Marching North

Written by Yolanda T. Marshall

Art by Daria Lavrova

Chalkboard Publishing

978-1-771059022

40 pp.

Ages 5–10

February 2026

 

A visit to Aunty Evangelina's is more than just a visit to enjoy some Bajan souse. It's a deep dive into history and heritage and lessons in acceptance.

From Marching North, written by Yolanda T. Marshall, illustrated by Daria Lavrova

When the child asks Aunty about getting into an altercation with her friend Ava after Ava made fun of a new boy's accent and the child stood up for him, Aunty Evangelina tells her,

Don't doubt the direction you chose. You picked your battle and you won. (pg. 9)

With talk of direction, Aunty Evangelina shows her an old compass, one of the many story-filled treasures that decorate her house. That sparks a discussion about the soldiers in some of her pictures, of which there are many, and their Caribbean origins. Most of all the child asks whether everyone was proud of them for their bravery. And Aunty tells her about the reality for Black soldiers who were often treated unkindly and might have had to challenge the government for the right to join the fighting forces.

From Marching North, written by Yolanda T. Marshall, illustrated by Daria Lavrova

Aunty introduces the child to eight extraordinary Black veterans who served Canada during the First and Second World Wars. Their names, perhaps less recognizable than they should be, were Isaac Phills, George Livingstone, William Gale, Thamis Gale, Ethelbert Lionel Cross, Hewburn Greenidge, Dr. Joseph Liverpool, and Owen Rowe. But Aunty also gives them substance beyond their military service. She speaks of the countries of their origins, from Guyana to Trinidad and Tobago, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. She speaks of their contributions to society and their cultures, whether through Caribana, now called the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, or to fields such as law and medicine. Aunty wants Abiola to know and remember these people and stand up for the freedoms they defended.

From Marching North, written by Yolanda T. Marshall, illustrated by Daria Lavrova

Though the story of Marching North is presented as a picture book, it is a narrative with information wrapped in a simple plot of a child learning how to do what is right. Yolanda T. Marshall, whose previously reviewed picture books (e.g., Big Birthday Wishes, 2025; What's in the Cookie Tin?, 2024; Hot Cross Buns for Everyone!, 2022) were lighthearted, now approaches a serious topic in Marching North. It's one of awareness of the contributions of Black Canadians who chose to join the military forces even amidst discrimination and disrespect that would have discouraged most. These men—perhaps there were Black women soldiers as well though there are none highlighted in Marching North—deserve recognition and honour for what they did. And the lesson that Abiola—whose African name means born in honour or wealth—takes from these men and her Aunty is that she will choose the direction she will take in life and make a difference. (pg. 33) 

I was captivated by Daria Lavrova's art. At first glance, it reminded me of that iconic painting by Norman Rockwell titled The Problem We All Live With (1964; oil on canvas, 91 cm × 150 cm [36 in × 58 in], Norman Rockwell Museum) in which a young Ruby Bridges is escorted by marshals to her desegregated school. It is a powerful statement about courage and strength in the face of racism, and that same message is reflected in Yolanda T. Marshall's text of Marching North. But Russian-born Daria Lavrova goes beyond that similarity—and that representation may all be in my interpretation—and adds layers by blending images of the Caribbean homes of these veterans with symbols of their new country of Canada. How Daria Lavrova created such beauty and movement, as well as strength of character and pride in her characters, is astonishing to me.

 

For this Black History month and for every lesson on the veterans who fought for Canada, Marching North will be a valuable addition. Not only do we learn about the contributions of Black Canadians with whose names many of us are sadly unfamiliar, we can acknowledge the bravery shown and sacrifices that they and others made. And, in focusing on what we should be doing, i.e., following the right path, we won't lose sight of what's important.

Big Birthday Wishes

Written by Yolanda T. Marshall

Illustrated by Daria Lavrova

Chalkboard Publishing

978-1-771058957

40 pp.

Ages 4–9

June 2025

 

Ah, if only those wishes made by blowing out a candle on a birthday cake could come true! For seven children celebrating their birthdays all on the same day, it would be an amazing surprise.

From Big Birthday Wishes, written by Yolanda T. Williams, illustrated by Daria Lavrova

When a new baker opens in Fitts Village, his display of BIG birthday cakes and the aromas emanating from within attract many a customer. In fact, the parents of friends Elijah, Noah, Lisha, Mia, Liam, Pierre, and Adeya decide to purchase a unique cake for each child, with Mr. Mayers, the baker, promising them, "Magic in every slice!"

From Big Birthday Wishes, written by Yolanda T. Williams, illustrated by Daria Lavrova

All the kids and their families and friends come together for one big celebration. After the birthday song, each child makes a wish and blows out the candles on their cake. With that, the mayhem begins. Elijah wishes for a colossal cake that drops from the sky and overwhelms the guests and the room. Noah wishes for super leaping powers which land him in the enormous cake. For each child, there's a BIG birthday wish and a POOF! as it comes true.

From Big Birthday Wishes, written by Yolanda T. Williams, illustrated by Daria Lavrova

What do the children wish for? Their wishes are only limited by their imaginations. Some wish for copious amounts of favourite foods, others for things for playful fun, and some go for the fantastical. But with each fulfilled wish, the chaos grows until they have "created a sticky, fiery mess, making everyone frazzled and uncomfortable." Unfortunately, the parents are displeased, and demand Mr. Mayers make restitution. Mr. Mayers finds a way to make things right but reminds them all: "Be careful what you wish for..."

From Big Birthday Wishes, written by Yolanda T. Williams, illustrated by Daria Lavrova

Kids will love the ridiculousness of a story in which birthday wishes come true. They'll recognize all the crazy wishes they might make given the chance. The silliness comes out in the realization that sometimes wishes go awry or aren't exactly what you thought they might be. Just as she did in her earlier books, including What's in the Cookie Tin? and Hot Cross Buns for Everyone!, Yolanda T. Marshall taps into children's imaginations and whims, giving us a story with the spirit of mischievous and creative thinking. That ebullience of spirit shows in the art of Amsterdam's Daria Lavrova. She uses colour and shape as if they were alive, springing from the pages in organized chaos, both joyous and amusing.

I'll be celebrating my own birthday this month and I could only wish for a big birthday cake similar to those in Yolanda T. Marshall's story, courtesy of Daria Lavrova's artistic flair. For a child having a birthday, Big Birthday Wishes will be a treat to read and to spark their imagination for that next big wish. Maybe their caregivers will help them bake a cake–recipe for yogurt-almond cake included–or try one of the other activities Yolanda T. Marshall suggests. Whichever way Big Birthday Wishes is used, it will inspire children to find the magic in their birthday wishes, real or not. 

What's in the Cookie Tin?

Written by Yolanda T. Marshall

Illustrated by Golnoush Moini

Chalkboard Publishing

978-1-77105-884-1

36 pp.

Ages 3-8

2024 

 

Who doesn't have an assortment of cookie tins kicking around the house? Whether they were the packaging in which biscuits were purchased or tins specifically purchased to store cookies, most people have at least a couple. But what is inside a cookie tin cannot be discerned until that lid is removed. And when a tin displays an assortment of tasty treats, what would most children anticipate? 

From What's in the Cookie Tin?, written by Yolanda T. Marshall, illustrated by Golnoush Moini

Olivia and Benjamin head over to their grandparents' home, looking forward to their grandfather's wacky pranks and the hugs they get from Grandma. But they are especially keen to go through their father's childhood toys in the guest bedroom. That is, until Benjamin spots a blue and gold cookie tin on a shelf. Their struggle to open the tin–those tins can be a struggle for little hands–is interrupted by lunch.

From What's in the Cookie Tin?, written by Yolanda T. Marshall, illustrated by Golnoush Moini

Surprisingly, they revisit that cookie tin when Grandma goes to mend a tear in Olivia's dress. But why would Grandma want cookies to repair a torn dress? The surprise is on Grandma, though, much to the delight of the children because Grandpa had another trick up his sleeve.

From What's in the Cookie Tin?, written by Yolanda T. Marshall, illustrated by Golnoush Moini

Yolanda T. Marshall speaks to so many with this playful and yet innocent story of a cookie tin. That cookie tin, with which many who have ever enjoyed butter cookies from a tin will be familiar, brings joy and laughter through a little fun, a lot of tastiness, and a family-load of affection.  And Yolanda T. Marshall, who also wrote the recently reviewed Hot Cross Buns for Everyone!, not only tells a charming intergenerational story, but she also gives us a story of a black family. Though the number of stories with persons of colour are ever increasing, it's lovely to read a story that would allow black children to see themselves and their families as typical and sweet and lighthearted, as every child should.

 

Golnoush Moini, an illustrator and 2D animator from Vancouver, keeps that playfulness in her prominent colours and well-defined shapes. It's also refreshing how dark-skinned Golnoush Moini makes her characters, not trying to appease non-BIPOC who narrow-mindedly expect families of lighter skin. From the grandparents to the grandkids, the characters in What's in the Cookie Tin? are convincing real in appearance and activities.

This cookie tin is busy, getting opened by grandparents, children and parents, and swapped between cookie vessel and sewing kit. And yet it's a bigger story. Yolanda T. Marshall includes "Cookie Tin Memories" at the conclusion of her story in which educators share their own fond remembrances of cookie tins that held everything from buttons to craft supplies to loose change and even baked goods. (Butter cookies were often housed in these blue tins and Yolanda T. Marshall includes a recipe for them too.) But no one knows what's in the cookie tin until that lid is pried off and the secrets within revealed and share. So, what's in your family's cookie tins?

Funny Pages Festival: 2025 (Halifax Public Library)

 

If you're fortunate enough to live in Halifax and environs, then be prepared to listen and read and laugh with some of Canada's funniest writers and illustrators of books for young people. Touted as "Canada's only festival celebrating books that crack kids up!", Funny Pages, the brain child of funny writer Vicki Grant, returns to Halifax Public Library this April. Two days of events for preschoolers to young people in Grade 6 are scheduled. Full details can be found at the Funny Pages website but here is some basic info about dates and times and scheduled presenters (with information about some of their books).

 

Time and Dates:

 

Little Funny Pages

For Preschoolers to Grade 3:    

Thursday, April 24, 2025
10 AM to 2 PM
Halifax Central Library

For Grades 3-6:     

Friday April 25, 2025

9:30 AM to 2:30PM

Halifax Central Library

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Scheduled Presenters:

 

 

Paul Gilligan

King of the Mole People

Rise of the Slugs

Pluto Rocket: New in Town

Pluto Rocket: Joe Pidge Flips a Lid

Anna Humphrey

Megabat

Megabat is a Fraidybat

Bee & Flea and the Puddle Problem

Bee & Flea and the Compost Caper

Fluffle Bunnies: Buns Gone Bad

Fluffle Bunnies: Big City Buns

 

 

 

Andy Tolson

How to Kidnap a Mermaid

How to Rescue a Unicorn (coming in 2025)

How to Wrestle an Octopus (coming in 2026)

 

Mitali Banerjee Ruths

Archie Celebrates Diwali

The Party Diaries: Awesome Orange Birthday

The Party Diaries: Starry Henna Night

The Party Diaries: Lucky Mermaid Sleepover

The Inside Scouts Help the Brave Giraffe

The Inside Scouts Help the Strong Cheetah

 

 

 

Leslie Gentile

Elvis, Me and the Lemonade Stand Summer

Elvis, Me and the Postcard Winter 

 

 

 

Michelle Robinson

How to Wash a Woolly Mammoth

She Rex

Lobster's Vacation

Do Not Mess with the Mermaids

 

 

 

Yolanda T. Marshall 

Big Birthday Wishes

Hot Cross Buns for Everyone! 

What's in the Cookie Tin?

C is for Carnival

 

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It's time to take humour seriously and let the professional share their funny pages with young readers. Head to the Funny Pages website for details and contact info.

Hot Cross Buns for Everyone!

Written by Yolanda T. Marshall

Illustrated by Daria Lavrova

Chalkboard Publishing

978-1-771055901

32 pp.

Ages 3-8

2022

 

With Shrove Tuesday on the horizon–March 4 this year–and Christians anticipating Easter, it wouldn't be amiss to review a book I missed when it came out a few years ago. With its charming text and sweet artwork, Hot Cross Buns for Everyone! seems a timely treat of a read.

 

Jackson, a child who loves a yummy hot cross bun, decides to invite his friends to a party for Easter Sunday. With that invitation, all his friends begin their own hot cross bun prep, with adult supervision, of course.  

From Hot Cross Buns for Everyone!, written by Yolanda T. Marshall, illus. by Daria Lavrova

Jewel gets her mom to make a big one like her Nonna's cake. Liam's foster parents use his Scottish granda's spicy recipe. Dimitri's father adds the traditional Greek spice mahlepi as well as vanilla. Others add raisins, glaze them with sugar, sprinkle with rainbow colours, or make them dairy- and gluten-free. For some, the version looks a little different like the traditional Jamaican bun and cheese–a sweet loaf bracketing special cheese.

From Hot Cross Buns for Everyone!, written by Yolanda T. Marshall, illus. by Daria Lavrova

There are hot cross buns aplenty and more than enough for Jackson's invited guests and all the other school kids and their families. There is so much food to savour that he takes the extras to share with neighbours, a lovely offering for Easter.
 

Easter may not be until April this year but a tasty treat that is shared among friends is never limited to one day a year. And Jackson's love of the bun is a perfect foundation for giving and sharing with community. Yolanda T. Marshall, a well-established Guyanese-born Canadian writer whose books I've only recently discovered, seasons her story of hot cross buns with the flavours of diverse communities and cultures, even sharing a recipe for Spiced Hot Cross Buns–as well as some background information and teaching ideas–at the end of her story. Without overwhelming readers with the varieties of hot cross buns enjoyed across the world, Yolanda T. Marshall lets us see some of the ways they differ, whether through spices and ingredients included or the forms taken. Regardless of their flavours and their presentation, the buns are a source of delight and sweetness, bringing people together to share and appreciate.

From Hot Cross Buns for Everyone!, written by Yolanda T. Marshall, illus. by Daria Lavrova

Russian-born illustrator Daria Lavrova, who currently lives in Amsterdam, makes Jackson's Easter party of hot cross buns a joyous and colourful event. From the exuberance of all who bake and partake to the diversity of people and food, Hot Cross Buns for Everyone! becomes a celebration of colour and texture, with the zest that comes from good food shared with generous neighbours.

Everyone came

To eat, laugh, and play!

That's all they did

On Easter day.