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For the kid who has everything but the motivation to get off their screen and go outside, Humber College professor Ball offers instructions on how to play 37 environmentally positive games, including Stick Solitaire, Mancala and the intriguingly named Neanderthal Poetry, with helpful diagrams and illustrations by Melissa McFeeters. (Mountaineer, $25.95)

Best Canadian Stories 2025, edited by Steven W. Beattie

These are “stories that heave and seethe, yearn and ache,” writes Toronto Star contributor Beattie in his introduction to this anthology of 16 homegrown tales from such writers as Kate Kaley, Chelsea Peters and Giller Prize winner Lynn Coady. (Biblioasis, $23.95)

Heart on My Sleeve, by Jeanne Beker

The legendary Toronto fashion presenter offers a memoir filled with friends, family and the stars that shone in her orbit, including Madonna, Kate Moss and Beyoncé. (Simon & Schuster, $34.99)

Rush at 50, by Daniel Bukszpan

A half-century since the beloved Toronto prog-rockers released their debut album comes this photo-stuffed look back at their landmark moments, featuring candid and concert pictures and an illustrated timeline. (Motorbooks, $50)

The 1980s: Image of a Decade, by Henry Carroll

This lovingly curated and lavishly illustrated book depicts the ’80s in all their gory glory, from technological innovations and world politics to the cultural icons, both high and low, who changed the conversation. (Thames & Hudson, $79)

Planet Drag: Uncover the Global Herstory, by Courtney Conquers

The Hamilton, Ont., drag performer colourfully explores the drag phenomenon throughout history, while looking at the artists, fashions and events that shaped the scene. With a foreword by “Canada’s Drag Race” judge Brooke Lynn Hytes. (White Lion, $40)

The Blues Brothers: An Epic Friendship, the Rise of Improv, and the Making of an American Film Classic, by Daniel de Visé

The complete story of Jake and Elwood Blues. This deep dive into John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s popular R&B revival act, which begat the 1980 cult classic movie, also charts the latter star’s early days on the Toronto comedy scene. (Grove/Atlantic, $43.50)

Be Ready When Luck Happens, by Ina Garten

The Barefoot Contessa offers the story of her journey to food superstardom in a candid memoir detailing her tough childhood, her personal challenges, and her career highs and lows. (Penguin Random House, $45)

Life. Hollywood, edited by Reuel Golden

Since the 1930s, Life magazine showcased the glittering stars of the film industry. This huge, two-volume box set collects more than 600 images (many previously unseen) of such legendary actors as Clark Gable, Jane Fonda, Elizabeth Taylor and Sidney Poitier. With words by Lucy Sante and Justin Humphreys. (Taschen America, $325)

Medicine Wheel for the Planet: A Journey Toward Personal and Ecological Healing, by Jennifer Grenz

In this book — part primer, part personal history and part plea — a Nlaka’pamux Indigenous ecologist cites sacred stories and scientific observations to reveal how combining various traditions can help protect the Earth. (Knopf Canada, $34)

Toronto in 100 Beers, by Steve Himel, Tony Halmos, Adin L. Wener with John Semley

For years, Toronto’s own Henderson Brewing Company has offered limited-edition beers that pay tribute to unique moments in the city’s history. This book, with a foreword by Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson, revisits the stories through such tipples as Poke Mango Find Yourself (IPA); Put Your Scarf on, Geddy! (stout); and Glad Day (Belgian blond). (Anansi, $32.99)

The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, by Robin Wall Kimmerer

From the Indigenous scientist and author of the bestselling “Braiding Sweetgrass” comes this small book with a big message: “Serviceberries show us another model, one based upon reciprocity, where wealth comes from the quality of your relationships, not from the illusion of self-sufficiency.” Featuring lovely drawings by John Burgoyne. (Scribner, $25)

David Cronenberg: Clinical Trials, by Violet Lucca

The films of the maverick Canadian director, including “Scanners,” “Videodrome” and “Eastern Promises,” are dissected in this unconventional book, which features a foreword by frequent Cronenberg star Viggo Mortensen, as well as interviews with composer Howard Shore and cinematographer Peter Suschitzky. (Abrams, $63)

Into the Uncut Grass, by Trevor Noah

The South African comedian and TV host follows up his bestselling memoir, “Born a Crime,” with a children’s book for all ages. The story of a boy and his bear doll exploring the world outside their home (depicted in delicate watercolours by Sabina Hahn) was inspired by the author’s own conflict with his mother. (Doubleday Canada, $34.95)

The Wicked Years Box Set, by Gregory Maguire

Revisit the origins of Glinda and Elphaba in this box set that collects the original bestselling novel “Wicked,” as well as the three other books in the series (“Son of a Witch,” “A Lion Among Men” and “Out of Oz”). (William Morrow Paperbacks, $99)

Soups, Salads, Sandwiches, by Matty Matheson

The illustrious, not to mention heavily illustrated, co-star of “The Bear,” and owner of Toronto’s Prime Seafood Palace, reveals how to make the perfect grilled salami panzanella salad, among other plates (and bowls) in this combo cookbook/memoir. As Matheson so helpfully instructs, “Just open the book, pick a recipe, cook it, close it, and put it back on the shelf.” (Appetite by Random House, $48)

The Ultimate Book of Would You Rather Questions, by Kimberly McLeod

Toronto author McLeod offers what the subtitle promises “1001 Family-Friendly Challenges for Kids, Teens and Adults” with questions in such categories as Make Believe, Animals and Food. Think of it as a passive way to learn more about your family members. (Page Street, $10)

Black Boys Like Me: Confrontations With Race, Identity, and Belonging, by Matthew R. Morris

The author, a Toronto schoolteacher, pens eight essays about growing up in Scarborough, his immersion into hip-hop culture and the role his mentors played in his journey to self-discovery. (Penguin Random House Canada, $34.95)

Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals, by Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George

The legendary country singer and her sister share dozens of holiday recipes for such down-home delights as Country Ham and Biscuits and Slaw of Many Colors. (Ten Speed Press, $48)

I Don’t Do Disability and Other Lies I’ve Told Myself, by Adelle Purdham

The educator and parent disability advocate turns the personal into the universal with a collection of compassionate essays about what it means to be the mother of a daughter with Down syndrome. (Dundurn, $26.99)

40 Days & 40 Hikes: Loving the Bruce Trail One Loop at a Time, by Nicola Ross

In this unique travel guide, environmentalist Ross charts 40 day-loops covering 900 kilometres, while commenting on the geology, history and wildlife of the Bruce, Canada’s longest marked trail. (ECW Press, $26.95)

Seth’s Christmas Ghost Stories, designed by Seth

For the 10th anniversary of the series, award-winning ���߲ݴ�ýcomics artist Seth has chosen three more vintage short tales — “Captain Dalgety Returns,” by Laurence Whistler, “The Amethyst Cross,” by Mary Fitt, and “Podolo,” by L.P. Hartley — to decorate in his bold, evocative style, making these macabre madeleines the perfect stocking stuffers. (Biblioasis, $9.95 each; $24.95 for three-pack)

Home and Away, by Mats Sundin with Amy Stuart

The legendary former Maple Leafs captain tracks his remarkable story, including his early years playing hockey with his brothers in his native Sweden and his years with the Quebec Nordiques as a teen. (Simon & Schuster, $39.95)

This Is Our Life, by the Tragically Hip

This handsomely produced chronicle documents the rise of the beloved Kingston band, in the words and images of Rob Baker, the late Gord Downie, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois and Gord Sinclair, who also supplied more than 1,200 pieces of archival material, including posters, handwritten lyrics and setlists. (Genesis Publications, $79.95)

We Oughta Know: How Céline, Shania, Alanis, and Sarah Ruled the ’90s and Changed Music, by Andrea Warner

I’m here to remind you that in this updated and expanded edition of her 2015 book, Warner revisits the legacies of four Canadian superstars who dominated the charts and inspired generations. (ECW Press, $24.95)