Savor the Day

Written by Shari Green

Illustrated by Gabby Grant

Sleeping Bear Press

978-1-53411-353-4

32 pp.

Ages 5–8

April 2026 

 

Time can go very slowly or very quickly. It only seems to have two speeds. Either way, it will pass, and, when it has passed, it cannot be recovered. Savouring the day is the only way to hold onto it through the fullness of experiencing it and the memories created. Shari Green, eloquent writer of middle-grade novels like Root Beer Candy and Other Miracles (2016), Macy McMillan and the Rainbow Goddess (2017), and Missing Mike (2018) as well as her award-winning YA novel Song of Freedom, Song of Dreams (2024), has given readers a debut picture book that reminds us to find and appreciate all the moments of a day.

From Savor the Day, written by Shari Green, illustrated by Gabby Grant

The day enjoyed by this child may look to an outside observer as quiet and uninteresting. She is woken up by her grandfather and taken to the beach. From all appearances, it is a simple day of playing, resting, walking, swimming, and eating. But there is more to her day, to their day, because they are mindful of each moment.

From Savor the Day, written by Shari Green, illustrated by Gabby Grant

In rhyming text that is as subtle as their day is understated, Shari Green takes us by the hand to walk alongside this grandparent and grandchild, from morning wake-up and breakfast, to evening car ride home and bed.

Savor the sun sinking down to the sea—

savor the finger-paint sky.

The peeking-out stars and getting in cars—

the pause as you're waving goodbye.

(pg. 27-29) 

From Savor the Day, written by Shari Green, illustrated by Gabby Grant

This child and her grandfather make it clear that everything can be enjoyed, whether it's a twinkle in the eye, the feel of the sand between your toes, the colours of sea stars, or the sound of a blackberry dropped into a pail. It's the sounds and feels, and sights and tastes of life that need to be appreciated, no matter how small or fleeting.

From Savor the Day, written by Shari Green, illustrated by Gabby Grant

Shari Green's words have always soothed through the uncertainty of life and the challenges that may be daily or rare. Without preaching about being mindful, Shari Green helps us see what mindfulness can bring. It's being in the moment for the sake of that moment. For this child and her grandfather, a simple, perhaps typical, day becomes a sensory experience that is exceptional and full.

 

The UK's Gabby Grant keeps that lightness of simplicity with her pencil crayon drawings enhanced with watercolours. Her scenes reflect the idea that you don't need lots of stuff or lots of people or busyness to make something grand. There is sand and water and sky. There are the two, grandfather and granddaughter, and occasional others, both human and animal. Otherwise, the focus is on what this child is enjoying in the way of sounds, tastes, sights, and feels. And by keeping her palette to one of softness, Gabby Grant makes us feel the calm of that day. She helps readers savor their own day of reading a book about a day at the beach.

 

Whether you're fortunate to have a beach near you to enjoy or to have the opportunity to spend time with a grandparent or someone who loves you, keep the moments of that day close. Feel every moment of quiet or turbulence, or warmth and sun or coolness and rain, of nothing special and something extraordinary. Every moment and every feeling is to be savoured as an important part of the whole. After all, the moments make the day, which add up to a life lived well.

Every Space Between

Written by Naseem Hrab

Illustrated by John Martz 

Groundwood Books

978-1-77306-710-0

48 pp.

Ages 3–7

March 2026

 

There are big, big moments in life that we can't help but acknowledge. For a child, it might be a special birthday, the first day of school, or a new home. Sometimes though big moments are not as positive. But they're all the kind of moments that children don't forget. But not everything is a big moment. And, in order to get the big moments, those other moments have to happen too.

From Every Space Between, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by John Martz

Every Space Between is less story and more insight. As two siblings, a younger sister and an older brother, go about their day, there are moments of heightened emotion and moments in between. We might recognize when we start something and anticipate how it will end but what of the space in between? From playing with her dog to reading to going out for ice-cream, this child's day is filled with moments: expected, unexpected, memorable, and forgettable. But there are also bothersome moments—a tuba mishap with the dog ball, a demolished house of cards, a tumbling ice cream—and will these calamities wash out the good?

Certain in-betweens

are as breathtaking

as the shift from

day to night

just before

the starts wake up

and the light scatters

and the sky glows . . . (pg. 46)

From Every Space Between, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by John Martz

Naseem Hrab, author of Weekend Dad (2020), Otis & Peanut (2023), and How to Be Brave Like a Snail (2025), takes an almost philosophical approach to the idea of moments in time and the circumstances of those moments. But, though it could be a heavy topic, Naseem Hrab just makes young readers think about those in-betweens. We all remember the great and the horrific moments, but they are rare when we consider all the time and experiences spent in between them. Although it's not a mindfulness practice, thinking about those in-betweens while we're in the in-betweens can give us a different perspective on the big moments and the beginnings and endings of experiences. It's actually insightful to have kids think beyond, or rather between, the occasions. Focus on everyday school work not the exam at the end. Enjoy the moments of camaraderie and comfort of team play rather than the outcome of the game. There is so much special in the in-betweens.

From Every Space Between, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by John Martz

I'm embarrassed to say that I've never reviewed a book illustrated by John Martz though his artwork has been nominated for the Governor General's Literary Award, the Eisner Award, and the Doug Wright Award. This Toronto cartoonist, illustrator, and writer creates digital art that is both simple and filled with details that may be ordinary but say a lot. Two kids reading on a couch is more because of the kiss on a forehead, a scratching of a knee, a hamster hiding, a stray playing card, and a dog and a cat napping. And every John Martz illustration makes the reader think about what is happening, what could happen, and what it all means.  

 

There's always more to life than the highlights that others or we remember. There's much more to this sibling relationship than some accidents and bickering. And Naseem Hrab wants us to see all those extras that aren't just in-between but rather the stuff that gives substance and content for the rest. 

There's a Song in the Forest

Written by Jennifer Britton

Illustrated by Jillian Thalman

Nimbus Publishing 

978-1-77471-403-4

24 pp.

Ages 3–7

September 2025 

 

If you've seen the videos of forest bathing, i.e., the Japanese practice of immersing oneself in a forest as a mindfulness exercise, then you will understand the premise of There's a Song in the Forest. But more than just being part of those forests, Nova Scotia's Jennifer Britton helps readers to experience the full breadth of music that can be heard within.

From There's a Song in the Forest, written by Jennifer Britton, illustrated by Jillian Thalman

Jennifer Britton invites us to tag along with her trio of walkers and . . .

If you listen, and quiet your mind . . .

If you block out the busy and the bustle

You'll be surprised by what you can find. 

From There's a Song in the Forest, written by Jennifer Britton, illustrated by Jillian Thalman

Everything you see in the canopy and on forest floor and hear in the leaves and twigs becomes a symphony. And who adds to that symphony? There's the geese and the wood thrush, the owls and the loons, and the rocks and the water, and they all contribute to song of the forest. They whisper and tinkle, hum and harmonize. Closer to the sea, there is the boom and crash of the drumming waves. It just takes being attentive to the "beauty of rhythm and melody" to hear the music of the forest.

 

Jennifer Britton, a teacher and musician as well as an author, speaks to the songs of nature with the language of music. (She appends her story with a list in "Musical words found in this book" including melody, percussion, and metronome.) And those with an ear for music undoubtedly have a good ear for the sounds of the natural world. But children for whom a walk in a forest is a novelty or for whom an urban landscape is the norm, There's a Song in the Forest might give them pause the next time they visit a park or a forest. Jennifer Britton encourages them to pause and listen to the quiet that really isn't as hushed as expected. When they become aware of the sounds, they will be privy to a melodic secret that is both varied and full, and giving of serenity, not unlike Jennifer Britton's rhyming text.

There's a secret that lies in the treetops

One that's hidden away, out of sight.

A symphony played under canopy leaves

Through the shadows that dapple with light. 

Her words calm while they hearten and that is what Jillian (Alisa) Thalman's illustrations do but with colour and shape and texture. Jillian Thalman uses a variety of techniques in the book's artwork including cut-paper collage, watercolours, pencil crayon and even digital means, and that undoubtedly explains the depth of her artwork. She gives us landscapes of stillness and sound, movement and restfulness. And the colours! Whether it's in the middle of a forest or alongside the ocean or sitting by a nighttime campfire, Jillian Thalman makes everything strikingly beautiful and eye-catching.

From There's a Song in the Forest, written by Jennifer Britton, illustrated by Jillian Thalman

As someone who enjoys the practice of forest bathing and mindfulness pursuits, There's a Song in the Forest spoke deeply to me. But even for those for whom a walk in the woods is unfamiliar, Jennifer Britton and Jillian Thalman will tempt them with words and art to find the music in nature, hopefully with a visit to a natural area but, if not, by finding it wherever they can.

Yoga Adventures for Little Explorers

Written by Megan McDougall

Illustrated by Hayley Lowe

Pownal Street Press

978-1-998129-23-2 

32 pp.

Ages 3-5

May 2025 

 

There are so many ways that parents and teachers have been getting little ones into mindfulness practices, including yoga, and Megan McDougall's Yoga Adventures for Little Explorers demonstrates that, with some playful imagination, it can be easy.

From Yoga Adventures for Little Explorers, written by Megan McDougall, illustrated by Hayley Lowe

In rhyming verse, Megan McDougall lets us follow a child and his mother to "try something new" though it's obvious that the child is reluctant.

She smiled at me and gave me a nudge.

Weary at first, I did not want to budge.

But everything changes when they enter a space with other children and their parents, and he is given a very special mat that "if you let it, ignites magic in your mind." With that promise, their class begins, starting with breathing and moving into various poses. The poses may not be labelled as Tree Pose or Mountain Pose, but the children are guided to "grow their roots and stand really tall" or "bring both of my feet down to the ground" to find stillness.

From Yoga Adventures for Little Explorers, written by Megan McDougall, illustrated by Hayley Lowe

As the children move through their poses, the yoga studio morphs into a forest or an ocean shore or even a concert venue for a gorilla rock band. And soon the children are dancing with the apes, and doing poses that have them bending and stretching.

From Yoga Adventures for Little Explorers, written by Megan McDougall, illustrated by Hayley Lowe

Finally, when they are home and the child is settling into sleep, those lessons of calm and stillness take him to a dreamland of new adventures.

From Yoga Adventures for Little Explorers, written by Megan McDougall, illustrated by Hayley Lowe

I know that the intention of books such as Yoga Adventures for Little Explorers is to introduce young readers to yoga and other mindfulness practices but, because BC's Megan McDougall takes the perspective of the child, it becomes something different. It isn't children being told what to do. It's what the child experiences, and every child seems to experience it differently, as evident from the variety of their poses. There's an honesty about a story in which a child is dragged to a new place and their trepidation at what they might expect. But then the yoga class becomes an exercise of the imagination as the boy senses places and animals around him. These imaginings add to his experiences and enhance his yoga practice. And any child who reads this book can try these same poses because a double-spread appended to the story displays a great ape doing 15 different stances.

 

Hayley Lowe, an illustrator from BC, uses different media including pencil and digital application to create art that reflects the authenticity of the physical poses but also the fanciful imaginings of a child. Her colours, like her lines and shapes, are soft and cheerful, and any reader would feel welcomed into the yoga studio and the landscapes envisioned.

 

If you're a teacher or a parent who'd like to get your children into yoga, I recommend Yoga Adventures for Little Explorers as a playful introduction and then as an informative guide to the practice. It's a study that little ones, like their adult counterparts, will appreciate for the positive impact on the body and the mind.

If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe

 

Written by Cynthia Mackey

Illustrated by Vikki Zhang 

Yeehoo Press

978-1-953458742

40 pp.

Ages 3-8

April 2025 

 

If a bumblebee landed on your toe, most people would react poorly, swatting away the bee–even if it hadn't harmed you–and screaming with panic. In most cases, the reactions would end up causing more stress and perhaps harm. But, given the opportunity to see the situation from a different perspective and truly appreciate the moment, If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe illustrates the beauty of an occasion that brings nature to our feet, in more ways than one.

From If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe, written by Cynthia Mackey, illustrated by Vikki Zhang

Victoria's Cynthia Mackey does not recommend throwing caution to the wind, but she does suggest that in those moments of stillness there are ways to keep you safe by taking lessons from our natural world. It may start with pretending you're playing a game of freeze dancing or imagining yourself as a boat frozen into a lake.  

From If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe, written by Cynthia Mackey, illustrated by Vikki Zhang

It's being slow and meticulous, "like a garden snail inching under a daisy on a rainy day" or like a hibernating bear awaiting spring. Of course, when you must act, you should do so with caution, like blowing at the bee as the wind might, or crying out for help gently like a "chickadee who alights softly upon a willow branch."

From If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe, written by Cynthia Mackey, illustrated by Vikki Zhang

Finally, you may need to shoo that bumblebee away like a lion flicks its tail "shaking off water after a bath" but still you appreciate the bravery, cleverness and calm you showed.

 

Many will use the word whimsical to describe Cynthia Mackey's story of quiet strength when faced with a bumblebee landing upon your body. She recognizes that it is still a potentially dangerous situation, but Cynthia Mackey takes the reader outside the body to find fanciful examples of how to behave. Whether it is drawing wisdom from a mouse or an owl, a lion or a snail, there is insight about being cautious and safe when faced with a bee that could sting. And through the process of calming oneself to not startle the bee or harm it and consequently ourselves, Cynthia Mackey asks us to be mindful of the moment, and to not focus on what could happen but instead to look at what we can do now to make things right. All her examples of how to behave help us see the beauty in the natural world as its animals move, react and live with each other. 

From If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe, written by Cynthia Mackey, illustrated by Vikki Zhang

The whimsy of Cynthia Mackey's words are fully realized in the artwork of Chinese artist Vikki Zhang. Her artwork which is blend of different media are complex spreads of movement and ornamentation, rich in line and shape. The flowers and the patterns in the backgrounds and in the clothing are extraordinary and would be a delight to colour if left as black-and-white outline drawings. But, perhaps most charming is the bee which is depicted as a fairy with delicate wings, ballet flats and a striped dress. She is dainty and almost innocuous in most illustrations, which seems fitting since it is the character with the bee on her toe that is the focus. Vikki Zhang's art emulates Cynthia Mackey's message that the solution for dealing with a bumblebee landing on your toe is not with the bee but the keeper of that toe who must choose wisely and calmly to avoid serious harm.

 

So, if a bumblebee lands on your toe, there are many recourses but being calm and quiet and seeing beyond the fear and anxiety seem to be useful starting points. After all, there's a lot of beauty in the natural world and it is filled with the wisdom to handle just such a dilemma.

The Animal People Choose a Leader

Written by Richard Wagamese

Illustrated by Bridget George

D & M Kids (Douglas and McIntyre)

978-1-77162-418-3

32 pp.

All ages

October 2024

 

The Animal People Choose a Leader, a picture book based on a short story, is something special. It's obvious from a first glance at the cover. First, there's the author, the late Richard Wagamese, one of Canada's greatest treasures to literature and an Ojibway writer from the Wabaseemong First Nation. Best known for his novels, stories and memoirs, Richard Wagamese had never published a picture book. Illustrated by Bridget George, an Anishinaabe author and illustrator from Kettle and Stony Point First Nation, The Animal People Choose a Leader offers a story, a lesson or five, and beauty.

From The Animal People Choose a Leader, written by Richard Wagamese, illus. by Bridget George

Long ago when only the Animal People inhabited the earth, they decided they needed to choose a leader. And though they spoke of the many attributes needed, from strength and wisdom, to pride and power, they could not decide how to choose until squirrel Ajidimo suggests a race. Horse, Buffalo, Cougar, and Wolverine are all in, convinced that their strengths, whether it be speed or stamina or stealth or something else, would help them win. 

 

It is decided that they would race four times around the lake with Eagle watching from above to count laps. Then Waabooz, the rabbit, decides to race too though everyone suspects that her small size would not help her succeed.  Horse, Buffalo, Wolverine, and Cougar take off, but Waabooz waits and then slowly hops away.

From The Animal People Choose a Leader, written by Richard Wagamese, illus. by Bridget George

As the four primary contenders race to complete their laps, Waabooz takes her time, determined to enjoy the challenge by taking in the land's beauty and considering her paths by smell and observation. Even when the others complete their first laps, Waabooz is far behind, refusing to stop even when Eagle suggests she can't possibly win. Her response?

"It is not honouring the challenge to stop now," she said. "It is a noble pursuit and it asks everything I have."

From The Animal People Choose a Leader, written by Richard Wagamese, illus. by Bridget George

But as Wolverine, Horse, Buffalo, and Cougar go to complete their last lap, Waabooz discovers each unable to continue because of an obstacle or exhaustion or some challenge from which they cannot extract themselves. It is only with the wisdom of Waabooz and her guidance in getting them to work together that the five contenders for leader are able to complete the race together.

 

The Animal People Choose a Leader may share similarities with many other cultural stories in which a race to choose a winner does not turn out as expected but this story goes beyond one of humility and ingenuity. Waabooz is the unlikely winner, and this is obvious to all. But Waabooz has not accepted the challenge to win it. She has taken it on as a worthwhile endeavour, claiming that "It can never be a struggle to engage in a noble cause." Even when the animals complete the race and Waabooz is chosen as leader, her response is not expected. Her intent was to learn which she did. But she shared her wisdom with others so that they might understand what a struggle truly is and how to get out of one's own way. Most of all they learned that when they help each other, they all succeed.

Richard Wagamese's lessons in mindfulness and appreciation of the natural world–"You discover much when you learn to look at things"–extends to those of compassion and empathy, seeing how we can create barriers to our own progress, whether through rushing in or not trusting others or refusing to see something from a different perspective. Wise Waabooz, through Richard Wagamese's insight, firmly embedded in Indigenous voice and culture, gives the reader, young and old, understanding that could help us lead and follow.

Bridget George's Woodland style of art, rich in earthy tones and organic lines of movement, boosts Richard Wagamese's text to story book so simply and yet profoundly, matching the importance of the story with solemn graphic representation. The consequence of his words are reflected in the depth of Bridget George's illustrations, taking it from children's picture book to a tale that can be shared with all.

 

This would be a lovely book to gift anyone at the holidays. From the story within, the Woodland style art, and even the luxurious textured cover, The Animal People Choose a Leader would be a welcome addition to any school or library, public or personal, and one that could be treasured by all. With its timeless lessons and opportunity to appreciate Richard Wagamese's words once more, The Animal People Choose a Leader is an uncontested winner.

How to Staycation Like a Snail

Written by Naseem Hrab

Illustrated by Kelly Collier

Owlkids Books

978-1-771476126

40 pp.

Ages 5-8

September 15 2024

 

Snail, from Naseem Hrab's How to Party Like a Snail, is back. And while his many friends are heading to far-off places for their vacations, Snail has other plans.

From How to Staycation Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier

Snail has always appreciated the quiet and serenity of his home. He sees the wonder in everything from a pebble to a map, the trails he leaves and the stars in the sky. He doesn't need the frenzy of travels away from home. So, when he declines his friends' invitations to join them on their party bus headed to the city, Snail stays behind with Stump, finding their own adventures at home.

From How to Staycation Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier

They listen to a waterfall, they smell the smells, and they watch the light and shadows dance with the leaves. And just when they think that they've seen and done everything there is to do, some parachute seeds blow in. These wispy travellers are using the guidebook for Snail and Stump's location and are so delighted in the smells and sounds and "attractions" of their vacation spot that they decide to stay.

From How to Staycation Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier

For children who may never get the opportunity to travel from home and are made to feel that their summer vacations don't count because they didn't go anywhere, How to Staycation Like a Snail validates their experiences and gives them directives on how to staycation with satisfaction. From watching and being mindful, to making new friends and spending time with old friends, Snail's staycation is fulfilling and heartwarming. Naseem Hrab's heartfelt insight into those who aren't party animals but still joyous in their living comes through loud and clear. (Okay, maybe quietly.) As she did in her Governor General award-winning picture book, The Sour Cherry Tree, illustrated by Nahid Kazemi, Naseem Hrab touches readers with heartfelt understanding how we are all different. How we find adventures in our lives or heal or find joy may be unusual but still valid and should never to be diminished with judgment.

From How to Staycation Like a Snail, written by Naseem Hrab, illustrated by Kelly Collier

Kelly Collier, who has illustrated Naseem Hrab's Otis & Peanut books as well as her own, like A Horse Named Steve and The Imposter, has the skill to bring humour and lightness to issues like fitting in and self-acceptance. She takes Naseem Hrab's words and spins them into joy, from seeds applauding the mesmerizing Stick to Stump tossing aside a tumbleweed that blew in near him (that is, after he spent time appreciating this new entity). Snail and Stump have few features to emote, but Kelly Collier makes them so expressive, giving them the ability to show surprise and shock, and distress, happiness and so much more. She brings them and the story to life in colour and line.

As someone who appreciates her home and doesn't feel the need to travel to find satisfaction or new experiences, I'm with Snail and Stump. There's always something wonderful and new to discover even in places with which you are familiar. So, instead of "Bon Voyage," let's wish all the staycationers a "Bon Sejour" and stop travel shaming those who prefer not to do so because...

 

It's hard being the only epic explorer who wants to stay home.

ABCs for a Peaceful Me: A Mindfulness Seek-and-Find Book

Written by Shelly Becker

Illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

Abrams Appleseed

978-1-419772719

40 pp.

Ages 3-7

August 2024 

 

I think many people believe anyone can write a concept book such as an alphabet book, not unlike every celebrity who thinks writing a picture book is a piece of cake. After all, everyone knows that alphabet so finding a bunch of words on a single theme should be easy. It's not if it's done well. And by making her book about mindfulness and incorporating a seek-and-find element, Shelly Becker makes ABCs for a Peaceful Me take on an important mental health practice while making it fun for young children.

 

From ABCs for a Peaceful Me, written by Shelly Becker, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

The book begins with the following directive:

Feel  your breath move in and out.

Feel the peaceful energy.

Focus on the here and now...

and just BE.

Then, for each letter, a child is doing something that will give them an opportunity to focus and be in the moment. In each case, it's a single verb or verb phrase, allowing the reader to interpret and expand on the term to make it what they need. It could be to breathe or connect, to nurture or observe, and to visualize or wait. 

 

Finally, children are encouraged to...

Rise to your highest heights.

Embrace the sparkling star that you are,

Shine your one-of-a-kind light...

and just BE.

From ABCs for a Peaceful Me, written by Shelly Becker, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

While an adult might read this book from A to Z, as well as the "Author's Note", the reading of this book should be approached differently for a child. Shelly Becker knows this, providing a discussion about how to do a "Mindful Reading" of the book, and how to conduct a "Five Senses Mindfulness Treasure Hunt." This book could become a whole teaching unit on being mindful, incorporating lessons on health and well-being, on the science of making observations and using the five senses to do so, on visual literacy to look for details within each illustration that begin with each letter, and so much more. ABCs for a Peaceful Me may be intended for young children but I believe it will be valuable tool for reducing stress for all.

From ABCs for a Peaceful Me, written by Shelly Becker, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

Dan Yaccarino, an American author and illustrator, has collaborated with Shelly Becker on a number of picture books, but his digital artwork in ABCs for a Peaceful Me works especially well in a concept book. There is a simplicity that mirrors both the peaceful nature of the book and the alphabetical nature of the text. Dan Yaccarino uses colours and shapes that are both bold and reassuring, quite an accomplishment.

From ABCs for a Peaceful Me, written by Shelly Becker, illustrated by Dan Yaccarino

Some of the words in ABCs for a Peaceful Me are big. Words like appreciate, journey and uplift, but mindfulness is a big concept. The book may be aimed at the very young but the not-so-young will certainly appreciate its worth too.

The Hawk Shadow

Written by Jan Bourdeau Waboose

Illustrated by Karlene Harvey

Kids Can Press

978-1-5253-1084

32 pp.

Ages 4-7

September 2024

 

When Serenity's older brother, Big Ed, decides to go fishing with his shiny new store-bought rod, she tags along with the hand-made one of spruce and moose sinew that her father has given her. But, though Big Ed is focused on the fishing he will do, Serenity's focus is elsewhere.

From The Hawk Shadow, written by Jan Bourdeau Waboose, illustrated by Karlene Harvey

As the two head out along Big Ed's fishing path to the river, Serenity revels in all the wonders of the natural world, from the sun and the singing robin, to a raven and some chokecherries. Big Ed may walk faster than Serenity but, even as she dawdles, he watches out for her. He also teaches her about their cultural beliefs from why the river is called Hawk River, the value of the cedar tree, and more.

From The Hawk Shadow, written by Jan Bourdeau Waboose, illustrated by Karlene Harvey

But when they start fishing and Serenity is distracted by a Red-Tailed Hawk that circles around her, and then leaves and returns, she realizes that he wants her to follow him. Fortunately, she does and finds that a little sister's help is needed.

From The Hawk Shadow, written by Jan Bourdeau Waboose, illustrated by Karlene Harvey

It's always a treat to read a Jan Bourdeau Waboose picture book. It's been far too long since her The Spirit Trackers (illustrated by François Thisdale) and it's lovely to revisit a sibling relationship that is embedded in an Indigenous community. The Hawk Shadow may be considered an Indigenous story–Jan Bourdeau Waboose is First Nation Anishinaabe of the Ojibway Bear Clan–but it also speaks to the interactions of an older brother and younger sister, an appreciation for the natural world, and a mindfulness to it and the messages within. Serenity is like her brother's shadow, following him, listening to his teachings, asking him questions, and ultimately freeing him from a dangerous situation. If she hadn't been mindful of him and of her surroundings, including listening to the Hawk, the siblings' outing may have had a far worse outcome. Jan Bourdeau Waboose shows us that even though  Serenity is watching and listening to everything around her, and is ostensibly distracted from her brother's words and quicker step, she is fully engaged. It's a lesson in being wholly present in place and with people.

Karlene Harvey, who has illustrated several other picture books including Melanie Florence's Kaiah's Garden, is a Tsilhqot'in and Syilx illustrator who respects the Indigenous basis for the story without highlighting any of the major styles such as the Woodland Style.  The realism of the Hawk's morphology is blended with the bold and the bright of the characters as they journey and fish but Karlene Harvey still adds light touches to remind readers of the community from which Big Ed and Serenity were born. In addition to the glorious end papers of beaded flowers, there's Big Ed's beaded bear paw medallion necklace and the bead work on Serenity's collar.

From The Hawk Shadow, written by Jan Bourdeau Waboose, illustrated by Karlene Harvey

Here's to listening, seeing, and being a part of something, whether it be a sibling relationship, the natural world, or a community. There is always much to learn and appreciate, even from the shadows.

The Case of the Disappearing Castle (A Gumboot Kids Nature Mystery)

by Eric Hogan and Tara Hungerford 

Firefly Books

978-0-228104711

32 pp.

Ages 3-8

September 2024

 

As there were two Gumboot Kids Nature Mystery books released this month,  I won't repeat myself about the virtues of the series in teaching young children science concepts in a playful and mindful manner, as I did in yesterday's review of The Case of the Noisy Neighbor. But I would still like to share the story of The Case of the Disappearing Castle so that teachers and parents might consider the value of its scope.

From The Case of the Disappearing Castle by Eric Hogan and Tara Hungerford

This time, Daisy is building a sandcastle on the ocean's beach when Scout comes along. When they return from taking a walk, Daisy's beautiful sandcastle is gone. It's a new mystery for the nature sleuths and they take to Daisy's field notes to solve it. Daisy had, of course, made note of the sand and the ocean and even the moon that was visible during the day. With their clues and a trip to the knowledged-filled library, the two learn about tides.

From The Case of the Disappearing Castle by Eric Hogan and Tara Hungerford

Told with accuracy and simplicity, the two friends realize that the castle was swept away by the ocean tides. And with a mindful moment or two, Daisy and Scout take the time to breathe and appreciate the waves and the sounds of the ocean.

From The Case of the Disappearing Castle by Eric Hogan and Tara Hungerford

In addition to learning about tides and gravity, children will learn to make a sand clay handprint as their Nature Craft. As a support for early STEM learning, the Gumboot Kids Nature Mystery series does its job well but I am most impressed with the stories' focus on children being mindful in natural settings. Daisy and Scout always take a moment to breathe and relax as they contemplate what they've observed. With this multifaceted focus on science and self-awareness and relaxation, The Case of the Disappearing Castle reveals more than it disappears.

From The Case of the Disappearing Castle by Eric Hogan and Tara Hungerford