Top Ten Picturebooks
Orca's all time bestselling picturebooks make up this month's top ten.
1. Waiting for the Whales, by Sheryl McFarlane, illustrated by Ron Lightburn, 2002.
A gentle story that illuminates the unique friendship between grandparent and child, Waiting for the Whales also suggests that aging and death are only part of a greater cycle of rebirth and continuity.
2. Alphabetter, by Dan Bar-el, illustrated by Graham Ross, 2006.
In Alphabetter, twenty-six boys and girls find themselves in twenty-six different predicaments when the alphabet refuses to cooperate with them. In the end, the solution turns out to be right on the next page, if only they can find it …
3. Moccasin Goalie, written and illustrated by William Roy Brownridge, 2001.
Danny and his friends, Anita, Petou and Marcel, are typical prairie youngsters—hockey mad. One day a town team, the Wolves, is formed. The friends are overjoyed, but when the time comes to choose the team, only Marcel is picked. The other three friends are not chosen; Anita is a girl, Petou is too small and Danny cannot skate. Will Danny and his friends get a chance to play?
4. Final Game, written and illustrated by William Roy Brownridge, 2001.
Danny and his friends Petou and Anita live for hockey. So when they are asked to join the Wolves late in the season, they are determined to do their best for the town team.
5. Jessie's Island, by Sheryl McFarlane, illustrated by Sheena Lott, 2002.
Cousin Thomas paints a picture of city life which makes Jessie's world seem a little dull in comparison. When her mother suggests they invite Thomas to visit their island, Jessie wonders glumly what she could possibly write in her letter that would sound as exciting as zoos, planetariums or video arcades.
6.Belle's Journey, by Marilynn Reynolds, illustrated by Stephen McCallum, 1993.
One winter day on the way home from piano lessons, Molly and Belle become lost in a sudden blizzard. And Belle, old and stiff as she is, confronts the terrible storm with every ounce of will she possesses. No matter what, Belle will not give up until she brings Molly home.
7. Prairie Born, by David Bouchard, illustrated by Peter Shostak, 1999.
Both in text and image, Prairie Born focuses on the passing of the seasons and their effect on the people and the landscape.
8. Follow That Bus, by Susan Reid, illustrated by C.L.A. McKenzie, 1993.
What happens when a teacher organizes a field trip and the bus leaves without her? Well, a lot, if the teacher happens to be Mrs. Tardy, who will use any available means to keep that school bus in sight.
9. That's Hockey, by David Bouchard, illustrated by Dean Griffiths, 2004.
When Etienne takes his cousin out to play street hockey for the first time, he has a lot of explaining to do. Street hockey is nothing like ice hockey.
10. Maxine's Tree, by Diane Leger, illustrated by Dar Churcher, 1992.
Fearful for the safety of her rainforest playground, Maxine sets out to find a way to save her tree. Her unique solution is as simple as it is effective and has some startling results.
Watch this page, because the top ten will change!
Have a good idea for a top ten list? Let us know.
Past Top Tens
- Top Ten Award Winners
- Top Ten Soundings
- Top Ten Back to School Books
- Malone's Top Ten
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