The Story Hunter, written and illustrated by Barbara Reid. North Winds Press, Scholastic Canada. 2026. $22.99 ages 3 and up

"There is an opening. A mouth. 
What can we find in the dark? 

Grandmother shares her light.
My lamp shivers. 

We are swallowed!"

I have missed seeing Barbara Reid's wonderful work. So, I was thrilled to receive this new book in the mail last week. Not only because of the incredible illustrations; it is a story for the hearts of anyone who loves to tell stories or read them to children. 

The inspiration for the telling is a visit that Barbara made to see the cave art in the Vezere Valley in France. She lets readers know what a thrill it was to view the art in person. Seeing those ancient drawings, including a child's handprint, allowed to her think about the art that the children of today make at school and at home. It reminded her that they are not that different than those who came before them. It led her to imagine her own cave and use it to shape this family story of hunters and gatherers. 

It is a story from long ago, and is narrated by a young child whose community follows the animals that provide what they need for a good life. They stop when the animals stop. Working together, they do what it takes to set up camp and make a meal for all. As they pack up to move on, they follow Grandmother. She knows where to find the stories they seek. As they move into a deep cave, they carry fire to light the darkness of the interior. Finding the images they seek is reason for celebration. 

"Grandmother stops. "Look."

ANIMALS! Deer, Bison, horses!

They turn; they look. The animals play in our light."

The visitors examine the stories drawn on the cave walls. The child feels a special affinity to a shy mammoth. Together, they all make their marks on the walls, then sing and dance the stories they want to tell. Mammoth joins in. They exit the cave. 

"I am a story hunter. I carry stories."

Barbara Reid's art makes it clear that the world itself is more important that those who inhabit it. The natural world is wide blue skies, vast horizons and starry nights, while the intimacy and darkness of the cave sparks visitors to find inspiration in the stories already there and to leave their own mark for those who come after them.                                                                                              

Rainbow Crow, written by David Bouchard with art from David Jean and music by Manantial. Red Deer Press, Fitzhenry & Whiteside. 2012. $24.95 ages 7 and up

"Owl rose and addressed the council. "Much of the journey through Father Sky will be made in darkness. You all know that I can see in the dark. Perhaps I should be the one to go." As the council muttered approval, Bear spoke. "Owl, you are courageous and you are a great hunter...but your song...
your HOOT will not capture the attention of Creator."

As have many of David's recent books, Rainbow Crow is presented in more than one language. With a flute playing in the background, the book is introduced by David himself in which he explains the protocol of telling this story:

"Listen to me. With your hands open on Mother Earth, you hear, feel and sense that there is nothing between us. Mother Earth gives us everything we need - water, food, and shelter. All things are born of her. All things return to her. Crawlers, flyers, swimmers, two- and four- leggeds...we are all her children. We are all related."

David then tells his story through the voices of the animals and birds gathered at council. It is Lenape legend and tells the story of Crow bringing fire to the Earth. That fire is needed to save us from the dark cold of long winter months. After much discussion, and with varying reasons for one or another of the flyers being incapable of travelling to the Creator for help, Crow is chosen.

Crow makes her way to Creator and offers her melodic song.  Creator is suitably impressed and wants to thank Crow for the most beautiful song yet heard. He tells her that he cannot take back what he has given, but he can give a new gift in thanks. He returns with fire; he knows it will help to warm and sustain all.

On her way back with the firestick, Crow realizes that she does not have enough fire to make it home. She flies too close to Grandfather Sun, and her feathers catch fire and her skin burns. When she arrives back on Earth, her feathers have lost all of their beautiful colors and her lovely song is nothing but a loud 'CAW!' She has given up much to help others.

Her black feathers and raucous voice will be forever a reminder of her heroic journey. Because Creator recognizes the sacrifice she has made, he makes her a promise:

""Little Crow, you have sacrificed too much. For the sacrifice you made of your beautiful colors, I promise that you shall always have a shine and sheen in your feathers like no other. For the sacrifice you made of your beautiful song, I promise that your family will always be strong. And for having had to smell your own flesh burn, your meat will forevermore taste burned. No one will want to hunt you."
David Jean's lovely realistic artwork is created on drum skins in the colors of the forest. The circle of the drum skin is in keeping with the circle of life...the journey that we all take from birth to death. The council sits in a circle, paying close attention to Bear as they await Crow's return. The art adds calm beauty to a lovely story told well.

The CD that accompanies the book allows listeners to hear the story first in David's voice, then to hear Jason Jones read the story in Ojibwe. I followed the text and was amazed at the difficulty of the language, also the real enjoyment of listening to it. Then, sit back again and enjoy the music of Manantial, an Ecuadoran group who sing in Kichwa, the indigenous language of the Salasaca people. It is quite wonderful.

As an added bonus, David then reads the story in French. I closed my eyes and listened to the music  of the language, the flute and Manantial. Quite an extraordinary experience!

I have always been intrigued with pourquoi tales. This is one I had not heard. I can no longer say that!

The Lion & The Mouse, written and illustrated Jerry Pinkney. Little, Brown & Company, Hachette, 2009. $19.99 ages 3 and up

"As a child I was inspired to see the majestic king of the jungle saved by the determination and hard work of a humble rodent; as an adult I've come to appreciate how both animals are equally large at heart: the courageous mouse and the lion who must rise above his beastly nature to set his small prey free." (from the Artist's Note)

It's about the art! It has to be...there are no words! The story begins on the cover. We see a seemingly curious, and perhaps fearful, lion looking at something...turn to the back and we see the mouse, diminutive and inquisitive, but unfazed. On to the front endpapers...the Serengeti teeming with family groups. The mouse is not evident. The endpapers that follow the story are also family oriented; the families of both lion and mouse. Witness the community created when one creature helps another, and how their story continues. (And don't miss the cub who tags along with help from his Dad.)

All this before you get to the 'meat' of the book...the real story of the mouse and the lion and the lesson learned and taught. Your eyes are in constant motion...there is so much to see. The mouse is firmly settled in a lion's paw print, while ants march across the bottom of the title page and an old bullfrog watches.

As we begin, the mouse barely escapes the talons of hungry owl...only to end up a few steps later in the lion's paw. Poor thing...is this the end? Nope, the lion takes pity and releases the tiny rodent to live another day. Imagine the story that Mouse tells upon arrival in the burrow. The lion is off on a trek through his kingdom when he becomes trapped in a hunter's net. His roar raises an alarm for the mouse, and then action. Without concern for her own safety, she begins gnawing the rope. Persistence pays off and soon Lion is free, once more. Off she goes with another exciting bedtime story for her brood. Amazing!

Don't forget to remove the paper cover to reveal even more stunning artwork.

The Blind Boy and the Loon, retold by Alethea Arnaquq-Baril and illustrated by Alethea Arnaquq-Baril and Daniel Gies. Inhabit Media, Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2014. $16.95 ages 6 and up

"Just as he had hoped, a loon came to him. The loon told him that it was his very own mother who had caused him to go blind. Having lost her husband, she came to resent her son. Seeking revenge, she rubbed dirty whale fat into his eyes while he slept and cursed him blind."

Choosing to make a short animated film that tells one small part of the epic story called 'Lumaajuuq' was a difficult, but deliberate choice for Alethea Arnaquq-Baril:

"Despite my hesitation, I chose to make the film because this story has always stayed with me, and my hope is that even a short film that tells only part of the story will inspire other young Inuit to take interest and to ask their own community members to teach them their version of the traditional story."

Using cels from her animated film to illustrate this one small part of a huge tale is sure to encourage viewing the film, and beginning to know the story that has 'been shared amongst Inuit families for centuries.'

We are told at the very beginning that we are dealing with a cruel mother, who has a daughter and a blind son. Cruel is right! She hates her son, and treats him with disdain and ignorance. The son had once been a successful hunter; now, she made him feel wretched and meaningless. He has only one recourse.

When spring arrives, and with help from his sister, he is lead to the lake where he meets with a loon who tells him the truth about his mother. Thinking that the loon might be able to help him regain his sight, he asks for help. The loon acquiesces. After three dives into the deep water of the lake, the two surface and the boy is healed. He can now see what the loon sees.

With thanks, the boy returns home. He asks nothing of his mother. Bent on revenge, he agrees that she should join her children in a whale hunt. What happens to her is a cautionary tale for readers, and an explanation for the appearance of the narwhal today:

"Today, the narwhal will forever be a reminder that every act of revenge is a link in a chain that can only be broken by forgiveness."

This origin story is powerful, the art is strong in color and movement, and the fact that it is one small part of a much larger story is sure to encourage readers to find out more about the Lumaajuuq.  It is a retelling in the best sense of the word. It celebrates the Inuit storytelling tradition, and is certainly a worthy story to be shared.

Now, you can watch the film here.

Red Spider Hero, written by John Miller and illustrated by Guiliano Cucco. Enchanted Lion Books, Publishers Group Canada. 2015. $23.50 ages 3 and up

"One day, Harry began to stamp his feet and yell and carry on in such a way that everyone gathered around to see what was the matter. "I'm tired of being a little spider on a small patch of sidewalk!" Harry hollered. "I want to see the world! So I've made up my mind to run away and become the most famous spider ... "

I had no idea how tiny red spider mites are! Luckily, the author ensures that we do know more by the time we finish his book about a young spider with a burning desire to know about the wider world.

All his spider relatives and friends are happy with their lot in life. Not Harry! His grandfather seems amenable to Harry's leaving; he does have a reminder for his young grandson:

"If you want to run away, go right ahead, Harry.
But it will take you more than a week to reach the
end of the sidewalk, and a whole year of climbing
through grass to cross the park."

Harry is not to be deterred. He has a boat in mind and plans to build it before the next rainfall. He won't just sail on the raindrops either. He has bigger plans ... much bigger plans than that. Those plans involve sailing and hunting and exploring and making his name a household word around the entire world.

Always encouraging, and relying on life experience, Harry's grandfather shows his wisdom by making suggestions that give Harry pause, and a chance to carefully consider the plans he is making. First plan in the tank, he offers up another, and then another. With a clearer head, he makes a change in his planning and finds that home might just be the best place to be.

 A final page offers some interesting information about red spider mites, leaving young readers with a new quest to undertake when it comes to being outside and combing their world for new discoveries.

Young Harry the red spider mite dreams of glory. In the short information page that follows this artful, gladdening story, readers learn that spider mites are “smaller than the head of a pin,” which also makes them cousins to angels, and Harry couldn’t be much sweeter. As Miller dreamed him up (some 50 years ago and only now seeing the light of print), Harry has an itch to know what lies beyond his little patch of sidewalk. Harry’s grandfather is a wise old geezer sporting overalls, a pipe, and a boater who encourages Harry to live his wildest dreams in his head. When Harry declares he is running away, his grandfather says, “go right ahead, Harry. But it will take you more than a week to reach the end of the sidewalk.” OK, right, then he’ll stay there and become a famous hunter, until he considers the beasts’ poisonous fangs and spooky eyes. He’ll escape on the back of a flea and join a flea circus, and so on. After a series of further imaginary adventures, Harry sighs. He’s a little tired. “Now I must rest and play with my friends.” Harry may flag, but this tale won’t burn out, nor will Cucco’s illustrations, with their M&M colors and their shared aesthetic with William Steig, Jules Feiffer, and Quentin Blake. Just so, a story that celebrates the dreams of even the smallest of us—the really, really smallest.

The Red Spider Hero, which tells the story of an teeny-tiny red spider who dreams big and longs for adventure. As he talks with his grandfather, the big-dreaming, little spider sails forth on the wings of his imagination. Since red spiders are microscopically small, they are too small to go far, but they can dream!

Harry is so unhappy, in fact, that he has a foot-stomping fit, during which he loudly announces his intentions to see the world and "become the most famous spider to have ever lived." All the other spiders look alarmed. Harry's green-hatted grandfather says "go right ahead," but warns Harry that it'll take him a year just to cross the park. Harry is undaunted, boasting that he'll sail on a boat in a river of raindrops to the ocean, then go deep into the jungle and be a famous hunter and explorer. Harry's imagined exploits become more and more ambitious, even taking him to outer space. The late Italian artist Giuliano Cucco's playful, color-soaked illustrations make the outlandish scenarios leap to life, whether Harry is circled by ferocious jungle animals or performing as a flea rider in a circus. Throughout Harry's tirade, his grandfather calmly warns the wee mite of the dangers that may face him--"fleas like to eat little red spiders," for instance--but heroic Harry has his escapes planned out, too.

Hurricane, written and illustrated by Jason Chin. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House. 2025. $26.99 ages 9 and up

"People in coastal towns across the United 
States and the Caribbean pay attention to 
hurricane forecasts. On Hatteras Island, 
North Carolina, news of the storm spreads
quickly. 

People chat about it on the beach. 

Kids talk about it at school. 

Fishermen discuss it at the docks.

It isn't long before everyone on the 
island hears about the hurricane."

Readers know immediately that the storm coming is not ordinary! It is a HURRICANE! Initial text explains how a hurricane forms, and what happens when it makes land. This one is headed for North America. Satellites are sending images, and meteorologists have been carefully following its path. They are fully aware of its track. Warnings are provided to all in its path. As the news spreads, people affected begin considering what they will do should the hurricane reports become more worrisome. Each day, starting with Monday, the trajectory of the storm is shared by forecasters and the Hurricane Hunters.

"The Hurricane Hunters are an elite group of scientists and pilots
who fly into hurricanes to find out exactly what they are doing. Their 
plane is an airborne weather station with advanced technology for 
observing conditions inside the storm."  

In the meantime, those who live on Hatteras Island have started moving anything that can be fastened down, checking to be sure their generators are ready for action, and ensuring they have enough food and water. They hope they will not be evacuated unless absolutely necessary. A hurricane watch turns into a hurricane warning. The storm makes landfall and lasts for eight hours. There may be a period of calm as the eye of the storm arrives; too soon, the storm picks up strength again, and the wind changes direction leaving a great deal of damage in its wake. 

Ten days after the first warnings, the hurricane and ensuing storm has run its course. But for the preparations undertaken by so many, it might have been worse. The islanders have much to be thankful for, and a long road of working together to clean it all up. They will recover once more. 

Jason Chin continues to create remarkable books! I am in awe of his ability to see the magnitude of a hurricane, and then make it real for his readers. They will want to pause time and again just to take in the information provided in text and images to help them see the real effects of such an event on the scientists, the islanders, their island home, and one curious cat whose survival is celebrated. 

Extensive backmatter elaborates on the concepts introduced in the main text, along with a list of further reading and selected sources.

I love these words from Jason: 

"I want to make books that tell stories and communicate science at the same time. There are many topics that I’d like to write about, but it’s not until I have a story to tell that I’m ready to make a book. My process typically starts when a topic captures my interest and I begin to investigate it more deeply ... 

There are three strands to the story in Hurricane: the story of the hurricane itself, the work of the forecasting community, and the experience of the community preparing for landfall on Cape Hatteras. My research covered all of these areas. I read about the science of hurricanes and spoke to meteorologists and climatologists. I read about how hurricanes are tracked and forecast and spoke to experts at the National Hurricane Center and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (including a NOAA hurricane hunter!). Finally, I made a couple of trips to Cape Hatteras to speak with people in that community, including emergency managers, first responders, families, and students, and wouldn’t you know it—my first trip was delayed because of a tropical storm!" 
                                                                                          

Last: The Story of a White Rhino, written and illustrated by Nicola Davies. Tiny Owl, Publishers Group Canada. 2020. $25.50 ages 4 and up

 

"I've looked and looked, 
but I've never found 
another like me. 

Long ago in the old place, 
there were others. 
Big ones fighting, 
little ones playing."

This is the first book that Nicola Davies has written and illustrated. It is no surprise to me that it is heartfelt and informative. She is an exemplary proponent for the environment and what must be done to protect it. 

This is the story of the last Northern White Rhino, named Sudan. He died in 2018. Telling his own story in personal and powerful words, readers learn that the hippo is housed in a very grey and bleak zoo enclosure. Alone and always searching for another animal like himself, he shares memories of an earlier life. In that life, he lived in close proximity to his mother each and every day and night. When a hunter shot her, life changed dramatically. 

Captured, boxed, and transported to the place he now inhabits ... there is no grass, no flowers. It a place filled with 'lasts'. Nothing to do, nowhere to go. 

"Where are the others for us?
What has happened to the world?"

It takes someone watching and caring for the plight of the animals to make a change. That change is a game preserve where finally he meets another rhino - perhaps the two can ensure they are not the 'last'. 

The artwork is as impressive as the story told. The contrast between the gray days of captivity and the lush greens of a return to a natural habitat have tremendous impact for young readers. A note from Ms. Davies about the art introduces the story, and an endnote mentions Sudan, the inspiration for this book. 

 “I believe that the world can change for the better, but it will change one heart at a time. Change your heart, change the world."

Betsy Red Hoodie, written by Gail Carson Levine and illustrated by Scott Nash. Harper, 2010. $18.99 ages 5 and up

"Beyond the farm a ram strayed from the path. Zimmo herded him and came back with daisies. He gave Betsy the daisies and ran for more.
Betsy and the sheep picked daisies too.

The two shepherds led the sheep to Highanddry Slope.
A hunter stepped out of a thicket.
Betsy jumped in front of Zimmo. "We're the shepherds
of Bray Valley."

The hunter lowered his rifle."


Well, it might seem to take a page from Little Red Riding Hood, but only a few of the elements are similar. There is a young girl (nine now and old enough to run errands for her mother) who wears a red hoodie. There is a wolf, but he's a shepherd and the girl's best pal. There is a grandma who lives in a darkened house in the forested valley.

And, there are sheep. We know we're going to love them right from the start...literally. The endpapers offer an opportunity to get to know those sheep better, through speech bubbles and animated conversation:

"Every day is the same.
We never go anyplace new.
The shepherds won't take us.
My wool is itchy.
One of the shepherds may be a wolf.
I want to be a wolf someday."

They are wearing an assortment of hats, work boots, and one is strumming a guitar. Who can resist them?

Betsy is given the task of taking cupcakes to her Grandma. As she makes preparations, she becomes concerned for her sheep as she is one of the shepherds of Bray Valley. Her mother encourages her to take them for the exercise. At the moment that she releases them from their pen, Zimmo shows up. Zimmo is the wolf, and the second shepherd. Betsy recognizes that a wolf could be a threat to her grandma...she heard a story once. But, he begs and he pleads with her to let him go along. Zimmo has an upstanding record, and has never harmed anyone. So, she agrees. There are warnings but they seem unfounded. Off they go to Grandma's house, the sheep filling every spare moment with one comment after another.

When Zimmo rushes ahead of them off into the woods and does not respond to Betsy's 'wolf whistle', she becomes concerned for her grandmother's welfare. The sheep have questions:

"What do grandmas look like?
They have big eyes, the better to see you with.
They have long arms, the better to hug you with.
They are long in the tooth, the better to chew with."

And wolves? Well, 'they look a lot like grandmas!'

Zimmo is long gone and Betsy is frantic to get the sheep hurrying along. One disaster after another slows their progress. Finally, they see the house...all in darkness! Oh my, what has happened there?

No spoiler here from me! I can tell you that I will be sharing this book in many classrooms and loving every minute of it...as will the audience.

Scott Nash does a masterful job of matching his characters to the tone of  the story and making them such an integral part of the fun to be had. The sheep are decked out for visiting, full of expression and consistently entertaining to their audience.  The ever changing design offers full page spreads, panels, insets and speech balloons that provide hilarity at every turn...even on the back cover!

The Tragic Tale of the Great Auk, by Jan Thornhill. Groundwood Books, 2017. $18.95 ages 9 and up

"It had to be able to ride the surf or waddle out of the ocean no matter how high or low the tide - onto a place flat enough to lay an egg. And because it couldn't fly miles away to find food for itself, and eventually, its ravenous chick, it could only nest where there was a reliable supply of fish in the waters surrounding the rookery. These were persnickety needs."

This is, hands down, one of the best information books I have read this year or ever! I was totally absorbed in the writing from first page to last, and had a lot to learn about the Great Auk. Jan Thornhill, in her brilliant and important look at the effects of climate change and the need for conservation of the world's endangered species, shows clearly and sadly what led to their extinction.

The Great Auk, as you can see from the cover, were not unlike penguins. They lived in the north Atlantic ocean and were perfectly suited for their life there - until humans and their own adaptations changed all that. Would that we all learn the important lesson this book shares, and do our best to ensure that it does not keep happening.

They lived, at one time, in great numbers. Today, there are none - not a one! Four hundred years have wrought big changes. Ms. Thornhill tells their story in words and pictures meant to help us understand the events that led to their disappearance. The details are rich, and the whole book reads like the most compelling story. It is sad, and told with compassion for their plight and a hope that we can see the error of our ways by knowing about their demise.

She introduces through her stunning art and absorbing text a very impressive bird, with one fatal flaw:

"But wait! There was a slight glitch in this expert fish-hunter's design. Over millions of years of evolution, its wings - though eventually perfect for propelling it underwater - became so stunted, so small, they couldn't get the bird off the ground. The Great Auk couldn't fly to save its life. Literally."

And that was its downfall. As it evolved, it had to find its way to land in order to lay eggs and further the species. That made it vulnerable to hunters, of the human kind. Once humans took to the sea, the Great Auk's fate was sealed. I could go on and on describing what I learned, but I think you deserve to read it yourself. You will certainly not be sorry that you did. Your children and your students deserve to hear the story. It is quite a remarkable presentation, and will not soon be forgotten.

"By the 1860s, it seemed obvious to a handful of people that, if nothing was done, many more species could soon meet the fate of the Great Auk. A group of scientists and other concerned citizens lobbied the British government and, finally, in 1869, an act banning the killing of thirty-three species during their nesting seasons was introduced.

The conservation movement was born."

Thankfully!

A map, a glossary, a list of names given to the Great Auk, a  list of extinct species, resources for further study and a reference guide make up back matter. 

                

Dreaming In Indian: Contemporary Native American Voices, edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale. Annick Press, 2014. $19.95 ages 12 and up

"Today is Pink Shirt day at my daughter Naia's school. All the kids wore pink to send the message that bullying won't be tolerated. I'm happy that bullying has a negative social stigma these days. It wasn't like that when I was a kid growing up in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. But today, I would personally like to thank everyone who bullied me as a child..."

I was keen to read this anthology featuring aboriginal writers and artists from both Canada and the United States. In a welcome note, Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale tell readers:

"This book stemmed from a desire to showcase the real life of indigenous people. Not the life portrayed in  mainstream media and certainly not the life of Native People as it is seen through the lens of Hollywood. We wanted to give people a fresh perspective on what is means to be Native in North America."

Wab Kinew (Anishinaabe), Director of Indigenous Inclusion at the University of Winnipeg adds:

"There is no one Indigenous perspective ... no one Indigenous story. We are tremendously diverse peoples with tremendously diverse life experiences. We are not frozen in the past, nor are we automatically just like everybody else. That is why it is so important for everyone to share their own story."

And so they do ...

The strong poetic voices, the telling photographs, the poignant stories, the incredible artwork, and the personal experiences shared shed light for readers on what it means to be First Nation, Metis, Inuit today. This is a masterful anthology that begs to be read in classrooms and with families. It is a telling look at the tough and the triumphant, the pain and the hope, the true genius of young artists, and is a resource that is tremendously valuable to inform ourselves and to share with others.

There are four parts to the book: roots, battles, medicines and life lessons. Within each part, you will be privy to the variety in experience. We hear from a throat singer, grateful to those who bullied her in school for making her strong, compassionate and resilient; an acclaimed writer who did not always make the best choices for himself as he struggled through a difficult adolescence; a dancer who changed his course from break dancing to traditional hoop dancing; a Canadian Olympic team member whose love of sports changed her life; a hunter who connects through it to his culture and the land; a musician who offers advice to other young musicians; and a poet who dreams of the future. The list is long.

There is pain and there is joy; there is heartbreak and there is hope. They are young and they are older. They are always emotional and honest. Each artist deserves to be seen and heard. In this wonderful new book,  you have the opportunity to see and hear them. Please do.

"Home is Family

The sound of music and jingle dresses
The smell of sweetgrass
The feel of smudging
The sight of yellow, red, black, and white on the medicine wheel
The taste of fry bread
Home is not where I live but who I live with.
My family is my home.
My favorite people in the world.
The ones who mean the most to me
I love them with all my heart
And nothing can take us apart
Family means home to me.
And it always will be.

Abigail Whiteye
(Moravian Delaware First Nation)"

"Hunting is a reset button. When I'm working in my office in the city, it's
a reminder of where I come from and why I do the things I do. When we
do bring down a moose, I always cut the tip of the heart off and I'll find a
birch tree and offer up a prayer to the Creator and leave my tobacco and
thanks. I think that's why I'm successful every year. I respect the animal
and I eat it. And I give it away to other people who eat it.

JP Gladu
(Ojibwa, Sand Point First Nation)"

Cricket Song, written and illustrated by Anne Hunter. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Raincoast. 2016. $23.95 ages 4 and up

"Out in the yard, cricket-song
mingles with the kreck kreck
kreck of frogs in the stream.

The frogs puff their
throats full of cool air
from the woods,

where the poorwill
calls poorwill! poorwill! and
listens for the footfall of the fox."

Two young children, each on the opposite side of an oceanic panorama, settle for the night. As the sun sets in the east and makes its way west, the young boy sleeps in a bedroom awash with dimming light. The breeze blows softly through his window. He and his cat are companions in the growing darkness. His eyes are closed and he embraces a whiskered, furry sea otter to his chest. Crickets can be heard softly calling, along with other nocturnal stirrings.

A peaceful scene runs along the bottom of the double page spread showing his house in fast fading light, and the ocean that separates his home from the sunny beach of a tropical setting. The sounds of the night are gentle and lead readers from animal to animal as they listen to the noises heard at dusk. As his beloved sea otters doze in the waters near his home, they hear whale song. Those whales are warmed by the more tropical waters where the little girl is now also dozing, as the sun begins to set on her yard and her home, while she also listens to the crickets' song.

Lovely language and stunning artwork are sure to bring a halt to the pace of the day, as little ones settle in to hear this enchanting bedtime story. They are sure to be captivated by the many sounds that emanate from the peaceful surroundings. Using pen, ink and watercolor, Ms. Hunter portrays a night in shadow and the creatures whose presence is felt as both children slip into sleep.

The panoramic borders effectively capture the shared experience of two children from diverse settings, showing that we have much in common no matter when we live. The changes from page to page are not dramatic, encouraging attention to the many small details as the sun moves west. What a beautiful invitation to sleep and dream!
                                                                            

The White Cat and the Monk, written by Jo Ellen Bogart and illustrated by Sidney Smith. Groundwood. 2016. $18.95 ages 4 and up

'I treasure the wealth to be
found in my books.

Pangur has his own pursuit,
his game of chase and catch.
The silent hunter, he sits and
stares at the wall.

He studies the hole
that leads to the
mouse' s home."  

There is an old Irish poem called Pangur Ban. This lovely, evocative book retells its story in elegant text that reminds readers it is possible to be content with little. The monk and the cat seem perfect companions, each engaged in their own separate pursuits and happy with their lot in life. The monk watches the cat closely,  comparing the delights each finds in the day, while not needing the same things in any way. The monk is intent on his books, the cat intent on its prey. There is no competition. 

The message is perhaps an observation on life as many live it today ... always impatient for more. After watching the cat go about its daily work with purpose and satisfaction, the monk feels great satisfaction in the life they share.

Sydney Smith's glorious artwork begins the telling with wordless opening spreads that show the cat as it arrives at the monastery and makes its way to the monk's door. He then  moves the story through the musings of the monk as he quietly contemplates the way the two go about their work:

“By candle’s light, late into the night, we work, each at a special trade.” 

As the monk works diligently with aging eyes, Mr. Smith creates a memorable image of an old man bent over the work at hand. In each succeeding spread, we are witness to the success that each experiences and the pleasure found in small, necessary pursuits. Mr. Smith's watercolor and ink illustrations perfectly match the quiet content of two lives shared. 

This is one of those lovely picture books that is perfect in its execution, blending words and illustrations with excellence and great wonder. Would that we all pursue such joy and enjoy the contentment of a day well lived. It needs a place on your book shelf. 

                                                                           

The Sea Wolves, written by Ian McAllister and Nicholas Read with photographs by Ian McAllister. Orca Book Publishers, 2010, $19.95 ages 11 and up

"Wolves are usually born in dens hidden in the rainforest, but when the cubs are old enough to travel short distances, the pack will often move to what's called a rendezvous site. These sites are usually close to the ocean, where wolf pups can forage for food when the tide goes out."


Well, it happened again! I knew what to expect this time; so, I was prepared for another great read. I found it difficult to put the book away...not my usual reaction to nonfiction, as you can just browse and return as you wish. Not me, I started and  I just kept reading until the final 'wolf bite'. Wow!

This second wonderful book considers the coastal wolves who share the rainforest with the salmon bears of their first book. Ian McAllister and Nicholas Read begin with a bit of information about the historical journey of the wolf...often badly treated and certainly misunderstood by many. Then, they takes us into the world that the wolf packs inhabit, sharing their remarkable lives as they fish, swim, and hunt.

Their story follows the seasons, giving readers a clear picture of their ways and offering much information that is new to me. Their survival depends on a combination of things and is threatened by some of the same issues that threaten their most unusual and beautiful habitat. Logging and oil are the most dominant. The authors have a great fascination with these wolves, and they share the same respect for them as the First Nations people of British Columbia do. They show us that the social nature of the wolf is similar to our own, and allow us to see these impressive animals as they live in family groups, take a designated role, enjoy play and teach their young the ways of their rainforest world. 

Efforts are afoot to protect them and there is much information included in the last chapter about these. If people can understand that each element in an ecosystem has a pivotal role to play in the survival of that habitat, they may survive. It will take concentrated work by many to make sure that happens.

I really appreciate the personal storytelling style that the authors use to share their research and their concern for these little-known creatures. It makes for a relaxed read, and a most enjoyable one. The Wolf Bites are created in the form of pertinent questions that a young scientist might ask:

"Do other animals prey on wolves?
Adult wolves don't have natural predators, but cougars, eagles, and grizzly bears may kill and eat wolf pups if they get the chance. Humans don't eat wolves, but we do hunt and kill them for sport or their fur. Coastal wolves are not protected from hunting and trapping in BC, so they are killed all the time."

The photographs are exceptional and give us an amazing personal look at their many activities throughout the year. Few of us would ever have the chance to see what Ian McAllister sees through his camera lens. The captions are informative and very accessible to their target audience of middle years readers. One of my favorite photos shows a wolf carefully observing a salmon as it flips up out of the water. The accompanying caption reads:

"Because of their fondness for salmon, coastal wolves are sometimes known as fishing wolves. This wet wolf going after a salmon on a bright fall morning illustrates why. A pack of wolves can catch more than two hundred salmon in a single evening of fishing."

If the salmon population is depleted by overfishing, what happens to the coastal wolves? And what about everything that then depends on the wolves? The more educated we become about the dangers that face so many of the world's animals and the more we know about the animals themselves, the less likely we are to be the hunter...unless we follow in Ian McAllister's footsteps and do it with our cameras.

After reading this book and discovering how intelligent these beautiful creatures are, you may even change your long held notion that all wolves are 'big', 'bad' and unworthy of our respect and protection.

The Lodge That Beaver Built, written by Randi Sonenshine and illustrated by Anne Hunter. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2022. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"These are the yearlings that pile up sticks, 
then pack them with mud like mortar and bricks, 
repairing the lodge that Beaver built. 

These are the muskrats, crafty and bold, 
that pop in one day out of the cold, 
sharing the lodge that Beaver built."

The beaver plays an essential role in creating a healthy habitat. Young readers learn much about the work done to find the most convenient place for building, down the trees needed to construct the lodge that dams the water, and move on to the hard work of getting each tree in place. The dam built to block the stream provides an environment conducive to the many animals who also make their homes nearby. 

The lodge itself is maintained by yearling beavers who work tirelessly to keep it in good repair, while also offering safety and comfort for a muskrat family in need of a temporary place to stay.  As the text moves forward children learn about the other animals who are affected by the lodge's construction: musk turtle, coyote, geese, heron, and moose. When a flood destroys both dam and lodge, the beavers swim away to find a new spot. Their work begins again. The book moves full circle to a repeat of the sentence that began the story. 

Ink-and–colored pencil illustrations fully support the story. The watery habitat is inclusive of the natural surroundings and the the variety in animals that make their homes there.  

Kids interested in knowing more will find help in a set of beaver facts, a glossary, and a list of resources that promises further learning.                                                                              

Crow Call, written by Lois Lowry and illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline. Scholastic, 2009. $21.99 ages 5 and up

"I sit shyly in the front seat of the car next to the stranger who is my father, my legs pulled up under the too-large wool shirt I am wearing. I practice his name to myself, whispering it under my breath. Daddy. Daddy. Saying it feels new. The war has lasted so long. He has been gone so long."

In this quiet, contemplative book we meet Liz and her father. They are tentative in their relationship because Dad has been away at war; and they are struggling to find common ground in a new relationship. They are on a hunting trip and Liz is somewhat fearful. Daddy has put her in charge of the crow call.

She's wearing her plaid shirt, that is much too big but comforting and comfortable. She remembers the day her Dad bought that shirt...she had coveted it since the first day she spied it in a store window. Her sister was aghast but Dad was supportive, and suggested with a smile that she would never outgrow it. Now, she is wearing it on their first ever hunting trip. The place chosen to hunt crows is not far, and soon the two are trekking through the woods in search of their quarry. As they walk Liz asks him about the war, and the fear. During their conversation she remembers that she fears the word hunter. When they get where they are going, Liz uses the crow call and from out of nowhere, they are surrounded by many black birds making a raucous noise.

I don't want to spoil your pleasure in this wonderful story, so I will leave it at that. Now, I want to mention the stunning artwork. Using brown and tan watercolors, with hints of coral and blue, Bagram Ibatoulline fashions a 1940s world in the fall, to match the soft reflection of the renewed relationship between a little girl and her father. The double page painting at the centre of the book is awesome, and just happens to be the favorite of the author. It is a perfect match to the perfect words that Lois Lowry has written in her first picture book for children after a long and illustrious career as a novelist. Let us hope it will not be her last, if this is any indication of what we have in store for us. Bravo!

Just a note of explanation for the label 'mentor text'. I think this is a book that could and should be used with young writers to show them how skilled authors take one small event and create a memorable story from it. This early morning trip that Lois Lowry took with her father in 1945 has been with her throughout her long and storied life. Yet, it remained a seed to be tended with care which grew into a remarkable story for us today.

Beyond Bullets, written by Rafal Gerszak with Dawn Hunter. Annick Press, 2011. $19.95 ages 12 and up

"Panjshir is paradise, except for one thing. As soon as you drive into the area, you see decrepit Russian tanks and old Russian artillery littering the sides of the highways and the farmers' fields. Such images bring back the reality of living in Afghanistan:"

After spending a year of his life embedded with American forces covering the war in Afghanistan and taking pictures of the day-to-day events of a military operation, Rafal Gerszak returned to Canada,  restless and ready to go back to the people of that country:

"Even after being embedded for a year, I couldn't help but feel that I had still seen only one side of Afghanistan's story. Almost as soon as I got home, I decided to go back to cover the other side: civilian life."

And so, he fills this book with images of the people who work and live there. His notes accompany the photos, adding details of his journeys in the form of a diary. While it is not always easy to read about some of the events he shares, it tells a compelling story that is personal and heartfelt. Part One shows photographs that were taken while he was embedded with the troops. It includes maps, information boxes that deal with concepts that are not always clear to those not living there (Taliban, the Quran, NATO forces, Islam). Some photos are captioned to give context and all are related to being with the troops.

Part Two is a result of an internal conflict he felt once he got back to Canada, and his concern about what his images did not show:

"I still didn't have a good understanding of how Afghan civilians felt about the war and how it affected their daily lives. I felt a pull to go back that I couldn't ignore; there was still so much going on that needed to be documented."

Back he went to Kabul to continue his work. The pictures in the second part of his book show life for the people of the war zone. He wants his readers to hear their voices and to know their stories. His writing style, which helps them tell these stories, is conversational and provides a clear picture for his readers. He shares their pain and laughter, their despair and their joy. He is open and honest, and leaves little to the imagination. He shows an abiding respect for their history, discusses their everyday lives and shows that we have similarities:

"In North America, guys might get together to play golf or watch a fight in their spare time. In Kabul it's much the same, except the golf course is all sand and the fight is between dogs."

Not too much is said about the women. Much changed for them under Taliban rule and today they
'struggle to find an acceptable place in society - between modernity and tradition - in Afghanistan.'

Hospitals are not much better:

"The hospital was filled with young children who were ill, malnourished, dehydrated, waiting to be treated. Some had been left, abandoned by their parents; others were there with their mothers only."

Rafal Gerszak has not made his last trip to Afghanistan:

"In spite of everything, Afghans stay strong and hopeful. And as long as they have stories they want to tell, I'll keep going back."

Caroline's Comets: A True Story. Written and illustrated by Emily Arnold McCully. Holiday House, Thomas Allen & Son. 2017. $24.99 ages 6 and up

"The journey, by coach, ferry and packet boat, took twelve days. In Bath, Caroline settled into her new life, struggling with the English language and customs. William coached her, and before long, Caroline became a popular soprano and, for the first time, earned her own money. As William also needed a housekeeper, she became that too."

Caroline Herschel was a woman of many accomplishments and talents. Not only was she a fine musician, she was an astronomer well known as the Hunter of Comets, and, if you asked her brother, a helpful maid. Caroline was not as pleased with that last description.

I admire Emily Arnold McCully's work. In this book, she introduces her audience to a celebrated astronomer held captive to the mores of the times. Women were not expected to have interests outside the home. Caroline, bearing the scars of smallpox, was not even considered marriageable. What rot!

When her favorite brother William, a noted musician, asked her to move to England to join a chorus he was conducting, she agreed. She began to make a small living for herself. Her interest in astronomy grew as they spent time together.

"By way of relaxation, we talked of astronomy
and the bright constellations with which I
had made acquaintance during the fine nights
we spent on the Postwagon traveling
through Holland."

Together they went on to do work celebrated in the scientific community. Caroline made many discoveries of her own, to great acclaim and became the first professional woman scientist when King George agreed to pay her.

"In 1783, Caroline discovered fourteen previously unknown
nebulae and star clusters and two new galaxies.
All this time, Caroline also did needlework and sewing, kept
William's accounts and cleaned all the equipment."

In her signature watercolor and ink artwork, Ms. McCully gives readers a clear look at this historical period, and adds context for the story shared. She also brings awareness to some of the obstacles women faced despite being very capable, smart and talented. Unmarried women during the 18th century were offered little hope for success in life. Caroline definitely defied the parameters set by society. An author's note, bibliography, glossary, and timeline are added in back matter.

Astronomers and interested scientists will know her story. I did not, and I am delighted that this fine book introduced us.

Pearls in the Sand: Protecting Sea Turtles in Oaxaca, written and illustrated by Beatriz Gutierrez Hernandez. Godwin Books, Henry Holt, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2025. $24.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Tortugueros treasure the eggs;
each one is precious, like a 
pearl. Papa Grande explains
that too much movement 
could harm them. One 
tremble and a life is lost. We
must be careful but quick."

We are getting closer to celebrating Grandparents' Day next Sunday. This story tells how Gabriela and her Papa Grande work together on a conservation mission to save and protect sea turtles in their community. It begins at night as the two find their way to the beach where her grandfather and other tortugueros work tirelessly to care for the turtles and their survival. Papa Grande, once a turtle hunter and egg poacher, could no longer make a living when hunting was banned. Now, he works with those who understand the need for the survival of those same turtles. 

This is the first time that Gabriela has accompanied her grandfather. Together, they watch a mother turtle find a spot to lay her eggs. Without disturbing her, Papa Grande reaches out to collect her eggs and then transport them to a safe shelter. As they gather those eggs, they keep count and her grandfather keeps notes about the nidada (the eggs laid by this one turtle); the cooperative has now rescued one thousand of them. 

They must work quickly and carefully to ensure the safety of the eggs. At the hatchery, they will be transplanted to a new nest. Details are recorded to identify the date, type of turtle, and the rescuers. The work continues every day. Papa Grande explains the importance of the turtles in the ecosystem and other important facts as they work. The two are there when the tiny turtles emerge from the sand, and sprint to the shore. 

"Tortugueros say only one in a thousand 
babies make it to adulthood. There are 
dangers hiding outside our reach. From 
this small corner, tortugueros do what 
they can with what they have."

The author shows readers how these conservation experts have helped to ensure that the sea turtle populations increase. Her acrylic gouache and colored pencil artwork complements the text with clear images of the work being done. Backmatter provides an extensive glossary, the life cycle of sea turtles, a captioned map of the Oaxacan Coast, an author's note that speaks of her own personal experience with and curiosity about the turtles. Acknowledgements are included along with a list of additional resources to bring the book to an end. 

If You Take Away the Otter, written by Susannah Buhrman-Deever and illustrated by Matthew Trueman. Candlewick Press, Penguin Random House. 2020.$22.99 ages 5 and up

 

"But the king of these forests, the hungriest
hunter, is the sea otter. Otters dive into the 
deep and fill their bellies with fish and clams, 
snails and crabs, abalones and octopuses, and 
the prickly, spiny sea urchins.

A sea otter needs to eat a lot to help it keep 
warm - about a quarter of its own weight each
day. If you ate like an otter, you would need to eat 
about twenty-four hamburgers every day."

Looking at the whiskered swimmers on the book's cover is a reminder of how endearing these ocean animals are. It turns out that cuteness is NOT their many claim to fame. Of course, it is one of the things we love about them. What scientists love about them is that they are a keystone animal on the Pacific coast of North America, where they ensure the good health of the kelp forests that grow there. 

The text is written in two fonts - one offers a story-like and informative look at the creatures themselves and their habitat; the other is much smaller and adds pertinent further information. Readers are told that the kelp forests are home to many creatures. When the forests are healthy, there is balance. It has not always been this way. 

At one time, hunting created an alarming loss. Indigenous people had always hunted for otter and ensured balance within the ocean's ecology. When 'new people' arrived, the explorers developed an international fur trade. In doing so, they took too many otters. As a result of the over-hiunting, the habitat was no longer in balance. Sea urchins flourished; the seaweed and kelp disappeared. Without the otter, there were no checks and balances. 

Eventually, recognizing the dearth of otter life, a treaty was signed to end non-indigenous hunting and selling of otter pelts. 

"And slowly, slowly, the otters began to come back.
 
And the otters, those hungry hunters, attacked and 
ate the urchin armies. With fewer urchins creeping
about, new kelp could once again grow tall, dancing
in the waves."

If you didn't love otters prior to reading this worthy book, seeing Matthew Trueman's captivating views of the ocean and its many creatures will have readers checking out the backmatter to see where they can learn more.                                                                              

Knife, written by R J Anderson. Orchard Books. 2009. $10.99 ages 10 and up

"When she did look back, she saw Paul bow his head, then slowly unfold his hand to reveal the photograph he had torn from the album. With surprising gentleness he smoothed it out upon his lap and gazed down at his younger self, while Knife watched, her anger melting into perplexity. Why that picture, she wondered, of all the pictures they had seen?"

I did not set out to love this book. It is not a book that I would generally choose to read. But, it is on the list of juvenile intermediate fiction that our jury is currently reading for the Canadian Children's Book Centre and their upcoming spring issue of Best Books for Kids and Teens. That is what I truly love about being on the jury...I read books that I might have missed.

I am certainly happy that I spent time reading about a family of faeries who live in a huge old oak tree called Oakenwyld. They no longer have the magic they once had, and their numbers are quickly dwindling. Knife is the lead character, a brave and capable hunter within her faerie family. That honored role allows her to be outside and she rejoices in it, as she has spent too many years wishing she could be away from the confinements of her quiet room within the tree. She has been warned often about the dangers from natural predators and of contact with humans. Yet, when she meets Paul, a man confined to a wheelchair following an accident, she feels no concern for her own safety.
She enjoys the time they spend together, and learns much about the outside world during their conversations.

The characters are equally compelling and entirely unique , the world created is elaborate and intriguing, all of the secrets kept enrage,  and the winding path toward discovering the mysterious events that have brought the faeries to this place in time kept me reading long into the night,  and always eager to see what might happen next.

Can Knife trust Paul to help her find the answers to her many questions? In this classically traditional tale of faerie lore, readers will find secrets, mystery, friendship, great love and romance. There is little kindness within the faeries' world until Knife breaks the mold: she disobeys the Queen, she shows daring and bravery in the face of obstacles and sadness, she makes friends with a human who is as much in need of her as she is of him, and she is dogged in her search for the truth that will ensure the future of her faerie world.

It is a story worth reading. Now, I am off to read the sequel, Rebel. LUCKY ME!