Canada
(French)
172
Beauchemin, Jean-François (text)
Mangeau, Marc
(illus.)
Mon père est une chaise
(My father is a chair)
Montréal, (Québec) : Québec Amérique Jeunesse, 2001. - 155 p.
(Titan+)
ISBN 2-7644-0090-x
Father - Son - Loss - Separation - Single-parent child
Instead of the usual appraisals you will find a warning on the book's back
cover: »I might as well tell you right away, dear reader, the story I have
written for you is not pretty.« And indeed, what 11-year-old Anatole has to go
through in three days of triumph, anguish and turmoil is pretty ugly. When his
father tumbles down the freshly polished stairs, Anatole seizes the chance to
start a new, meaningful life. But finally, reality catches up with him. Despite
the disturbing plot, Beauchemin creates a quirky and lovable character whose
quest for love against all odds infuses this unconventional novel with warmth
and humour. (12+)
173
Bletton, Marie (text)
Borduas, Paul-Émile (illus.)
Le petit canoë (Little canoe)
Saint-Laurent (Québec) : Les 400 coups, 2001. - [32] p.
(Petites histoires de l'art)
ISBN 2-89540-030-x
Arts - Abstract art - Canoe - Imagination
This picture book introduces a promising series exploring the narrative and
imaginative potential of art. Bletton's
choice of an abstract, untitled painting by the avant-garde Québec artist
Borduas may surprise. But the story of the little canoe lost on the planet
Borduas demonstrates the inspiring power of imagination and captures the
experimental playfulness of Borduas' work. Children will enjoy discovering the
strange creatures that come to life in the midst of changing shapes and colours.
The book calls for an adult to take children on this enchanting journey of art
appreciation. (5+) <>
174
Chabin, Laurent
La valise du mort (The
dead man's suitcase)
[Montréal] : Hurtubise HMH, 2001. - 154 p.
(Collection Atout ; 52 ; Policier)
ISBN 2-89428-471-3
Detective – Mystery
Chabin, prolific writer with a keen sense of setting and a fondness for
teenage anti-heroes, adds yet another gripping murder mystery to his well
established universe of detective stories. In a series of cleverly plotted and
well-paced incidents, Marcus Arbuckle gets entangled in a mysterious crime: He
accidentally kills his father, knocks down a stranger, steals a car, only to be
threatened and hunted in turn - and all that because of a black suitcase of
unknown content. Adopting Marcus' limited perspective, Chabin outwits the reader
and leads him on false tracks. This is perfect entertainment full of suspense
and refreshing humour. (11+)
Special
Mention
175
Lamontagne,
Ann
Les mémoires interdites (The forbidden memories)
Hull (Québec) : Éd. Vents d'Ouest, 2001. - 205 p.
(Roman ado ; 34 : Drame)
ISBN 2-89537-022-2
Memory - Identity - Creativity – Plagiarism
Grégoire wants to be a writer. His imagination and talent seem phenomenal
until a big scandal at the young writers' competition reveals that he possesses
an infallible memory instead: Word by word he had reproduced Saint Exupéry's »The
Little Prince« without realising it! Accused of plagiarism and knowing that his
ideas are no longer his, Grégoire has to confront the darker sides of memory
before he can painfully regain his threatened identity and liberate his
imagination. In her first novel, published in the award-winning »Roman ado«
series, Lamontagne masterfully renders the characters and the setting. Taking up
the French literary tradition of reflections on memory, she shows how identity
and creativity are at the very core of it. References to literary works and
insights into the workings of memory will inspire the readers to explore the
realms of literature and science on their own. (12+) (Governor General's Award ;
2001 ; Shortlist)
176
Tibo, Gilles (text)
Favreau, Marie-Claude (illus.)
La petite fille qui ne souriait plus (The little girl who no longer smiled)
Saint-Lambert, Québec : Soulières Éd., 2001. - 50 p.
(Ma petite vache a mal aux pattes ; 29)
ISBN 2-922225-58-5
Child abuse
This little book has the courage to address one of the greatest taboos of
children's literature: child abuse. Nathalie is oppressed by a terrible secret.
The man who causes her anxiety has told her no one would love her anymore once
they knew the truth. All she can do is long for a soap that cleans people's
inside. Finally, an observant art teacher discovers Nathalie's secret and helps
her confront it. Tibo's sensitive, simple style and Favreau's sketchy yet gentle
illustrations set this book apart from purely issue-oriented problem novels. (6+)