AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY OF CANADIAN ...
AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY OF CANADIAN ...
AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY OF CANADIAN ...
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<strong>AN</strong> <strong>AN</strong>NOTATED <strong>BIBLIOGRAPHY</strong> <strong>OF</strong> C<strong>AN</strong>ADI<strong>AN</strong> MULTICULTURAL PICTURE BOOKS<br />
PUBLISHED SINCE 1990 1<br />
Ingrid Johnston, Joyce Bainbridge, Mary Clare Courtland, Roberta Hammett, Anne Burke, Lynne Wiltse,<br />
and Teresa Strong-Wilson<br />
Ballantyne, E. (2001). The Aboriginal Alphabet for Children. Illustrated by J. M. Ross and N.<br />
Head. Winnipeg: Pemmican Publications.<br />
This book uses the illustrations from an alphabet book from the 1930s called A Canadian Child's<br />
ABC. The contemporary text in verse accompanies the illustrations along with a simple quatrain<br />
for each letter of the alphabet. There is also a set of slightly longer free-form poems, one for each<br />
letter, at the end of the book. The black-and-white illustrations, by artist Thoreau MacDonald, are<br />
of Canadian scenes. Readers will encounter geographic, historical and cultural themes in the text<br />
that accompanies them.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol9/no10/aboriginalalphabet.html<br />
Bannatyne-Cugnet, J. (1992). A Prairie Alphabet. Illustrated by Yvette Moore. Toronto, ON:<br />
Tundra Books.<br />
A Prairie Alphabet is a book that at first looks disarmingly simple, but it has many layers to<br />
explore. Prairie children will need no encouragement. They will find the cat at the door of the<br />
barn, the crow on the telephone pole and maybe even the garter snake hiding in the pebbles of a<br />
roadway. (Written by Tundra Books)<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/cmarchive/vol20no6/revprariealphabet.html<br />
Theme "Reflecting the Land" Resources:<br />
http://www.collectionscanada.ca/abc/027001-300-e.html<br />
Bannatyne-Cugnet, J. (2000). From Far and Wide: A Citizenship Scrapbook. Illustrated by S.<br />
N. Zhang. Toronto, ON: Tundra Books.<br />
This story is about a little girl’s memories of becoming a Canadian citizen. In her scrapbook, Xiao<br />
Ling captures moments of becoming a citizen of Canada. From the recitation of the Oath of<br />
Canadian Citizenship to the singing of the national anthem and the welcoming party afterward<br />
with all of its tantalizing treats, the day is filled with memories for the new Canadians. This story<br />
is a useful resource about the process of becoming a Canadian citizen.<br />
CSC Resource Info: http://www.curriculum.org/csc/resources/farandwide.shtml<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm//vol7/no14/fromfar.html<br />
1 This list is not comprehensive, but rather was created in association with a research project being<br />
conducted by Ingrid Johnston and Joyce Bainbridge (UAlberta), Mary Clare Courtland (Lakehead U)<br />
Roberta Hammett and Anne Burke (Memorial), Lynne Wiltse (Thompson Rivers), and Teresa Strong-<br />
Wilson (McGill)
Bear, G. (1991). Two Little Girls Lost in the Bush. Illustrated by J. Whitehead. Saskatoon: Fifth<br />
House.<br />
This story provides readers with an opportunity to hear the voice of Nêhiyaw/Glecia Bear, who<br />
tells about an experience that happened to her many years ago when she was a little girl. When<br />
she was eleven, and her sister was eight, she was given the responsibility of watching over a cow<br />
that was about to have a calf. When the cow wandered into the densely forested wilderness, the<br />
two children followed it. Alone, and without food or warm clothing, they tried to find their way<br />
back home. This story shows the self-reliance, strength and wisdom of a little girl who comforts<br />
her younger sister through their ordeal as they follow the owl, who eventually leads them back to<br />
safety.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/cmarchive/vol20no4/twolostgirls.html<br />
Bedard, M. (1999). Clay Ladies. Illustrated by L. Tait. Toronto, ON: Tundra Books.<br />
Bedard's story is about a small girl who finds a wounded bird. She goes to the Church for help, a<br />
place full of wonders and where she knows she’ll find the Clay Ladies. While nursing the<br />
wounded bird back to health, the Clay Ladies teach the little girl about the magic of the sculptors’<br />
art. Although the incident is imaginary, this story is based on the lives of artists Frances Loring<br />
and Florence Wyle, both of whom sculpted with clay. Their works range from monumental<br />
figures to miniatures of animals and children, and are displayed in parks and public galleries, and<br />
in many private art collections all over the world.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm////vol6/no12/clayladies.html<br />
Bouchard, D. (1993). If You’re Not from the Prairie. Illustrated by H. Ripplinger. Vancouver:<br />
Raincoast Books & Summer Wild Productions.<br />
Those born and raised on the prairies are passionate about their bittersweet experiences with this<br />
diverse land. If You're Not from the Prairie is a visual and poetic journey back to those times and<br />
the feelings they elicit. David Bouchard's text describes the power of the wind, the sweep of the<br />
sky, and adventures in the cold. Henry Ripplinger's images are snapshots from the past - playing<br />
hockey on the river, lying under the big sky in a field of swaying grass, wading in a spring pond.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/cmarchive/vol22no3/revfromprairie.html<br />
Brouillet, C. (2001). Un Heros pour Hildegarde. Quebec: Musee du Quebec.<br />
On Hildegarde’s twelfth birthday, her cousin Julie decides to tell her all the secrets of their<br />
grandfather Emile’s adventurous life. As a young apprentice in a printing shop in Quebec, Emile<br />
fell in love with Aurelie, the daughter of a rich client, who returned his love. Their respective<br />
families would go on to break their bond as young Emile is forced to join a convent in France<br />
rather than be without his beloved Aurelie. The Second World War erupts a short time later and<br />
Emile enlists in the Resistance and prepares to leave for Dieppe. On the train trip, he embarks on<br />
a final adventure that finally brings him home, and seals his destiny.<br />
Description (in French): http://www.sdm.qc.ca/centre/bibliographies/lj01/nd/nA213198.html
Brownridge, W. R. (1995). The Moccasin Goalie. Illustrated by P. Montpellier. Victoria, BC: Orca<br />
Books.<br />
Danny lives in a small prairie community where he spends the winters playing hockey with his<br />
three best friends; Anita, Petou and Marcel. Because of a crippled leg and foot, Danny cannot<br />
wear skates, but tends goal in his moccasins. When a "real" uniformed hockey team is established<br />
in the community, Danny and his friends are elated at the prospect of becoming members. Their<br />
happiness is short lived, however, as Coach Matteau selects only Marcel for the team. “Girls don’t<br />
play hockey, Petou is too small, and Danny can’t skate”, he says. When the Wolves' regular goalie<br />
gets hurt just before an important game, Danny is recruited and defends the goal well. The<br />
Wolves win the game and Danny agrees to become a permanent team member - but only with<br />
the provision that Anita and Petou can become Wolves too.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol2/no6/moccasin.html<br />
Butler, G. (1998). The Hangashore. Illustrated by the author. Toronto: Tundra Books.<br />
This story is set in a tiny fishing village in Newfoundland. World War two has just ended and an<br />
important magistrate has just arrived to represent the government. The magistrate demands<br />
respect but does nothing to earn it from the residents of the village. In this village there is no<br />
one more different from Magistrate Mercer than John Payne, the minister’s son. John and the<br />
magistrate clash many times over the course of time, for John does not care for titles or<br />
hierarchy; John judges people by their actions. Magistrate Mercer threatens to have John sent to<br />
an institution because John has Down’s syndrome. John is made to feel somewhat of ‘a<br />
hangashore’, a term unique to Newfoundland, which means an unlucky person deserving pity or a<br />
worthless fellow who lacks the courage to fish. Readers learn about self-respect and acceptance<br />
through John’s story.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm////vol5/no14/hangashore.html<br />
Campbell, N. (2005). Shi-shi-etko. Illustrated by K. La Fave. Toronto, ON: Groundwood Books.<br />
This is a compelling story about a little girl named Shi-shi-etko. As she counts down her last few<br />
days before leaving for residential school, she tries to memorize everything about her home. Shishi-etko<br />
does everything in her power to remember the little things that are familiar to her - from<br />
the sound of the wind whistling through the trees to the dancing sunlight and the tall grass. After<br />
a family party to say good-bye, her father takes her out on the lake in a canoe and implores her<br />
to remember the trees, the water, and the mountains. Her grandmother gives her a small bag<br />
made of deer hide in which to keep her memories. The vivid, digital illustrations rely on a red<br />
palette, evoking not only the land but also the sorrow of the situation and the hope upon which<br />
the story ultimately ends.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol12/no9/shishietko.html<br />
Carrier, R. (2004). The Flying Canoe. Illustrated by S. Cohen; Translated by S. Fischman. Toronto,<br />
Ontario: Taundra Books.<br />
On New Year’s Eve, 1847, eleven-year-old Baptiste finds himself far from his friends and family<br />
and his home in La Beauce. He has come to the woods of the Ottawa Valley to live and work<br />
among “the finest lumberjacks in Canada.” As the New Year approaches, Baptiste and the<br />
lumberjacks grow more and more homesick. Resolved to see their families again before the stroke<br />
of midnight, the crew board a magical canoe that lifts them into the air, across villages, and closer<br />
to home. This retelling of the Quebecois folktale reunites Roch Carrier with illustrator Sheldon
Cohen and translator Sheila Fischman. This English version of the French text entitled La Chassegalerie<br />
is translated by Sheila Fischman.<br />
Cheng, A. (2000). Grandfather Counts. Illustrated by A. Zhang. New York: Lee & Low Books.<br />
Helen anxiously awaits the arrival of Gong Gong, her grandfather from China, who is coming to<br />
live with her family. She is full of excitement but she also worries about how she will<br />
communicate with her grandfather who does not speak English. At first, grandfather keeps to<br />
himself by reading the Chinese newspaper he brought with him. One day, as Gong Gong and<br />
Helen sit outside watching the train cars go by, Gong Gong begins to count in Chinese. He soon<br />
teaches Helen to count in Chinese too, and in turn, Helen teaches her grandfather to count in<br />
English. This story of the intergenerational bond between a grandparent and grandchild suggests<br />
how language barriers might be overcome.<br />
Cooper, J. (1993). Someone Smaller Than Me. Illustrated by A. Padlo; translated by C. Lucassie.<br />
Iqaluit, Nunavut: Baffin Divisional Board of Education.<br />
Written in English by Jane Cooper and translated into Inuktitut by Charlie Lucassie, the book tells<br />
the story of Peter who wants to catch a lemming. But what does a lemming look like? After<br />
asking many creatures, all too big, Peter finally finds someone smaller, someone just right – a<br />
lemming! Written to aid Inuit children’s learning of their native language, the book entertains<br />
southern Canadian children with its patterned prose and gentle illustrations of northern animals.<br />
Condon, P. (2000). Changes. Saskatoon: Gabriel Dumont Institute.<br />
This story is about a young Métis child named Kona, who undergoes a personal journey by<br />
learning that the changing seasons closely interact with her emotions. She is guided along the<br />
way by the Gathering Spirit who teaches her about accepting change and celebrating the richness<br />
of life's emotions.<br />
Cummings, P. (2004). Out on the Ice in the Middle of the Bay. Illustrated by A. Priestley.<br />
Toronto, Ontario: Annick Press.<br />
This reissue celebrates the tenth anniversary of this picture book's first publication in 1993.<br />
The gentle, rhythmical text describes how a little girl named Leah wanders away from her<br />
home, and her napping father, towards an iceberg in the bay. At the same time, a polar bear<br />
cub named Baby Nanook saunters away from his sleeping mother towards the same iceberg.<br />
When the parents awake, both Leah's father and the mother polar bear search frantically for<br />
their offspring. The parents dramatically confront each other and just then Leah and Baby<br />
Nanook appear and are rescued.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol11/no8/outontheice.html<br />
Author’s webpage: http://www3.sympatico.ca/peter.cumming/i1.html<br />
Davidge, B. (1993). The Mummer’s Song. Illustrated by I. Wallace. Toronto: Douglas & McIntyre.<br />
Popular singer Bud Davidge wrote "The Mummer's Song" as a tribute to a centuries-old custom in<br />
danger of disappearing. On a cold, clear Newfoundland night shortly after Christmas, several<br />
outlandishly costumed mummers appear and Granny's house suddenly erupts in a burst of joking<br />
and tomfoolery, raucous singing and exuberant dancing. Granny and her two young charges are<br />
instantly caught up in the merriment. When the evening's festivities come to a close, the<br />
mummers are bid a fond farewell until next year.
Davis, A. (2003). Bagels from Benny. Illustrated by D. Petricic. Toronto: Kids Can Press.<br />
Benny's Grandpa has a reputation for making wonderful bagels that his customers say are<br />
"made with love." In response to their appreciation, a wise Grandpa explains to Benny that it<br />
is indeed God who must be thanked. At first, Benny is troubled by how he might thank God,<br />
but his strong desire to do so, coupled with an inspiration, leads him to the synagogue, a<br />
house of worship, where he leaves bagels for God inside the holy Ark.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol10/no1/bagelsfrombenny.html<br />
Demers, D. (2003). L’Oiseau des Sables. Illustrated by S. Poulin. St.Lambert, Quebec:<br />
Dominique et Compagnie.<br />
A father tells his son about the wishes he was granted throughout his life by five sand birds that<br />
his own father gave to him one day when he was a boy. The subjects dealt with in this book are<br />
rarely encountered in children's literature: the power of the inner voice that guides the individual<br />
and the vital choices that shape each of our lives; the unconditional love that binds parent to<br />
child. The prominence given to the illustrations enhances the depth of these themes. Readers are<br />
propelled into the very heart of the artist's imagination: faced with a series of large depictions,<br />
they are encouraged to enter the narrative the way one enters a gallery or an exhibition room.<br />
The dense, dark tones selected by the illustrator help to evoke the bygone days presented in the<br />
story.<br />
Description:<br />
http://www.collectionscanada.ca/read-up-on-it/015020-054052-e.html<br />
Downie, M. A. (2005). A Pioneer ABC. Illustrated by M. J. Gerber. Toronto: Tundra Books.<br />
A is for Abigail and Anna, Zebediah’s two sisters. He is making the girls an alphabet book. From<br />
B, which stands for bandalore, a forerunner of the yoyo, H for the hornbook that taught children<br />
to spell, and on through the pigeons that blackened the sky, to the uniform that Papa wore when<br />
he defended the king, right through to X for the eXhaustion of parents who are homesteading.<br />
This romp through the seasons on a pioneer farm is full of fascinating information.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol12/no2/apioneerabc.html<br />
Elwin, R. (1990). Asha’s Mums. Illustrated by D. Lee. Toronto: Women’s Press.<br />
The story of Asha and her two mums increases awareness of different kinds of families and<br />
different kinds of relationships. When Asha’s mums both sign a field trip permission slip for Asha,<br />
the teacher requests that the form be re-done "correctly." The teacher tells Asha she can't have<br />
two mums, and if the form is not filled out correctly, Asha cannot go on the trip. Eventually, the<br />
misunderstanding is resolved and both mums are allowed to sign the form. The story highlights<br />
the difficulties children of gay and lesbian families encounter when teachers are not aware of their<br />
family structure. The reality of exclusion and acceptance is also raised in the book as a discussion<br />
begins among the children about whether or not a child can have two mums.
Eyvindson, P. (1996). Red Parka Mary. Illustrated by R. Brynjolson. Winnipeg: Pemmican<br />
Publications Inc.<br />
The little boy in this heart warming Christmas story is afraid of his elderly female neighbour.<br />
When his mother reassures him that she is a friendly and kind person, he grows to appreciate and<br />
cherish their friendship. Red Parka Mary has much to teach him, and he has much to give to her.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol3/no8/redparka.html<br />
Eyvindson, P. (1993). The Missing Sun. Illustrated by R. Brynjolson. Winnipeg, MB: Pemmican<br />
Publications.<br />
When Emily and her mother move to Inuvik, Emily has a hard time believing her mother's claim<br />
that the sun is going to disappear for many days. But her new friend Josie assures her that it is<br />
true. When they really do lose the sun, Emily has to wrestle with conflicting explanations. Her<br />
mother tells her that the earth is tilted, while Josie says Raven has stolen the sun. Emily's main<br />
concern is whether the sun ever shine again.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm///cmarchive/vol22no3/revmissingsun.html<br />
Fitch, S. (2001). No Two Snowflakes. Illustrated by J. Wilson. Victoria, BC: Orca Book Publishers.<br />
Lou and Araba are pen pals. Lou is Canadian while Araba lives halfway around the world in<br />
Africa. In a letter to her friend, Lou shares her knowledge of snow with Araba, who has never felt<br />
it squeak beneath her feet or melt on her tongue. This book shares the beauty of snowflakes – no<br />
two snowflakes are alike, just as no two people are alike.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol8/no8/notwo.html<br />
Gay, M. (2000). Stella Reine des Neiges. Quebec: Dominique et Compagnie.<br />
“Is the snow cold?” asks Sacha. “Is it hard?” he asks. “It is as cold as a vanilla ice cream cone,”<br />
says Stella, “and as soft as a baby rabbit’s fur.” It is Sacha’s first snowstorm and he is full of<br />
wonder. He asks many questions of his big sister Stella, who seems to know all the answers.<br />
The two children go exploring in the snow to discover all the tastes, sights and sounds of winter’s<br />
first snowfall.<br />
Description (in French): http://www.collectionscanada.ca/read-up-on-it/015020-025000-f.html#e<br />
Gilmore, R. (1998). A Gift for Gita. Illustrated by A. Priestley. Toronto: Second Story Press.<br />
This is the third and final book in the series featuring Gita, a young immigrant girl from India.<br />
During a visit from Gita’s beloved grandmother, Gita’s father announces that he has received a<br />
job offer back in India. What should the family do? Grandmother wants her family to go “home”<br />
but eventually, Gita’s family decides that, although they miss India, they belong in Canada now. A<br />
Gift for Gita is a story about Indian cultures and traditions, job relocation, immigration<br />
experiences, family heritage and the meaning of "home."<br />
Publisher’s website, with teaching ideas:<br />
http://www.tilburyhouse.com/Children's%20Frames/child_gift_fr.html
Gilmore, R. (1999). A Screaming Kind of Day. Illustrated by G. Sauve. Markham, ON: Fitzhenry &<br />
Whiteside.<br />
This story is about a young hearing-impaired girl named Scully. Scully loves to play outside in the<br />
rain, away from her brother Leo and her busy mother as she loves the feeling of rain spattering<br />
gently on her face. After escaping briefly to the wet green trees outside, she is grounded and not<br />
allowed to leave the house for a day. As evening approaches, Scully and her mother are able to<br />
re-connect as they share a special moment together watching the stars.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol8/no1/screamingkind.html<br />
Teaching suggestions: http://www.rachnagilmore.ca/guide-scream.html<br />
Gorman, L. (2005). A is for Algonquin: An Ontario Alphabet. Illustrated by M. Rose. Chelsea,<br />
Michigan: Sleeping Bear Press.<br />
A is for Algonquin: An Ontario Alphabet introduces young readers to the beauty of the province.<br />
Written with knowledge by a life-long resident, this story describes Ontario's inhabitants, history,<br />
flora and fauna, movers and shakers. The book answers a variety of questions such as: Is the<br />
longest street in the world really in Ontario? And the world's longest skating rink? What is the<br />
Group of Seven?<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol12/no14/aisforalgonquin.html<br />
Teacher’s guide: http://www.gale.com/pdf/TeachersGuides/OntarioGuide_gorman.pdf<br />
Gregory, N. (1995). How Smudge came. Illustrated by R. Lightburn. Red Deer, AB: Red Deer College<br />
Press.<br />
Cindy, who has Down's syndrome, lives in a group home and works as a cleaner in a hospice. One<br />
day she finds a puppy, which she hides in her room and takes to work with her. However, Cindy’s<br />
‘secret’ is discovered and Smudge, the puppy, is whisked away to the S.P.C.A. A happy resolution<br />
is celebrated against the darker backdrop of early death (the hospice residents) and lack of<br />
freedom that living with a mental impairment can entail.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm//vol3/no19/smudge.html<br />
Gutierrez, E. (2005). Picturescape. Vancouver: Simply Read Books Inc.<br />
Triggered by his imagination, a young boy's visit to the art gallery sends him on a journey across<br />
the country through some of Canada's greatest twentieth century paintings. Beginning with the<br />
work of Emily Carr, the boy travels from Vancouver Island to Newfoundland in this beautiful<br />
wordless book. Appealing to children of all ages, the book contains endnotes about each of the<br />
paintings featured in 'Picturescape' and information about the artist.<br />
Available online: http://www.picturescape.ca/<br />
Review: https://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol12/no7/picturescape.html
Harrison, T. (2002). Courage to Fly. Illustrated by Z. Huang. Red Deer, AB: Red Deer Press.<br />
Meg moves from her Caribbean home to a new city where nothing seems familiar. She prefers to<br />
stay in her room rather than play outside with friends. One day, walking home from school, Meg<br />
finds and rescues a sick swallow. Although the swallow quickly recovers, it remains silent and still<br />
in the box Meg has provided. An elderly Chinese man, who has become Meg's friend, advises her<br />
to release the swallow. Meg and Jenny, who is also becoming her friend, release the swallow.<br />
This allows both Meg and the bird to find the freedom they need.<br />
Highway, T. (2001). Caribou Song. Illustrated by B. Deines. Toronto: HarperCollins Publishers.<br />
Caribou Song is set in northern Manitoba and shares the story of the land, peoples and customs in<br />
both English and Cree. Through the long winter, two brothers, Joe and Cody, dance and play the<br />
kitoochigan and, in the spring, become part of a family adventure following the ateek (caribou)<br />
with a sled pulled by huskies. This is the first book in a trilogy entitled, “Songs of the North Wind”.<br />
Study Guide: http://www.artsalive.ca/pdf/eth/activities/caribou_raven_guide.pdf<br />
Book Profile: http://www.collectionscanada.ca/read-up-on-it/015020-062004-e.html<br />
Highway, T. (2002). Dragonfly Kites. Illustrated by B. Deines. Toronto: HarperCollins Publishers.<br />
Joe and Cody, the two young brothers first introduced in Caribou Song, stay in a tent near a<br />
different lake each summer. Summer means a chance to explore the world and make friends with<br />
an array of creatures. They catch dragonflies, gently tie a length of thread around the middle of<br />
each dragonfly before letting it go, and then chase after their dragonfly kites through trees and<br />
meadows and down to the beach before watching them disappear into the night sky.<br />
Book Profile: http://www.collectionscanada.ca/read-up-on-it/015020-062009-e.html<br />
Highway, T. (2003). Fox on the Ice. Illustrated by B. Deines. Toronto: HarperCollins Publishers.<br />
Fox on the Ice is the third in Tomson Highway’s “Songs of the North Wind” picture-book series.<br />
In this story, a fox distracts the family dog team from a winter ice-fishing expedition, and it is left<br />
to Ootsie, the pet black dog to save the day and the fishing net. Ootsie is part of the family unit,<br />
and family togetherness is a theme stressed directly and indirectly in this story.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm////vol11/no2/foxontheice.html<br />
Jennings, S. (2000). Into My Mother’s Arms. Illustrated by R. Ohi. Markham, ON: Fitzhenry &<br />
Whiteside.<br />
Into my mother’s arms tells the story of a special relationship between a mother and her<br />
daughter. Told from a little girl’s point of view, a mother and daughter share their day-to-day<br />
experiences which feature breakfast together, grocery shopping, some time in the park en route<br />
home, and ends with bath time and bedtime.<br />
Publisher’s Profile: http://www.electricpenguin.com/ruthohi/books/intomymothers.html
King, T. (1992). A Coyote Columbus Story. Illustrated by W.K. Monkman. Toronto: A Groundwood<br />
Book, Douglas & McIntyre Ltd.<br />
In this parodic retelling of Columbus's "discovery" of America, King overturns numerous<br />
stereotypes around colonization. King tells the story from an Aboriginal perspective, and cleverly<br />
interweaves figures from popular culture with the figure of Coyote, the trickster, to elucidate new<br />
truths about history and about the ongoing forces of colonialism in North America. The bright<br />
neon illustrations add to the humour and the resonance of the written text.<br />
Kusugak, M. (1993). Northern Lights: The Soccer Trails. Illustrated by V. Krykorka. Toronto:<br />
Annick Press.<br />
Soccer is a traditional game of the Inuit. It is their belief that the northern lights are the souls of<br />
the dead, running all over the sky chasing a walrus head they use for a soccer ball. This picture<br />
book tells the story of a little girl growing up in the Arctic. Kataujaq learns about her arctic home<br />
from her mother, traveling with her across the sea ice, picking flowers during the summer, and<br />
gathering berries in the autumn. When tuberculosis strikes Kataujaq’s mother, she is flown to a<br />
hospital in the south. Kataujaq never sees her mother again, and is deeply saddened by her loss.<br />
However, when grandmother tells Kataujaq the story of the Northern Lights, Kataujaq is<br />
comforted and comes to accept her mother’s death.<br />
Review; http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/cmarchive/vol22no1/revnorthernlights.html<br />
Littlechild, G. (1993). This Land is My Land. San Francisco: Children’s Book Press.<br />
This land is my land is an autobiographical account of the struggles George Littlechild’s family<br />
endured through many generations. The author offers stories of delight, humour and healing as<br />
he tells of his family, his childhood, and his work as an artist. The book heightens awareness of<br />
the history and experiences of Aboriginal people in Canada.<br />
Review: http://www.kstrom.net/isk/books/art/art2029.html<br />
Loewen, I. (1993). My Kokum Called Today. Illustrated by G. Miller. Winnipeg: Pemmican<br />
Publications Inc.<br />
When her kokum (grandmother) phones from the reserve, a young Aboriginal girl living in the city<br />
knows she can expect a special experience. This time it’s a dance on the Reserve. She learns that<br />
women, especially grandmothers, are the ties that hold together the many Aboriginal families<br />
dispersed in rural and urban communities.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm//cmarchive/vol22no1/kokum.html<br />
Major, K. (2000). Eh? To Zed. Illustrated by A. Daniel, Illustr). Red Deer: Red Deer Press.<br />
From Arctic, Bonhomme and Imax to Kayak, Ogopogo and zed, this book takes both children and<br />
adults on an alphabetic, fun-filled tour of Canada. Set in tightly linked rhyming verse, the words<br />
for this unique book resonate with classic and contemporary images from every province and<br />
territory in the country. Included are place names from Cavendish to Yarmouth and icons that<br />
evoke Canada’s regions, cultures, discoveries and heritage. Accompanying the text are the visual<br />
images from the colorful palette of illustrator Alan Daniel, who provides a mixture of folk art<br />
paintings, toys and models that leap from the page with energy.<br />
Review: http://www.epl.ca/TheSource/V6-1/EPLChildrensBookReview2.cfm
McGugan, J. (1994). Josepha: A Prairie Boy’s Story. Illustrated by M. Kimber. Red Deer, AB: Red<br />
Deer College Press.<br />
This story, narrated by a young boy, tells of the difficulties encountered by his friend, Josepha, an<br />
immigrant from Eastern Europe in 1900. Josepha is adjusting to a new home and a new<br />
language. Because he doesn’t speak English, Josepha is seated with the very young children in<br />
school. He is initially embarrassed and wants to sit with the boys of his own age. Eventually<br />
Josepha makes some precious friends among the primary grade children, and when he has to<br />
leave school to work on the farm, the children are sad to see him go. What a wonderful friend he<br />
has been! Without a common language between them, how will the narrator ever say good-bye?<br />
What gift can he give Josepha to show how special their friendship has been?<br />
Author Profile: http://www.collectionscanada.ca/read-up-on-it/015020-6045-e.html<br />
McLellan, S. Simpson. (2004). Leon's Song. Illustrated by D. Bonder. Markham, ON: Fitzhenry &<br />
Whiteside.<br />
Leon is an old and rather homely frog. Other frogs in the pond are more handsome and can swim<br />
faster and leap higher, and Leon is all right with that. But when Leon hears the frog Romeo sing,<br />
his heart aches - for Romeo is the greatest singer on the pond. When Romeo opens his mouth, all<br />
the pond dwellers are spellbound. Leon's humble croak cannot compare, and while he is inspired<br />
by Romeo's beautiful voice, he dreams of making such a difference himself. Leon isn't going to<br />
have wait very long. Something is about to happen that will threaten the pond dwellers and their<br />
way of life forever. And to protect them all, Leon will find a talent than no one knew he<br />
possessed. (Written by the author.)<br />
Author's site: http://www.stephaniemclellan.com/LeonsSong.htm<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol11/no7/leonssong.html<br />
Moak, A. (2002). A Big City ABC. Toronto: Tundra Books.<br />
Toronto, Canada’s largest city and one of the great cities of the world, means different things to<br />
different people. For some, it is the business centre of the country, with its soaring office towers<br />
and banks. For others, it is the arts capital, with its galleries, theatres, radio and television<br />
studios. However, in this book, the author sees Toronto through children’s eyes. He presents the<br />
places he feels make Toronto a wonderful city for children. (Originally published in 1984).<br />
Review; http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol8/no21/abigcity.html<br />
Morck, I. (1996). Tiger’s New Cowboy Boots. Illustrated by G. Graham. Red Deer, AB: Red Deer<br />
College Press.<br />
Each summer, Tyler (nicknamed Tiger) takes the long bus ride to his Uncle Roy’s ranch to<br />
participate in the cattle drive. This summer, instead of wearing runners, Tyler has new cowboy<br />
boots. He is disappointed when the other riders do not notice them. After a day of riding a horse<br />
in dusty conditions, crawling after an orphan calf in the bush, and sloshing through water and<br />
mud to move the cattle across a river, Tyler’s cowboy boots are noticed by his friend Jessica.<br />
“Hey Tiger”, she says admiringly, “your boots are just like mine.” Tyler knows he is now a real<br />
cowboy.
Munsch, R. & Ascar, S. (1995). From Far Away. Illustrated by M. Martchenko. Toronto: Annick<br />
Press.<br />
Author Robert Munch writes the story of Saoussan who came to North America from Beirut when<br />
she was five years old. As co-author, Saoussan tells her story; one that grew out of a series of<br />
letters she wrote to Munsch. As she struggles to fit in to her strange new surroundings, Saoussan<br />
captures the emotions and frustrations of being a newcomer to Canada.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol9/no20/fromfaraway.html<br />
Author’s Website: http://robertmunsch.com/books.cfm?bookid=55<br />
Munsch, R. (2001). Up, Up, Down. Illustrated by M. Martchenko. Markham, ON: Scholastic.<br />
Anna loves to climb, while her mother and father prefer her to come down! Although Anna is<br />
told by her parents not to climb, she continues to climb anything in and outside the house with<br />
unexpected results for the family. The book introduces elements of magic realism into a familiar<br />
family story.<br />
Teaching Guide/Review:<br />
http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol12/no4/teachingwithrobertmunschbooksvol2.html<br />
Author’s website; http://robertmunsch.com/books.cfm?bookid=68<br />
Murray, B. (2004). Thomas and the Metis Sash. Illustrated by S. Dawson. Translated by R. Flamand.<br />
Pemmican Publications Inc: Winnipeg, MB.<br />
Li Saennchur Fleshii di Michif or Thomas and the Metis Sash is the third collaboration among this<br />
trio of author, illustrator and translator. In each book, Thomas is introduced to another aspect of<br />
his Metis cultural heritage. In this book, Thomas and his classmates finger weave a two colour<br />
belt in art class. When Thomas takes his blue and white belt home to show his parents, his<br />
mother says it reminds her of her Metis sash which she takes out to show Thomas. She briefly<br />
explains the sash's uses before going on to describe the significance of its pattern and colours.<br />
Thomas then asks to take the sash to school where he shares the sash and his mother's<br />
explanation with his classmates and art teacher.<br />
Quoted from the review: http://umanitoba.ca/cm/vol11/no18/thomasandthemetissash.html<br />
Nanji, S. (2000). Treasure for Lunch. Illustrated by Y. Cathcart. Toronto: Second Story Press.<br />
Where does Shaira mysteriously disappear to during lunch hour? Although Shaira is thrilled when<br />
her grandmother comes to stay with her while her parents are away, her Grandmother packs her<br />
tasty goodies for her school lunch that she is ashamed to eat in front of her friends. She<br />
manages to find interesting ways to bury the bhajias and the kebabs from her lunch as it is<br />
wintertime and there are many good hiding places in the snow. Shaira’s secret is safe until the<br />
snow begins to melt and her buried treasure is exposed! Will her friends find out where she has<br />
been going each lunch hour? This story reassures those children whose family favourites go<br />
beyond peanut butter and jelly as Nanji addresses cultural embarrassment and celebration.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol7/no20/treasure.html
Oberman, S. (1994). The Always Prayer Shawl. Illustrated by T. Lewin. Honesdale, PA: Boyds<br />
Mill Press, Caroline House; distributed by St. Martin’s Press.<br />
This is a story about the importance of tradition and the certainty of change. Adam is a young<br />
Jewish boy growing up in Russia in the early 1900s. When the revolution forces his parents to<br />
seek a better life in North America, Adam must leave his grandfather, whose name is also Adam,<br />
and all that is familiar and dear to him. The prayer shawl his grandfather gives him takes on<br />
tremendous significance and, as Adam grows up, marries and becomes a grandfather himself, the<br />
prayer shawl remains a constant in his life. Events come full circle many years later when Adam's<br />
grandson assures him that their "always prayer shawl" and their name "Adam" will continue<br />
through the next generations.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/cmarchive/vol22no3/revalwaysprayer.html<br />
Patton, A. & Burton, W. (2007). Fiddle Dancer. Illustrated by Sherry Farrell Racette. Michif translation<br />
by N. Fleury. The Gabriel Dumont Institute: Saskatoon, SK.<br />
Fiddle Dancer tells the tale of a young Métis boy, Nolin, and his growing awareness of his Métis<br />
heritage and identity while his “Mooshoom", or grandfather, teaches him to dance. Authors<br />
Wilfred Burton and Anne Patton weave a childhood story rich in Métis culture and language. This<br />
story captures the importance of Elders as role models, a child's apprehension at learning new<br />
things, and the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren. (Adapted from the<br />
description at<br />
http://www.gdins.org/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=95&osCsid=35f80f420d99ad398744<br />
00985f538623 )<br />
Pawagi, M. (1998). The Girl Who Hated Books. Second Story Press.<br />
Meena's parents love books, but Meena hates them. That's especially bad because there are<br />
books all over the house--in drawers, on the sofa, but mostly stacked to the ceiling. When<br />
Meena's cat leaps up on top of one of the tallest towers, Meena tries to rescue him. Instead, she<br />
knocks the books over. Down they crash, and out of the pages fly Humpty Dumpty, Ali Baba,<br />
Peter Rabbit, and other literary characters, who convince Meena about the power of books.<br />
Info: http://www.2think.org/girlhatesbooks.shtml<br />
Film site (view clips): http://www.nfb.ca/trouverunfilm/fichefilm.php?lg=en&id=51715&v=h<br />
Pelletier, Darrell W. (1992). The Big Storm. The Gabriel Dumont Institute: Regina, SK.<br />
Set in Winnipeg in the 1930s, this is the story of a young girl who is so excited about eating latkes<br />
at her friend’s house that she forgets about her beloved cat who is waiting for her outside during<br />
a snow storm. By the time she remembers, the cat requires special care. Maryann Kovalski’s soft<br />
violet snow scenes and warmly coloured domestic scenes effectively communicate this highly<br />
emotional experience.<br />
Information copied from http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/curr_inst/iru/bibs/elhealth/t-db.html#34
Pelletier, Darrell W. (1992). Alfred’s Summer. The Gabriel Dumont Institute: Regina, SK.<br />
Alfred enjoys a summer visit with Moshom and Kokom at their house near the woods. He goes for<br />
long bike rides, sleeps in a tent, and sits around a campfire roasting marshmallows and listening<br />
to Moshom’s interesting stories about his youth. The simple crayon illustrations by Darrell Pelletier<br />
are appealing to young children.<br />
Information copied from http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/curr_inst/iru/bibs/elhealth/t-da.html#12<br />
Pendziwol, J. (2004). Dawn Watch. Illustrated by N. Debon. Toronto: Groundwood Books.<br />
During a night-time sail across Lake Superior, a girl wakes up to take watch with her father. The<br />
air is crisp and cold and Dad points out the Big Dipper and Little Bear and muses that the North<br />
Star has guided sailors for thousands of years. When he slips down to the cabin to fetch hot<br />
chocolate, the girl is left alone, and she imagines pirate ships, sea monsters, and rocky islands in<br />
the black waves. The images disappear when she blinks, but she does see the red and green<br />
lights of a passing ship. Her father returns and together they watch the sun rise and finally see<br />
land in the distance, a "black line between sky and sea." The lyrical, first person narrative quietly<br />
captures the wonder of the universe during a late-night journey. There is a sense of adventure<br />
when the child is alone on deck.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm////vol11/no14/dawnwatch.html<br />
Pendziwol, J. (2005). The Red Sash. Illustrated by N. Debon. Toronto: Groundwood Books.<br />
This story is full of details about Canada at the time of the Canadian fur trade. Set in the early<br />
years of the 19th century, the story unfolds through the eyes of a young Métis boy. He lives with<br />
his family just outside Fort William, which was the major trading post linking the fur trade of<br />
northern and central Canada to the North West Company's main headquarters in Montreal.<br />
Voyageurs, easily identified by the red sash they wore, were the men who worked in the fur<br />
trade, traveling along the trade routes by canoe. The boy longs to be a voyageur like his father<br />
and describes his family's life and the role that Fort William played in the opening of the Canadian<br />
interior. The boy helps rescue a white gentleman trader whose canoe is destroyed in a storm on<br />
the lake. The clear, mixed-media illustrations capture the people and the place, contrasting the<br />
harsh storm in the wilderness with the final rendezvous at the fort, where the voyageurs<br />
(including the boy's father), the traders, and the local community dance and celebrate together.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol12/no9/theredsash.html<br />
Perron, J., Sylliboy, H., Mitcham, A., Mitcham, N. (2002). A Little Boy Catches a Whale.<br />
Bouton d’or Acadie: Moncton, NB.<br />
An adaptation in French, English, and Mi’kmaq of a Mi’kmaq fable published by Silas T. Rand<br />
in 1894.<br />
Quinlan, P. (1994). Tiger Flowers. Illustrated by J. Wilson, Illustr). Toronto: Lester Pub.<br />
Tiger Flowers tells the story of a boy called Joel and his uncle Michael. Joel's uncle dies of AIDS<br />
and Joel has to deal with his grief. Joel remembers all the things that he and his uncle did<br />
together. He remembers when his uncle was sick and the things that his uncle could no longer<br />
do. Joel talks to his mother about how he feels: "like I'm in a cold, lonely place inside me." His<br />
mother reassures him that she also feels that way and that "It hurts a lot right now. After a while<br />
it will hurt less." This makes Joel feel a lot better and he goes to sit in the tree-house that he and
his uncle had made. After a while he climbs down and picks a tiger lily (Michael's favourite flower)<br />
to give to his sister Tara, who is also grieving for her uncle.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol3/no8/tiger.html<br />
Ruurs, M. (2000). A Mountain Alphabet. Illustrated by A. Kiss. Toronto: Tundra Books.<br />
One of many alphabet books set in Western Canada, this book contains hidden animals, plants<br />
and a letter of the alphabet in each painting. Readers familiar with the Rocky Mountains will<br />
recognize some of the views Kiss has captured. Notes at the end of the book make for an<br />
informative as well as an aesthetic reading experience. Grizzly bears, loons, mountains goats,<br />
moose and people populate this alphabet book.<br />
Publisher’s guide:<br />
http://www.tundrabooks.com/teacher_resources/teacher_guides/tg_mountain_alphabet.html<br />
Sanderson, E. (1990). Two Pairs of Shoes. Illustrated by D. Beyer, Illustr). Winnipeg: Pemmican<br />
Publications Inc.<br />
A young girl named Maggie receives a pair of dress shoes from mother for her birthday. They<br />
were shoes that she had wanted for a long time. She goes to show them to her grandmother,<br />
who is blind. Maggie’s grandmother compliments her on her new shoes and tells her to open a<br />
special box. In the box is a pair of beautiful beaded hand-made moccasins. Maggie is told that<br />
she now has two pairs of shoes and that she must learn when and how to wear each pair.<br />
Sauriol, L. (2004). Les Trouvailles d’Adami. Illustrated by Franson, L. Quebec: Les éditions soleil<br />
de minuit.<br />
A little Inuit boy moves south to the city with his mother, and compares what he sees out of his<br />
window with his memories of the north – until he is drawn out of his basement hide-away to<br />
make friends with his next-door neighbour.<br />
Description (in French): http://felix.cyberscol.qc.ca/LQ/auteurS/sauriolm/adami.HTMl<br />
Setterington, K. (2004). Mom and Mum are Getting Married. Illustrated by A. Priestley. Toronto:<br />
Second Story Press.<br />
The up-coming wedding of Rosie's two mothers, Mum and Mom, is seen through the eyes of an<br />
excited eight-year-old. Perhaps she can get to be a bridesmaid or at the very least flower girl.<br />
Disappointed when these two suggestions are nixed, Rosie comes up with a brilliant idea. She and<br />
Jack, Mum's little boy, can be ring-bearers and scatter some petals at the same time. Trying to<br />
practice holding rings and scattering flowers with a preschooler who is more interested in picking<br />
the scab from his knee is discouraging, but nevertheless, when the wedding day rolls around,<br />
Rosie is ready to take on her role. All goes famously, with rings and kisses exchanged, petals<br />
scattered, applause from all the guests and celebratory bubbles floating around the happy couple.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol11/no6/momandmumaregettingmarried.html<br />
Skirving, J. (2006). P is for Puffin: A Newfoundland and Labrador Alphabet. Illustrated by Odell<br />
Archibald. Chelsea, MI: Sleeping Bear Press.<br />
This Newfoundland and Labrador picture book focuses on the history, peoples, traditions and<br />
landscapes of the province, depicted in verse, illustration and informational text. This alphabetic
tour highlights the natural beauty of different parts of the province and many of its unique<br />
cultural aspects.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol13/no7/pisforpuffin.html<br />
Publisher's site (with link to a teaching guide):<br />
http://www.gale.com/servlet/ItemDetailServlet?region=9&imprint=785&titleCode=SBCNA1&cf=p<br />
&type=4&id=226536<br />
Skrypuch, M.F. (1996). Silver Threads. Illustrated by M. Martchenko. Toronto: Penguin Books<br />
Canada.<br />
Based on historical events, this book tells the story of Anna and Ivan who escape poverty and<br />
hardship in Ukraine to move to the Canadian frontier. Tragedy strikes when Ivan is imprisoned as<br />
an ‘enemy alien’ when World War I breaks out. Anna finds herself alone as she struggles to keep<br />
their property and valuables. However, hope comes from an unexpected source.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol3/no5/silver.html<br />
Publisher’s site: http://www.calla.com/threads.html<br />
Spalding, A. (1999). Me and Mr. Mah. Illustrated by J. Wilson. Victoria, BC: Orca Book Publishers.<br />
Ian’s parents separate and Ian moves with his mother from the prairie wheat farm to the city. Ian<br />
is lonely and peeks through the fence to find out who lives next door. He sees Mr. Mah tending<br />
his vegetable garden and a friendship grows between this lonely little boy and a lonely old man.<br />
Ian has a shoebox of objects from the farm to keep him company, and he soon discovers that Mr.<br />
Mah keeps his own box of memories of his past in China. Each helps the other in a time of need<br />
by sharing their secret feelings of displacement.<br />
Review:<br />
http://www.readonbc.ca/EN/mla_book_reviews/me_and_mr._mah/?&PHPSESSID=4f1481e6519c4<br />
8e16d947f2b235070b0<br />
Spalding, A. (2001). It’s Raining, It’s Pouring. Illustrated by L.E. Watts. Victoria, BC: Orca Book<br />
Publishers.<br />
Little Girl watches the rain and thunder through her window. Little Girl is determined to stop the<br />
rain so she can play. Appealing to the readers’ imagination, It’s Raining, It’s pouring! takes the<br />
reader on a journey with Little Girl up into the clouds to help Old Man get out of bed so that he<br />
can go back to taking care of the weather.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol7/no21/itsraining.html<br />
Steffen, C. (2003). A New Home for Malik. Illustrated by J. Stopper. Calgary: Calgary<br />
Immigrant Woman’s Association.<br />
The book tells the story of a five-year-old boy who has just moved to Calgary from Sudan.<br />
Everything is new and so different for him. Readers follow Malik as he meets new friends, learns a<br />
new language and experiences Canada’s four seasons for the first time.
Thien, M. (2001). The Chinese Violin. Illustrated by J. Chang. Vancouver: Whitecap Books.<br />
A story about what it is like to emigrate from a faraway place, a young girl and her father leave<br />
everything familiar behind when they move to Canada from China. The only piece of home they<br />
bring with them is a Chinese violin. As they face the huge challenges of starting new lives in a<br />
new place, the music of the violin connects them to the life they left behind - and guides the girl<br />
to a musical future.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/outreach/cm/vol8/no15/chineseviolin.html<br />
Trottier, M. (1995). The Tiny Kite of Eddie Wing. Illustrated by A. Van Mil. Toronto: Stoddart<br />
Kids.<br />
From the moment he gets up until the moment he goes to sleep, Eddie thinks of nothing but kites<br />
and kite flying. Because his family is too poor to buy him a kite, Eddie has to make do with his<br />
imagination and his dreams. His resourcefulness and determination inspire the other children to<br />
cheer for the invisible kite, which he flies over the hill tops. Eventually, Eddie's love of kites<br />
inspires Old Chan, who organizes the annual Festival of Kites, to realize his own neglected dream<br />
of becoming a poet. Old Chan, in turn, helps to make Eddie's dream come true.<br />
Publisher’s Info (scroll down): http://www.execulink.com/~maxitrot/crafts.htm<br />
Teaching Ideas: http://www.execulink.com/~maxitrot/kite.pdf<br />
Trottier, M. (1997). Heartsong = Ceòl cridhe. Illustrated by P. MacAulay-Mackinnon. Sydney,<br />
N.S.: University College of Cape Breton Press.<br />
Told in English and Gaelic, this is the story of a fiddle passed down through four generations.<br />
From father to son, who built the fiddle together, from that son to his daughter, from that<br />
daughter to her daughter, and from her daughter to a new toddler in the family--and all the<br />
events it attended throughout those years<br />
Description: http://www.collectionscanada.ca/read-up-on-it/015020-2007-e.html<br />
Trottier, M. (1999). Flags. Illustrated by P. Morin. Toronto: Stoddart Kids.<br />
Flags is a story of innocence and friendship between Mary, a child visiting her grandmother for<br />
the summer, and Mr Hiroshi, a Japanese man living next door. When Mr Hiroshi is taken away<br />
from his home because of the war, Mary keeps her promise to look after his garden until he<br />
returns. The story springs from a complicated world event, and is told from a child’s point of view.<br />
Publisher’s Info (scroll down): http://www.execulink.com/~maxitrot/crafts.htm<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm////vol7/no9/flags.html
Uegaki, C. (2003). Suki’s Kimono. Illustrated by S. Jorisch. Toronto: Kids Can Press.<br />
On her first day of first grade, Suki chooses to wear her beloved Japanese kimono to school,<br />
despite the objections of her older sisters and the initial laughter of other children on the<br />
playground. Fortunately for Suki, for whom the kimono brings back fond memories of her<br />
grandmother's visit over the summer, her day ends in triumph, with her teacher and classmates<br />
won over by her impromptu dance performance. Overall, this is an appealing story of courage and<br />
independence.<br />
Teaching Ideas: http://arts.k12.hi.us/07grade1/07Grade1_Lesson_SukisKimono.htm<br />
Ulmer, M. (2001). M is for Maple: A Canadian Alphabet. Illustrated by M. Rose. Chelsea, MI:<br />
Sleeping Bear Press.<br />
From British Columbia to Newfoundland, this Canadian alphabet book shares some of Canada’s<br />
symbols, history, people and culture. In rhymes and informative text, author Mike Ulmer describes<br />
details of Canada’s past and present. Melanie Rose’s illustrations present many of Canada’s wellknown<br />
scenes, from the Northern Lights, to Mounties and the cities of Toronto, Victoria, and<br />
Quebec.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol8/no12/maple.html<br />
Van Camp, R. (1998). What’s the Most Beautiful Thing You Know about Horses? Illustrated<br />
by G. Littlechild. San Francisco: Children’s Book Press.<br />
In Fort Smith on a day so cold the ravens refuse to fly, Van Camp cannot go outside. Instead, he<br />
asks his family and friends “What’s the most beautiful thing you know about horses?” The people<br />
of the Dogrib Nation in the Northwest Territories have little experience with horses. The many<br />
answers Van Camp receives (including one from the book’s illustrator) form the basis for this text<br />
that reveals secrets about horses and about the people in Van Camp’s life.<br />
Author Info: http://web.uvic.ca/torch/torch1997f/vox.htm<br />
Van Camp, R. (1997). A Man Called Raven. Illustrated by G. Littlechild. San Francisco: Children’s<br />
Book Press.<br />
This contemporary story, set in the Northwest Territories, blends the past and the present to tell<br />
of Chris and Toby’s learning from a strange raven man. Drawn from the animal legends and<br />
folklore heard by the author, who grew up as part of the Dogrib Nation, the story emphasises the<br />
importance of having respect for nature.<br />
Review: http://aeoe.org/resources/books/reviewed/raven.html<br />
Publisher’s site: http://www.childrensbookpress.org/ob/raven.html<br />
Waboose, J. B. (1997). Morning on the Lake. Illustrated by K. Reczuch. Toronto, Ontario: Kids<br />
Can Press.<br />
In Morning on the Lake, a series of three linked stories, an Ojibway grandfather, Mishomis, and<br />
his young grandson, Noshen, set out in a birch bark canoe one misty morning. Together in the<br />
early morning stillness, they watch a pair of loons and are rewarded by seeing the male loon<br />
perform his territorial dance. In the second story, "Noon", the boy and his grandfather climb a<br />
rocky cliff and are visited by an eagle whose presence, Mishomis explains, "... is a sign of honour
and wisdom. As the Great Eagle is a proud protector of our people, I am a proud Mishomis of my<br />
Noshen." The final story, entitled "Night", takes place deep in the woods where the boy and his<br />
grandfather venture so that Noshen may see the night animals. Here the pair encounter a pack of<br />
timber wolves, but Mishomis' wisdom and courage are transmitted to Noshen, and he is able to<br />
overcome his fear and stand his ground in the yellow-eyed gaze of the leader.<br />
Review; http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol4/no4/morningonthelake.html<br />
Waboose, J. B. (2000). Sky Sisters. Illustrated by B. Deines, Illustr). Toronto: Kids Can Press.<br />
Sky Sisters is a story about two young Ojibway sisters, Nishiime and Nimise, who set out across<br />
the frozen north country to Coyote Hill, where the Sky Spirits dance. They suck glistening icicles<br />
while walking, they meet a rabbit and a white-tailed deer, they hear coyote's call, and howl in<br />
return, they spin together atop a hill until they fall down dizzy in the snow, and finally the Spirits<br />
come. The story honours the mystery in the sky that is the Aurora Borealis and tells of the bond<br />
between sisters, generations, humans and nature.<br />
Review: http://www.littlefolktales.org/reviews/skysisters.html<br />
Wallace, I. (2000). Duncan's way. Illustrated by I. Wallace. Toronto, ON: Groundwood Books<br />
/Douglas & McIntyre.<br />
For seven generations Duncan's family has fished off the coast of Newfoundland. Now, the fish<br />
are gone and with them, the old way of life. Duncan notices that his father is spending the days<br />
staring out to sea, watching television and baking bread and pies. Many families have left town in<br />
search of work elsewhere. Even Duncan's mother is beginning to suggest that they, too, join the<br />
exodus to the mainland. One day Duncan goes to visit his teacher, whose model train set sits on a<br />
Newfoundland-shaped board. As Duncan watches the miniature engines whizzing around the<br />
board, he is struck with a very original idea - a way to combine his father's newfound baking skills<br />
with his experience as a ship's skipper. (Written by the publisher)<br />
Review: http://www.uoguelph.ca/ccl/reviews/105-106shklanka.shtml<br />
Author/Artist's site: http://www.ian-wallace.com/gallery_Duncan.html<br />
Ye, T. (1999). Share the Sky. Illustrated by S. Langlois. Toronto: Annick Press.<br />
Fei-Fei lives in China with her Grandpa, who makes the kites she loves to fly through the sky with<br />
her elder cousin. A letter from North America tells Fei-Fei it is time for her to re-join her parents.<br />
Share the sky is a story of the courage it takes to face a strange new life, of the tolerance and<br />
understanding one needs to deal with different ways and customs, and of the love of family.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm////vol6/no13/share.html<br />
Yee, P. (1996). Ghost Train. Illustrated by H. Chan. Toronto: Douglas & McIntyre / Groundwood.<br />
Ghost Train draws on a poignant Chinese ghost story tradition to recount hard historical facts<br />
about the dangers of building Canada’s railways. Harvey Chan's brooding illustrations perfectly<br />
complement Yee's multi-layered text. It's a winning combination that earned both the 1996<br />
Governor General's Award for children's literature and the 1997 Ruth Schwartz Children's Book<br />
Award.<br />
Review: http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/vol3/no6/ghost.html
Yee, Paul (2002). The Jade Necklace. Illustrated by G. Lin. New York: Crocodile Books.<br />
This story about Chinese immigrants to Canada opens in their homeland, as Yenyee's fisherman<br />
father gives her a jade pendant carved like a fish. When a typhoon blows up while he's out at sea,<br />
she throws the necklace into the water to bargain for his life. Still, he drowns, leaving her family<br />
penniless. Reluctantly, the girl accepts a job as caregiver to May-jen, the village merchant's<br />
daughter, and accompanies them to the New World, where both girls are terribly homesick. When<br />
May-jen nearly drowns in the ocean and Yenyee rescues her, miraculously finding the lost jade<br />
pendant, it marks a turning point in the older girl's acceptance of their new home.<br />
Author’s site (great photos): http://www.paulyee.ca/index.swf<br />
References/Credits:<br />
Some of the summaries are quoted from:<br />
PIKA: Canadian Children's Literature Database http://collectionscanada.ca/pika/index-e.html<br />
http://www.shopping.com/xPO-If_Youre_Not_from_the_Prairie_by_David_Bouchard#<br />
CM: review of materials http://www.umanitoba.ca/cm/title.html