Butterfly Sea

Written by Cynthia Mackey

Illustrated by Marie-Laure Couët

Tielmour Press

978-1-998426-22-5

42 pp.

Ages 4–8

January 2026

 

When a child takes her camera and heads out to photograph butterflies, she sees more than might be expected.

From Butterfly Sea, written by Cynthia Mackey, illustrated by Marie-Laure Couët

It's early morning. With a sea and grass and flowers nearby, there is lots to engage this little girl and her baby sister. While she patiently and quietly situates herself to watch for butterflies, the toddler becomes a side show of activity. But the toddler's play becomes visual poetry with every new permutation. She's a mermaid asking for ice cream when her teal blanket gets knotted into a tail, and then a pirate, and a shark. And while her older sister is tasked with watching her, ensuring she is safe and fed, the photographer does not lose focus.

From Butterfly Sea, written by Cynthia Mackey, illustrated by Marie-Laure Couët

Always mindful of her purpose, the young photographer watches and sees. But she sees with more than her eyes. She sees with her heart and her imagination. When the toddler appears swinging a branch, the photographer sees a pirate searching for treasure. She will "hand her maps and whisper golden secrets, promising riches and jewels on faraway beaches." (pg. 13)

From Butterfly Sea, written by Cynthia Mackey, illustrated by Marie-Laure Couët

With time and patience and dedication to both caregiving and observation, the child photographer gets what she'd waited for and enjoys a visual display for all the senses.

From Butterfly Sea, written by Cynthia Mackey, illustrated by Marie-Laure Couët

At first glance, the story of Butterfly Sea is a simple one of two children who've gone out to play, one hopeful of photographing butterflies. But the story is so much richer because Cynthia Mackey tells it with imagery and imagination that takes a simple story to one of pirates and sharks, kaleidoscopes and flowers. And it's told with lyricism that makes a simple outing into something magical.

 

The credits tell us that Marie-Laure Couët's art was created digitally, and I'm astonished as the textures of paper and paint suggests watercolour. How Marie-Laure Couët was able to achieve the subtle nuance of watercolour on textured paper, perfect for an adventure into nature, is beyond me. But the texture of that digital art mirrors the organic nature of the seaside and the meadows and everything else in between, and there is a sweetness there that reflects the relationship both between children and between children and nature.

 

This is the second book written by Cynthia Mackey that I have reviewed—If a Bumblebee Lands on Your Toe (2025) was the first—and I'm beginning to sense a theme. It might be the bewitching quality of insects, all around us but never really observed, or the power of the natural world to invigorate our lives, or the connection between species, or . . . maybe it's all of the above and none of the above. Maybe it's just the luxury of children at play, each in their own way, but told through the lens of fascination with observation.

It's a Mitig!

Written and illustrated by Bridget George

D & M Kids (Douglas & McIntyre)

978-1-771-624817

32 pp.

Ages 3–5

January 2026 

 

Giizis is rising, the day is brand new.

Let's learn some words nature's gathered for you. (pg. 3)

 

So begins Bridget George's It's a Mitig!, a picture book originally published in 2020 and now available as a board book, perfect for a concept book for teaching Ojibwe (Anishinaabemowin) words. 

 

With the rising of the sun (giizis), readers are taken from place to place to meet a variety of animals and plants. From the ashigan (bass) to the gaag (porcupine), Bridget George introduces Ojibwe words. She never uses the words "sun" or "bass" or "porcupine" but the children to whom the text is read will put the visual and textual clues together and determine what these new words mean. And, because she uses short rhyming verse, Bridget George makes the text playful and easy to remember. Moreover, her text is always informative and clear in evoking the name of each subject. For example, the text for a bird tells the reader that, "This animal whistles and lives in a tree. Building a nest, it's a bineshiinh." (pg. 11) Bineshiinh is obviously the Ojibwe word for "bird."

From It's a Mitig!, written and illustrated by Bridget George

Though Bridget George's digital illustrations in The Animals Choose a Leader (written by Richard Wagamese, 2024) and  The Inquisitive Raven (also by Richard Wagamese, 2025) are of a Woodland style, her artwork in It's a Mitig! is less defined as of an Indigenous art style. However, this Anishinaabe author-illustrator continues to embed readers fully in the natural world of trees and acorns, rivers and fish. By pairing new words with familiar natural elements like the moon (dibiki-giizis) or a river (ziibi), Bridget George teaches twelve Ojibwe names with informative and bright art.

From It's a Mitig!, written and illustrated by Bridget George

While the original book includes a glossary page with a pronunciation guide, these are not included in this edition of It's a Mitig! But, for a concept book, they are not really necessary. This is a board book, so most likely read by an older reader to a young child. Those to whom the book is read will pick up on the words by listening and looking at the pictures, not by reading them themselves. And they will learn these words. Whether these children are Anishinaabe or not, there will be learning of new words, and it will happen with colour, bright shapes, and descriptive rhyme.

From It's a Mitig!, written and illustrated by Bridget George

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.

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

The Case of the Noisy Neighbor (A Gumboot Kids Nature Mystery)

by Eric Hogan and Tara Hungerford (Gumboot Kids Media)

Firefly Books
978-0-228104735
32 pp.
Ages 3-8
September 2024

 

It's spring in Dandelion Town when Scout hears a knocking at his house. But when he opens the door, there's no one there. When it repeats and still no caller, Scout is perplexed. He sees Daisy outside and when she tells him she heard something similar in the forest, the two friends know they have a new nature mystery on hand. And what do you do when you have a mystery? You investigate!

From The Case of the Noisy Neighbor by Eric Hogan and Tara Hungerford

Using Daisy's field notes to help them organize the evidence, the two friends head into the forest and look at additional clues of a tree trunk and a hole in a trunk before they spot a bird emerging and banging away. A trip to the library helps them identify the bird as a woodpecker.

From The Case of the Noisy Neighbor by Eric Hogan and Tara Hungerford

Though a simple story of figuring out who is making all the noise, The Case of the Noisy Neighbor is a far more important story about being mindful of one's surroundings by listening and seeing. Daisy and Scout are always present while they enjoy time together in nature and because of that they appreciate all the elements of the natural world to which they are exposed. While it is extraordinary that the woodpecker they see is a Pileated Woodpecker–one which many people will never see as it is far less common than Downy or Hairy Woodpeckers–it is striking in its appearance and the volume of its pecking is certainly noteworthy. The observations that Daisy makes in her field notes, which always append the Gumboots Kids' story, reveal much to feed inquiry in STEM education. And if that's not enough educational value, authors Eric Hogan and Tara Hungerford, the creators of the Gumboot Kids series, also provide a fun nature craft for very young children that extends their learning. (In The Case of the Noisy Neighbor, the craft is a tin can drum.)

From The Case of the Noisy Neighbor by Eric Hogan and Tara Hungerford

The Gumboot Kids Nature Mystery series, as well as the Gumboot Kids series, speaks to the wonders of the natural world and provide easy access to learning about everything from woodpeckers and oceans to spiders and bees. With charming felted characters set in a variety of settings, both in and outdoors, Eric Hogan and Tara Hungerford merge young children's love of stuffies–FYI stuffies of Daisy and Scout are available–and early STEM concepts. The context is delightful and the learning happens organically. Not surprising that the Gumboot Kids have been ever so popular.

 

By my count, The Case of the Noisy Neighbor is the tenth volume in the Gumboot Kids Nature Mystery series and, with a wide world of science and learning that can happen, Eric Hogan and Tara Hungerford have many more opportunities to entertain and teach with their friends Scout and Daisy.

• • • • • • •

 

Gumboot Kids Nature Mystery series

The Case of the Vanishing Caterpillar (2019)
The Case of the Story Rock (2019)
The Case of the Wooden Timekeeper (2019)
The Case of the Growing Bird Feeder (2019)
The Case of the Singing Ocean (2020)
The Case of the Buzzing Honey Makers (2020)
The Case of the Shrinking Friend (2021)
The Case of the Hanging Food Catcher (2021) 

The Case of the Disappearing Castle (2024) 

The Case of the Noisy Neighbor (2024)

The Weedflower

Written by Elizabeth Davaze
Illustrated by Marianne Ferrer
Owlkids Books
978-1771475884
32 pp.
Ages 4-8
August 2024

In a busy schoolyard, with children jumping and climbing, sliding and clapping, one child sees a plant with a yellow flower growing in the crack between the cement and rubber turf. Only Sam sees it and watches it and sings to it and admires it.

From The Weedflower, written by Elizabeth Davaze, illustrated by Marianne Ferrer

But, as with most living things, the "alien bud" grows. It grows into a tall, bright yellow flower and then it catches the attention of the other children who join Sam to admire the flower. (Or is it a weed?) Not only do they admire it, but they also protect it and nurture it. They stop balls from hitting it and squirrels from nibbling at it. And the flower thrives. "Before long, the entire blossom had changed into one perfect, dreamy fluffball."

From The Weedflower, written by Elizabeth Davaze, illustrated by Marianne Ferrer

But when the adults at the school finally notice the "fluffball flower," they do not appreciate it the way that the children do.

    "They did not see the magic."

From The Weedflower, written by Elizabeth Davaze, illustrated by Marianne Ferrer

After much tugging by many adults, including the large principal, "the weedflower’s roots broke free, the stem came loose, and all the fluff floated away with all the students’ wishes in the breeze." It is only with time that Sam and the other children will see the weedflower has not gone because that fluff was actually filled with the promise of new life.

From The Weedflower, written by Elizabeth Davaze, illustrated by Marianne Ferrer

 Adults may see a plant that is growing where they don't want it whether it be a dandelion in a lawn, or volunteer trees that grow to close to a house's foundation. But children don't see that. Ralph Waldo Emerson, who had much to say about nature, is quoted as saying, "A weed is simply a plant whose virtues we haven't yet discovered” and many children have no problem finding the virtues in the dandelion. They bring home bouquets for their mothers, and blow the dandelion fluff and watch it travel like fairies on wind currents. They delight in their spread on lawns to become fields of green dotted with yellow brightness. (We used to braid the stem and flowers into crowns.) To nurture any plant and have it destroyed for its inconvenience to another would be devastating. Kincardine author Elizabeth Davaze takes the perspective of children seeing the dandelion as a flower, a thing of beauty and wonder, and makes us realize the loss they feel when the weed, according to the adults, is eradicated. It's all about perspective, isn't it? Too bad the adults aren't enlightened enough to realize that the dandelion would not be stopped by pulling one out.

 

Montreal's Marianne Ferrer, whose illustrations I have long admired (e.g., Carmen and the House That Gaudí Built, Racines, and Le Jardin Invisible), knows where to put the emphasis on her illustrations. Green and gold, the dandelion's only colours, along with the brown of the dirt, are the basis of all Marianne Ferrer's artwork in The Weedflower, regardless of whether she's drawing the dandelion or the children. The attention is on the plant, just as the children want it to be. Moreover, her use of watercolour and gouache give The Weedflower its organic texture, prioritizing the natural world. 

 

I know some teachers will use The Weedflower as an introductory story to teach the life cycle of a plant–too many kids don't know that seeds come from flowers–but I think it's a wonderful exploration of perspective and seeing things through a child's eyes to appreciate all living things as extraordinary, even the seemingly lowly dandelion.

The Blue Canoe

Written by Sheryl McFarlane

Illustrated by Laurel Aylesworth

Familius

978-1641709156

32 pp.

Ages 3-5

July 2024

 

For any child fortunate enough to spend time on a lake, The Blue Canoe will speak to them about the joy of being out on the water, watching wildlife, and contemplating life's many questions. But for this child, there are the special elements of being with her mother in their blue canoe, a ritual that only the two share, and of anticipating coming-soon baby's arrival. Will everything change? Will their special mother-daughter time be lost? What will coming-soon baby do to the family dynamic? And what about all the wonderful things big sister can introduce to coming-soon baby?

From The Blue Canoe, written by Sheryl McFarlane, illustrated by Laurel Aylesworth

From a small cabin on a lake, a mother and child, and diapered teddy bear, head out in their blue canoe as they often do. 

Every cabin day is a paddle-on-the-lake day.

 As they weave their way through the water, they enjoy the aquatic plants and animals that they observe. There are dragonflies and lily pads, pond skaters and mallards. There is a heron and trout, kingfisher and river otters, and more. And as their paddles dip and pull, the child wonders about their coming-soon baby, speculating on what they may be doing soon and what it will be like having a baby around.

"What if our coming-soon baby doesn't like canoeing?"

Mom has wise answers that reassure. She speaks to the possibility that the baby may be different than her daughter and that's okay. The baby will like somethings they do and not other things, just like Dad who doesn't like to canoe.

From The Blue Canoe, written by Sheryl McFarlane, illustrated by Laurel Aylesworth

Still as the child ponders and questions, the pair glide through gorgeous landscapes abundant with life, enjoying the natural wonders and their connection with each other and their endeavours.

From The Blue Canoe, written by Sheryl McFarlane, illustrated by Laurel Aylesworth

The introduction of a new baby can be challenging for families with young children. There can be much positive anticipation but also questions and concerns that cannot be alleviated until the baby has arrived and the children see how things may change but not necessarily mean there will be losses. BC writer Sheryl McFarlane has taken from her own experiences canoeing with her children to give life to The Blue Canoe. There are so many stories within The Blue Canoe: the mother-daughter connection, the activity of canoeing, the wildlife they see, and the discussions about the coming-soon baby. Readers will get a rich and multi-layered story in The Blue Canoe that can be enjoyed for any of those points of discussion, while enjoying Rhode Island's Laurel Aylesworth's serene scenes of time on the water. There is a calmness and uncluttered nature to her illustrations, ensuring that what we feel is the same tranquility that comes with canoeing on a calm lake. 

 

For me, The Blue Canoe was like forest-bathing: calming,  contemplative, and promoting consciousness of our natural environment. For a young family, it will also be a wonderful discussion starter about a coming-soon baby. If a discussion has to be had about an upcoming birth, there's a great way to initiate it with a virtual canoe trip of appreciation and familial connection as in The Blue Canoe.

Wild Trails to the Sea

 

Written by Penelope Jackson

 Illustrated by Elena Skoreyko Wagner

Nimbus Publishing

978-1-77471-273-3

32 pp.

Ages 4-8

April 2024

 

Wild Trails to the Sea is a reflection of parents who are hopeful for children to enjoy play in the natural worlds of shorelines, oceans, and forests but it reads like a love song to their children, to nature and all its elements, and to curiosity and exploration. 

From Wild Trails to the Sea, words by Penelope Jackson, art by Elena Skoreyko Wagner

The day begins with a mother carrying her young daughter and looking out the window at the dawn and hoping "the peepers always wake you a little too early." And then there are a multitude of days of outdoor play, with parents watching and interacting and showing and learning as their little ones explore wild areas. It's taking off your shoes to feel the sand and rocks beneath your feet. Or tasting spruce tips. Or leaping into freezing waves. It's going from spring when the first mayflower opens to the summer of bathing suits and hot sands, and then to fall when they "climb the tallest hill to watch whirls of colour tumbling toward the ocean" and winter to fling pebbles onto an icy pond. It's a full year and life in the outdoors for this family and these children, and one that will become a tradition for generations.

From Wild Trails to the Sea, words by Penelope Jackson, art by Elena Skoreyko Wagner

Halifax's Penelope Jackson has a story to tell, whether of her own childhood or that of other children. She tells it with an almost perceptible sigh of contentment and respect and awe. The natural world is one of wonder, one of extraordinary treasures to be appreciated. Penelope Jackson's text is written in free verse but it is still rhythmic without rhyming. Her words are cadenced, almost like a song, and it is a song of hopes for children to experience their natural worlds and for nature to be recognized and valued. And it is the promise that that wonder will extend beyond themselves.

I hope that when you are grown

and making pathways of your own

you still follow every salty wind...

and walk the wild trails to the sea.

That sensibility of Penelope Jackson's words is matched with Elena Skoreyko Wagner's collage art. With an eye to both colour and shape, Elena Skoreyko Wagner, originally from Nova Scotia and now of the UK, creates vignettes that are so textured that they seem almost tangible. Whether it's a child's hair being tossed by the wind, or the layers of spruce and pine tree branches in a forest, or smoke curling from a bonfire, Elena Skoreyko Wagner has found a way to bring a new dimensionality to the people and landscapes of Wild Trails to the Sea.

From Wild Trails to the Sea, words by Penelope Jackson, art by Elena Skoreyko Wagner

We may not all have access to a maritime location, but we all have opportunities to get out and play and discover. While Wild Trails to the Sea speaks to one family and the joy and experiential learning of outdoor play, it reminds us that there is much promise if we just open our eyes and take in our surroundings for more than just a backdrop to our structured and scheduled lives.

ninitohtênân / We Listen (Nôhkom series)

Written by Caitlin Dale Nicholson with Leona Morin-Neilson

Illustrated by Caitlin Dale Nicholson

Groundwood Books

978-1-77306-859-6

24 pp.

Ages 3+

April 2024 

Caitlin Dale Nicholson's Nôhkom series honours the Cree grandmothers and elders who share their wisdom, their traditions, and their learning with younger generations. In ninitohtênân / We Listen, Caitlin Dale Nicholson, with translation by Leona Morin-Neilson, a teacher of Cree in BC, reflects on an outing with nôhkom during which the younger people watch and listen and learn.

From ninitohtênân / We Listen, written by Caitlin Dale Nicholson with Leona Morin-Neilson, illustrated by Caitlin Dale Nicholson

There are few words in ninitohtênân / We Listen, though each phrase is told in both standard roman orthography and syllabic Cree, as well as English. The phrases are simple, taking us from "Nôhkom gets ready" and "We get ready"–phrases are paired to reflect what nôhkom does and then what the young people do–to a day out with a picnic and collecting the plant called Labrador Tea. It's a day of following and learning.

From ninitohtênân / We Listen, written by Caitlin Dale Nicholson with Leona Morin-Neilson, illustrated by Caitlin Dale Nicholson

Even though the young people occasionally deviate from what nôhkom does, like playing in the water when their elders rest, the girls usually follow her lead, recognizing the value in her way of doing things. In that way, ninitohtênân / We Listen is very much a tribute to nôhkom and what she imparts to them in her traditional ways.

From ninitohtênân / We Listen, written by Caitlin Dale Nicholson with Leona Morin-Neilson, illustrated by Caitlin Dale Nicholson

The Nôhkom series from Caitlin Dale Nicholson is extraordinary in the depth of its esteem  for the contributions made by elders to younger generations, and the respect afforded them by their sharing of those traditions. As in the earlier books, nipêhon / I Wait and niwîcihâw / I Help, the text is minimal but powerful, even more so for the Cree in both standard roman orthography and syllabic forms. But, it is always Caitlin Dale Nicholson's artwork, acrylics on canvas, that ground the story in family, traditional customs, intergenerational relationships, and Indigenous culture. The family of multiple generations gathers for simple pleasures, but they are profound in their connections with each other and with the natural world as well as their Cree culture. (Recipes for tea and ointment made from the plant Labrador Tea are included.)

 

For young readers, ninitohtênân / We Listen allows us the privilege of a glimpse into a very special relationship and witness the learning that comes from that positive connection. It may not be dramatic or thundering but it is mighty, if you listen.

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Nôhkom series

nipêhon / I Wait  (2008/2017)

niwîcihâw / I Help (2018)

ninitohtênân / We Listen