Fetching Fun with Blue Spruce Award Winner "Lost Stick" by Anoosha Syed!

While the 2024–2025 the Forest of Reading® may have wrapped up with the annual May Festival, the celebration doesn’t have to end—this year’s nominated titles make a fantastic recreational reading list for the rest of the school year and into the summer! In our Hooked on Books series, the in-person and online tutoring team at Teachers on Call is thrilled to introduce you to  the nominees and winners from the Forest of Reading lineup. In Lost Stick, written and illustrated by  Anoosha Syed, young readers are taken on a heartwarming adventure filled with determination, loyalty, and the joy of discovery. In this edition of Hooked on Books, we introduce you to an exclusive interview with the Forest of Reading’s Blue Spruce Award winner for children’s books in the Kindergarten to Grade 2 category.

In this issue of Hooked on Books, we introduce you to a behind the scenes interview with the Blue Spruce Award winner in the Kindergarten to Grade 2 category. At Teachers on Call, our tutoring service loves how the Forest of Reading program introduces young readers to the voting process—and this year’s student cohort has spoken, selecting Lost Stick as their winner! With her signature vibrant illustrations and playful narrative, Syed  captures the deep bond between pets and their owners. Lost Stick, published by PRHC Viking Books, is a perfect story for young readers that explores themes of loyalty, perseverance, and the warmth of returning home. Nominated for the 2025 Blue Spruce Award in the Forest of Reading program for JK to grade 2, this picture book reminds us that sometimes, the simplest of adventures lead us back to the ones we love most. Read on for our Hooked on Books exclusive interview with Anoosha Syed, where she shares the inspiration behind Lost Stick and the creative process behind this story.

Inspire a Love of Reading with the Forest of Reading Program

Promoting early literacy and reading for fun is a powerful tool to shape young minds. The Forest of Reading program is a fantastic way to keep young readers engaged year-round! As Canada’s largest reading initiative, it highlights the best in Canadian literature, from picture books to young adult novels, introducing kids to diverse voices and captivating stories. Organized by the Ontario Library Association, the program culminates in the exciting Forest of Reading Festival each May, where winners are announced at the Harbourfront Centre in downtown Toronto (235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2G8). This year, explore books that will inspire and excite young readers while fostering a lifelong love of reading.

About Author and Illustrator Anoosha Syed

Anoosha Syed is an award-winning author, illustrator, and character designer with a unique international perspective. According to Anoosha, she grew up in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai. “As the perpetual ‘new kid’—I went to seven different schools!—I found comfort in books, but I never saw myself in them,” she shared. Born in Pakistan and currently based in Dallas, Texas, Anoosha Syed also has Canadian connections to both downtown Toronto, and Milton, Ontario where she previously lived. Anoosha earned her BFA in Illustration from Ceruleum: Ecole d'arts Visuels in Switzerland in 2015, and has since worked as a character designer for popular preschool series with studios like Disney, Nickelodeon, and Netflix, including work on a live-action preschool series. With over forty illustrated children's books to her name, Anoosha is also associated with titles like That's Not My Name! and The Salt Princess. She currently lives in Dallas, Texas, United States.

Read our Exclusive Interview with Blue Spruce Award-Winning Author and Illustrator Anoosha Syed

Lost Stick is such a heartwarming story. What inspired you to write and illustrate this book?

I love the idea that the world feels so big and exciting to a little puppy—things we take for granted, like a vacuum cleaner or the mailman, are these huge, monumental events for them. I wanted to capture that sense of wonder and playfulness, along with Milo’s love for Louise. He is convinced that fetching the stick is the most important thing in the world because he just wants to make her happy, and that determination felt like the start of a great adventure. Plus, I’ve always been a fan of stories with misunderstandings—you can find a lot of humour in those near misses!

How can teachers use Lost Stick in the classroom to help students talk about feelings like loss or the importance of perseverance?

Milo’s journey is a great way to start conversations about big feelings. For example, when Milo realizes he can’t find the stick, he feels like he’s let Louise down, but he learns that their bond isn’t about being “perfect”—it’s about love and trying your best. Teachers can talk about handling setbacks, showing compassion to ourselves, and leaning on others when we need help (like how Louise's friends join the search for Milo). At the same time, Milo’s determination shows that even when things feel tough, we can keep going and grow stronger. Teachers could even have students draw their own “big adventures” as a way to talk about emotions in a creative and fun way!

Are there specific moments in the book that you think would help parents talk to their kids about understanding their emotions?

Definitely! While Louise is searching for Milo, parents could use this moment to talk about how it’s okay to feel big emotions like worry or sadness, and how those feelings don’t last forever. Another key moment is when Milo realizes he can't find the stick and is worried about failing. Although perseverance is a big part of it, it's also important to know that “giving up” is ok. He remembers that Louise loves him no matter what. This can be a great way for parents to remind kids that their love doesn’t depend on “success” and that making mistakes is just part of life. It’s all about helping kids feel safe to share and process their emotions.

In Lost Stick, Milo goes on a journey of self-discovery. How can this help children understand the importance of growing and learning through experiences?

Milo’s adventure is such a fun way to show that every experience, even the hard ones, helps us grow. He’s so determined to find Stick—climbing the tallest mountain, paddling across the deep, dark ocean—and kids can see how that perseverance helps him discover new things about himself. But it’s also important that Milo realizes it’s okay to “let go” when something doesn’t work out. Kids can learn that growing doesn’t mean always getting it right—it’s about trying, learning, and knowing you’re still loved no matter what.

How do you think your artwork will help children connect with the story on an emotional level?

I wanted the art to really bring Milo’s emotions to life. The world is big, colourful, and full of excitement, but there are also quieter, more reflective moments when Milo feels small or unsure. I used colour, light, and scale to match how Milo feels in each scene—whether he’s feeling brave, scared, or proud—and made sure his expressions were as clear and relatable as possible. One key spread is the one where Milo is alone in the ocean, and Louise is mirroring him sad in bed. But despite their loneliness, their love is as bright and unending as the moon. My hope is that kids will connect with Milo’s feelings just by looking at him and feel like they’re right there on the adventure with him.

In the story, Milo learns something new about himself and his world. What is the biggest lesson you hope children will take away from Lost Stick?

The biggest lesson is that love and effort matter way more than perfection. I hope kids take away that it’s okay to make mistakes or have things not go as planned—they’re still worthy of love and kindness just as they are. And I also hope they feel inspired by Milo’s courage and determination to keep trying, even when things feel super hard!

If you could give young readers one piece of advice after reading your book, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to try, even if it feels scary or tough! But if you don't get it right, it's not the end of the world.

~

Lost Stick by Anoosha Syed is sure to inspire young readers with its beautiful blend of adventure, perseverance, and heart. Through Milo’s journey to find a simple stick, children are reminded of the importance of love, effort, and resilience—lessons that will resonate long after the story ends. As you explore this book with your young readers, whether at home, in the classroom, or through the Forest of Reading program, we hope it sparks meaningful conversations about emotions, growth, and the bonds that bring us together. Stay tuned for more exciting Hooked on Books features of 2025 nominees and winners that celebrate the wonderful world of Canadian literature! Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Clarington, Ontario’s own Joel Sutherland, winner of the Yellow Cedar Award—featured in More Than a Scare: How "Haunted Canada: Four Terrifying Tales" Sparks Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Literacy.