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Want to know what Canadian book releases to watch out for this fall? The following are a small selection of not-yet-released novels that you may want to keep on your radar.

With the hot days of summer winding down, you may be looking for an activity you can do with the kids that will keep them cool and calm for a moment. Why not try a summertime storytime?  School is back in session so, whether you choose to read at home or in class, it is good practice to acclimatize your children to small doses of reading and learning now, to make the transition to classes run smoothly.

Back to school season isn’t the same this year.  With these new changes comes a mix of emotions. I've pulled together a great list of reads to help you weather the emotional rollercoaster.  

With the long days of summer upon us, you may be in need of a break to step away from your everyday routine. A fun “staycation” activity is to enjoy a themed read linked to a tourist draw you can find locally. 

Another summer escape is the cottage – whether you are heading up to yours or simply dreaming of owning one (especially now), we have helpful books on keeping your cottage looking great, or fiction that will help you dream of that day.

Canadiana Cottage

If my reading list is any indication, 2020 must be the year that East Asia-set books flooded the Western market. Whether literary fiction, historical fiction, fantasy or mystery, there is no shortage of compelling new novels set in this vast, diverse region. Some are new translations while others are English originals, but they will all suit armchair travelers desperate to immerse themselves in new cultures. 

The phrase "dog days of summer" is actually a reference to the fact that, during this time, the Sun occupies the same region of the sky as Sirius, the brightest star visible from any part of Earth and part of the constellation Canis Major, the Greater Dog. This is why Sirius is sometimes called the Dog Star.

“Christmas in July,” festivities can offer a fun diversion or a way to plan ahead for the approaching holidays, only 5 months away. Try your hand at a Christmas craft, make some Christmas treats - summer style (strawberries and whipped cream!), or relax with a cheery Christmas tale. Look to Australia or anywhere in the Southern Hemisphere who celebrate this holiday in the sunshine.

Christmas with the kids:

Canada, the nation, was created on July 1, 1867 with the British North America Act or Constitution Act of 1867. This year we are celebrating our 153rd anniversary with a new approach – together, but apart. Even though we cannot have our larger scale celebrations with Canadian music and entertainers, we can enjoy a lovely Canadian summer day with a great Canadian read.

A Canadian Story Hour:

While select library branches are now open for limited curbside service, we have a lot of patrons who are missing the days when they could enter the library to browse the shelves. If you are a reader who chooses books to read by browsing, read on for some alternative options for finding your next great read.