I Read Canadian: Canadian Author/Illustrators

February 19 is I Read Canadian day, a national initiative that encourages Canadian to read books created by Canadian authors, illustrators and/or publishers. It’s never been easier to add some Canada to your reading life thanks to the incredible pool of talent found from sea to shining sea. Canada may be a large country in terms of surface area, but our population is itty bitty teeny tiny, and it’s a challenge for us to compete in the cut-throat publishing industry, especially with the juggernaut that is the United States right across the border. Still, we seem to be putting out more and more quality content every year, and I couldn’t be more proud to call myself a Canadian author.

In the spirit of I Read Canadian day I thought I’d highlight just a few Canadian authors, illustrators and publishers that I think you should add to your reading life, both on February 19 and the rest of the year. Today I’m going to be highlighting some of my favourite Canadian author/illustrators, and let me tell you, keeping this list at all manageable was a challenge! To help narrow things down I’m going to do a separate post featuring Canadian illustrators, and will hopefully do additional posts on Canadian authors and Canadian publishing companies. Obviously I will be focusing on children’s books, as, let’s be honest, they’re the most important books in the world. 🙂

If I’ve missed any of your favourite Canadian author/illustrators, please let me know – I’m always looking for new artists to follow and support!

Qin Leng

I dream of one day having one of my stories brought to life by Qin Leng – her characters are have a real sweetness to them, and her art style has a wonderful softness, which matches my own quiet, gentle writing style (or so I tell myself). She has illustrated for Kids Can Press and Inhabit Media, among others, and recently released her debut work as author and illustrator, I Am Small. Leng lives in Toronto.

Ashley Spires

Hometown pride! Well, sort of. Spires lives in my own home province of British Columbia, and not only is she the creator of the phenomenally successful Binky the Space Cat series and The Most Magnificent Thing (both of which have been adapted for TV), she’s also a foster kitten mama, helping homeless kitty cats heal physically and emotionally and preparing them for their new forever homes. Spires lives in Delta.

Cale Atkinson

I swear I’m not focusing on B.C.-based author-illustators out of some kind of “West Coast Best Coast” snobbery – there are just so many incredibly talented creators based out here in British Columbia! If you like fun, colourful picture books with adorable characters I’m sure you’re already familiar with Cale Atkinson, but if not, you need to check out his vibrant, funny, heart-felt picture books, like Unicorns 101 and Where Oliver Fits. Atkinson is based out of Kelowna, and is apparently a fellow tea-lover, making him even more of an awesome individual.

Holman Wang

How many people can include lawyer, author and fiber artist on their resume? Holman Wang can! Wang and his brother Jack are the creators of the immensely successful Cozy Classics board book series, and Holman recently released two wonderful new picture books celebrated moms and dads and all the many hats they wear – Good Job, Mom! and Good Job, Dad! Wang’s work is so striking and unique – you’ll recognize it the moment you see it! I’ve also had the good fortune to meet him in person, and he’s a genuinely nice guy, as well as a talented creator! Embarrassing story time – Holman and Jack Wang brought their families into my library years ago, and I rushed into the staff room with stars in my eyes…only to discover that no one else on duty that day cared much about children’s books, so I was alone in my gushing. 😀 And yes, Holman Wang is from B.C., and lives in Vancouver.

Aidan Cassie

Aidan is another creator I’ve had the chance to meet in person, and she’s just as kind as could be. Aidan grew up on the west coast like yours truly, and lives on one of our beautiful islands in the Salish Sea. She’s really making a name for herself as an author-illustrator, with her third picture book coming out in 2020. Oh, and I’ve done an interview with Aidan on my blog – check it out!

Jeremy Tankard

Tankard refers to himself on his website as an “authorstrator”, which is a fantastic term that I think should be added to our vernacular. Tankard is the creator of the one and only Grumpy Bird (who is also a Hungry Bird, a Sleepy Bird and a Boo-Hoo Bird).  Tankard was the official artist of our summer reading club the first year I was a librarian, and the kids went nuts over his artwork. Originally from South Africa, Tankard has lived across the country, with stints in Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver, which he now calls home.

Barbara Reid

Like Holman Wang, Barbara Reid creates her illustrators using an unusual medium – in Reid’s case, her artwork is created with plasticine! Reid has won all sorts of awards for her beautiful picture books, and has creator or contributed to over 20 books over the course of her remarkable career. Reid lives in Toronto.

Julie Flett

We’ll finish off the list with the one and only Julie Flett, whose evocative, stunning work has graced over 15 beautiful works for children. Flett is a Cree-Metis author and illustrator who has been awarded numerous major awards, and her works are available in several Indigenous languages. Flett is based in British Columbia.

Once again, friends, have I missed any of your favourite Canadian author/illustrators? I probably could have made this an entire series in and of itself – who knew there was so much incredible talent right here in Canada (and mostly in B.C. – hometown pride!).

Who will you be reading this year for I Read Canadian day?