A Guide to Canadian Children's Books in English - Hardcover

Deirdre Baker has a Ph.D. in Medieval Studies and has taught English literature, including children’s literature, at several universities in the U.S. and Canada. She currently teaches at the University of Toronto. She has reviewed children’s books for the Toronto Star since 1998 and is the author of one short story for children.

Ken Setterington is a well-known figure in the Canadian library system and an international authority on children’s books. He was named the first Children and Youth Advocate for Library Services by the Toronto Public Library and won a prestigious Toronto Art Award for Writing and Publishing for his promotion of children’s literature. His reviews have appeared on CBC’s “This Morning” and in Canadian Living Magazine. He is also the author of the popular children’s book The Snow Queen.

Though not the first of its kind, this well-done compendium is the most current resource available to assist parents, teachers, and librarians in directing children toward the best of what Canadian publishing has to offer. It contains more than 500 recommended titles and is organized by both age and genre (with a brief explanation of what defines each type). Each entry includes a synopsis of content and a brief critical assessment. Works that the authors feel particularly strong about are marked as highly recommended. The criteria for inclusion were availability of the work (no out-of-print materials), literary and artistic quality, books that will lure reluctant readers, and books that are influenced in some way by the Canadian perspective. This guide has numerous access points, including indexes for authors/illustrators, titles, subject matter, and setting, and the information is clear and well-organized. A handy reference tool that has a place both in general collections and on professional shelves.
Robyn Walker, Elgin Court Public School, St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada
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