This week, I will be sharing a few new children’s books you should add to your shelves. These incredible books are by Canadian-based authors.

Jerk Chicken Magic

Written by Noel Andrew Bennett and Roxanne Bennett

“A love letter to immigrant families everywhere! Jerk Chicken Magic is a heartwarming story of a multi-generational immigrant family (The Higgins), through the eyes of a charming 6-year-old girl named, Lizzy — as she explores the culinary magic of Jamaica’s most famous cultural export, jerk chicken.

In awe of her mom, Lizzy learns about the history of jerk chicken, how to make it, and the magic the dish brings to her whole family. This book celebrates themes of resilience, adaptability, and the importance of preserving generational recipes and cultural traditions. Jerk Chicken Magic is the debut children’s picture book from husband-and-wife Noel-Andrew and Roxanne Bennett. This tasty story redefines immigrant storytelling and is the perfect gift for kids on any occasion.” – Coconut Milk, January 2024. (Independently Published)

Devi’s Adventure in Guyana!

Written by Sasha Persaud

“Devi, an Indo-Caribbean girl from Georgetown, Guyana, invites you to join her on her journey through her daily life in Guyana, attending school, enjoying playful moments with her friends and cherishing precious time with her family.” – Independently published, November 2023.

I’m From

Written by Gary R. Gray Jr.

“A poetic, heartwarming ode to the small, defining moments of a boy’s life, by a brilliant new debut and a Caldecott Honoree. A picture book for fans of Last Stop on Market Street. Early morning wakeups and homemade pancakes, Raucous bus rides and schoolyard games, Family games and bedtime rituals . . . These are the small moments that shape a child’s day. I’m From is an invitation into the vivid world of one small boy, a poetic account of all the people places and things that shape who he is and define where he is from.” – Puffin Canada, March 2024.

The Little Regent

Written by Yewande Daniel-Ayoade and illustrated by Ken Daley

“A little girl is tasked with ruling her West African village in this empowering story about breaking from tradition and leading with your heart After the king of a West African village dies, his eight-year-old daughter Abioye is made the temporary ruler, or regent, until a new king is chosen. The chiefs scoff at this decision—a little girl can’t be regent! Even Abioye herself doubts whether she’s up to the task. But her late father’s words of wisdom comfort and guide her: Those who will rule must first learn to serve. The next day, amid meetings about taxes and titles, Abioye keeps her eyes and ears open for ways to serve her people. When she hears about their dried-up well, their leaky boats, and their hungry children, she decides to devote herself to helping the villagers instead of attending stuffy meetings with the chiefs. With her ideas and support, the village flourishes. But as the villagers praise her leadership, the chiefs complain that she is abandoning her duties, and announce that it’s time for a new king. When the time comes for the villagers to vote for their new ruler, they reject all the other candidates and crown Abioye instead, making her the first female King the village has ever had!” – Owlkids, March 2024.

Dear Muslim Child

Written by Rahma Rodaah and illustrated by Aya Ghanameh

“This inspirational picture book from the author of Dear Black Child encourages Muslim children to take joy and pride in their Islamic faith. Perfect for fans of In My Mosque and The Proudest Blue. Dear Muslim Child, your story matters. In this lyrical ode to Islam, Muslim children all over the world are encouraged to celebrate their faith and traditions.” – HarperCollins, February 2024. Please support local Black bookstores, such as A Different Booklist, Nile Valley Books, Knowledge Bookstore and Old’s Cool General Store.