiting for his daughter to become part of the circus. However, Ephemia has her own strong will and soon sets out to make things better for all people, and animals, at the circus.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy a good read.
ISBN 978-0889957299, Red Deer Press
Closer To Far Away by Kristin Butcher is a wholesome, old fashioned novel. Fans of books like Anne of Green Gables and Little House on the Prairie will enjoy emerging themselves in this story which is set in 1921, rural Saskatchewan on the Canadian prairies. Lucy has just lost her mother and tries desperately to hold together her family. She cooks and cleans for her older and younger brothers and her dad. But running a household besides her school work is proving too difficult. Besides, her older brother is getting involved with a friend who is nothing but trouble. When her father hires help, Lucy feels like she failed her family. Will her little brother forget all about their beloved mother? Will the older one leave home? Lucy’s struggles will resonate with middle grade readers.
ISBN 978-0889957497, Red Deer Press
Margriet Ruurs is the author of many award winning books for children. She conducts author presentations at International Schools.
Sharing stories, expertise, and experiences from international educators around the world. In the spirit of amplifying diverse voices. TIE's blog space is not subject to editorial oversight. TIE bloggers have a long history in various aspects of international education and share their thoughts and insights based on personal experiences.
