This post is part of our 'Quick Reads for Curious Beans' series, offering bite-sized research on child development to help busy parents turn scientific insights into clear, actionable takeaways!
At Human Bean Books, we believe that stories help young minds grow—just like beans reaching for the sun! Canada is home to some of the most inspiring children’s book publishers, each planting the seeds of creativity, diversity, and lifelong learning. From cherished classics to innovative new stories, this list highlights five of the top children’s book publishers in Canada, all dedicated to helping young readers sprout into their best selves.
1. Kids Can Press (link)
Kids Can Press is a renowned publisher behind beloved children’s book series such as Franklin the Turtle, Scaredy Squirrel, and CitizenKid. Founded in 1973 as a small independent collective, it has grown into a globally recognized company with a catalog of over 600 titles. The publisher is committed to producing engaging and socially conscious children’s books, earning multiple prestigious accolades, including eleven Governor General’s Literary Awards and the Bologna Prize for Best Children’s Publisher in North America (2017). Many of its books frequently appear on “best of the year” lists.
Notable Books:
- Small in the City (2020 Kate Greenaway Medal)
- The Darkest Dark (2017 ILA Children's and Young Adults' Book Award)
2. Tundra Books (link)
Established in 1967, Tundra Books is Canada’s oldest English-language children’s book publisher. Known for its beautifully illustrated and award-winning titles, Tundra specializes in a variety of genres, including board books, picture books, middle-grade fiction, graphic novels, and nonfiction. The publisher is home to some of Canada’s most treasured stories, such as The Hockey Sweater and Mordecai Richler’s Jacob Two-Two series. Now a division of Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra is recognized for its strong literary value, eye-catching design, and distinguished list of authors and illustrators from around the world.
Notable Books:
- Night Lunch (2022 New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book Award)
- Towed by Toad (2025 ALA Youth Media Awards)
3. Scholastic Books (link)
As one of Canada’s leading publishers and distributors of children's books, Scholastic Canada has been a cornerstone of children’s literature since its founding in 1957. It was the first international branch of Scholastic Inc., which has since expanded worldwide. The company serves young readers, educators, and parents through its various initiatives, including book clubs, book fairs, classroom magazines, and educational resources. Scholastic Canada is widely respected for its publishing program, featuring celebrated Canadian authors and illustrators. The publisher is best known for bringing the works of Robert Munsch to young audiences and fostering a love of reading across generations.
Notable Books:
- Nutshimit: In the Woods (Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Award 2024)
- Still My Tessa (CBC Kids Reads 2024)
4. Groundwood Books (link)
Founded in 1978, Groundwood Books is renowned for publishing high-quality children’s literature across various genres, including picture books, fiction, graphic novels, and nonfiction. Known for its commitment to social justice, the publisher is unafraid to tackle difficult or controversial topics, always from a child’s perspective. Groundwood Books focuses on works by Canadian authors but also publishes outstanding literature from around the world. The publisher has a long-standing dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices, especially those of Indigenous Peoples and Latinx communities. Their catalog is widely acclaimed for its thoughtful, diverse, and impactful storytelling.
Notable Books:
- They Say Blue (New York Public Library Best Books for Kids 2018)
- Sometimes I Feel Like a Fox (Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award 2016)
5. Annick Press (link)
Based in Toronto, Annick Press is an independent publisher known for its innovative and thought-provoking children's and young adult books. Founded in 1975, the company publishes both fiction and nonfiction that encourage critical thinking and global awareness. Annick’s diverse catalog includes classic picture books such as Robert Munsch’s The Paper Bag Princess and Kathy Stinson’s Red is Best, as well as compelling middle-grade titles covering topics such as Indigenous history (Fatty Legs), space exploration (Dr. Dave Astronaut series), and environmental sustainability (Rewilding: Giving Nature a Second Chance). With a strong reputation in Canada and internationally, Annick continues to inspire young readers through engaging and socially relevant storytelling.
Notable Books:
- Bog Myrtle (NYPL Best Books of 2024)
- What If Bedtime Didn't Exist? (Quill & Quire Best Book of the Year 2024)
Up and Coming: Human Bean Books (link)
Human Bean Books is an up and coming children's book publisher dedicated to fostering mindfulness and emotional well-being in young readers through carefully crafted stories. Founded in Vancouver, BC, in 2023, the publisher was established with a mission to address the lack of diversity in children’s literature. It creates books that empower children of all backgrounds to see themselves as capable, valued, and loved. Their unique approach integrates research-backed principles from child psychology and educational theory, with a focus on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). By incorporating meditative exercises and mindfulness techniques, Human Bean Books helps young readers develop inner peace, emotional resilience, and essential life skills such as empathy, self-awareness, and positive decision-making.
Notable Books:
- The Light of Love
- Bubble Adventure