If You Want to Visit a Sea Garden

Written by Kay Weisman

Illustrated by Roy Henry Vickers

Groundwood Books

978-1-55498-970-6

32 pp.

Ages 5-9

September 2020

Sea gardens are man-made reefs traditionally constructed by Pacific Northwest Indigenous peoples for cultivating clams and other shellfish. Some of these sea gardens which consist of boulders lined up at the lowest tide line have been around for thousands of years. They are significant cultural elements of the First Nations both for the food that is provided by the shellfish harvested here and the community that utilizes them and Kay Weisman brings readers to that community of gratitude with her words as Roy Henry Vickers delivers us to that sense of place.

From If You Want to Visit a Sea Garden by Kay Weisman, illus. by Roy Henry Vickers

If You Want to Visit a Sea Garden begins with a child and adult setting out in the early morning when the sea gardens are revealed by the lowest of tides. They take their canoe out at dawn and "Listen closely for the symphony of clams, welcoming us to their beaches. Here, there and everywhere they spurt and sputter, exhaling right on cue."

As they walk on the beach, the elder, whether grandfather or father, recounts the history of the sea gardens, around for thousands of years, sometimes built piecemeal over time, to give habitat to creatures including rock crabs, chitons, sea stars and, of course, butter clams, littlenecks and cockles.

Imagine the generations of First Peoples who have maintained this wall in order to feed their families. They have come here to build and care for the sea garden, harvest and eat clams, and share stories and knowledge about this special place.

From If You Want to Visit a Sea Garden by Kay Weisman, illus. by Roy Henry Vickers

Like the many to have come to the sea garden, they tend to the garden, returning stray boulders to the wall, clearing away debris and giving new opportunities for the sea garden to thrive. And then, with the tide, it is gone from view, until its next revival.

Kay Weisman makes this pilgrimage to a sea garden a sacred experience for people and the environment. From the interaction between child and adult, solemn and instructive, to the awe-inspiring landscape of forever, Kay Weisman is respectfully informing her readers and honouring the legacy of sea gardens.

From If You Want to Visit a Sea Garden by Kay Weisman, illus. by Roy Henry Vickers

With Roy Henry Vickers's illustrations, which I have admired since reviewing his earlier books (Raven Squawk, Orca Squeak; Hello Humpback; One Eagle Soaring), If You Want to Visit a Sea Garden is elevated. I learned from Kay Weisman's words but they are given life with Roy Henry Vickers's artwork. Using vector illustration tools, Roy Henry Vickers gives a smooth power to his images. While the people are kept in shadows, the scenes are bold and spirited and important symbols of Indigenous cultures are highlighted. The art both gives life and takes our breath away.

If you want to visit a sea garden and cannot tour the West Coast, I suggest a stroll with a child and guardian in Kay Weisman and Roy Henry Vickers's captivating picture book. It's a safe and vibrant way to understand the magic of these amazing sea gardens.

Canada Fun!

Written and illustrated by Paul Covello

HarperCollins

978-1-4434-5811-5

30 pp.

Ages 0-4

October 2020

It doesn't matter whether there's snow on the ground or leaves in the trees, Paul Covello's latest volume in his Canada series of board books–which includes Canada Animals and Canada 123–shows young readers that there's lots to do in all parts of our country, no matter the season.

 

From Canada Fun! by Paul Covello

In single page illustrations or sweeping double-spreads of multiple activities, Paul Covello highlights a plethora of pursuits that young people, with or without adults in tow, can undertake. From hockey and cross-country skiing in winter or lacrosse and kayaking in the other seasons, Paul Covello covers all manner of endeavours, both organized and not. After all, isn't there as much fun making snow angels and building snow people, or leaf jumping and making maple syrup as playing on a sport?

 

From Canada Fun! by Paul Covello

Even better are the cultural and regional activities that he includes in his Canada Fun! treatise. There's attending a powwow or a ceilidh, watching the northern lights in the north, Winter Carnival in Quebec, whale watching on the coasts or checking out the polar bears. Everywhere that Canadian kids are having fun, Paul Covello makes sure to include them.

From Canada Fun! by Paul Covello

But it's the art–it always is–that will draw young readers. While teachers and reviewers will appreciate the diversity of Paul Covello's characters, scenes and activities, young readers will enjoy the vivid colours, the polished lines and the energetic shapes depicting all children having fun indoors and out in Canada.

From Canada Fun! by Paul Covello

Whether it's to help children see all the fun they can be having–just hand them the book when they start complaining that there's nothing to do!–or to introduce them to activities new to them, Canada Fun! covers it all with gusto and colour, as vibrant and varied as our country and its people.

What Do You Want, Little Friend?

Written and illustrated by Marianne Dubuc

Princeton Architectural Press

978-1-61689-944-8

24 pp.

Ages 0-4

October 2020

At its simplest, What Do You Want, Little Friend? is a story about a kitten trying to help a fly and listening to what the fly needs. In twelve short lines of text, a relationship is formed and compassion extended. Ah, if all interactions were this positive.

From What Do You Want, Little Friend? by Marianne Dubuc

While flying a kite, a little kitten steps on a fly that is on the ground. Desperate to make things okay, the kitten encourages the fly to walk like the ants or to fly like the birds but there is no response from the fly. Each time, the kitten comes back to ask the fly, "Don't you want to?" to check with the fly as to its needs.

From What Do You Want, Little Friend? by Marianne Dubuc

It's only when the kitten stops to listen, that things are made right for the fly and thus for the kitten as well. By speaking up, the fly gets what it needs, and by listening, the kitten gets to help.

From What Do You Want, Little Friend? by Marianne Dubuc

Although Marianne Dubuc's premise may be a simple one of showing caring for others, What Do You Want, Little Friend? reminds us that sometimes the best way to help others is to listen. Not to decide what is best for them. Not to always offer suggestions as to what they would do. Not even to advise them as to the most logical action to take. It's just to listen. Whether an injured fly, a weeping child or a depressed person, sometimes just offering support by listening will make things better. As the little kitten realizes soon enough, a solution is at hand if they only listen and hear. (Of course, it is also incumbent upon the fly to ask.)

Like many of Marianne Dubuc's picture books (see Little Cheetah's Shadow, The Fish and the Cat, and The Lion and the Bird), What Do You Want, Little Friend? is about the interaction of two unlikely allies. The story that results from their meeting is the stuff of legends. It's simple but powerful, all the more so because of Marianne Dubuc's uncluttered illustrations. There is a lightness in the austerity of her shapes and colours which brings focus to the text and the kitten's expressions. (We never see the fly's visage.)

The messages are clear in What Do You Want, Little Friend? First, if you do harm, make it right. Secondly, ask and listen to those who might need help. These mighty messages may be aimed at our youngest children because of the delicate board book in which they are found but they are messages which we should all heed.

The Girl of Hawthorn and Glass

Written by Adan Jerreat-Poole

Dundurn 

978-1-45974-681-7

328 pp.

Ages 13+

September 2020

 

The Girl of Hawthorn and Glass is a book of contradictions. That beautiful cover belies the harshness of a girl cobbled from hawthorn berries, beetle shells, spider webs and glass and the darkness of the plot within. Of course, I should have been prepared when the titular girl stabs a man in his skull on page 3. At least you'll be prepared.

Eli is a witch's tool, created by the witch Circinae, whom she calls "Mother," to carry out missions for the Coven. She travels from the City of Eyes through the Vortex into the City of Bones to assassinate ghosts who've taken over the physical bodies of humans. But when Eli realizes she has killed a human rather than a ghost, she is unnerved, especially as it could result in her being "unmade." Surprisingly she is promptly sent out on another mission. Again something seems amiss. Fortunately, she makes the acquaintance of Cam and Tav in the human world who help her out when the Vortex prevents her from returning to her own world.

They take her to the Hedge-Witch, the leader of a group of rebels, who offers to help Eli if she would help Cam and Tav get around the City of Eyes. But there's much secrecy about their mission and even more confusion about who or what Tav is.

A boi who could see ghosts and wasn't afraid of Eli's strangeness, didn't run from the yellow eyes. Who could, with one touch, make Eli's bones sing and her hands tremble. (pg. 125)

What Adan Jerreat-Poole has created in The Girl of Hawthorn and Glass is a dark fantasy of two worlds, connected and not, as they seek control over self and others. But it's also a love story. As a witch's tool, Eli had found intimacy with Kite, an enigmatic witch and Heir to the Witch Lord. But when she meets Tav, Eli is confused and attracted to them. How can the charge she feels from touching Tav make any sense, especially as they seem to be more than human? Moreover, knowing that they are each tasked with missions that might challenge what the other is doing, both Eli and Tav tend to keep their secrets close to their chests. But, in the worlds of The Girl of Hawthorn and Glass, that's not unusual. Whether human, tool, witch or ghost, all seem to keep secret who they are.

Sometimes if you looked carefully, you could see the true colour of intention in the movements of the people who were supposed to love you. (pg. 15)

This is Adan Jerreat-Poole's debut novel and, with it, they have created contrasting worlds of chaos and fear, power and struggle. Their characters are complicated, not only because of their fantastical natures but also because of their personalities as reflected in their behaviours, including their desires and motivations. And they're all just trying to figure things out.

Eli's hand clenched and unclenched around the dagger as she warred with herself, caught between bloodlust and love, between past and future. (pg. 218)

Readers will need to wait until next May when the book's sequel, The Boi of Feather and Steel, is scheduled for release to learn what will happen to Eli, Tav, Cam, Kite and everyone in The Girl of Hawthorn and Glass. Until then, introduce yourselves fully to the darkness and the fantasy within The Girl of Hawthorn and Glass, knowing there's more to Adan Jerreat-Poole's worlds than meets the eye.

 

A World of Mindfulness

From the Editors & Illustrators of Pajama Press

Text by Erin Alladin

Illustrations by Suzanne Del Rizzo, Carmen Mok, Tara Anderson, Sue Macartney, Gabrielle Grimard, François Thisdale, Rebecca Bender, Miki Sato, Aino Anto, Amélie Dubois, Emma Pedersen, Andrea Blinick, Tamara Campeau and Scot Ritchie

Pajama Press

978-1-77278-138-0

32 pp.

Ages 3-7

November 2020

 

Our world needs more mindfulness. With all the strife and worries, we need to become aware of the present, appreciate the now and bring calm. A World of Mindfulness will help all of us, but especially children, find that.

From A World of Mindfulness, illustration by François Thisdale

Fourteen illustrators provide artwork to complement Pajama Press editor Erin Alladin's words. The text is sparse but impactful, from the first lines, "I am here. I know who I am" through acknowledging one's presence even with eyes closed ("I can hear birds and breezes and a dog barking. Even with my eyes closed, I know where I am") and acceptance of the stresses as normal ("Sometimes my mind is like a mixed-up swirling snowstorm. It isn't right or wrong–it's just how I feel."). The text acknowledges, accepts, instructs and quiets.

From A World of Mindfulness, illustration by Suzanne Del Rizzo

For  each message, another illustrator from a selection of artists whose work has graced picture books from Pajama Press gives colour and life to Erin Alladin's words. From François Thisdale's mixed media illustration of a boy taking in his urban surroundings with eyes closed, to Suzanne Del Rizzo's textured polymer clay artwork that also adorns the cover, the art of A World of Mindfulness is striking and unique.

From A World of Mindfulness, illustration by Miki Sato

Whether trying to permeate the text with the calm resulting from mindfulness or the wish to find joy or the angst that compels a need for mindfulness, the illustrators complete the messages of enlightenment and support in their medium of choice. There are coloured-pencil drawings, cut-paper art, digital illustration and more. As diverse as the ways to attain mindfulness, the illustrators of A World of Mindfulness explore the concept with their own form of creativity.

From A World of Mindfulness, illustration by Emma Pedersen

When Pajama Press came out with its first collaboratively-created picture book, A World of Kindness, it impressed all with its poignant messages and stunning and varied artwork. It ushered readers through recognizing the need for kindness, especially when faced with unkindness, and how to be kind. A World of Mindfulness similarly takes the reader on a journey of discovery, of how to find the calm within, of focusing on moments and tasks and of immersing oneself in the experience that is. Whether for quality of life or therapy, mindfulness works and so does A World of Mindfulness.

From A World of Mindfulness, illustration by Scot Ritchie

The 2020 CCBC Book Awards: French-language Winners announced

Two weeks ago, the Canadian Children's Book Centre announced the winners of its six English-language book awards. Yesterday, the final two awards, specifically for French-language children's books, were announced as a part of Salon du Livre de Montreal. From the nominees posted here, the following awards were presented:

• Le Prix TD de littérature canadienne pour l’enfance et la jeunesse ($50,000) Sponsored by TD Bank Group; and
  
• Le Prix Harry Black de l’album jeunesse ($5,000) Sponsored by Mary Macchiusi

Congratulations to all nominees and most especially to the winners:

Le Prix TD de littérature pour l'enfance et la jeunesse canadienne: WINNER

Les étoiles
Written and illustrated by Jacques Goldstyn
Éditions de la Pastèque

 

Prix Harry Black de l'album jeunesse: WINNER

Des couleurs sur la Grave
Written by Marie-Andrée Arsenault
Illustrated by Dominique Leroux
Éditions la Morue verte

The winners of the English-language awards were announced on October 30th and the winners posted here.

 

Kits, Cubs, and Calves: An Arctic Summer

Written by Suzie Napayok-Short

Illustrated by Tamara Campeau

Inhabit Media

978-1-77227-274-1

32 pp.

Ages 7-11

September 2020

I know summer is over and it has definitely passed in the far north but learning about other cultures and ecosystems, life cycles and food chains, is never out of season, and certainly not in schools so Kits, Cubs, and Calves: An Arctic Summer is undoubtedly a great read at any time of year.

From Kits, Cubs, and Calves: An Arctic Summer by Suzie Napayok-Short, illus. by Tamara Campeau

Akuluk, who lives south of the Arctic and had been spending time in Nunavut with her grandparents, has just arrived in Saattut to visit with her aunt and uncle. Even though it is summer, she is dressed warmly in her atigi, a duffle parka, when the northern float plane delivers her and her stuffed polar bear, Piulua. Even driving from the dock, Akuluk can see new life on the tundra in the form of fox kits playing and at the house, there are seven month-old puppies born to their sled dog Blackie. 

The next day, Akuluk's Aunt Sulie and Uncle James, along with Uncle Tommy, take her out on the boat to check out their summer camp grounds, now inhabited by polar bears. With a wealth of food, that includes dried Arctic char, palaugaaq bannock and aqpiit (a glossary of Inuktitut words explains these and more at the conclusion of the story), they begin their foray on the Arctic Ocean.

From Kits, Cubs, and Calves: An Arctic Summer by Suzie Napayok-Short, illus. by Tamara Campeau

Their sighting of a pod of creamy white beluga whales, including a grey calf, mesmerizes Akuluk, and even more so when they use a recording device to hear the mother's cooing, clicking, chattering and whistling sounds. Based on the Inuktitut word for small, mikilaaq, Akuluk names the baby Miki. But when another lone calf appears, they watch as the mother and the other whales check it out, perhaps to adopt the orphan.

From Kits, Cubs, and Calves: An Arctic Summer by Suzie Napayok-Short, illus. by Tamara Campeau

Finally they arrive near their old camp and see the polar bear and her cubs who'd previously found their fishing nets filled with char and now return annually. The family willingly gave up "their traditional land to help these large animals survive." (pg. 21) They place themselves between the bears on land and the whales and watch the bears eat their catch of seal meat, as seagulls, hopeful of remnants, look on.  Akuluk learns that normally the Arctic foxes would be following the bears, eating any meat left behind, but in the summer they have their kits and stay away from the nanuit (sing. nanuq) who would prey on the very young.

"Everywhere we go, Inuit and animals, we all have a need to stay close, so we can help one another," she says, putting an arm around Akuluk. "The wildlife do what they can to help one another, in their own way, and we do what we can in ours. We have to share our earth with all the wildlife that live here. We need to look after our land, and the plants in it, too." (pg. 29)

Suzie Napayok-Short who was born in Frobisher Bay and has lived on Baffin Island and Nunavut takes delight in Akuluk's visiting and learning, perhaps because these were her own experiences. Not only does Akuluk get to spend time with family and witness animal wonders in the Arctic, she learns of the traditional ways, piusituqait, and their importance in maintaining ecosystems. Author Suzie Napayok-Short embeds her storytelling, perhaps recounting, with a respectful gravitas, recognizing Akuluk's visit as pivotal for the young girl. 

From Kits, Cubs, and Calves: An Arctic Summer by Suzie Napayok-Short, illus. by Tamara Campeau

Illustrator Tamara Campeau who also illustrated The Muskox and the Caribou and In the Sky at Nighttime stays true to her artistic style of realism with a hint of the personal. She doesn't make her illustrations frivolous or silly; instead, the art depicts the true nature of the familial relationships and the wonder of the natural world. By blending the authentic with the deferential, Tamara Campeau dignifies Suzie Napayok-Short's story while giving it colour and shape.

Kits, Cubs, and Calves: An Arctic Summer goes beyond summer and gives a picture of life in Nunavut for its people, its animals and the land, and it's a great place to visit through Suzie Napayok-Short and Tamara Campeau's work.

Planet Hockey: First Star of the Game

Written by J. Torres

Illustrated by Tim Levins

Scholastic Canada

978-1-4431-2889-6

132 pp.

Ages 8-12

October 2020

After catching an edge, falling into the goalie and breaking his arm, Isaac is desolate about costing his team the hockey game. As he recovers, he gets into playing a multiplayer online game called SHOT a.k.a. Super Hockey Online Tournament at which he excels. However, months later, after he has recovered, Isaac refuses to return to hockey, gratified to reach the top of the online game's ranking as GOAT789. But the universe seems to have a different plan for Isaac.

From Planet Hockey: First Star of the Game by J. Torres, illus. by Tim Levins

As popular as hockey may be in Canada and elsewhere on our planet, it's also a favourite on Galaxia where its Supreme Leader, Emperor Mad Maroon, claims to be the self-proclaimed #1 hockey fan in the universe. But playing in the Galaxian Hockey League is intensive. Teams like the Streek, the Blast, the Muck, the Crag and the Stalks overwhelm the last place team, the Zeazide Pods, with their extraordinary speed, hitting and powers like electricity and the stink of gas. On a planet where the more hockey games you lose, the more taxes you pay, and the last place team cleans everyone else's gear, the Pods are determined to improve their chances. Unfortunately, paying so much in hockey tax, all they can do is purchase an outmoded robotic scout, SKOU7, that mistakenly captures Isaac and his new neighbour Lily to help out the team.

From Planet Hockey: First Star of the Game by J. Torres, illus. by Tim Levins

Lily, an extraordinary goalie, is happy to help out the Pods, sympathetic to their plight, though Isaac is reluctant, worried they'll learn he's not any good at playing the actual game anymore. But with Lily's enthusiasm and determination to help the Pods, and Isaac's finesse at online hockey which allows him to coach and play strategy, the teal-coloured and tentacled creatures with heart finally become stars of the game.

From Planet Hockey: First Star of the Game by J. Torres, illus. by Tim Levins

For kids who love a good hockey story and graphic novels, Planet Hockey: First Star of the Game is sure to score big. And for those who aren't big sports fans, it still has something that is in short supply nowadays and makes for an entertaining middle-grade read: humour. From an alien emperor who considers himself the Boss of Everyone (really) to the best hockey player who is actually a goat, not just the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), and hockey players called Crowsby, Grootzky and Stickenheiser, J. Torres will score giggles and snorts while sharing lessons in reaching beyond your fears and helping others, even aliens.

From Planet Hockey: First Star of the Game by J. Torres, illus. by Tim Levins

The fun is even livelier because of Tim Levins's illustrations, having created J. Torres's characters as "normal" humans and outrageous aliens of all shapes and colours. It's entertaining checking out every new element, like a flying ref with a red goal light, a colour commentator with the head of a microphone and arena snacks like Mackerel Jacks and rockcorn.

If you’re missing playing hockey or watching hockey, take in a game or two at Planet Hockey and find out who the First Star of the Game really is. (Hint: it’s not the goat.)

Duck Days

Written by Sara Leach

Illustrated by Rebecca Bender

Pajama Press

978-1-77278-148-9

120 pp.

Ages 7-11

November 2020

 

Third grader Lauren who is autistic is delighted to have a real friend in Irma, a little girl who'd arrived from Sweden the year before. Still, there is still some hesitation about her first time visiting Irma at her home. A lover of routines and the predictable, Lauren is reminded by her father to "go with the flow" (pg. 10)–which she visualizes with a hand gesture that looks like waves rippling on the water–when things might not necessarily go to plan. However, though Lauren and Irma have much in common, from their interests in insects to a love of reading and Swedish meatballs, a casual statement made by Irma that her neighbour Jonas is her friend sends Lauren's mind off into a tizzy.

 

From Duck Days by Sara Leach, illus. by Rebecca Bender

Lauren utilizes her strategy of focusing on things she likes and her square breathing to stop herself from overreacting but she still politely refuses to play with Jonas, a fifth grader, when he invites them to join him in bike riding and trying out his obstacle course of ramps. 

From Duck Days by Sara Leach, illus. by Rebecca Bender

When all the Grade 3 students learn that they will be participating in a day-long mountain biking event at school, Lauren is unnerved, embarrassed that she still uses training wheels and convinced that she'll never be brave enough to go without. Fortunately with some very gentle nudging from her parents and Irma, a new strategy from Jonas to think like a duck and let words flow off of her like water, Lauren is able to expand her friendships, face her fears about riding her bike with training wheels at school and trying new things.

Author Sara Leach introduced young readers to Lauren, a young child living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, in Slug Days (2017) and Penguin Days (2018) and, with each new story we get to celebrate Lauren's successes in developing coping strategies that give her the comfort to endure typical childhood situations from school to spending time with relatives to making new friends and keeping them. Though it's evident that Lauren becomes uncomfortable with anything that detracts from her routines primarily as a result of her ASD, Sara Leach helps young readers see that anyone can use a little help when having a hard time. Most children do better with routines and the predictable and have worries about friendships and looking foolish. So while Sara Leach helps them understand some of the challenges faced by children with ASD, she also encourages them to find coping strategies, including visualization and focusing on breathing, to help get through uncomfortable or irregular circumstances.

From Duck Days by Sara Leach, illus. by Rebecca Bender

Accompanied by the charming pencil and digitally-rendered artwork of Rebecca Bender whose illustrations have graced her own picture books like Giraffe and Bird Together Again and How Do You Feel?, Duck Days will captivate early readers with both the familiarity and distinction of Lauren's circumstances and recognize that being brave is in everyone.

 

Alice & Gert: An Ant and Grasshopper Story

Written by Helaine Becker

Illustrated by Dena Seiferling

Owlkids Books

978-1-77147-358-3

24 pp.

Ages 3-7

August 2020 

There’s a reason that fables and parables are so timeless as literary vehicles: their messages are enduring. It doesn’t matter whether the fable is from Aesop’s time, as is the basis for Alice & Gert, or of a contemporary setting. The messages are strikingly worthwhile and sadly still needing to be reinforced.

 

From Alice & Gert by Helaine Becker, illus. by Dena Seiferling

Alice is an ant and Gert, a grasshopper. It’s summer, with the lily of the valley out, and Alice is “ferrying bits of grain and seeds to her nest.” Gert, on the other hand, just thinks they should be enjoying the fine weather because “Winter is YEARS away.” In fact, Gert serenades Alice as she toils, recommending  through song that the ant should rest, laugh, play and sip tea. Even as Alice tells Gert that she’ll relax in January and continues to work, she finds herself humming Gert’s tune. Though she persists in her endeavours, she is charmed by Gert’s playing at pirate and a decorative pathway of flowers and leaves Gert makes for her. 

From Alice & Gert by Helaine Becker, illus. by Dena Seiferling

But when fall arrives and Alice panics for Gert about the ever-nearing winter, Gert dances a sarabande for her. Of course, winter does come and Gert finally becomes unnerved realizing that there are no stores of seeds in her own nest. Although Alice does take a moment to remind Gert that she should have planned better, her compassion helps her acknowledge how Gert’s work of singing and dancing lightened her own efforts and the ant is pleased to repay the grasshopper’s kindness by sharing her own stores of food.

 

From Alice & Gert by Helaine Becker, illus. by Dena Seiferling

Messages in books may sometimes become preachy if told in a heavy-handed way. Those is Alice & Gert are not. Written by award-winning author Helaine Becker, Alice & Gert is in no way moralizing or sanctimonious. Helaine Becker could have written Alice to be self-righteous, knowing that her hard work would allow her to survive the winter and Gert as flighty and irresponsible but she does neither. While Helaine Becker’s retelling of "The Ant and the Grasshopper" recognizes that hard work is beneficial to all and that responsibility is virtuous, she still acknowledges the worth of creativity.

Calgary’s Dena Seiferling, whose illustrations helped earn her first picture book nominations for the Marilyn Baillie and Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver awards, carries the two characters through the seasons with only slight changes in her palette, from the greens of summer to the browns and golds of fall to the greys, browns and white of winter. Her illustrations are as classic as the fable, having used her pencil to create profound scenes that are steeped in atmosphere and characters evocative with feeling. From the dramatic Gert who never looks silly as she enjoys her creative pursuits to the tireless Alice who takes the time, amidst her work, to feel, Dena Seiferling makes us appreciate the depth of the story through her characters and the setting.

Hard work may drive survival but creativity makes it endurable. Besides, with a dose of kindness, hard work and creativity can be balanced, as Alice and Gert learn.

The 2020 First Page Student Writing Challenge

Art by Ben Shannon

Get your students in Grades 7 to 12 writing with

CBC Books'

2020

THE FIRST PAGE
STUDENT WRITING CHALLENGE

in which two winning entries

 (one for Gr. 7-9 and one for Gr. 10-12)

will be selected by

 

 award-winning author

David A. Robertson

 

The Challenge:  
• Write the first page of a speculative fiction novel set 150 years into the future imagining how current world issues and trends would evolve in the next century
• Write 300-400 words.  Be sure to give your "book" a title.

Eligible Participants:
• All Canadian residents who are full time students enrolled in Gr. 7 to 12 may enter.

Timeline:

• Submit here between November 4, 2020 and November 26, 2020

Selection:

• Author David A. Robertson will judge the entries based on the following criteria:

•     creativity;
•     critical thinking; and
•     quality of writing
  

• Shortlists of 10 entries per grade category will be selected from which the winner will be chosen.

Prizes:

• One year subscription to OwlCrate, a monthly delivery of a box of books (winner may select middle grade or young adult)

• The school library of each winner will also receive 50 YA books chosen by CBC.

Full details of this writing challenge are provided at CBC Books with rules and regulations available here.

Teachers' guides and writing tips are available from the CBC Books website for the contest.