The Great Gathering Place

Written by Naomi McIlwraith

Illustrated by Onedove

Kids Can Press

978-1-5253-1010-2

32 pp.

Ages 4–8

June 2026 

 

We all need safe places. Whether it's a place to gather with others, to teach and learn, or to celebrate or honour our ancestors, a gathering place can be that safe place for Indigenous peoples. It enables connection with community and culture both spiritually and earthly. This is the story of The Great Gathering Place.

From The Great Gathering Place, written by Naomi McIlwraith, illustrated by Onedove

Naomi McIlwraith, a Métis educator and writer, invites readers to join her to "meet our friends and relatives, and we'll visit and talk for hours and days, just as the breeze and the leaves talk for hours and days." (pg. 4) They'll travel by a big red canoe to visit and give thanks, to feast, to share lessons, and to be kind.

From The Great Gathering Place, written by Naomi McIlwraith, illustrated by Onedove

At the Great Gathering Place, there are opportunities to look back and forward. It's about recognizing those like Grandfathers, Sky and Buffalo; Grandmothers, River and Antelope; Cousins Moose and Sturgeon; and River and Fire. It's looking at learning from each other, even if it means disagreeing, but always with gentleness, kindness, and love. 

From The Great Gathering Place, written by Naomi McIlwraith, illustrated by Onedove

The Great Gathering Place may be a concept of Indigenous cultures, but it is one that we all could recognize in our own ways. It's appreciating that which gave us life and which guides us. It's about lessons learned and still to be learned, and about gratitude which needs to be expressed. Naomi McIlwraith makes the journey to this safe spot accessible for all, even including Cree translations (with pronunciation guides) of key ideas. Her rhythmical text, though not rhyming, reflects the flowing nature of water and the heartfelt thankfulness for everyone and everything that impacts our lives. Naomi McIlwraith makes it seem very natural and yet gloriously profound.

 

The art by Onedove, a Cree and Métis illustrator, may have been created digitally but it feels traditional. I wouldn't have been surprised to read they'd used oil or acrylic, or gouache and watercolour. Onedove takes us to the rivers, lands, and skies where the Great Gathering Place brings people together. Their landscapes are rich in natural elements and colours, with much in reds and oranges, and their people are of diverse backgrounds. Inclusiveness through Onedove's art and Naomi McIlwraith's text is evident.

 

The Great Gathering Place may be a state of mind where we connect with others, but it's more than that. It is a place of safety where we can find ourselves, and others, and bring about healing, learning, and spiritual renewal. It's a place that makes us more of ourselves.

Community Snowman

Written by Deborah Kerbel

Illustrated by Tine Modeweg-Hansen

Groundwood Books

978-1-77306-951-7

32 pp.

Ages 3-7

October 2025 

 

There's snow out there and loads more coming. Whether it's in a yard, in a park, or in a schoolyard, there will be snow persons being built. (Actually, there will be snowmen, snow women, snow friends, snow dinosaurs, snow bears, and more.) And what's better than building a snow person? It's building it with others.

From Community Snowman, written by Deborah Kerbel, illustrated by Tine Modeweg-Hansen

After an ordinary night of sleep, a child awakens groggily to their routines. But when they look out the winter, everything changes from ordinary to amazing because the world outside is coated with deep, fluffy snow. Soon it's a race to get dressed and bundled up and head outside with their caregiver, perhaps a grandfather, following with similar enthusiasm, albeit a little more slowly and carrying a satchel with his knitting. So, as the child make snowballs and snow angels and starts making a snowman, their grandfather clears a bit of bench and gets to his sock knitting.

From Community Snowman, written by Deborah Kerbel, illustrated by Tine Modeweg-Hansen

All around people are bustling. Some trudge through the snow, heads down, oblivious to the snow joy in this child and in other children. Maybe they're going to work or to school, or walking their dogs, or going for groceries. But our child is busy too. Now they are starting to build a snowman. The bottom ball is always easy because you just roll it in to place. But the next ball, still large and needing to be lifted, is far more challenging, especially when another kid throws our child off balance with a snowball. No worries. He comes to help them. Two children then become three children at work and then a couple of teens join in to create the three-ball shape. 

From Community Snowman, written by Deborah Kerbel, illustrated by Tine Modeweg-Hansen

Now everyone gets in on the creation, with food stuffs like a pickle, chocolates, and bagels being added, and then with bits and bobs of clothing: a hat, work gloves, a shawl, and earmuffs. Everyone contributes something. But what does a man without a coat, socks, or gloves have to give? A poppy.

 

Without words, Deborah Kerbel tells a story of a community coming together to build a snowman and building kindness and compassion. It's a powerful story of how a small thing can become a meaningful moment. What's starts as play leads to friendship, to acceptance, and to benevolence. That's tough to get all that into a story that is wordless. But, with Deborah Kerbel as the storyteller, I'm not surprised by the strength of her story to draw her readers in, touch them, and make them feel the fellowship of the moment. But Tine Modeweg-Hansen, a Copenhagen-born illustrator who lives in Montreal, gives Deborah Kerbel's story the life of colour and community. In watercolour and ink, Tine Modeweg-Hansen's art, very reminiscent of the award-winning Quentin Blake, fills in those words with activity and detail. The cold and the wetness of the snow, the movement of the characters, human and animal, and the diversity of people makes the story spirited. Everyone and everything becomes part of a story that could only be described as feel-good.

 

At this time of year, with snow on the ground and holiday cheer ringing out, let's remember that community can come together spontaneously and with the greatest of heart without the giving of expensive gifts or conspicuous charity. It can happen naturally from a child's delight with snow and not overlooking those who might need help, whether it's lifting a ball of snow or providing a pair of socks.

From Community Snowman, written by Deborah Kerbel, illustrated by Tine Modeweg-Hansen

The Gift of Words

Written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Orchard Books (Scholastic)

978-1-339-00034-3 

40 pp.

Ages 4–8

October 2025 

 

While most of Canada still hasn't seen snow since last winter, and many are still ramping up their decorations and party plans for Halloween, there will be some who are starting to think about the winter holiday season. Jerome, Peter H. Reynolds's lexicographer from The Word Collector (2018), is inspired to collect some holiday words, sure that he will find words of hope and of joy that he might share with those he loves. What he finds is surprising.

From The Gift of Words, written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

With his bright yellow notebook and accompanied by his dog Ekko, Jerome checks out words posted throughout his town. Words like "Buy" and "Sale" and "Low Low Prices" do not inspire the good feelings he'd hoped to find. 

These words left Jerome feeling cold.

From The Gift of Words, written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

When he looks beyond the shops, he finds even more distressing words. There's the newsstand where headlines scream about war, poverty, and disasters. And the people he encounters are demanding and hating on the weather and frustrated with others.

 

Jerome's solution is to share inspiring words rather than find new ones. After all, he is a curator of words. So, finding a joyful assortment, he packs up several large bags and pulls them on his sled to the downtown park. There he invites others to join him in decorating a tree with positive words and messages.

 

A word collector's tree.

A tree of hope.

A tree of dreams. A tree of wishes. 

 

From The Gift of Words, written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Soon the tree is festooned with words of positive actions like "Smile" and "Listen," and of feelings like "Joy," as well as messages like "We can make more light together" and "Together we can." With that tree, with those words, and with his community, Jerome is able to share and help others participate in the gift of words.

 

Peter H. Reynolds has always be a fabulous patron of goodness, inspiring young readers with his picture books that promote self-expression (Happy Dreamer, 2017), love (All We Need Is Love and a Really Soft Pillow!, 2023), empowerment and activism (Say Something!, 2019), creativity (The Dot, 2023), and so much more. With The Gift of Words, Peter H. Reynolds not only promotes a lexicon of heartfelt words and messages, but he also makes us stop and think about the unpleasant communications with which children are bombarded daily. Sadly, there is much of this troubling content, especially during the holidays when commercialism and selfishness abound. Thankfully, Peter H. Reynolds addresses it with a lover of words and that child's pursuit of finding joy in the season. 

From The Gift of Words, written and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Still, the overall feeling of The Gift of Words is one that uplifts. It's one of community and positivity. And Peter H. Reynolds gives us all the children and community participating in making things right. Everyone has the opportunity to be included and to contribute. And all you see is joy in their faces and in their activity. Peter H. Reynolds gives us colour and kinship through his characters and his whimsical tree of hope, dreams, and wishes.

 

Get your students and children in the right holiday spirit with a reading of The Gift of Words and thinking about their own inspiring holiday words—Scholastic has a couple of activity sheets here to help—before the holiday season starts, and the toy and tech commercials begin to bombard them. Help them find the goodness within their community and their place in contributing to it. Help them make this holiday season one of heartfelt sentiment that might sustain them throughout the year.

Activity sheets available for The Gift of Words at Scholastic (https://www.scholastic.com/site/peter-reynolds.html)

Together: A Book about Community

Written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

North Winds Press (Scholastic Canada)

978-1-0397-1283-6

40 pp.

Ages 6–9

October 2025

 

As Canadians head into their Thanksgiving weekend, many will be thinking about the concept of community. What is a community? Why should we have communities? Do I have a community? How do I make a community? While a big concept in general, community will be a vague concept for young children. They might know the benefits of community, but grasping the nuances of community may be more challenging. Thankfully, Elise Gravel, author-illustrator of concept books like It's My Brain! (2024),  It's My Body! (2022), and Everybody! (2021), is heartily up for that challenge.

 

From Together: A Book about Community, written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

In Together: A Book about Community, Elise Gravel begins with statements about living in groups because it makes us feel safe and wanted. She show her colourful monsters helping those in need with medical attention, or sharing their food with those without, or lending a hand as needed. She even depicts one monster helping another who is being bullied for being different. The message is clear: Together we are better, safer, and happier.

From Together: A Book about Community, written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

Still, Elise Gravel is realistic in accepting that we don't always like other people, whether it is because they make us feel inadequate or unsafe. But, by rectifying injustice, sharing, and helping others, we build communities that are strong and safe and in which everyone feels respected.

From Together: A Book about Community, written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

Elise Gravel's little monsters again help young children understand a challenging concept like community. It's clear that her message is that we all belong and, with that belonging, comes strength and goodness. She doesn't make Together: A Book about Community a preachy book about getting along with others—although that message is clear—or how to make a community. Instead, Elise Gravel presents it as something to consider. In other words, if you help build community, these are the great things that happen for you and others. And because Elise Gravel's monsters are so adorable and completely unscary, as well as diverse in so many ways, the idea is demonstrated with delightful humour and unusual clarity. Togetherness has never been so much fun or so understandably constructive.

From Together: A Book about Community, written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

Our Corner Grocery Store

Written by Joanne Schwartz

Illustrated by Laura Beingessner

Tundra Books

978-1-77488-791-2

32 pp. 

Ages 3–7 

September 2025 

 

When Our Corner Grocery Store by Joanne Schwartz and Laura Beingessner was first published in 2009, it was heralded as a tribute to  neighbourhood shops and the communities they supported. It was a finalist for the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book award. Now with a new cover, Our Corner Grocery Store will introduce new readers to Anna Maria and her nonna and nonno as they work and bring their community together.

From Our Corner Grocery Store, written by Joanne Schwartz, illustrated by Laura Beingessner

On Saturdays, Anna Maria visits her Nonno Domenico and Nonna Rosa's corner grocery store. This is her favourite day of the week. After her nonna feeds her a hearty breakfast in their home which is behind and above the store, Anna Maria gets to work in the small shop. She sorts freshly-delivered bread and sweeps. She plays outside with her friend Charlie and watches her nonno and nonna serve customers. They make fresh sandwiches and watch as the neighbourhood kids pick out their sweet treats. And with only a few breaks to help make dinner and play with Charlie, Anna Maria enjoys a full day at her grandparents' corner store.

From Our Corner Grocery Store, written by Joanne Schwartz, illustrated by Laura Beingessner

For those who've enjoyed a local grocery store, where you were served by familiar faces and chatted with friendly staff, Our Corner Grocery Store is a reminder of the community that is rarely enjoyed in our world of big box stores and chain supermarkets. While there are still wonderful examples of these corner stores, they are fewer and far between now. So, for many, Our Corner Grocery Store is a reminder of a different time. It was a time when children could go alone to the corner store and pick up a freezie and sit on a stoop and enjoy it with their friends. It was a time when candies were selected and placed in small paper bags, rather than in pre-packaged bundles. Many children will not know these times, but their parents may, and their grandparents definitely would and Our Corner Grocery Store will open discussions about how things have changed and how they're still the same. (Most children will still recognize the freezies—even if called ice pops or something else—and the joy of picking one out on a hot summer day.)

From Our Corner Grocery Store, written by Joanne Schwartz, illustrated by Laura Beingessner

Joanne Schwartz, who wrote the award-winning Town Is by the Sea (illustrated by Sydney Smith, 2017), captures a sense of community and family in Our Corner Grocery Store. That community is both one of neighbours and family with Anna Maria helping all of them. It's refreshing to see a child helping her grandparents without whining that she'd rather be on her tablet or demanding to do something else. Joanne Schwartz has reminded us that there is still an innocence in children that makes them want to be with their family and do modest things like sort fruit and help make meals. I know those kids are out there but too often we get the books of precocious children who do silly and outrageous things for laughs and just because they can. It was lovely to visit Nonno Domenico and Nonna Rosa's grocery store, especially as Laura Beingessner captures the very essence of a neighbourhood store and a child's place in it.

 

There's a freshness and simplicity to Laura Beingessner's illustrations. Using ink and paint, she gives details but doesn't lose the sensibility of the store and its neighbourhood. Most of us will recognize a store with its wooden-slat bins holding a collection of fruits and veg with hand-printed price signs, and a store with candies alongside brooms, moka pots, and toilet paper. But Our Corner Grocery Store is more than just about a store. It is about a place of people (and cats and dogs). And Laura Beingessner includes them all. 

From Our Corner Grocery Store, written by Joanne Schwartz, illustrated by Laura Beingessner

I have a strong desire to go find a local grocer and get some fresh produce, say hello to those who welcome us into their domain, and hope that, like this grocery store, it will continue to serve, to flourish, and to provide goods and community for many years to come.

 

• • • • • • •  

 

The 2009 edition of Our Corner Grocery Store:

Mr. Beagle and the Quidi Vidi Caper

Written and illustrated by Lori Doody

Running the Goat, Books & Broadsides, Inc.

978-1-998802234

44 pp.

Ages 4-8

June 2025 

 

If it's a picture book by Lori Doody, you know it's time for another visit to Newfoundland and Labrador. In fact, Lori Doody invites us to revisit her character Mr. Beagle, whose nose for mystery helped him solve the local cases in Mr. Beagle Goes to Rabbittown, Mr. Beagle and the Georgestown Mystery, and Mr. Beagle Climbs Signal Hill.  This time, Mr. Beagle heads to the charming neighbourhood of Quidi Vidi in St. John's, Newfoundland and discovers a new mystery to solve.

From Mr. Beagle and the Quidi Vidi Caper, written and illustrated by Lori Doody

While making a delivery from his store, Mr. Beagle's Convenience, he notices that folks in the neighbourhood are looking a little sad and seem to be having a hard day. He learns that their stuffed teddy bears have gone missing. "It was unbearable!"

From Mr. Beagle and the Quidi Vidi Caper, written and illustrated by Lori Doody

He walks through the neighbourhood, talking to people and visiting the fish and chips stand and the one selling pupsicles before heading to the wharf. As the locals and tourists, all donning colourful sweaters and hats, scarves and bottoms, meander the wharf, shopping, taking boat rides, fishing, watching artists and more, Mr. Beagle has his beagle eyes open and his sniffer on the scent. With observation and insight, he catches the culprit whose plight compelled him to theft.

From Mr. Beagle and the Quidi Vidi Caper, written and illustrated by Lori Doody

But identifying the thief is just part of Mr. Beagle's talent. As in his earlier stories, Mr. Beagle finds a way to help the offender and in turn enrich the community in a novel way. And for Quidi Vidi, there's going to be a new attraction.

 

With a plethora of pun and subtle charm, Lori Doody has Mr. Beagle solving a mystery and helping the neighbourhood of Quidi Vidi. The mystery he tasks himself to solve may not be a heist of incalculable wealth, but it is a grab at the most precious and comforting of possessions for many: a beloved teddy bear. So, he takes his task seriously and just apprehending the culprit is not enough. Mr. Beagle needs to know why the theft took place and what could be done to resolve this for both thief and victims. In doing so, he institutes a form of restorative justice whereby both victim and perpetrator can find healing.

 

That's a big message for a little story about a dog who solves the mystery of the disappearing teddy bears, but St. John's printmaker Lori Doody keeps the lightness and brightness of the story in her art. From the bold colours of the sea, sky and land to the myriad of characters that populate the community, Lori Doody takes us to a neighbourhood that is unique and rich in spirit. And with another mystery solved, Mr. Beagle has strengthened another Newfoundland community and revitalized its residents through humanity.

 

Mr. Beagle Goes to Rabbittown (2020)

Mr. Beagle and the Georgestown Mystery (2021)

Mr. Beagle Climbs Signal Hill (2022)

Mr. Beagle and the Quidi Vidi Caper (2025)

 

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.

The First Ones on the Ice

Written by Lana Button

Illustrated by Alex MacAskill

Nimbus Publishing

978-1-77471-305-1

32 pp.

Ages 3-7

November 2024

 

With many parts of Canada having had their first snowfall, there will be many looking forward to frozen lakes and rivers as well as outdoor rinks, whether in a yard or a park, to get their skating and hockey seasons started. And they'll think about being the first ones on the ice.

From The First Ones on the Ice, written by Lana Button, illustrated by Alex MacAskill

This story starts with a brother and sister, bundled in their hats and scarves, boots and coats and mittens, heading out in the predawn, forging a path through fresh snow. There is only a snowplow on the road and wildlife and a lot of snow. They carry their skates and hockey sticks but also shovels. They know what must be done.

From The First Ones on the Ice, written by Lana Button, illustrated by Alex MacAskill

With shovels to the snow, they clear the ice before the sun is even up, anticipating that others would soon arrive. When done, they skate. Then the others come, kids their age and even older ones that play pro hockey. The sibs skate and play, and cheer and dig pucks out the snow. And when they've headed inside for some hot soup and everyone else follows suit, there's one last special opportunity for enjoying that ice.

From The First Ones on the Ice, written by Lana Button, illustrated by Alex MacAskill

For many children who grew up in Canada or northern environments, first snows and outdoor skating are a hallmark of the onset of the season. Lana Button's story may or may not be based on her own experiences but it's definitely reminiscent of all of ours and those of children in many rural areas where every day would be spent on the ice.  There's no grumbling about the cold or getting up the morning or sharing the ice with others. For these kids, being on the ice was a time of camaraderie and pure joy, and they squeeze out over moment from predawn to after nightfall. It might not be the way it is now, with fears for stranger danger and ice that doesn't stay frozen but Lana Button's story, in addition to taking some of us back to simpler times when we could spend whole days on the ice, reminds us that we are part of communities in which we do for others and we share. But because Lana Button tells the story that has a nostalgic winter theme, the messaging is sweet and never preachy.

From The First Ones on the Ice, written by Lana Button, illustrated by Alex MacAskill

And if Lana Button's story doesn't take you onto the ice and feeling that cold air and the satisfaction of all-day play, then the art of Halifax's Alex MacAskill will definitely do so. From the skies and the snow, this winter landscape is tangible. He gives temperature and texture and life to his illustrations, whether it be a dog slipping on the ice, a child getting stuck in deep snow, or the siblings enjoying hot soup indoors. I could hear the crunch of the snow and slap of a stick on the ice and even the quiet of a landscape newly covered in snow.

My family may not have the amount of snow these kids are living with in The First Ones on the Ice, but we've already had discussions about whether the river here is frozen. (The coyotes suggest it is.) So winter is here, and lakes and rivers and even local outdoor rinks are freezing and readying for young skaters and hockey players to take to the ice. As Lana Button and Alex MacAskill show us, being the first ones, and the last ones, on the ice is something very special.

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.

Circle of Love

Written by Monique Gray Smith
Illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt

Heartdrum (HarperCollins)

978-0-06-307870-3

32 pp.

Ages 4-8

Releases March 12, 2024 

 

Indigenous writer Monique Gray Smith and artist Nicole Neidhardt take us into the heart of an intertribal community center where all are welcome, making for a richer kinship with diverse persons and where family extends beyond blood.

 

tawâw
(nêhiyawêwin: "there is always room")

Molly, her sibling, and her parents are joining their family and community for a feast at their local center. As they partake in the various activities, whether dancing, singing, reading, eating, or storytelling, Molly is bursting with feeling. She frames her experiences with her emotions, and by doing so Molly is mindful of the moment and what she is feeling. When Molly's Kôhkom and her wife, Kôhkom Raven, sing a welcome song, Molly feels connected. When she reads books to the little ones, she feels kind. When her sibling plays their fiddle, she is energized. Everything makes Molly feel something, and she always sees the positives, whether nourished, honoured or awed. And always there is love. And love is love, regardless of its form, of those who feel it, of  those who give it, and of those who need it.

From Circle of Love, text by Monique Gray Smith, art by Nicole Neidhardt

Moreover, everywhere there are reminders that this is a center based in Indigenous culture, whether it be the beading the children do, the sweetgrass burning, an elder smudging, traditional jingle dance, the beating of a drum, or a Métis sash. Everyone is welcome and there is room for all. 

From Circle of Love, text by Monique Gray Smith, art by Nicole Neidhardt

The lovely sense of community is unmistakable in Circle of Love. Diné (Navajo) illustrator Nicole Neidhardt, who came to Victoria BC from Arizona and New Mexico, ensures that her digital images depict everyone, showing different expressions of gender, family, ages, abilities, and backgrounds. Like the food at their table, there's a bit of everything and everyone, making their community vibrant and strong and satisfying. 

From Circle of Love, text by Monique Gray Smith, art by Nicole Neidhardt

Monique Gray Smith is a two-spirit writer of Cree, Lakota, and Scottish heritage whose picture books, novels, and non-fiction have been fueled by her ancestry. She writes for the very young and young adults, about traditions, residential schools, and reconciliation, and she writes of empathy and love. Circle of Love, like My Heart Fills with Happiness and You Hold Me Up, reminds us of the good that comes with building relationships, of being mindful of the moments that give our lives meaning, and of remaining grounded in our belonging to family and community. Monique Gray Smith honours those who are like her and not like her. She celebrates everyone by including them and recognizing their contributions to the community. With comprehensive notes appending her story, Monique Gray Smith ensures that, in this circle of love, everyone is welcome.

From Circle of Love, text by Monique Gray Smith, art by Nicole Neidhardt