Canada Books and Activities

Every year in June I like to teach a Canada unit.

We’re usually in school until the very end of the month so it lines up very well with Canada Day celebrations on July 1.

I recently came across these sweet books, all with a Canadian theme, by Per-Henrik Gurth.  I just love the vivid colours and simple illustrations.

Here’s a quick round-up of what I found.

Books About Canada for Kids

Click on the pic to see the book

Book Description from Amazon:

This colorful whirlwind journey across Canada takes young readers from coast to coast to coast, revealing the awe-inspiring scope and iconic images of their amazing country. Like the other bestsellers in the Canada Concept Books series, this book is not only an introduction to Canada, but also a popular souvenir book for tourists and an ideal gift. Bike along PEI’s red dirt roads, set sail in Quebec City, help with the harvest near Saskatoon or hike a glacier in Yukon Territory in the company of the familiar lovable cast of animal characters. Along the way, children will learn about the flags and the official trees, flowers and birds of each province or territory. A more immediate and memorable introduction to the imagery of Canada — and to what makes our country unique — has never before been published.

Click on the pic to see the book

Book Description from Amazon:

From Arctic to Zamboni, kids can follow the alphabet on a colorful tour across Canada. On their journey, they’ll visit Canadian landmarks, including Jasper National Park and Peggy’s Cove. They’ll also meet friendly characters enjoying Canadian pastimes, such as riding in the Calgary Stampede, playing hockey and watching the Northern Lights. Vivid illustrations and simple language guarantee that even the youngest traveler will enjoy this trip!

Click on the pic to see the book

Book Description from Amazon:

Popular artist Per-Henrik Gurth showcases Canada’s diverse landscapes in his third Canadian-themed concept book for the young. As in the earlier bestsellers ABC of Canada and Canada 123, the book encompasses all major regions of Canada. This time, Per-Henrik takes children on a countrywide exploration in brilliant color. The distinctly Canadian images — white snow, green spruce, red PEI dunes, blue St. Lawrence River, yellow wheat fields — will delight Canadians and tourists alike. Multi-colored northern lights are the perfect end to this eye-pleasing journey. The bold, bright art and simple text give pre-readers a valuable introduction to color — and to their beautiful country.

Click on the pic to see the book

Book Description from Amazon:

This charming picture book follows a group of happy animal travellers as they spend a year exploring the True North. Each month gets its own colourful spread highlighting a different Canadian festival, seasonal event or activity. The trip begins in January with a visit to Ottawa’s Rideau Canal and ends in December with a dogsled ride in Nunavut. Along the way, the group partakes in such Canadian delights as the Quebec Winter Carnival, the Canadian Tulip Festival and the Calgary Stampede. Yee haw! Artist Per-Henrik Gürth presents early-learning concepts using all-Canadian images and an adorable animal cast of characters. Encompassing all major regions of Canada, each book is an eye-pleasing coast-to-coast journey. The bold, bright art and simple text give pre-readers an introduction to the alphabet, numbers and colour — and to their beautiful country.

And then I found this book, which is also going on my wish list. It’s a take-off on Goodnight Moon.

Click pic to see book

Book Description from Indigo:

 

More Activities to Celebrate Canada

When we study the symbols of Canada, one of the activities I love to do is have the kids build their own inukshuks  (the “uk” rhymes with “shook”).

We go for a walk and collect several rocks each. Then they glue them together with the white drippy glue. The kids treasure their little rock sculptures.

Ours don’t look quite as grand as this fellow above, but they DO turn out very well.

The other activity I love having them do, is to illustrate our national anthem “O Canada”.

I print it out on chart paper and give each pair of students a line to interpret and illustrate. We have to do lots of talking about this beforehand, of course.

I play a CD of different versions of our anthem (there’s a rock version, country, French, etc) while they draw their pictures.

Then I tape the strips back together. It makes a beautiful display and is very meaningful to the kids. This would work with ANY anthem!

More Canada-themed activities:

Canadian symbols bags

Canada Day freebies

Canada Day deely bobbers

Canada Day word search

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