For the 10th consecutive year, the movement "On August 12, I buy a Quebec book!" is back. Launched in 2014 by authors Amélie Dubé and Patrice Cazeault , the event was created to encourage, promote, and celebrate the work of local authors, illustrators, and publishing houses.
Once again this year, we encourage you to consume good literature with a local flavour. Let's celebrate the work of our community! 🙂
To help you get started and give you some ideas, here's our top 10 list of Quebec books available in our online store. 💙
Note that there is no particular order for this Top 10.
1. Gloria breaks the mold
My name is Gloria, and I'm cheerful, and I dance, and I laugh, and I'm curious… Oh yes, I'm also fat. Well, that's what Rodrigue, a boy in my class, says. But why does everyone laugh when he says that? Gloria's word, I'm going to solve this mystery…
Written by Guylaine Guay, this wonderful book explains body difference to children by showing them that we all come from different molds. It's important to talk to children about body diversity, especially given the media that surrounds them every day. We are all unique and different—let's celebrate it!
2. Pink, blue, and you!
Do boys have the right to cry? Can girls be bosses? What does it really mean to be a boy or a girl? Should we have the right to love whomever we want?
Elise Gravel, a committed and inspiring author, has published a book full of questions to help children discuss gender and stereotypes, as well as everyone's right to be themselves. It's simple, beautiful, and natural—a must-read with your child!
3. Simone under the brambles
Simone has a two-wheeled bicycle, red shoes with stars, and a really soft lion plush toy. She also has brambles: thorny branches growing inside her stomach that paralyze her when she's worried or scared. Simone would like to tame her brambles, but how?
This book, written by Maude Nepveu-Villeneuve, addresses anxiety, a reality that affects more and more children. This book is simply exceptional, filled with beautiful illustrations. It also won the Prix des Libraires (Booksellers' Prize) in 2020.
4. Nutshimit: A forest bath
Two great Quebec creators, Melissa Mollen Dupuis and Élise Gravel, join forces to offer us a remarkable work.
Embark on an adventure and discover Melissa Mollen Dupuis's Nutshimit, brilliantly illustrated by Elise Gravel. This playful, first-person narrative is for all nature lovers, young and old. Throughout the pages, Melissa takes us to the heart of the forest, her forest. She describes the territory so vital to her nation and to all First Nations in Canada. From the legend of the creation of the earth to contemporary Innu life, the reader discovers the Nutshimit, the physical and social space where traditional activities are practiced (nibbling birch bark, lighting a fire, cooking pashimeu (blueberry pie), weaving sweetgrass, and more).
5. Whales and Us
There are many legends about whales, whether in oral tradition or in literature… But what is true in these legends? Do we really know whales?
India Desjardins offers a magnificent work that dazzles with its beauty and intelligence, informing and offering a completely new perspective on whales. It includes both factual information on different types of whales and anecdotes or legends.
6. My World Atlas
A superb interactive book filled with colorful maps, amazing information about animals, plants, peoples and their traditions, and famous monuments from around the world. This book has plenty of content that will grow with your child. Embark on a journey of discovery around the world from the comfort of your home with this magnificent atlas.
7. A ton of emotions
Ah, emotions! Did you know that everyone experiences emotions? Some are wonderful, like joy, surprise, and excitement. Others are less pleasant, like sadness, anger, and frustration. But did you know there are many more to discover?
A Ton of Emotions is one of nine books in the Growing Up Well Collection . As they read, children will acquire clear and simple ways to express their emotions appropriately. Managing and controlling the intensity of their emotions allows them to react better to the various situations that may arise in a child's daily life.
8. It's my body!
Every body is unique! They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, with different hair… and they can do different things. These differences make everyone's body special, and all bodies should be respected. Your body belongs to you, so hug it… but only if you want to!
Bestselling author Elise Gravel offers us a book that celebrates our incredible bodies. Through her signature quirky monster characters, this important message promoting body positivity empowers readers to embrace their bodies while having fun. The best body is the one that's yours!
9. The Cloud Shoveler
“Why are you changing color? Are you going to turn completely white like Michael Jackson?” Elliot is ashamed of his discolored hands, but he’s also worried: How far will it go? If all my color disappears, will I disappear too? he wonders. Thanks to his vivid imagination, the boy his father affectionately calls the cloud shoveler will finally find meaning and beauty in this difference…
This book, written by Simon Boulerice, was inspired by a boy he met in a classroom who has vitiligo. This beautiful story was dedicated to him to explain that there is no shame in having skin that discolors. This picture book about self-esteem conveys an important message to all young children: we should not be ashamed of our differences.
10. Sing with me
A local album illustrated by local artist Isabelle Charbonneau! Funny songs, silly songs, sweet songs, Christmas songs, and holiday songs… They've always been a big hit with children! Discover this wonderful collection of 100 songs for every season, available for free download. A great way to introduce children to music and reading. Feel a little nostalgic as you rediscover these covers that also shaped your childhood!
By purchasing one or more Quebec books, you contribute to keeping our culture alive and promoting it, as well as supporting Quebec's literary community.
Enjoy your reading!
#August12
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