At Kinder Books, we are excited to help celebrate the official launch of The Booksellers' List: Best Kids' Books of 2026, brought to you by the Canadian Independent Booksellers Association (CIBA)!
Formal Description of Program
A project of the Canadian Independent Booksellers Association (CIBA), The Booksellers’ List Best Kids’ Books of the Year (TBL Kids) highlights the top 20 books for young readers published in 2026, as voted on by passionate, independent booksellers across Canada. No algorithm, just booksellers sharing the books they can’t wait for you to discover.
The list is open to all books geared toward youth, regardless of genre and country of publication, and there are no limits to the number of nominations a single store can make. The Best Kids’ Books of the Year list aims to help parents and educators discover perfect, age-appropriate books for any reader in their life to enjoy prior to the holiday season, as curated by Canadian indie booksellers.
The book that receives the most votes from booksellers is championed as the “Top Pick,” or #1 selection, out of the twenty books selected for Best Kids’ Books of the Year each year.
Whether you’re searching for a cozy bedtime picture book, an adventurous chapter book, or a gripping graphic novel, these indie-recommended gems are perfect for inspiring young minds—and celebrating our incredible homegrown talent!
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The #1 Selection: Top Pick of 2026
Ages 3–7: A Door Is To Open by Kyo Maclear, illustrated by Julie Morstad (Tundra Book Group)
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🍁 Canadian Author (Kyo Maclear), Canadian Illustrator (Julie Morstad), Canadian Publisher (Tundra Book Group / Penguin Random House Canada)
Overwhelmingly nominated by booksellers across the country as the overall champion of the inaugural list, this delightful picture book proudly takes the #1 top spot for 2026! It’s a whimsical, imaginative joy that both kids and adults will want to read again and again.
Picture Books & Early Readers (Ages 0–8)
Perfect for read-aloud snuggles, gentle bedtimes, and newly independent readers.
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Ages 0–7: We All Love by Julie Flett (Greystone Kids)
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🍁 Canadian Author & Illustrator (Julie Flett - Cree/Métis), Canadian Publisher (Greystone Kids)
A tender, beautiful exploration of connection, love, and community across generations and nature.
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Ages 3–6: Midnight Manor: A Backwards Bedtime Book by Sid Sharp (Annick Press)
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🍁 Canadian Author & Illustrator (Sid Sharp), Canadian Publisher (Annick Press)
A delightfully playful twist on the nightly routine that will have little ones giggling all the way to sleep.
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Ages 3–7: Whale, That Was Unexpected by Casey Lyall, illus. Kathryn Durst (Tundra Book Group)
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🍁 Canadian Author (Casey Lyall), Canadian Illustrator (Kathryn Durst), Canadian Publisher (Tundra Book Group)
Charming, unexpected fun packed with big laughs for young animal lovers.
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Ages 3–7: Canada: We Are the Story by Richard Wagamese, illus. Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (Tundra / Swift Water Books)
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🍁 Canadian Author (Richard Wagamese - Ojibway), Canadian Illustrator (Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley - Anishinaabe), Canadian Publisher (Tundra / Swift Water Books)
A powerful, visually stunning tribute to truth, community, and the shared stories that bind us together.
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Ages 3–8: My Friend Fear by Elise Gravel (Scholastic Canada)
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🍁 Canadian Author & Illustrator (Elise Gravel), Canadian Publisher (Scholastic Canada)
Elise Gravel’s signature, accessible style turns big, intimidating feelings into a gentle, approachable conversation.
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Ages 4–6: Story Rug by Sophie Blackall, illus. Phoebe Wahl (Little, Brown Books for Young Readers)
A cozy masterpiece celebrating imagination, comfort, and the pure magic of storytelling spaces.
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Ages 4–8: Henri and Miko: Winter in Bosk Olivette by Rebecca Green (Tundra Books)
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🍁 Canadian Publisher (Tundra Books)
Atmospheric and whimsical—ideal for curling up with on a chilly afternoon.
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Ages 4–8: The Cow in the Dark at Night by Jess Hannigan (HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books)
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🍁 Canadian Author & Illustrator (Jess Hannigan)
Quirky, clever, and packed to the brim with personality.
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Ages 4–8: The Wise Pickle by Sarah Howden, illus. Sabina Hahn (Tundra Book Group)
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🍁 Canadian Author (Sarah Howden), Canadian Illustrator (Sabina Hahn), Canadian Publisher (Tundra Book Group)
Absurdly fun storytelling that readers of all ages won't be able to put down.
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Ages 4–8: The Skeleton and the Cat by Brandon James Scott (HarperCollins)
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🍁 Canadian Author & Illustrator (Brandon James Scott)
A hilarious and unlikely pairing showing that real friendship comes in all forms.
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Ages 4–8: Goodbye, Koi by Jack Wong (Scholastic Inc/Orchard Books)
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🍁 Canadian Author & Illustrator (Jack Wong)
A poignant, beautifully illustrated reflection on change, memory, and letting go.
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Middle Grade & Chapter Books (Ages 6–12)
Rich adventures, graphic novels, and big stories diving into friendship, magic, and growing up.
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Ages 6–9: Fiddlehead Forest by Jana Curll (Greystone Kids)
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🍁 Canadian Author & Illustrator (Jana Curll), Canadian Publisher (Greystone Kids)
The ultimate transitional read for kids stepping up into longer, richer stories.
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Ages 7–11: The Healer and the Phoenix (Legendary Allies Book #1) by Linda Trinh, illus. Quynh Anh Nguyen (Annick Press)
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🍁 Canadian Author (Linda Trinh), Canadian Publisher (Annick Press)
An exciting new fantasy series grounded in deep cultural lore and high-stakes adventure.
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Ages 8–12: The Lions' Run by Sara Pennypacker, illus. Jon Klassen (Balzer + Bray)
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🍁 Canadian Illustrator (Jon Klassen)
A powerhouse literary collaboration delivering a gripping, deeply emotional journey.
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Ages 8–12: Lightfall: A Place Between (A Graphic Novel) by Tim Probert (HarperCollins/HarperAlley)
Visually jaw-dropping graphic fantasy that takes readers on an unforgettable quest.
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Ages 8–12: The Shapeshifter's Guide to Gym Class by Kai Cheng Thom (Simon & Schuster)
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🍁 Canadian Author (Kai Cheng Thom)
Witty, relatable, and wonderfully imaginative—a fresh, magical spin on navigating middle school.
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Ages 9–12: Witchward Bound: A Butter and Owl Adventure by Erin Bow, illus. Kelly Murphy (Scholastic Canada)
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🍁 Canadian Author (Erin Bow), Canadian Publisher (Scholastic Canada)
Sparkling, magical mystery storytelling perfect for young fantasy fans.
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Ages 9–12: The New Girl: First Crush (The New Girl #2) by Cassandra Calin (Scholastic Inc./Graphix)
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🍁 Canadian Author & Illustrator (Cassandra Calin)
Heartfelt and relatable graphic novel art that captures the exact chaos of growing up.
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Ages 9–12: Ghost in the Night by Tiffany D. Jackson (Scholastic Press)
A fast-paced, spine-tingling read for kids who love a good mystery with plenty of drama.
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Ready to Find Your Next Favorite Read?
We would love to help you explore these incredible titles in person! Pop into Kinder Books to flip through the pages, chat with our team, and get personalized recommendations for all the young readers on your list.
With the festive season just around the corner, it’s also the perfect time to gather early holiday shopping ideas and cross a few gifts off your list stress-free. Whether you're shopping for family, friends, or your own home library, stop by the shop or browse online—we can’t wait to share these wonderful stories with you!
Thank you so much for supporting independent bookstores—your love for local shop culture keeps our community vibrant, creative, and full of great stories!