Celebrating Canadian Children’s Book Week
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Each spring, across the country, readers and writers alike celebrate Canadian Children’s Book Week (April 26th to May 2nd) – a time dedicated to promoting Canadian literature for children and teens and sparking imagination and support in young readers as they grow.
At FriesenPress, we work with writers who are creating books for children every day, from playful picture books to thoughtful middle-grade reads, each one adding something new to the shelves of young readers across Canada.
To celebrate the occasion, we spoke with 14 of recently-published Canadian children’s authors about their books and what the experience of publishing has meant to them. Their responses offer a candid look at their experiences and motivations behind their work.
Below, you’ll find their reflections, and maybe a new story to discover, or even the push to start one of your own.
Happy Canadian Children’s Book Week!
“I wrote and illustrated W is for Winnipeg as a love letter to a city that never stops surprising me – an owl’s eye invitation to look up, look closer, and fall for the architectural wonders hiding in plain sight. Winnipeg’s mix of heritage façades and contemporary bravado begged to be seen through a playful lens, so I let the owls lead. More than an ABC, it’s an urban treasure hunt, a spark for curiosity that lives where reality blurs into “nearly true,” and where a city becomes a story children can read, imagine, and help design.
Publishing children’s books has been my way of threading together all my worlds – anthropologist, city planner, artist & illustrator, secret-hunter – into books that invite children to spot the extraordinary tucked inside the everyday. Each book is a small act of city-dreaming: a door propped open for young readers to step through, claim the magic, and start building their own “nearly true” worlds.”
— Rae St. Clair Bridgman, author of W is for Winnipeg - A Little Architect's ABC
“Tails of Bruno was inspired by my dog Bruno and the many small adventures we shared together. I’ve always been fascinated by the personalities of animals and the way they experience the world. I began writing journal-style stories from Bruno’s point of view, inspired by real moments from his life, which grew into a children’s book celebrating the bond between people and their pets.
Publishing my first children’s book opened a new path in my life and deepened my love of writing and storytelling. My hope is that my stories will spark curiosity, imagination, and a sense of adventure in young readers—and anyone who discovers my books.”
— Eva Lorentz, author of Tails of Bruno: Pages from the Woodle’s Journal
“We decided to write a children’s book (soon to be series of books) because we noticed that there was a need to introduce children to the wonders of music and storytelling in a fun way that sparked creative thinking and imagination. Mark also had noticed that there had never been a popular seal cartoon character before – especially a bass guitar playing seal from another planet – and realized that this was the perfect way of connecting children back to music using reading as a medium!
Publishing a book with my daughter has created a special bond between the two of us, which has helped connect us to our readers.”
— Mark Lappin and Alina Lappin, authors of The Adventures of Squishy the Seal
“The main character of my book is a fluffy yellow chick named Daisy. She has a compassionate brave heart that steps up to save chickens being abused and mistreated. Besides animals, I appreciate children, and I wrote this book to influence children in this world to step up when they see animals not being treated well and appreciate what a wonderful gift we have in animals.
I wanted to promote kindness, love and fairness to everyone we meet – including animals. Writing a children's book has made me feel proud to use my talents in a way that children and animals may benefit from.”
— Faye Suthons, author of Happy Healthy Daisy Chick
“The idea for this book came during Covid, when much learning shifted to online platforms. Marcia and I realized that there was an absence of African Canadian representation and content. We created our company House of Jua (Jua means sunshine in Swahili) to bring sunshine into your house. Our goal is to empower, educate and inspire. Our history is Canadian history, which is world history; 365 days a year.
Dedicated to those who don't see themselves represented throughout history, The AfroBet Colouring Book is an important conversation starter between children, families, and friends as they colour and learn about Afrocentric culture together. House of Jua is very proud that we can bring some history into children's lives.”
— Marcia Bowers and Tamra Palmer, authors of The Afrobet Colouring Book
“While working with refugees and newcomers, I heard many stories. Children’s books about refugees are very hard to find and refugees/newcomers are underrepresented in children’s books. That means that young children do not see themselves in books available in Canadian schools and libraries.
Representation is crucial to show children they are seen and belong. I wanted to write these stories so they could be used to raise awareness about refugees, newcomers and immigrants.
I always thought when I retired, I would write a children’s book, but I didn’t know the book would be about refugees. Having these stories published has fulfilled this dream. Sharing these books through author visits to schools and libraries has led to discussions long after I am gone. I love the opportunity to raise awareness about refugees, newcomers and immigrants through my published books.”
— Ruth Beardsley, author of Shake the Mango Tree and My Heart in Kenya
“My granddaughters were the inspiration for my plucky heroine Becky Murphy, who, along with her computer wiz friend Carl, tackles the question of who is unleashing lifelike robots on the town of Kitchener, Ontario? It was also time to feature a midsize city like Kitchener in a kidlit book.
I published fifteen books for adults, ten of which were poetry collections. My five children's books have given me a chance to work with twin-sister illustrators who make my thoughts come alive on the page. I'm free at last of the constraints of modern poetry being something readers fear they won't understand, and have found writing in accessible verse and in prose most liberating.”
— Ron Charach, author of Robots in the Diner
“I wrote Boys, Food & Faith-Filled Adventures out of the simple, meaningful moments I shared with my young son as we explored Bible stories together. I found myself searching for ways to make those stories come alive for him – ways he could understand, relate to, and carry into his everyday life. What began as small, intentional conversations about faith, responsibility, and trust in God gradually grew into something much bigger. I felt a deep desire to create a resource that other families could use in the same way – something interactive, practical, and rooted in truth.
Publishing this children’s book has meant more to me than I ever expected. It’s been a deeply personal journey of faith, obedience, and growth. What started as small, quiet moments teaching my son God’s Word turned into something that now has the potential to reach other families, and that humbles me. More than anything, it’s given me a sense of purpose and gratitude, knowing that something so close to my heart can encourage and impact others.”
— Fikewa Dixon, author of Boys, Food & Faith-filled Adventures
“For quite some time, I wanted to write something that was good enough to publish. When I read in the Bible about the leviathan sneezing (Job 41:18), I thought 'what a fun story!' And Eldorado Sneezes was created. My goal was to write a story that children would read over and over again and I believe Eldorado Sneezes has the potential to become a childhood favourite.
I have had the privilege of seeing and hearing children reading something I've created. It's wonderful to know that my picture book is bringing pleasure to many young readers.”
— Sharon J Houghton, author of Eldorado Sneezes
“We created Hopper’s Magical Adventure to help children understand their feelings in a simple, safe, and empowering way. We were drawn to this work because we saw how many children feel overwhelmed by big emotions but are not always taught what to do with them. Through Hopper’s journey, we wanted to show that all feelings are normal, that they can be felt and expressed safely, and that children can use simple tools like breathing, positive self-talk, and imagination to move forward.
Publishing Hopper’s Magical Adventure has been a deeply meaningful step in our life. It represents turning something we truly believe in; helping children understand their emotions and build self-worth, into something real that can reach and support others. It’s more than just a book; it’s the beginning of a larger vision to give children simple, lifelong tools for calmness, confidence, and resilience.”
— Keith Capstick and Diane Riley, authors of Hopper's Magical Adventure
“When I retired, I decided to put to paper a cute story that happened when my children were young. I had never written before and had no idea of where to start. I chose self publishing as what I felt to be the fastest and most effective way to publish.
My business name is Side by Side Books. These books are uniquely formatted with two different perspectives of the same story. The side by side format helps children understand that even when the same thing is happening, we may experience it differently.
Having published, I'm excited to be a part of a sector that I have never experienced before. Organizing and attending author events, storytime readings at libraries and other venues, and being a vendor at markets has provided me an opportunity to connect with wonderful people, children, parents, teachers and other authors.”
— Melanie Zigman, author of Shellie Goes on an Adventure
“The Stoplight honours the legacy of my younger brother Colton, who passed away from a rare form of cancer when he was just 20 years old. As I sorted through my own complex feelings and emotions, I wanted to create a resource for parents to help children understand death and grief in a way that was easy for kids to understand.
Publishing a children’s book has been an incredibly meaningful experience. I have grown not only as a person but as a writer. To know that my book is in the homes and on the shelves of friends and strangers alike means so much to me.”
— Candace Breanne, author of The Stoplight
“The idea for this story came to me while sitting at an ocean beach one day. I immediately knew that I wanted to write this for children who felt ‘stuck’ in their surroundings. Children often feel powerless – they cannot change their location/school and often feel insecure, sometimes isolated and struggle to find their place in the world around them. I wanted to create a story that could help them realize that being small does not mean being insignificant and that, through strong friendships, they can discover they have much worth and value to others.
Seeing Oscar the Oyster in print and illustration has been one of the most fulfilling events in my life. It is also extremely satisfying to know that, from the feedback I have received, the intent of my story has been successful. If this story helps even only a few children feel better about themselves, my mission has been accomplished.”
— Penny Repstock, author of Oscar the Oyster
“I wrote What Do You See? to educate and demonstrate to children how they can bring inner peace and tranquility through our senses and environment. The book, through a series of simple questions, invites the reader to explore the wonder of nature and how it brings calmness all around us. It’s designed to be read many times over as it presents the reader to discover other ways we can enlighten our day when we experience sadness, frustration and confusion.
Children's response to the read-aloud at the many schools that I visited has been extremely positive. As an educator for 40 years, my greatest satisfaction is to experience the wonder and awe when I read the book aloud to them.”
— Ron Sciulli, author of What Do You See?
