From Fairytales to Real-Life Lessons: The Evolution of Canadian Children’s Books
Children’s stories have helped shape young readers by teaching the importance of values, culture, and identity. In Canada, children's books have changed, focusing on strict moral lessons influenced by British traditions to today’s diverse and inclusive stories. This transformation has shown how children's stories have grown and adapted with modern society. Read along as we explore the history of children’s books.
Early-to-Mid-1900s: Adventure, Myths, and Canadian Identity
The oldest and most recognized Canadian children’s book is L.M. Montgomery's 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables, set in Prince Edward Island. It highlights themes of resilience, imagination, and belonging.
Around this time, Indigenous traditions started to appear in published work. Stories like Pauline Johnson's The Legends of Vancouver, published in 1911, telling Indigenous stories, legends, and cultures through a foreign perspective. This motivated Indigenous authors to start expressing and sharing their authentic stories. Few Indigenous works were typical or written about this early on, but they became more popular in the 2000s.
Late-1900s: Some Diversity and Real-World Issues
From the 1970s to the 1990s, children's books underwent a significant change. Authors addressed real-world issues such as family, identity, and inclusion. One of Canada's most beloved children's authors, Robert Munsch, gained popularity with books like The Paper Bag Princess (1980), which broke away from gender roles and demonstrated how women can be independent. Diversity in children's books became more noticeable as the years went on. Joy Kogawa's Naomi's Road (1986) introduced young readers to the experiences of Japanese Canadians during World War II.
2000s to Today: Inclusivity and Social Awareness
Since the 2000s, children's books have become far more diverse, reflecting various cultures, identities, and capabilities. Books now address themes such as mental health, gender identity, different family structures, disability, and environmental responsibility. Titles, like Calm Down Counting by Suzanne Elson (2025), introduce anxiety management and coping skills. Also, Meet Jim Egan, written by Elizabeth MacLeod, and illustrated by Mike Deas (2024), tells the story of growing up as part of the LGBTQ+ community.
The 2010s : Educational Works
Historical fiction gained popularity with the Dear Canada series, These Are My Words: The Residential School Diary of Violet Pesheens by Ruby Slipperjack (2016). This series offered a child-friendly approach to understanding difficult events in Canadian history. Each story is told through the eyes of a young girl who experienced the event, resulting in a stronger, more engaging story. The Charter for Children is another educational work about rights in Canada. The stories use fun characters to simplify complex laws like safety, privacy, and equality, making the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms understandable for kids.
The Future of Children's Literature: Looking ahead for a Brighter Future.
Canadian children's books are expected to continue evolving, reflecting the country's change of social landscape. With a growing focus on inclusivity, representation, and environmental awareness, the next generation of writers will entertain, educate, and inspire more young readers.
Final Thoughts.
From moral lessons into diverse, socially aware narratives. As the world changes, so will the stories we share with our kids. What are some of your favourite Canadian children's books you grew up with or read to your little ones? Mine is Hickory Dickory Dock by Robin Muller. Let us know on social media yours!
About the Author
Megan Parsons is a graduate of the Professional Writing Program at Algonquin College. Specializing in short fiction, she has a passion for writing children’s stories and exploring themes of psychological horror in her work. Currently, in school, Megan is working towards receiving a Certificate in Creative Writing from the University of Toronto.
