Shelter

Written by Céline Claire

Illustrated by Qin Leng

Kids Can Press

978-1-77138-927-3

42 pp.

Ages 3-7

October 2017

When a storm hits, we all need shelter in which to take refuge.  But how many would be willing to share their shelter with strangers in need?  Shelter is a story for all times and for now, when there are those with so much and so many with so little.  Tragedy, as always, becomes the great equalizer.

From Shelter 

by Céline Claire 

illus. by Qin Leng

When the animals of the forest–foxes, rabbits, birds, squirrels, boars–learn of an upcoming storm, they prepare by gathering wood and food and taking cover in their homes.  They are fearful but safe inside.

From Shelter 

by Céline Claire 

illus. by Qin Leng

Then two strangers appear in the fog and go from home to home, asking for shelter or food or light from the hearth in exchange for some tea.  Sadly they are turned away from each with lies that the dwellers have none to share.  Only Little Fox pursues them to offer a lantern.  But when the fox family must escape their collapsing den, the two strangers, bear brothers, offer to share with them the shelter they've created in the snow.

From Shelter 

by Céline Claire 

illus. by Qin Leng

If ever there was a story that illustrates the wisdom and compassion of the Golden Rule, that story is Shelter.  It is an allegory for our times of those who will not share or provide refuge for those in need or to those whom they fear, yet hope that some kindness might be extended to them when in similar circumstances.  French writer Céline Claire's story is both tragic and hopeful but Qin Leng's illustrations provide the visual context for that tragedy and promise.  From indoor havens and outdoor scenes of purposeful work, Qin Leng captures the reassurance of lives lived well.  Then, with the wind and gathering storm, she gives her illustrations a shadowy tone that emulates the anxiety of the two bears and those disquieted by their arrival.  Finally, her pen and watercolour artwork brings lightness to a dark world.

May we all find shelter during the storms, whether they be personal, political or climatic, and, whenever we can, let us provide refuge to those who seek the same.

A Change of Heart

Written by Alice Walsh

Illustrated by Erin Bennett Banks

Nimbus Publishing

978-1-77108-371-3

32 pp.

Ages 4-10

April 2016

A Change of Heart is a profound story of racism, resilience, and redemption and will be an important book to add to all booklists for social justice, Black History month and character education. 

From A Change of Heart 

written by Alice Walsh, illustrated by Erin Bennett Banks

Based on the life of Lanier Phillips, A Change of Heart depicts the young African American’s early life in Georgia, enduring the terror of the Klan and the racism of its laws and his growing resentment of this injustice.  Joining the navy in 1941, hopeful of escaping that racism, Lanier was chagrined to learn the same attitudes and bigotry prevailed on board the USS Truxton.

But a new series of terrors arise when a storm hits off the coast of Newfoundland and the crew must escape the sinking Truxton.  While Calvin, a fellow African American sailor chooses to stay on the ship rather than risk the potential horrors of prejudice on shore, Lanier took a chance.

The raft bounced and twirled, the wild sea tossing the men about.  Facing the fierce winds and driving sleet, Lanier knew there was a chance he wouldn’t make it to land.  But that wasn’t his biggest fear.  He recalled Calvin’s words.  Would the people ashore accept him?  In many ports, a Black man was not welcome.  That thought frightened Lanier as much as the treacherous waters that swirled beneath him. (pg. 19)

From A Change of Heart 

written by Alice Walsh, illustrated by Erin Bennett Banks

Rescued by a Newfoundlander named Abe and taken to his house in St. Lawrence to be tended to by women who’d never seen a Black man before, Lanier experiences the compassion and respect needed to help “all his fear, bitterness, and anger melt away.” (pg. 28)

The note “About Lanier Phillips” at the conclusion of A Change of Heart details the seaman’s achievements, including becoming the first African American to graduate from the US Navy’s sonar school and recipient of the prestigious Lone Sailor Award, and he gives credit to the people of St. Lawrence, Newfoundland for providing him with a “lesson in humanity.” (pg. 32)  Alice Walsh gets to the heart of Lanier Phillips’ story by recognizing the seeds of resentment that grew out of a threatening society of discrimination that were squashed with the compassion of good people who saw beyond the colour of Lanier Phillips’ skin and offered assistance regardless.  The story is a gripping one and well illustrated by the distinctive angularity of Erin Bennett Banks’ evocative art.  From childhood scenes of the Klan on horseback to the ship in the storm and Lanier Phillips’ rescue, the simple scenes share the physical nature of a hard reality against a backdrop of a potential buoyancy nestled in an atmosphere of goodness.  It’s this contrasting balance of harsh and calm that tells Lanier Phillips’ story so gracefully in A Change of Heart.