Guidebook recommendations for covert surveillance tactics
Alrighty, lemme give ya the lowdown on some fabulous children's and young adult books that made our radars recently!
For tots: The Joyous Jeans
Paul, a hand-me-down pair of trousers, winds up with Leo, a spunky kid who's all about living life to the max. Paul isn't too thrilled about the messy capers Leo's always up to, yet here we are. This one-of-a-kind whimsical story, featuring clothes as characters, is penned by Cassandra Bouchard and Cédric Lemieux, fresh faces in kid's lit. Bonus points for Maira Chiodi's vibrant illustrations that'll tickle your funny bone.
Paul the Jeans
Words by Cassandra Bouchard and Cédric Lemieux, colorful doodles by Maira Chiodi
Grund Quebec Publishing
Ages 4 and up
For little readers: Love Fever
Bertrand, once Anne's best bud, has morphed into a peacock these days, thanks to his new hairdo and waft of cologne. Enough said, Bertrand's in the throes of puppy love. But who's the object of his affection? Amidst her earnest efforts to help Bertrand win his beloved, Anne commits a series of gaffes and unwittingly triggers a wild goose chase. Hang on tight for this fun-filled illustrated novel with unexpected twists and belly laughs galore. Our top pick for the season!
Yes, No, Maybe?
Penned by Lou Beauchesne, adorned with lovely pics by Agathe Bray-Bourret
La courte échelle Publishing
Ages 7 and up
For grade-schoolers: Kitties of Tomorrow
Pascal Blanchet, an accomplished writer of youth shows like Radio Inferno, Subito Texto, and A Grenade with That? stepped into the literary world with Robominous. Breaking the mold, the story is narrated from both Girl-Annette's perspective and her feline partner Cachalot's standpoint. When Cachalot's human stumbles upon a robotic kitty at grandma's pad, it stirs up an exciting adventure!
Robominous, Volume 1 - Junkyard at Four Paws
Words by Pascal Blanchet, sketches by Mikael G.
La Bagnole Publishing
Ages 7 and up
For teens: Fashion's Fatal Flaws
We're fond of the "Radar" series, pushing thought-provoking essays for teens. Over the spring, two latest additions joined the list: Self, Stripped by Jessica Beauplat, which delves into the complex relationship with the body, and Fast Fashion by Philippe Gendreau. This investigation dissects the nitty-gritty of the fashion industry, spilling bleak tales of poor working conditions, deceitful marketing, and reckless consumption. A mind-enlightening read.
Fast Fashion
Written by Philippe Gendreau
Écosociété Publishing
Ages 15 and up
Comic delight: Canine Capers
Maple, a 13-year-old girl, is whisked away to the mystical realm of Phaern – talkin' animals and out-of-this-world critters abound – and, here's the kicker, she's transformed into a pup! Prepare yourself for a thrilling rollercoaster ride through this wild universe where every new creature you meet is more bizarre than the last.
Maple, Volume 1 - In the Kingdom of Chienpignons
Script and art by Juliette Miron
Michel Quintin Publishing
Ages 8 and up
Celestial Chronicles: Letters from Outer Space
As we anticipate the Artemis 2 mission set to orbit the Moon after 50 years of solitude,Extraordinary discoveries await young readers in this stimulating documentary that marries fiction and reality. Each page turn unveils a heartfelt letter inspired by key moments in space exploration, like the Apollo 11 mission or ISS construction. Buckle up for an educational yet entertaining journey.
Space News
Text by Laurène Smagghe, illustrations by Florence Sabatier
Bayard Editions
Ages 7 and up
P.S. While these books garner positive remarks for their engaging content and creative storytelling, it's common to find fewer reviews for lesser-known titles or fresh faces in the kids' lit field. For an insider scoop on the latest children's and young adult literature or specific themes, do check out book review sites, follow book bloggers/authors/publishers on social media, or look for books recognized by awards and best-of lists. Enjoy reading!
In the realm of arts and education-and-self-development, the mind-enlightening read "Fast Fashion" by Philippe Gendreau investigates the inner workings of the fashion industry, revealing tales of poor working conditions, deceptive marketing, and wasteful consumption that challenge teen readers to reconsider their fashion choices.
For grade-schoolers seeking entertainment, "Robominous," penned by Pascal Blanchet, presents an exciting adventure where a young girl and her robot cat embark on a journey together. This innovative story is written in a unique format, with the narrative coming from the perspectives of both Girl-Annette and her feline companion.
