Staff Picks

“Home: A Sense of Belonging” by Dr. Ardavan Eizadirad and Natalie Royer is a heartwarming and interactive exploration of what home truly means. This beautifully crafted workbook invites readers to reflect on home as more than just a physical place—it is a feeling, a memory, and a connection to people and experiences.

Through a series of sensory-driven prompts, the book encourages readers to explore:

• What home feels like – the warmth of a hug, the joy of community prayers, or the pride of cultural traditions.
• What home tastes like – from homemade Bannock to a cup of tea at Iftar.
• What home looks like – whether it’s a starlit sky, a family gathered for a game, or a sibling’s morning routine.
• What home sounds like – the melody of a familiar language, the laughter of loved ones, or music from one’s heritage.
• What home smells like – the comforting aroma of home-cooked meals, burning sage, or a father’s cologne.

With its inclusive and personal approach, Home: A Sense of Belonging reminds readers that home is unique to everyone—it’s shaped by our cultures, our families, and our experiences. The book is both a celebration of diversity and a powerful tool for self-reflection, making it perfect for classrooms, families, and community discussions.

Through its thought-provoking questions and affirming message, this book helps readers appreciate their own sense of home while fostering empathy and understanding for others. A must-read for anyone looking to explore the deeper meanings of belonging, identity, and connection.

“Backgammon With Bababorzog” by Dr. Ardavan Eizadirad and Rabia Khokhar is a touching story about family, tradition, and the power of confidence.

Laila-Rose is nervous about her upcoming school speech presentation—she hates speaking in front of people. But when her Bababozorg (grandfather) introduces her to the game of backgammon, everything changes. As they play together, Bababozorg shares stories of his childhood, the importance of patience, strategy, and taking risks, and even how he met Laila-Rose’s grandmother through the game. Inspired by her grandfather’s wisdom, Laila-Rose finds the courage to overcome her fears.

Through their shared love of storytelling and tradition, Laila-Rose learns about her family’s journey to Canada and ultimately chooses to share their story for her speech. When the big day arrives, she is filled with nerves—but a reassuring thumbs-up from Bababozorg in the audience gives her the confidence to speak from the heart.

Filled with warmth and cultural richness, Backgammon With Bababorzog is a beautiful celebration of family bonds, immigrant experiences, and the importance of embracing one’s heritage. The book highlights the value of intergenerational learning, storytelling, and the small yet powerful moments that connect us to our past.

Perfect for children, parents, and educators, this book encourages self-confidence, resilience, and pride in cultural identity, reminding readers that tradition and love can help us face life’s biggest challenges.

Soup Kitchen Kids: Book 1
This book is the first of a three (possibly more) book series about twins Markus and Ashley (Pippa) who move to the downtown area of their city Jamestown. The twins quickly meet their new neighbour Tawny who joins up with the family and show the twins around.
Life is very different living downtown where the soup kitchen is the center of their new community. Auntie Marie, the head cook calls all the children eating there her ‘soup kitchen kids’
Mom Jackie returns from a stay at a rehab centre to rejoin the family. The food bank and the local thrift store soon become the new normal for this family going through hard times.
The soup kitchen kids discover that family is not always someone related by blood but it is also being part of a larger caring and giving community and giving back is a part of it.