Children's writer and illustrator Jon Klassen appointed to Order of Canada

Canadian children's author and illustrator Jon Klassen is becoming a Member of the Order of Canada for "his transformative contributions to children's literature."

• The 8 books Jon Klassen would love to illustrate

Klassen, originally from Toronto, is one of the most sought after illustrators in North America. His long list of prestigious honours includes the American Caldecott Medal and CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal (both for This Is Not My Hat, which he wrote and illustrated), as well as the Governor General's Literary Award for children's literature — illustration for Cats' Night Out written by Caroline Stutson.

Klassen's books include We Found a Hat and I Want My Hat Back. He has also frequently collaborated with American author Mac Barnett on books like The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse, Triangle, Square and Sam and Dave Dig a Hole.

Another writer being appointed to the Order of Canada is Edmund Metatawabin from Fort Albany, Ont. His powerful memoir Up Ghost River, co-written by Alexandra Shimo, detailed his abusive upbringing in the residential school system and its impact on his life as an adult.

• Edmund Metatawabin named to the Order of Canada

Dr. Gabor Maté from Vancouver, B.C. is also being appointed. His nonfiction In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts dealt with his experiences treating patients with drug addiction and sold over 250,000 copies in North America.

Other writers that Governor General Julie Payette will appoint include Barry Callaghan, author of Barrelhouse Kings, Quebec writer Lise Bisonnette, French-language poet Hédi Bouraoui, Calgary writer Aritha van Herk, visual arts journalist Gary Michael Dault and French-language playwright Laurier Gareau. 

Payette made 105 new additions in total. Read more about them here.

• Roberta Bondar, Lorne Michaels, Beverley McLachlin among appointees named to Order of Canada