2026 Blue Spruce Nominees (Picture Books)Like this list

10 items

• Bannock in a Hammock

  Kelly, Masiana, 1984-

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  Big or small, sweet or savoury, with stew or with sprinkles, there are tons of ways to enjoy bannock! This rhyming book explores a favourite Inuit food, and has some fun along the way. What’s your favourite way to eat bannock? Try it at home with…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Beat of the Dragon Boat

  Matula, Christina

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  On the night before the Dragon Boat Festival, a boy learns from his grandfather that dragon boat races began in the era of guardian dragons. On race day, after painting the dragon’s eye, their boat struggles in last place, and the boy must find a…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Fox and the Mystery Letter

  Griffiths, Alex G.

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  Author-illustrator Alex G. Griffiths creates an irresistible mystery for readers to solve in this witty, whimsical picture book -- with important themes of friendship, forgiveness, and opening up about your feelings.

• The Friendship Blanket

  Carranza, Leonarda

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  Inspired by the author’s own experiences, this story is a touching and age-appropriate depiction of what it’s like to experience racism and exclusion, and what it means to find friendship.

• The Girl Who Loved Poutine

  Schultz Nicholson, Lorna

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  Zoey loves making poutine with her father for their shared July 1 birthday. This year, family from across Canada brings unique poutine recipes for a birthday contest, and Zoey must decide the winner. The book includes poutine history and a recipe.

• The Great Dinosaur Sleepover

  Bailey, Linda, 1948-

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  Jake plans a dinosaur-themed birthday sleepover, but when his friends fall ill, the party seems doomed. Unexpectedly, prehistoric guests arrive to save the day, giving Jake an unforgettable celebration filled with fun, friendship, and dinosaur-sized…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• It's Okay, Just Ask

  Carlos, Monique Leonardo

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  A young girl emigrates with her family, facing questions about belonging, identity, and new friendships. Encouraged by her mother to ask, she discovers answers that lead to growth, understanding, and a deeper connection with her community and…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Most Magnificent Team

  Spires, Ashley, 1978-

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  A girl and her dog team up with a neighbor and cat to create something, but their different approaches spark tension. Through humor and perseverance, they learn collaboration, patience, and that mistakes are part of the creative process.

• Patty Dreams

  Hohn, Nadia L.

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  August moves with his family from Jamaica to snowy Toronto, where his father’s patties fade. Inspired, August recreates the recipe, reigniting his father’s passion and leading to the successful opening of their new patty stand, “Patty Dreams.”

• The Weedflower

  Davaze, Elizabeth

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  On a gray school playground, Sam discovers a flower growing against all odds. Her care helps it bloom, drawing attention from classmates. Together they nurture it, but when adults intervene, the magical flower faces an uncertain fate.