Marvellous Munsch!: A Robert Munsch Collection

Written by Robert Munsch

Illustrated by Michael Martchenko

Scholastic Canada

978-1-0397-0696-5

184 pp.

Ages 3-8

August 2024 

What's better than a Robert Munsch-Michael Marchenko picture book? Six! In Marvellous Munsch!, young readers are treated to a hard cover collection of six fabulous stories by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Marchenko. So instead of trying to decide which picture book to give them for Christmas, get Marvellous Munsch! for an assortment of wild tales about ice fishing, wildlife, getting muddy, story writing and consumerism. And all stupendously ridiculous!

 

The six stories in Marvellous Munsch! are, in the order of their presentation:  Give Me Back My Dad!, Down the Drain!, Moose!, Put Me In a Book!, Too Much Stuff! and Hugs.

In Give Me Back My Dad! a father and daughter have the tables turned on them while ice fishing. As with each story, Robert Munsch also describes how he came to write the story.

From "Give Me Back My Dad!" in Marvellous Munsch!, written by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Marchenko

In Down the Drain!, a fiasco in the bathtub becomes a dangerous but funny game of blackmail as water spills out and about and threatens everything. In Moose!, a moose comes to visit, and Luke has some difficulties getting his family to believe him. (Robert Munsch's note about the story has some interesting variations of the story he tells.) Put Me in a Book! focuses on a girl whose wish to become part of a book becomes a humourous reality but not how she expected.

 

At this time of year, Too Much Stuff! would seem a cautionary tale about consumerism but more about packing for air travel and how everything that seems necessary and can't-live-without may have happy consequences. Finally, Hugs! is exactly as it suggests: a story about a child who takes hugs from a variety of animals, all distinct but perhaps a little bizarre. (A porcupine? A skunk? A snail?)
 

Robert Munsch's stories have never failed to charm with the diversity of his characters, the circumstances of their outrageous situations, and their emphatic and repetitive vocalizations, like "Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish! Swish!" in Down the Drain and Cheryl jigging her line "up and down and up and down and up and down and up and down" in Give Me Back My Dad! There's a reason he's a favourite of children around the world and Marvellous Munsch! reminds us of the wonderful medley of stories that he has told.

From "Give Me Back My Dad!" in Marvellous Munsch!, written by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Marchenko

While kids, either those remembering stories told decades ago or new audience or readers to Robert Munsch's stories, will be enthralled with the laughs and the silliness, they'll recognize the art of Munsch's long-time collaborator Michael Marchenko. Though Robert Munsch has worked with other amazing illustrators, including Dave Whammond, Mike Boldt, Janet Wilson, Dušan Petričić and Jay Odjick, Michael Marchenko is the artist whose work is quintessential for Robert Munsch stories. He gets the goofiness of the stories in the scale of the circumstances, the shock and animation seen in characters' faces, and the liveliness of their stories. Michael Marchenko matches Robert Munsch's word for art and never gives us pause. And there's a telling note about their collaborative process at the of Marvellous Munsch!

From Marvellous Munsch!, written by Robert Munsch, illustrated by Michael Marchenko

If you know little ones who haven't been introduced to Robert Munsch and Michael Martchenko's books–is that possible?–then they're in for a treat with Marvellous Munsch! It's the book that keeps on giving, with six tales to make them laugh at the ridiculous and the familiar. And if they already know of this dynamic youngCanLit duo, then there will be more reading and laughter in their future, whether for bedtime reads or Christmas tree snuggles.

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.

Good Boy Timmy

Written by Eric Walters

Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

DCB Young Readers

978-1-77086-736-9

24 pp.

Ages 3-5

November 2024

 

Who is Timmy the dog? Is he the old dog who is too old to act badly? Or is he the dog who can get into trouble when no one is around?  Or is he the good dog this little girl and her dad believe him to be?

From Good Boy Timmy, written by Eric Walters, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

Timmy loves going to the park. He gets to see all the other dogs and the kids at play, but Dad is convinced Timmy loves being at home. So, when they must leave Timmy alone, well provided with food and water, they are convinced he'll be a good boy since, after all, he's too old to misbehave.

From Good Boy Timmy, written by Eric Walters, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

Timmy is offended by what he hears, knowing that he is a relative of wild wolves and a descendant of daring dingoes, and he knows how to be rambunctious. He's watched "Animal Planet" on TV! So, Timmy chooses to be Bad Boy Timmy, ripping things apart including the girl's favourite pink sweater, getting into cupboards, and spilling the goldfish bowl. Or does he?

From Good Boy Timmy, written by Eric Walters, illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes

From the text to the illustrations, Good Boy Timmy has a familiar feel to the innocent stories of mid-century primers but with more heart. Instead of the stereotypical characters of those early stories, Eric Walters has given us a family of father and daughter with Timmy and a story about choosing our best behaviours. Just because you can do something doesn't mean you should do it. And by making the behaviour of that of a dog, Eric Walters doesn't judge children who will all experience different and difficult choices in their lives. His story is instead a gentle reminder to choose well even when tempted to do otherwise.

Eugenie Fernandes also illustrated Eric Walters's picture book Today is the Day as well as her own books including When Rabbit Was a Lion and Finding Lucy. She has a light touch, keeping the stories about the characters and their connections to each other. She gives them life and light and a sense of fun. Timmy may be the star of the book, and Eugenie Fernandes makes him an adorable star, but the little girl and dad are just as captivating, especially in their affection for him.

For a charming story that reminds us all why we should make good choices, Good Boy Timmy is the read. It's also a gentle reminder that dogs will be dogs, as is their nature, but even an old dog can remember important lessons learned.

 

It's My Brain!

Written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

North Winds Press (Scholastic Canada)

978-1-0397-1009-2

40 pp.

Ages 6-9

October 2024

 

From the brilliant brain that first brought us lessons about our bodies and how they work comes a fabulous follow-up about the control centre of those bodies. Elise Gravel, known for the quirkiness of her amorphous creatures in books such as It's My Body!, Everybody!, and Killer Underwear Invasion, has brought them back to teach young readers about the brain and its functions. Perfect for our youngest readers who are just learning the basics of the human body, It's My Brain! takes an in-depth but comical look at the brain and what it does for us.

From It's My Brain!, written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

From an introduction in which the brain is described as "big, jellyfish, squishy wods of chewing gum," It's My Brain! covers the basics of the brain's form and function. The text describes how information is collected through our senses, processed and responded upon. It talks of the learning that has to happen for babies. Most importantly, it talks about how, though our brains are essentially the same in what they do, they can work differently.

From It's My Brain!, written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

The spreads that discuss how we learn differently and at different rates are important ones. Readers will undoubtedly appreciate that some people learn through independent work while others prefer socializing to help them learn. Some learn better through play and activity, whereas others learn best through quiet observation. This acknowledgement of the diversity of brains and the positive message to respect these differences are a hallmark of so many of Elise Gravel's illustrated non-fiction books and one that elevates the lessons within from just content to a model of STEM teaching for young children.

From It's My Brain!, written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

But beyond lessons about the human body and how it works, Elise Gravel reminds us that sometimes the brain is challenged and struggles, and that talking to a trusted person, whether it be a parent or teacher, friend or doctor, "can help our brains feel better."

From It's My Brain!, written and illustrated by Elise Gravel

Young kids need to learn about body parts and what they do but It's My Brain! takes anatomy lessons from form and function to ones of sensitivity and appreciation. As always, everyone is included in It's My Brain! whether they be blobs of turquoise, red or gold. It doesn't matter whether they have ears or not, or pickle-shaped bodies or use a wheelchair; they all have brains that work for them and so deserve care.

 

Elise Gravel's colour palette and unique creatures are her trademark and will always get readers excited for a new lesson or story that reminds us that we are human and how to be our best selves. By making connections for kids between what their brains do to help them be and do, Elise Gravel boosts learning about a squishy mass to an appreciation of wonder for the human body and the diversity of its form.

 

• • • • • • •

 

Scholastic Canada provides activities like connect the dots and more for It's My Brain! as well as other Elise Gravel books at https://www.scholastic.ca/books/app/webroot/elise-gravel/.

 

• • • • • • • 

Triple Author Book Event (Winnipeg, MB)

 It's always a great day for an author event 

and an even more memorable one when it includes 

three great writers of middle-grade fiction.

 

• • • • • • •

 

Join authors

 

Sidura Ludwig

 

Carol Matas

 

Colleen Nelson

 

authors of

Swan: The Girl Who Grew (Nimbus, 2024)

Zevi Takes the Spotlight (Orca, 2024)

Mystery at the Biltmore (Pajama Press, 2024)

respectively

on

Thursday, November 28, 2024

 

at

7 PM

 

at

McNally Robinson Booksellers

Grant Park in the Atrium 

Winnipeg, MB

 

(Event will be live streamed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/live/7CRKTMImsI4)

 

A discussion and readings will be following by a Q & A and book signings.

• • • • • • •

For more details about the authors and their books, as well as the event, visit the McNally Robinson website at https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/event-18692/Sidura-Ludwig,-Carol-Matas-&-Colleen-Nelson-Book-Event

Folk Art Animal Sounds

Artwork by Barry Colpitts

Words by Carol McDougall and Shanda LaRamee-Jones

Nimbus Publishing

978-1-77471-334-1

26 pp.

Ages 0-2

October 2024

 

Like their earlier board books Maud Lewis 1 2 3 and Maud Lewis Colours, authors Carol McDougall and Shanda LaRamee-Jones base their concept books on the art of the East Coast, bringing culture and colour to teaching numbers, colours or, as here, animal sounds. This time the illustrations are the art of Nova Scotian folk artist and carver Barry Colpitts.

From Folk Art Animal Sounds, artwork by Barry Colpitts, text by Carol McDougall and Shanda LaRamee-Jones

Thirteen animals are depicted in simple double-spreads that focus on a carving, the animal's name, and the sound it makes. The animals include the rooster, pig, fox, goose, cat, fish, eagle, cheetah, sheep, peacock, bear, dog, and whale. While the text is rudimentary–it is a concept book–there are a few less familiar sounds like those for the fox, peacock, and whale. And though the sounds themselves are depicted in large and boldly coloured letters, the stars of the book are the folk carvings of Barry Colpitts.

From Folk Art Animal Sounds, artwork by Barry Colpitts, text by Carol McDougall and Shanda LaRamee-Jones

Barry Colpitts's sculptures are joyous in their colours and shapes. The animals are easily recognizable and adorably cute, especially when he adds secondary animals to their backs. For example, the dalmatian has a cat on its back which in turn has a bird on its back. Barry Colpitts keeps the colours of the animals both realistic and fanciful, helping young children to both recognize the creatures and be amused by them.

From Folk Art Animal Sounds, artwork by Barry Colpitts, text by Carol McDougall and Shanda LaRamee-Jones

Folk Art Animal Sounds is a unique concept book, teaching young children the sounds that animals make. The text is simple and will be easily repeated and then read by preschoolers.  But, beyond the animal sounds, Folk Art Animal Sounds builds on the folk art collection of Barry Colpitts and exposes very young kids to a traditional art form. The book is as beautiful as any coffee table book about art, and I suspect art lovers will enjoy it as much as the children learning the utterances of familiar animals.

Vicky Metcalfe Award for Children's Literature: 2024 Winner announced

There is a wonderfully long list of awards announced annually by the Writers' Trust of Canada. They include the Atwood Gibson Writers' Trust Fiction Award, the Hilary Weston Writers' Trust Prize for Nonfiction, and the Dayne Ogilvie Prize for LGBTQ2S+ Emerging Writers. Some awards focus on a specific book while others are given to writers based on their body of works. Last night, the awards were announced at an event at the CBC Glenn Gould Studio at which more than $330,000 was handed out to 7 award winners. Among those generous awards is the Vicky Metcalfe Award for Children's Literature which includes a $25,000 prize sponsored by the Metcalfe Foundation.

 

This year's winner of the

 

 Vicky Metcalfe Award for Children's Literature 

 

goes to

 

Sara O'Leary

 

for a body of work which includes the following books:

The Little Book of the Little Brontës (Tundra, 2023) Illus. by Briony May Smith

A Kid is a Kid is a Kid (Groundwood, 2021) Illus. by Qin Leng

Percy's Museum (Groundwood, 2021) Illus. by Carmen Mok

Night Walk (Groundwood, 2020) Illus. by Ellie Arscott

A Family is a Family is a Family (Groundwood, 2016) Illus. by Qin Leng

When I Was Small (Simply Read, 2011) Illus. by Julie Morstad

Where You Came From (Simply Read, 2008) Illus. by Julie Morstad

When You Were Small (Simply Read, 2005) Illus. by Julie Morstad

The event, which was live streamed, can be viewed on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/live/EXe9ANrSQSE or you can check out all the award announcements the Writers' Trust of Canada website at https://www.writerstrust.com/events/writers-trust-awards/.

 

 

Congratulations to Sara O'Leary and all award winners of the Writers' Trust of Canada Awards for 2024.

 

👏👏👏