Don’t Touch that Toad and Other Strange Things Adults Tell You by Catherine Rondina, illustrated by Kevin Sylvester

From chapters.ca:
Stop cracking your knuckles or you'll get arthritis. Don't cross your eyes or they'll stay stuck like that. With entertaining, kid- friendly insights on every page accompanied by wacky illustrations, Don't Touch That Toad and Other Strange Things Adults Tell You examines the truth and/or falsity behind parental do's and don'ts. When explanations aren't so cut- and- dried, kids are encouraged to decide for themselves. Here's a chance to know once and for all if lightning can strike the same place twice, if eating fried foods can cause acne, if an elephant never forgets, plus many more.

50 Poisonous Questions: A Book with Bite by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated by Ross Kinnaird

From chapters.ca:
Warning: do not kiss golden dart frogs! It's a toxic world out there. Poisonous snakes, toxic herbicides, noxious fumes - poisons in one form or another are all around us. An innocent- looking flower may be lethal, and smog can make it impossible to breathe. Poisons can be the death of us, but they can also cure disease.

All Aboard! Elijah McCoy’s Steam Engine by Monica Kulling, illustrated by Bill Slavin

From chapters.ca:
In the second of Tundra's Great Idea series, biographies for children who are just starting to read, Monica Kulling presents the life of an extraordinary man. There were few opportunities for the son of slaves, but Elijah McCoy's dreams led him to study mechanical engineering in Scotland. He learned everything there was to know about engines - how to design them and how to build them. But when he returned to the United States to look for work at the Michigan Central Railroad, the only job Elijah could get was shoveling coal into a train's firebox. Undaunted, he went on to invent a means of oiling the engine while the train was running, changing the face of travel around the world. With playful text and lively illustrations, All Aboard! Elijah McCoy's Steam Engine may be the first biography a child discovers, and it will whet the appetite for many more.

Orangutan Tongs: Poems to Tangle Your Tongue by Jon Agee

From chapters.ca:
Have you ever gotten tripped up trying to say a silly succession of similar syllables? Of course, everyone has! It can be sometimes frustrating, but it's always funny! For example, you know New York's unique, but did you know that unique New York's also pretty chic? And if you switched your wristwatch with a new Swiss watch, could you tell which wristwatch was which?

My Preschool by Anne Rockwell

From chapters.ca: Join a happy little boy during a day at preschool, from cheerful hellos in circle time, to painting colourful pictures and playing at the water table before snack time. The best part of saying good- bye at the end of the day is that the little boy knows he will come back tomorrow. In her signature style, Anne Rockwell captures a child's preschool day (the bumps and the thrills!) with warmth and reassurance.

Pirates go to School by Corinne Demas, illustrated by John Manders

From chapters.ca: When pirates (and their parrots) enter the classroom, it's time to hang up their swords and have fun. They learn reading and math, see pirate treasure at show- and- tell, eat slimy squid, and hear stories of ships at sea. For pirates, going to school is as much fun as a game of "walk the plank"!

Guys Read: Funny Business edited by Jon Scieszka

From chapters.ca:
It's here: Volume One of the official Guys Read Library. Jon Scieszka's Guys Read initiative was founded on a simple premise: that young guys enjoy reading most when they have reading they can enjoy. And out of this comes a series that aims to give them just that. Ten books, arranged by theme, featuring the best of the best where writing for kids is concerned. Each book is a collection of original short stories, but these aren't your typical anthologies - each book is edgy, inventive, visual, and one- of- a- kind, featuring a different theme for guys to get excited about.

Look! A Book! By Bob Staake

From chapters.ca:
Go on a crazy seek- and- find adventure in this new picture book from award- winning artist Bob Staake. Die- cuts on every page draw readers into each themed scene and invite them to find the items hidden within the elaborately detailed spreads. From underwater worlds, to haunted houses and tree- top towns, there are endless details for readers to search for and discover.

Our Tree Named Steve by Alan Zweibel, illustrated by David Catrow

From chapters.ca:
Dear Kids,
A long time ago, when you were little, Mom and I took you to where we wanted to build a house.... I remember there was one tree, however, that the three of you couldn't stop staring at.... After the family spares him from the builders, Steve the tree quickly works his way into their lives. He holds their underwear when the dryer breaks down, he's there when Adam and Lindsay get their first crushes, he's the centerpiece at their outdoor family parties. With a surprising lack of anthropomorphizing, this is a uniquely poignant celebration of fatherhood, families, love, and change.

Brains for Lunch: A Zombie Novel in Haiku?! By K. A. Holt, illustrated by Gahan Wilson

From chapters.ca:
The difference being that this middle school novel is written entirely in Haiku. Loeb, its zombie protagonist has a problem: the object of his affection, Siobhan, is a lifer (i.e. human). What to do? In scenes set around a lunch table (the menu: brains) and around the school, eyes roll and jaws drop (literally). Also featured in the cast of characters is Carl, a chupacabra (bloodsucking critter) and Mrs. Fincher, a sympathetic and seductive librarian.

A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka

From chapters.ca:
Here's a story about love and loss as only Chris Rashcka can tell it. Any child who has ever had a beloved toy break will relate to Daisy's anguish when her favorite ball is destroyed by a bigger dog. In the tradition of his nearly wordless picture book Yo! Yes?, Caldecott Medalist Chris Raschka explores in pictures the joy and sadness that having a special toy can bring.

The Watcher: Jane Goodall’s Life with the Chimps by Jeanette Winter

From chapters.ca:
Acclaimed picture book biographer Jeanette Winter has found her perfect subject: Jane Goodall, the great observer of chimpanzees. Follow Jane from her childhood in London watching a robin on her windowsill, to her years in the African forests of Gombe, Tanzania, invited by brilliant scientist Louis Leakey to observe chimps, to her worldwide crusade to save these primates who are now in danger of extinction, and their habitat. Young animal lovers and Winter's many fans will welcome this fascinating and moving portrait of an extraordinary person and the animals to whom she has dedicated her life.

Betty Bunny Loves Chocolate Cake by Michael B Kaplan, illustrated by Stephane Jorisch

From chapters.ca:
When Betty Bunny eats chocolate cake for the first time, she declares, "I am going to marry chocolate cake." She loves it so much that she takes a piece to school with her in her pocket and refuses to eat anything else. Mommy tells Betty that she has to eat healthy food first, and have patience because cake is for dessert, not pockets. But Betty doesn't want to have patience; she wants to have chocolate cake! In this hilarious and spot- on tribute to the chocolate lover (and picky eater) in all of us, a new kindred spirit to Olivia, Eloise, and Ladybug Girl makes her stand.

Me…Jane by Patrick McDonnell

From chapters.ca:
In his characteristic heartwarming style, Patrick McDonnell tells the story of the young Jane Goodall and her special childhood toy chimpanzee named Jubilee. As the young Jane observes the natural world around her with wonder, she dreams of "a life living with and helping all animals," until one day she finds that her dream has come true.

Mean Soup by Betsy Everitt

From chapters.ca:
It has been a bad day for Horace. A very bad day. He's come home feeling mean. But his mother knows just what to do! For the book Mean Soup, the recipe is as follows: (1) clever text spiced with one or two outrageous bits; (2) a grand message about getting out anger instead of locking it inside; and (3) exciting artwork as full of life as the story.

Bear with Me by Max Kornell

From chapters.ca:
Everything in Owen's world is just peachy- till his parents bring home a bear named Gary- Without even asking! Gary changes everything: he takes up way too much space and makes a mess of all of Owen's toys. Gary means well, though, and eventually Owen starts to see that there are some good things about having a bear in the family. Because Gary is such an unusual addition to the family, this story will appeal to kids getting used to any kind of new family member, be it a baby, grandparent, pet, or even sharing with a friend. Refreshing humor, expressive illustrations, and characters full of personality make this warm, funny debut a book that will be treasured.

Legend of the Wandering King by Laura Gallego Garcia

From chapters.ca: The most dangerous magical object in the history of the world waits quietly in the treasury of a decaying Arabian palace. It knows your name and home and history and fate: it knows the past and future of the entire human race. It is a carpet, an impossible, dazzling carpet, and though a glance at it can drive a man mad, many will risk their lives to look into its pattern and discover their destinies.

One Foot Two Feet: An EXCEPTIONal Counting Book by Peter Maloney and Felicia Zekauskas

From chapters.ca: One foot, two feet. One mouse, three mice. One goose, four geese. In this clever counting book, die- cut windows frame a single object and a turn of the page reveals a group. Featuring familiar objects and funny artwork, this inventive concept book is a great introduction to both counting and common irregular plural nouns. A cumulative row of illustrations along the bottom of the pages shows all of the previous objects in order, so kids can keep track of where they are, and the book also contains a fun hide- and- seek game, inviting kids to spy a little airplane zooming through each spread.

Mitchell’s License by Hallie Durand, illustrated by Tony Fucile

From chapters.ca: Hop in for a hilarious, heartwarming ride with four-year-old Mitchell, a kid with a need for speed, a lead foot, and a very special license to drive. Mitchell was four years, one month, and five days old when he got his license. He may need a little boost getting into the driver's seat, but once he's behind the wheel, his car sure goes fast! Left turn, right turn, slow down for speed bumps - Mitchell is a pro. And he loves the way that horn sounds! There's just one problem: Mitchell and his car have a slight disagreement about what type of fuel should go into the tank.... With warmth and sly wit, Hallie Durand follows a young child obsessed with all things automobile, while Tony Fucile's comical illustrations convey the well- tuned bond between an obliging father and a high- octane child.

Ling and Ting Not Exactly the Same! By Grace Lin

From chapters.ca: Ling and Ting are twins. They have the same brown eyes. They have the same pink cheeks. They have the same happy smiles. Ling and Ting are two adorable identical twins, and they stick together, whether they are making dumplings, getting their hair cut, or practicing magic tricks. But looks are deceiving - people can be very different, even if they look exactly the same.

King Hugo’s Huge Ego by Chris van Dusen

From chapters.ca: From a master of visual comedy comes the royally satisfying tale of a head swollen out of proportion and a blowhard brought down to earth. Hugo is a tiny king with a very large ego. But when he mistreats a villager who also happens to be a sorceress, the spell she casts causes his head to literally swell. The more he boasts, the bigger it gets, until it finally topples the mini monarch right off his castle! Who will cut this royal pain down to size? And, more important, will anyone live happily ever after? Chris Van Dusen's hilarious story is matched only by his outrageous illustrations. Together, they make for a picture book that is sometimes fairy tale, sometimes cautionary tale, and always laugh- out loud funny.

Cat Secrets by Jef Czekaj

From chapters.ca: I'm sorry - this book is not for you. This book is for CATS ONLY. What's that you say? You are a cat? Okay... get ready to prove it!

What Darwin Saw: The Journey that Changed the World by Rosalyn Schanzer

From chapters.ca: In 1831 a 22- year- old naturalist named Charles Darwin stepped aboard the HMS Beagle as a traveling companion of an equally youthful sea captain called Robert FitzRoy. The Beagle's round- the- world surveying journey lasted five long years on the high seas. The young Darwin noticed everything, and proved himself an avid and detailed chronicler of daily events on the Beagle and onshore. What Darwin Saw takes young readers back to the pages of his journals as they travel alongside Darwin and read his lively and awestruck words about the wonders of the world. We follow Darwin's voyage, looking over his shoulder as he explores new lands, asks questions about the natural world, and draws groundbreaking conclusions. We walk in his footsteps, collecting animals and fossils, experiencing earthquakes and volcanoes, and meeting people of many cultures and languages. We examine his opinions on life in all its forms. We consider the thoughts of this remarkable scientist, who poured his observations and research into his expansive theories about life on Earth. In this exciting and educational account, Charles Darwin comes alive as an inspirational model for kids who think and question the world around them.

Dragon’s Fat Cat by Dav Pilkey

From chapters.ca: The endearing blue Dragon is back in bestselling author Dav Pilkey's humorous story about friendship and taking care of pets. When Dragon finds a stray cat, he brings it home and learns to take care of it through many silly mishaps. But, then Dragon is in for a big surprise when Cat has a litter of kittens.

Punctuation Celebration by Elsa Knight Bruno, illustrated by Jenny Whitehead

From chapters.ca: Punctuation marks come alive in this clever picture book featuring fourteen playful poems. Periods stop sentences in a baker's shop, commas help a train slow down, quotation marks tell people what to do, and colons stubbornly introduce lists. This appealing primer is a surefire way to make punctuation both accessible and fun for kids.

Harry Houdini: Escape Artist by Patricia Lakin, illustrated by Rick Geary

From chapters.ca: Find out how a little boy named Ehrlich Weiss became Harry Houdini - the greatest magician the world has ever known!

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

From chapters.ca: Fifteen- year- old Kat Bishop and her fellow talented teenagers work together to find and steal the "Cleopatra Emerald" from an unscrupulous dealer and return it to its rightful owner, while a former love of her Uncle Eddie tries to get the gem for herself.

The Circle Opens book 1: Magic Steps by Tamora Pierce

From chapters.ca: Lady Sandrilene fa Toren is a noble girl whose thread magic wove together the power - and the personal bonds - of four young magicians. Now, Lady Sandrilene is on her own and saddled with teaching magic to a restless boy, safeguarding her uncle's health, and tracking down a brutal murderer.

Museum of Thieves by Lian Tanner

From chapters.ca: Welcome to the tyrannical city of Jewel, where impatience is a sin and boldness is a crime. Goldie Roth has lived in Jewel all her life. Like every child in the city, she wears a silver guardchain and is forced to obey the dreaded Blessed Guardians. She has never done anything by herself and won't be allowed out on the streets unchained until Separation Day. When Separation Day is canceled, Goldie, who has always been both impatient and bold, runs away, risking not only her own life but also the lives of those she has left behind. In the chaos that follows, she is lured to the mysterious Museum of Dunt, where she meets the boy Toadspit and discovers terrible secrets. Only the cunning mind of a thief can understand the museum's strange, shifting rooms. Fortunately, Goldie has a talent for thieving. Which is just as well, because the leader of the Blessed Guardians has his own plans for the museum- plans that threaten the lives of everyone Goldie loves. And it will take a daring thief to stop him.... Museum of Thieves is a thrilling tale of destiny and danger, and of a courageous girl who has never been allowed to grow up - until now.

What I Saw and How I Lied by Judy Blundell

From chapters.ca: When Evie's father returned home from World War II, the family fell back into its normal life pretty quickly. But Joe Spooner brought more back with him than just good war stories. When movie-star handsome Peter Coleridge, a young ex- GI who served in Joe's company in postwar Austria, shows up, Evie is suddenly caught in a complicated web of lies that she only slowly recognizes. She finds herself falling for Peter, ignoring the family secrets that surround him - until he mysteriously drowns. Now Evie must find out what happened - and how far she'll go to protect her family. With What I Saw and How I Lied, Judy Blundell gives us a girl's- eye view of a twisted family history, sure to be enjoyed by fans of Jennifer Donnelly's A Northern Light.

Hogg, Hogg, and Hog by Margie Palatini

From chapters.ca: Hogg, Hogg, and Hog have everyone in the Big City OINKING! These three city pigs are the trendsetters of the city - but what will happen when they run out of fashionable ideas?