First & Best 2018
by Katherine J.
Today, Toronto Public Library (TPL) reveals the winners of this year’s First and Best List. Each year, a working group of TPL children's staff have the opportunity to review submissions from publishers, and select the top ten books that promote literacy skills and a love of reading in young children 0-5 years.
These titles must be written, translated, or illustrated by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada for children between birth and five years old. They are also all in their first editions, published between January 1 and December 31 of the current year, and written in English or English and another language.
As winter sets in, why not pick up any of these wonderful titles at your local library and embark on a new adventure with your little one!
City Bugs by Antonia Banyard
No matter where you live, nature is all around us! Readers are encouraged to take a closer look at their surroundings and discover new creatures.
Counting in Mi’kmaw/Mawkiljemk Mi'kmawiktuk
A vibrant and beautiful book by Mi’kmaq artist Loretta Gould that introduces numbers through traditional Mi'kmaw images. Look closely at each picture and see if it matches the number!
Fox and Squirrel Help Out by Ruth Ohi
A baby bat has landed on Fox’s head! Can Fox and Squirrel work together to help their new friend?
Goodnight, Goodnight by Dennis Lee, illustrated by Qin Leng
Dreamy bedtime poems by Dennis Lee combine with Qin Leng’s cozy illustrations to make this a soothing and sleepy read-aloud for the end of a young child’s day.
Rosie’s Glasses by Dave Whamond
Can’t shake that bad mood? Maybe all you need is a change of perspective. Using bold illustrations and an inspired use of colour, Dave Whamond examines how a simple change can make a world of difference.
Sloth at the Zoom by Helaine Becker, illustrated by Orbie
When sloth is accidentally dropped off at the Zoom, she has trouble making friends – nobody has the time! Will sloth be able to show her new neighbours how to chill out?
Splish, Splash, Foxes Dash! by Geraldo Valério
Bold illustrations and playful text introduce children to Canadian wildlife and the vivid colours of each animal. Children will delight in the exuberant wordplay in this wonderful read-aloud book.
Square by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen
Circle thinks her friend Square is a talented sculptor. When Circle asks Square to sculpt her likeness, Square struggles to carve a circle from a square block.
Sterling, Best Dog Ever by Aidan Cassie
Sterling is delivered to his new family by the Butlery Cutlery Company and is determined to be the best fork ever! With humour and heart, Sterling discovers that his new family just needs him to be himself.
Sugar and Snails by Sarah Tsiang, illustrated by Sonja Wimmer
What are little boys and girls really made of? Prepare yourself for a funny, silly ride through this new take on the old rhyme. The author and illustrator use fun text and quirky images to challenge old stereotypes.
For more Award Winners, please visit the Ready for Reading website.
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