Youth's Picked in June Selection

New Spin on the Old Flame

Two months have passed since the publication of Julie Hétu's latest book (The Slumberers of Nauru, Druide). Now, she's back with her first novel for the little ones: Laurier Rose Burns Away. The story follows Laurier Rose, a young boy whose mother's house has just gone up in flames. With nowhere left to go, he finds himself back at his father's camp in the Laurentides wildlife reserve. Plagued with guilt over the fire, Laurier also struggles with spontaneous human combustion syndrome, making each emotionally-charged moment a potential spark. As he adjusts to his cramped living quarters, Laurier discovers the endless beauty of the forest and faces an internal battle against his fiery senses. Woven with enchanting realism and a reckless poetic touch, Julie Hétu's rough language shines against Delphie Côte-Lacroix's illustrations. The narrative structure is innovative, unfolding a concise, dense, and explosive story. Kick-ass.

Gypsies and Goddesses

Dive into Yomandé's world, courtesy of Franck Sylvestre, who brings her tale to life in The Dream of Yomandé. Yomandé, the spiritual leader of the village of Takaja, embarks on an otherworldly journey after the death of her husband, the great hunter Sékou. On this mystical quest, Yomandé faces trials, encounters goddesses, and strives to conceive a child she has dreamed of. The narrative journey is steeped in African mythology, echoing the storytelling tradition that Sylvestre originally envisioned for the stage. Though now presented in book form, it remains a magical experience, swirling with dreamy sensations and a surreal sense of otherworldliness. Art by Frey takes this journey further, bringing each symbol-rich scene to life with bold, contrasting colors and imaginative details.

A Matter of Perspective

Every morning, Blue Snake and Red Snake get together for a gymnastics session and gaze at the sky, setting the tone for their day. Soon, though, their friendly debates about the color of the sky and sea transform into heated arguments about everything they encounter. Through their dialogues, Olivier Tallec demonstrates the power of differing perspectives, highlighting the importance of open-mindedness and questioning norms. In this latest title, Tallec leaves the ending somewhat unresolved, offering freedom for readers to make up their own minds. Playing homage to The Little Prince, the snakes engage in a lively discussion about the appearance of a cloud. The creative illustrations, featuring contrasting colors and expressive characters, paint a vivid landscape for the dialogue between the two serpentine buddies.

The Gift of the Birds

Barroux weaves together themes of freedom, contemplation, and a longing for a better world in his latest work, If I Were a Bird. A little boy from his room envisions a world transformed if he were a bird, embarking on an imaginative exploration of the skies. As he observes dragonflies writing invisible words in the air and soars through the winds, embracing the unrestricted nature of flight, his dreams offer hope for a more accepting and curious world. Each idea raised finds its place in a double-page spread, showcasing the mastery of Barroux, who expertly combines collage, watercolor, and pencil art to create scenes of breathtaking beauty. The large format of the album perfectly encapsulates the grand scale of the book's theme. A masterpiece.

Curated for You

"Two Women of Gold": Ignoring Morality's Shackles

This comedy written by Chloé Robichaud questions the morality of nudity on screen. "The Free Folk": Struggles with Identity"

Marie-Ève Lacasse delves into the concept of freedom and challenges the prejudices associated with it.

Hidden Treasures

When searching for young adult and children's novels that tackle themes of rebirth, magical realism, and freedom of thought, it's essential to consider age-appropriateness and the complexity of these themes. While many novels with these themes cater to older readers, there are books for the younger crowd that offer a delicate balance of magic, transformation, and self-discovery.

Books to Capture Young Minds

General Notes:
Books explicitly centered on "rebirth" (such as reincarnation or character reinvention) are predominantly geared towards teens and older children, but stories that veer towards transformation, new beginnings, and imaginative worlds are more prevalent in stories for younger readers.

Age 6–9

"The Moomins" series by Tove Jansson
Theme: Enchanting realism, character growth, new beginnings.
Appeal: In a world filled with magic and imagination, the characters reassess their roles, mirroring rebirth in terms of personal renewal and independence of thought.
"Where the Wild Things Are" by Maurice Sendak
Theme: Personal transformation, adventure, and escapism.
Appeal: While the story does not explicitly feature rebirth, it includes an exploration of Max's inner transformation and his escapist fantasies.
"The Magic Tree House" series by Mary Pope Osborne
Theme: Adventure, exploration, and discovery.
Appeal: As the brave duo travels through time and space, they encounter extraordinary worlds, encouraging readers to question their understanding of the world.

Age 9–12

"Tuck Everlasting" by Natalie Babbitt
Theme: Immortality, life cycles, and personal choices.
Appeal: Follow the eternal Tucks and confront the consequences of living forever and the roles that cyclical change plays in existence.
"The Girl Who Drank the Moon" by Kelly Barnhill
Theme: Magic, transformation, and self-discovery.
Appeal: A beautifully crafted tale that explores the coming-of-age journey while emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and friendship.
"A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L’Engle
Theme: Adventure, self-discovery, and personal growth.
Appeal: This classic novel encourages readers to embrace their individuality, build resilience, and value their strengths in the pursuit of truth.

For Teens (12+)

"Phoenix Rising" by Jolynne Valerie (or similar adaptations of the tale)
Theme: Renewal, personal growth, and self-forgiveness.
Appeal: While some versions of this story are intended for adults, certain adaptations may be suitable for older teens, delving into themes of perseverance and self-transformation after adversity.
"The Neverending Story" by Michael Ende
Theme: Escapism, imagination, and heroism.
Appeal: This enchanting story follows Bastian as he restores the magical world of Fantasia, underscoring the power of belief and empathy.

After completing her latest book, Julie Hétu explores cultural themes in her new home-and-garden and education-and-self-development works, continuing to enthrall readers with her innovative storytelling.
For those seeking books that encapsulate the essence of lifestyle and culture, delve into the rich tapestry of Yomandé's journey in The Dream of Yomandé, steeped in African mythology and traditional storytelling.
As the list of age-appropriate books broadens, the world of entertainment is enriched with titles such as Where the Wild Things Are for the younger crowd, offering vibrant lifestyle explorations through enchanting illustrations and imaginative narratives.