Milo the Knight

Written by Grégoire Laforce

Illustrated by Charlotte Parent

Milky Way Picture Books

978-1-990252-35-8

48 pp.

Ages 4-8

October 2024

 

Milo is a brave knight who comes from a long line of knights. His armor means everything to him, and he is proud to wear it. And he always wears it just in case a dragon attacks their colony. Those silly jesters could waste their time on frivolous activities, but Milo is determined to keep everyone safe from the bad out there.

From Milo the Knight, written by Grégoire Laforce, illustrated by Charlotte Parent

One day while outside the castle walls, Milo is caught in a horrific rainstorm. It goes on and on, raining and raining, and Milo keeps going. It's only when the rain stops, and Milo is still struggling to keep going that he realizes that his beautiful armor has rusted until it seizes completely.

From Milo the Knight, written by Grégoire Laforce, illustrated by Charlotte Parent

A wandering jester offers Milo help, but he initially refuses. After all, he is a knight and not a silly jester. But the jester suggests that the only way to help Milo is for Milo to remove his armor. Even though he is both shocked to consider this and fearful of not being able to protect the colony–something which he already could not do–Milo opens his visor, looks into the jester's eyes and is moved to tears.

From Milo the Knight, written by Grégoire Laforce, illustrated by Charlotte Parent

But the armor does not survive, falling into useless pieces, while Milo emerges for the first time to feel the warmth of the sun and the stirring of the wind. By shedding his armor, Milo also sheds his fears and his mistrust.

 

Gatineau's Grégoire Laforce, former military, seems to have something to say about the roles we play in a community, from the protectors to the entertainers. No one is only one thing. And to restrict yourself by putting on a shield of armor that keeps you separate from others and from experiencing a life that is full and varied can be harmful. Milo only knew about being a knight, as did his ancestors. He didn't know otherwise. It was only the jester with his own perspective and suggestion that Milo remove his armor–an armor that was doing him harm at that point–that Milo becomes open to another life. Perhaps this was Grégoire Laforce's experience too, going from the military life of service and security to having kitchen parties with his family at home, as his bio reveals. It probably wasn't as easy as just removing a uniform but, as with Milo and the jester, a little outlook can bring big change.

From Milo the Knight, written by Grégoire Laforce, illustrated by Charlotte Parent

Montreal artist Charlotte Parent, who illustrated Mireille Messier's The Magic Cap, uses coloured pencils to give Milo the Knight both a bright contemporary feel as well as a medieval tone appropriate for a story about a knight. Her use of colour that range from pinks and purples to oranges and greens keeps the story light and bright as do the patterns she uses to decorate borders with floral motifs and scenes of activity. Milo the Knight could've been a darker tale of perceived fears and wariness of others and even injury, but Charlotte Parent makes it a story of revelation through her radiant colours and emotive lines and shapes.

Milo the Knight thought his life had been determined and he would serve as he had been born to do so but a change in circumstance and an openness to see beyond the obvious gives him the opportunity for more in his life. His service was admirable, but it was time to live for himself and enjoy that which he'd never experienced before. Whether he becomes Milo the Jester or Milo the Vagabond or something else entirely, he's taken off his armor and left himself free and receptive to more possibilities.

 

The Rock and the Butterfly

Written by Kathy Stinson

Illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan

Orca Book Publishers

978-1-4598-3700-3

32 pp.

Ages 6-8

October 2024 

 

There was a rock and there was a butterfly. Together their story is far greater than the sum of their parts. 

From The Rock and the Butterfly, written by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan

Once there was a rock that sat solidly on the ground.

 

And once there was a butterfly that flitted and fluttered everywhere.

The contrast in the rock and the butterfly is best understood when the butterfly tires from too much flitting and tucks itself into a groove in the rock to rest and keep the world from spinning. The rock offers comfort and safety. That is, until one day, the rock is gone.

From The Rock and the Butterfly, written by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan

The butterfly really needs the rock and it is perplexed because a "rock was always where you left it...wasn't it?" Bereft, the butterfly looks for that comfort and safety elsewhere. It tries a hanging leaf and the space between blades of grass, but it cannot find a refuge that replicates that rest and security.

From The Rock and the Butterfly, written by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan

Still, relegated to take shelter on the ground itself, the butterfly finds that this last resort offers new possibilities to feel the warmth of the sun and the calm of the moonlight and get just a bit of that quivering joy back into its wings. The rock may be gone but the ground that cradled it can now offer support to another.

Oh my. There's no way a reader would know that this is a story about friendship and support, but also loss and grief and finally acceptance. That's a lot for a picture book. But it's not an "in-your-face" message about dealing with loss. Author Kathy Stinson has given younger readers a lovely story about two friends but, with a little help from an older reader, adult or otherwise, they may be able to see beyond the obvious and see a deeper relationship. They could see sadness and coping, joy and growth. Kathy Stinson, author extraordinaire of everything from picture books like Red is Best, The Man with the Violin and The Dog Who Wanted to Fly to young adult novels like What Happened to Ivy, always finds a way to tell important stories but in discrete plots and, often, with few words that are staggeringly impactful. It may be a story about a rock and a butterfly, but it goes beyond that simple premise, and speaks to the connection that bolsters life.

From The Rock and the Butterfly, written by Kathy Stinson, illustrated by Brooke Kerrigan

Brooke Kerrigan, who illustrated one of my favourite Christmas stories (The Christmas Wind by Stephanie Simpson McLellan), uses a blend of watercolour, gouache, pencil crayon and ink, with digital layering to achieve extraordinarily simple but robust artwork. As the title suggests, there are few characters that progress the story line, but Brooke Kerrigan focuses on the butterfly as it struggles, despairs, and rallies. Her nuance in the butterfly's disposition keeps the focus on that character while placing it in a vast and gorgeous world of land and sea, sky and weather. (Just look at those flowers in the illustration above.)

 

The Rock and the Butterfly released today, and I hope that parents and teachers will grab it for meaningful discussions. I believe that it's a story that encompasses much depth that would make it a basis for numerous lessons, from those about loss and grief to visual literacy–what does the butterfly show in its demeanour?–and speculation about the outcome for the rock. I could even see science lessons about living and non-living things and their relationships, and creative writing about the future for the butterfly, and even the absentee rock. But, most of all, The Rock and the Butterfly reminds us that loss is not limited to humans and that dealing with loss is a natural process that requires self-care, time, and a support system. Fortunately for this butterfly, healing is realized.

What's in Alanna's Secret Sauce?

Written by Sarah Jane Conklin

Illustrated by Venus Angelica

Monster House Publishing

978-1-99822-308-4

38 pp.

Ages 6-9

September 2024 

 

I can't think of a better picture book to share for Thanksgiving than What's in Alanna's Secret Sauce?, which will the first book I will have reviewed from New Brunswick's Monster House Publishing. I'm just thankful that I read it this week and was able to get a review out in a timely manner.

From What's in Alanna's Secret Sauce? written by Sarah Jane Conklin, illustrated by Venus Angelica

As a child, Alanna helped her Nan in her garden, sowing seeds and bulbs for tomatoes and onions, garlic and herbs, and more. When they harvested, it was time to bring out the great big pot and start cooking. As their sauce cooks, Alanna is amazed by the aromas, both proud and intoxicated. But the smells that waft from their kitchen drift onto the street and draw neighbours and even strangers to the house. Even before the sauce is done, Nan tells visitors to come back for supper.

More people came to taste the sauce,

Its scent spilled through the town.

Her Nan invited all to dine,

Despite Alanna's frown.

From What's in Alanna's Secret Sauce? written by Sarah Jane Conklin, illustrated by Venus Angelica

They all return, everyone bringing what they are able, whether it be drinks or spaghetti, bread or prayers of thanks. And, miraculously, there is enough for all. 

Later Alanna grows into a chef and holds dear that recipe, but she carries on the traditions of generosity and sharing, having learned that the secret ingredient was not something that had to be picked and chopped or squirrelled away in the pantry.

At 9 years of age, it was all about Alanna and what she wanted, from insisting that all the seeds were hers–"They're all mine!"–as is the sauce–"I picked clean each vine, the sauce is mine, I'll keep it all myself"–to her worry that there wouldn't be enough sauce for her if they shared with others. She couldn't see beyond herself. This isn't unusual for very young children who see everything that happens as it relates to them. Fortunately, Alanna has a very wise Nan who guides her to experience generosity and gratitude by opening her heart and her kitchen to all.

"If everyone would do their part–

Contribute what they're able,

There'll always be enough for all,

If just brought to the table."

Similar to the parable about the fish and the loves, What's in Alanna's Secret Sauce? isn't about cooking or a recipe. It's about feeding masses with very little, all courtesy of a miracle. Nan's pot, even cauldron size, should only feed a limited number of people but, by some marvel, there is plenty. And there always is plenty in our world. People should not be going hungry. Author Sarah Jane Conklin, who currently lives in Nova Scotia but hails from Newfoundland, opens her story with a quote from Bono: "If you want to eliminate hunger, everybody has to be involved." Sarah Jane Conklin takes that sentiment and lodges it at a grass roots level in Nan's kitchen which she opens to everyone and anyone. Her secret sauce may draw them in, but everyone shares something, whether it be food, drink or sentiment, to turn a little sauce into a phenomenon to feel the belly and soul. And it's a lesson she teaches her grandchild by example.

From What's in Alanna's Secret Sauce? written by Sarah Jane Conklin, illustrated by Venus Angelica

I didn't know the work of illustrator Venus Angelica, originally from Toronto and now of Fredericton, but, wow, did she take me into Nan's garden and her kitchen, and even onto the street from which strangers and neighbours alike are drawn in. Her palette of autumnal colours of red, orange, green and yellow reflect the time of the harvest and also the time of Thanksgiving. Moreover, though they are just cooking and eating, there is life in Venus Angelica's art, from the bounce of Alanna's long curly hair to the swirls of aromas wafting from their cooking pot. And there is always goodness in the smiles of those partaking in the sauce to those doing the dishes and especially for Alanna's Nan who gives without reservation.

 

Having recently filled my own kitchen with jars and jars of tomato sauce and salsa, What's in Alanna's Secret Sauce? reminds me of the busyness and creation of good food. But it's the sharing of that food, giving without expectation, that brings the greatest joy and achieves the greatest good. So, this Thanksgiving, give thanks for food and give food to share, so that all have enough. And that's not much of a secret.

2024 Governor General's Literary Awards: Finalists announced

Yesterday, the Canada Council for the Arts announced the finalists for the highly prestigious Governor General's Literary Awards.

The seven categories of books, both in French and English, for which awards are given are:

• Fiction
• Non-Fiction
• Poetry
• Young People's Literature (Text)
• Young People's Literature (Illustration)
• Drama
• Translation

Congratulations to the finalists 

of all the awards.
 

I present here those finalists of

works for young people.

English-language: Young People's Literature (Text)

Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams
Written by Shari Green
Andrews McMeel Publishing

A Crane Among Wolves
Written by June Hur
Feiwel and Friends (MacMillan Publishers)

Into the Bright Open: A Secret Garden Remix

Written by Cherie Dimaline
Feiwel and Friends (MacMillan Publishers)

Crash Landing
Written by Li Charmaine Anne
Annick Press

Mortified
Written by Kristy Jackson
HarperCollins Canada

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

English-language: Young People's Literature (Illustration) 

One Giant Leap
Written and illustrated by Thao Lam
Owlkids Books

Reviewed here

I’m Afraid, Said the Leaf
Written by Danielle Daniel

Illustrated by Matt James
Tundra Books (Penguin Random House Canada)

The Gulf
Written and illustrated by Adam de Souza
Tundra Books (Penguin Random House Canada)

Do You Remember?
Written and illustrated by Sydney Smith
Groundwood Books (House of Anansi Press)

Reviewed here

Skating Wild on an Inland Sea
Written by Jean E. Pendziwol

Illustrated by Todd Stewart
Groundwood Books (House of Anansi Press)

 

 

 

 

 

French-language: Young People's Literature (Text)

Carreauté Kid
Écrit par Marc-André Dufour-Labbé
Leméac Éditeur

Déménager au ciel
Écrit par Mélodie Bujold-Henri et Jean-Guy Forget
la courte échelle

Une bulle en dehors du temps
Écrit par Stéfani Meunier
Leméac Éditeur

Envole-toi, Mikun
Écrit par Moira-Uashteskun Bacon
Éditions Hannenorak

Les quatre vérités
Écrit par Dominique Chicoine
Les Éditions du Boréal

 

French-language: Young People's Literature (Illustration)

Histoires fantastiques (et peut-être vraies)
Écrit et illustré par Caroline Merola
la courte échelle

Jour d’orage
Écrit et illustré par Marianne Ferrer
Monsieur Ed

Le fil d’Alphée
Écrit par Marie-Andrée Arsenault

Illustré par Dominique Leroux
Les éditions la Morue verte

Le premier arbre de Noël
Écrit par Ovila Fontaine

Illustré par Charlotte Parent
Éditions de la Pastèque

Margot veut une moustache
Écrit par Iris Boudreau

Illustré par Richard Écrapou
Les Éditions de la Bagnole

 

 

 

 

 

Winning titles will be announced
on November 13, 2024.

Getting Us to Grandma's

Written by Nadia L. Hohn

Illustrated by TeMika Grooms

Groundwood Books

978-1-77306-689-9

32 pp.

Ages 3-6

October 2024

When you're a child, a visit to your grandparents can be a very special outing. But for Nikki this visit is really special because her family has to travel to another country and they're going to attend the wedding of her Uncle Travis. But first they must get there.

Even before they hit the road, Nikki has been studying the globe and now their road atlas for the USA because they are travelling from Toronto to the Bronx in New York City. Sitting in the backseat with her mother who cradles the traditional Black Cake and her younger sister Maya in her car seat, Nikki has the map book before it's grabbed by her brother Langston who sits in the front seat. Now Nikki can only think about all the places her family now lives and where they once came from. She knows of Africa and Jamaica, England, and the US and who lives where. (Her map drawing skills on the window are especially impressive.)

From Getting Us to Grandma's, written by Nadia L. Hohn, illustrated by TeMika Grooms

Although she's desperate to get the map book back so she can track their progress, it's not till they take a break that Nikki can reclaim the guide and enjoy the front seat beside her dad. As everyone in the back seat sleeps, Nikki and her dad watch the road and the signs and drive into the rain.

From Getting Us to Grandma's, written by Nadia L. Hohn, illustrated by TeMika Grooms

But Nikki is an astute map reader and is sure her dad missed an exit, though he is convinced he's going the right way. Still when he finally recognizes that they're not where they want to be, Nikki is the one to help them get to Grandma's safely.

Getting Us to Grandma's is based on Nadia L. Hohn's own family travels from Toronto to the Bronx and her "Author's Note" tells us they are travels of which she has fond memories. It may be based on travel in the early 1980s–the use of a map, the clothing, her brother's Walkman, a Rubik cube, and the music may suggest that time–but travels with your family are timeless events. For Nikki, the memories are in the details, from co-piloting her dad's driving, bringing the bucket that would be used for toileting, and tracing family on a globe and maps. More importantly, for her it wasn't just about the destination. Sure, getting to visit with their Grandma and attend a family wedding were very important but the journey and her role in ensuring their arrival at Grandma's was equally important. Nikki was not going to sleep the journey away; she intended to be an active participant. And in tracking their progress through the map and the signage, and helping them get to the Bronx, this family trip was more than a Point-A-to-Point-B route. Nadia L. Hohn makes this a journey of family and discovery, as well as a celebration of a young girl's aptitude in map reading. And isn't it lovely to see her father trust the young navigator by his side.

From Getting Us to Grandma's, written by Nadia L. Hohn, illustrated by TeMika Grooms

American illustrator TeMika Grooms takes us along on that journey, keeping readers firmly in the car except for departure and arrival. The car is the environment for this family on this adventure, from its green exterior and interior, with wood trim and front bench seat. She does take us outside to see the rain and guardrails, a gas station and the roadways of graffiti and more. But the focus is that car and the family within. TeMika Grooms never lets us forget that her digital art is to ensure the story is Getting Us to Grandma's.

Getting Us to Grandma's may be a universal story, perhaps from a different time but still wholly topical, with which any family who travels any distance to visit relatives will be familiar. But while Nadia L. Hohn makes this a recognizable tale, she also makes this a story of her own heritage and those of others of Jamaican backgrounds. From the Black Cake and the patois spoken to listening to WBLS radio, Nadia L. Hohn makes her story reflect the experiences of the Caribbean diaspora who keep their culture and family close even when far apart in distance. Fortunately, a trip to Grandma's can bring everyone and everything together.

🚘🚘🚘🚘🚘

 

There's a great opportunity to partake in more than just a book launch of Getting Us to Grandma's because Nadia L. Hohn has a planned a special event.

On

 

Saturday, October 19

 

at 

 

1:30 -3:30 PM

at

 

Toronto Public Library - Oakwood Village Library and Arts Centre
341 Oakwood Avenue 

Toronto, ON

 

Nadia L. Hohn 

will be launching  

 

Getting Us to Grandma's

& 

celebrating her 10th book

 

with this free event 

(tickets are available at eventbrite here)

which will include the following:

• Scavenger Hunt and Craft (1:30-1:45 PM)

• Reading and Words (1:45-2:15 PM)

• Performance and Dance (2:15-2:30 PM)

• Book signing, refreshments, and Dance (2:30-3:30 PM)

Details from the eventbrite post include the following:

Come for a scavenger hunt, storytime, break dance, graffiti art, and rhyme.

Bring your bgirls, bboys, and family crew. Solo acts and grown folk are welcome too.

Below is a road map showing you the way.

There'll be refreshments and cake. You know, the deejay will always be playing your song.

Another Story Bookshop is the onsite book vendor where you can buy your copy of Getting Us to Grandma's and my other books. I'll even sign them for you.

Optional, dress code: 1980s. Wear your Adidas, kangol hats, jelly shoes, and let the groovy music play. 

Some books by Nadia L. Hohn

Mystery at the Biltmore: Book launch (Winnipeg, MB)

Colleen Nelson 

author of picture books, middle grade, non-fiction and YA

 

 

is launching her newest book

 

Mystery at the Biltmore

Written by Colleen Nelson

with illustrations by Peggy Collins

Pajama Press

978-1-772783278

104 pp.

Ages 7-10

October 8, 2024 

on

Sunday, October 27, 2024
 

3:00pm - 4:00 PM

 

at

Whodunit New And Used Mystery Bookstore

163 Lilac St.

Winnipeg, Manitoba

 

 

An early middle grade novel, with illustrations, Mystery at the Biltmore is the first in a new series by Colleen Nelson (Book 2, The Classified Catnapping, releases in April 2025), and is described as "Only Murders in the Building meets Harriet the Spy." (Publisher's page at https://pajamapress.ca/book/mystery-at-the-biltmore-2/)

Here's a bit more about the book to really pique a mystery lover's interest:

The Biltmore in New York City is full of mysteries, and Elodie LaRue, a novice detective, plans to piece together the clues and solve the case of the missing jewels.

Left behind by her globe-trotting detective parents once again, Elodie decides to prove she’s worthy of joining them on a case by setting up her own detective agency at her renowned Upper West Side home, The Biltmore.

When a pair of sapphire earrings mysteriously disappear from Mrs. Vanderhoff’s apartment, Elodie is asked to solve the case. Elodie begins her investigation the way any good detective would, looking for clues and potential suspects. With twists, turns, and suspects galore, will Elodie be able to prove she has what it takes to solve a crime? Or will the LaRue Detective Agency fail on its first case? As Elodie, her dog Carnegie, and new friend Oscar (a self-proclaimed parkour master) delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter a quirky cast of characters, an array of clues, and a little bit of fun.

(From Pajama Press book page at
https://pajamapress.ca/book/mystery-at-the-biltmore-2/)

 

If you're fortunate enough to live in the area of Winnipeg, this would be a fabulous opportunity to grab a new mystery book, get it signed by the author, and start a new series that is sure to please all young mystery lovers.

Mystery at the Biltmore (October 2024)

The Classified Catnapping (April 2025)

Defy: Book Launch (Port Colborne, ON)

There's a new YA novel coming from writer Sara de Waard, 

the author of White Lies

White Lies

Written by Sara de Waard

DCB
978-1-77086-649-2
224 pp.
Ages 13+

2022 

Reviewed here

 

 

She's launching

 

Defy

Written by Sara de Waard

DCB Young Readers

978-1-77086-7581

208 pp.

Ages 12-18 

October 2024 

 

on

 

Saturday, October 19, 2024

 

at

 

1-3 PM (EST)

 

at

 

Port Colborne Public Library

310 King Street

Port Colborne, ON

905-834-6512

 

This free event will include an author reading, refreshments and a book signing.

Limited copies of White Lies and Defy will be available for purchase.

A little bit about the book from publisher DCB Young Readers:

Enjoy your Final Days.

Escape a Natural Death with us.

Come to Zalmon’s Quiet End.

In the city of Zalmon, every Life Event is predetermined: where you’ll work, who you’ll marry, when you’ll die.

On a tour of Central Processing, seventeen-year-old Darius inadvertently unveils shocking information about his beloved little sister, Mahlah. His impulsive reaction may make him a target of the sinister people who run Zalmon, and could doom Mahlah to a worse fate than the one Darius uncovered.

Defying an unjust system, an unwanted Life Match, and an uncontrollable enemy, Darius fights to save Mahlah, leading him to expose a conspiracy at the heart of the city — and a potential life of autonomy, dignity, and love beyond what the Book of Zalmon dictates.

 

If White Lies, Sara de Waard's debut novel is any indication, lovers of dystopian YA are sure to find a great read in Defy.