Now in Paperback! An honest and stirring novel about the choices made by young environmental activists that Booklist calls “a compelling call to action and a crucial reminder that, while doing what is right is not always easy, it is always worthwhile”

Malia has had a privileged upbringing in Indonesia, but since her Indonesian father died, her Canadian mother wants to return to her own family on the other side of the world. Malia is determined to stay. Indonesia is her home, and she loves it. Besides, if she leaves, how can she continue to fight for her country’s precious rainforests?

Ari knows he is lucky to be going to school and competing on the chess team, even if it means an endless round of chores at his uncle’s restaurant. Back in his home village, he and his cousin Suni dreamed about getting a chance like this. But now he is here without her, and the guilt is crushing him. As if that weren’t enough, he’s horribly worried about Ginger Juice, his uncle’s orangutan. The too-small cage where she lives is clearly hurting her body and her mind, but where else can she go? The rainforest where she was born is a palm oil plantation now.

In Berani, Governor General’s Award finalist Michelle Kadarusman spins together three perspectives: Malia, who is prepared to risk anything for her activism, Ari, who knows the right path but fears what it will cost, and Ginger Juice, the caged orangutan who still remembers the forest and her mother. The choices the young people make will have consequences for themselves, for Ginger Juice, and for others, if they are brave enough—or reckless enough—to choose.

“[T]his moving middle grade novel will keep kids interested. Readers will be putting the pieces of the plot together as they turn each compelling page….A perfect choice to give to fans of The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, and an inspiring tale in support of environmental conservation.”—School Library Journal

“The expansive story, nimbly told from both human and orangutan viewpoints, gives glimpses into different class, race, and even species experiences while introducing readers to life in Indonesia and the plight of the orangutans. Ari and Malia are warm and well-intentioned guides, and it’s impossible to resist Ginger Juice’s gentle charms. A compelling call to action and a crucial reminder that, while doing what is right is not always easy, it is always worthwhile.”—Booklist

“A stirring introduction to the plight faced by orangutans.”—Kirkus Reviews

A Pajama Press classic, which has been one of our bestsellers for many years, gets a new look! 

The best selling CBC book, A World Of Kindness, teaches kids that there are many ways children can show kindness to others—human, animal, young, and old. With art from nine celebrated children’s book illustrators including Rebecca Bender, Suzanne Del Rizzo, Kim La Fave, Brian Deines, Manon Gauthier, Wallace Edwards, and Tara Anderson, this lavishly illustrated book will invite frequent re-reads to examine the joyful and inspiring illustrations. In a series of thoughtful questions, the text reminds readers of the impact they can have through everyday actions and words. From simply saying “please” and “thank-you” to helping, comforting, and protecting others, A World of Kindness goes beyond mere platitudes and politeness to examine, in a kid-friendly way, the most powerful of social interactions. Many of the new original images in this book have been donated by the artists. The cover illustration is an original work of art created and donated by award-winning author-illustrator Suzanne Del Rizzo.

Little Gnouf and Mirabelle are ecstatic! They are going to see the sea for the first time in their lives; however, they never expected to find a young whale caught in a fishing net and washed ashore when they arrived. 

During their first-ever trip to the sea, Little Gnouf and Mirabelle find a baby whale trapped in a fisher’s net on the shoreline. With the help of some new friends, the Gnoufs start devising a plan to free the little whale and get him back to the sea he calls home, but for two little Gnoufs, rescuing a whale is a big task. Mirabelle and Little Gnouf are determined to help, but are they up to the task? 

Dominique Demers, author of over 25 beloved picture books, writes with heart, bringing to life a story of courage, compassion, and friendship.  

Award-winning illustrator, Gabrielle Grimard, perfectly captures the magic and intrigue of the sea with vibrant illustrations that highlight the text.