CBC Kids Reads Returns To Share The Love Of Books With Young Audiences Across Canada, March 2 – 7

As CBC’s great Canadian book debate, Canada Reads, kicks off its 23rd edition early next month, the literary celebration for young readers also returns with the second annual CBC KIDS READS, running March 2 – 7. All week long on the CBC Kids morning lineup, CBC Gem and CBC Kids YouTube, young audiences are invited to join CBC Kids hosts Tony and Janaye, as well as Gary the Unicorn, Mr. Orlando, Cottonball and Mosey, as they share their six favourite Canadian picture books and celebrate their love of reading. New this year, CBC KIDS READS will culminate in a half-hour special on Thursday, March 7 at 8:10 a.m. local time on CBC, CBC Gem and CBC Kids YouTube, to determine the winning book.

During the special, each CBC Kids pal presents their defense of their chosen book – whether through dance, song, baking or art, each book has a moment to shine. Kids from across Canada also weigh-in on which book should be crowned the 2024 CBC Kids Reads Champion – all in the celebration of reading!

With a focus on equity-deserving authors based across Canada, the selected books showcase inclusion, self-love and kindness. In addition to the defenders’ videos for their individual books, CBC KIDS READS week will see literacy-focused programming and music videos air during the CBC Kids morning schedule on CBC TV and CBC Gem from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. local time. The videos will also be available on CBC Kids YouTube.

The six selected finalists are listed below.