Annick's Staff Book Picks 2020
Mary Beth L: Swift Fox All Along by Rebecca Thomas, art by Maya McKibbin
“Drawing from her personal experience, Rebecca Thomas tells a tender story of a young Mi’kmaw girl who visits her home reserve for the first time—and offers courage and hope to all those who fear they don’t belong. McKibbin’s lively artwork beautifully captures Swift Fox’s shifting emotions and bursts with the warmth, love and acceptance of family.”
Asiya A: Superluminous by Ian De Haes
“This story celebrates embracing who you are; which is not only an important message for children but one that adults also need to hear from time to time. Plus, Nour's superpower is that she GLOWS!”
Serah-Marie M: Margot and the Moon Landing by A.C Fitzpatrick, illustrated by Erika Medina
“I adore Margot! As a super obsessive kid (and adult!) I relate to loving something so much you just can't stop talking about it. When everyone starts tuning Margot out, she figures out how to be heard in her own way."
Gayna T: Why Are You So Quiet? by Jaclyn Desforges, illustrated by Risa Hugo
“The art is beautiful! I love that this story celebrates introversion and recognizes the value of quiet moments and careful listening.”
Kaela C: The Most Amazing Bird by Michael Arvaarluk Kusugak, art by Andrew Qappik
“The Most Amazing Bird is a poignant reminder of our connection with nature. Michael Kusugak's text pairs perfectly with Andrew Qappik's art to bring the seasonal shifts of the Arctic to life. At a moment when time can feel nearly static, it's moving to come back to the beauty of the constant change found in nature.”
Amanda O: The Paper Bag Princess 40th Anniversary Edition by Robert Munsch, art by Michael Martchenko and Fatty Legs 10th Anniversary Edition by by Margaret-Olemaun Pokiak-Fenton & Christy Jordan-Fenton, illustrated by Liz Amini-Holmes
“2020 was a big year for important Annick milestones. The Paper Bag Princess (aka the first feminist picture book) turned 40 and got a gorgeous anniversary edition (bonus poster inside the dust jacket!). And Fatty Legs, one of the first children's books to talk about the trauma of residential schools, turned 10 with an important new edition (bonus chapter from the sequel). Both special editions are perfect gifts.”
Claire C: My Day with Gong Gong by Sennah Yee, illustrated by Elaine Chen
“Every time I open this book, I'm filled with joy! Sennah Yee has portrayed such a heartfelt relationship between May and Gong Gong, despite their communication barriers, and Elaine Chen's illustrations are so adorable and emotive.”
Heather D: The Truth About Wind by Hazel Hutchins and Gail Herbert, illustrated by Dušan Petriĉić
“Dušan's art never disappoints and I love the gentle message about honesty.”
Katie H: Running Wild: Awesome Animals in Motion by Galadriel Watson, illustrated by Samantha Dixon
“Full of fascinating facts about the weird ways animals get around, I love this one's big, bold, and bright design, and Samantha Dixon's eye-catching illustrations. Galadriel Watson is a pro at breaking down the amazing, and often complicated, science behind the 'whys' of animal movement in an accessible and fun-to-read way.”
Brendan O: Crossing the Farak River by Michelle Aung Thin
“Michelle Aung Thin has made the human rights crisis in Myanmar and the persecution of the Rohingya people approachable for young readers. The story of Hasina is such a powerful work, informed by strong on the ground research and a keen sense of storytelling.”
Paul C: Salma the Syrian Chef by Danny Ramadan, illustrated by Anna Bron
Shayanna S: CRISPR: A Powerful Way to Change DNA by Yolanda Ridge, art by Alex Boersma
“Yolanda takes an important, complex topic and creates a book that is easy to understand for younger readers. Alex’s fun science art creates a non-fiction title that only makes you want to learn more.”
Rivka C: Margot and the Moon Landing by A.C Fitzpatrick, illustrated by Erika Medina
“What an empowering message to listen to your inner voice.”
Thanks for a great year to all our creators and readers! - Annick HQ
