2025 CBC Kids Reads Shortlist

CBC’s picks for outstanding children’s storytelling. Celebrating the best new books of the year

  • Cone Dog

    Sarah Howden
    Front cover

    Cone Dog

    Sarah Howden

    Cone Dog is a playful picture book about Emma, a dog who turns the dreaded “cone of shame” into a tool for fetch, play, and even outsmarting a pesky squirrel, celebrating creativity and optimism.

    Picture Book

    $21.95

    Cone Dog is a playful picture book about Emma, a dog who turns the dreaded “cone of shame” into a tool for fetch, play, and even outsmarting a pesky squirrel, celebrating creativity and optimism.

  • In I Am a Rock, a child and their mother imagine the life of a beloved pet rock, exploring the beauty and rhythms of the Arctic through lyrical storytelling and gentle illustrations

    In I Am a Rock, a child and their mother imagine the life of a beloved pet rock, exploring the beauty and rhythms of the Arctic through lyrical storytelling and gentle illustrations

  • Mad at Dad

    Janie Hao
    Unknown

    Mad at Dad

    Janie Hao

    Mad at Dad is a playful lift-the-flap picture book about a child working through big feelings after an argument, finding comfort and connection with Dad in the end.

    Hardcover

    $21.99

    Mad at Dad is a playful lift-the-flap picture book about a child working through big feelings after an argument, finding comfort and connection with Dad in the end.

  • The Hockey Skates

    Karl Subban
    Frontcover

    The Hockey Skates

    Karl Subban

    The Hockey Skates follows PK Subban’s humorous and patient journey as he waits for the perfect pair of hockey skates, facing mix-ups and surprises before finally getting what he wants.

    Hardcover

    $24.99

    The Hockey Skates follows PK Subban’s humorous and patient journey as he waits for the perfect pair of hockey skates, facing mix-ups and surprises before finally getting what he wants.

  • The Little Green Envelope

    Gillian Sze
    Frontcover

    The Little Green Envelope

    Gillian Sze

    The Little Green Envelope is a sweet story about a little green envelope that goes on a special adventure to deliver a letter, spreading happiness to friends far away.

    Picture Book

    $19.99

    The Little Green Envelope is a sweet story about a little green envelope that goes on a special adventure to deliver a letter, spreading happiness to friends far away.