Canada
(English)
49
Dinn, Philip / Jones, Andy (adapt.)
Cohen, Elly (illus.)
Peg Bearskin : a traditional Newfoundland tale
St. John’s NL : Running the Goat, 2003. – [32] p.
ISBN 0-96887-127-5
Folktale – Newfoundland – Longing for child – Ugliness – Love
Read the text and you will hear the authentic voice of a local Newfoundland
storyteller; take a closer look at the text and you will see true love for the
art of bookmaking: Every single letter has been handset and each paragraph’s
place on the page carefully considered. This unique tangibility of voice and
type creates a strong sense of place, while the tale of Peg Bearskin itself
makes ample use of universal narrative patterns: There are three daughters,
three quests, and three husbands. But Peg is a ferociously ugly and thoroughly
unconventional heroine who makes sure that the happy end holds a humorous
surprise in store. Cohen’s stark black-and-white linocuts reveal the darker
side of this traditional folk tale. (6+)
50
Highway, Tomson (text)
Deines, Brian (illus.)
Fox on the Ice = Mahkesís mískwamíhk e - cípatapít
Toronto, ON : HarperCollins, 2003. – [32] p.
ISBN 0-00-225532-4
(Text English and Cree)
Cree Indians – Nature – Family – Community
This bilingual picture book is the third in the Songs of the North
trilogy. Each volume is centred on one animal – the caribou, the dragonfly,
and the fox respectively – and relates one little outdoor adventure of the
two Cree brothers Joe and Cody and their dog. The narrative in English and
Cree focuses less on plot than on tone and atmosphere. It evokes the vastness
of the far North, the beauty of the Manitoba landscape, the happiness of the
family, and the simple joys of living in harmony with nature. Deines’s
sparkling illustrations perfectly capture the majesty of the Great North and
almost seem to reflect the boys’ tinkling laughter. (5+) <>
¤
Special
Mention
51
Major, Kevin (text)
Blackwood, David (illus.)
Ann and Seamus
Toronto : Douglas & McIntyre, 2003. – 109 p.
(A Groundwood book)
ISBN 0-88899-561-x
Shipwreck – Newfoundland/1828 – Epic poem – Heroism – Love –
Steadfastness
On May 29, 1828, the Despatch, an Irish immigrant ship, runs aground
off the shore of Newfoundland. »These are the barest facts. They tell us
nothing of the misery and pain.« Oh, but Kevin Major and David Blackwood
certainly do, and how! They also tell us about courage, hope, and love. Thanks
to young Ann Harvey’s steadfastness, more than 160 lives could be saved from
»the hellish clutches of Isle aux Morts.« Adopting the form of a narrative
poem, Major creates a dramatic contrast between intimate lyrical passages
reflecting the aspirations of the two protagonists and the powerful epic
scenes describing the plight and rescue of the shipwrecked. Blackwell’s
haunting blue and grey prints vividly reflect all shifts in tone and voice.
The generous text layout amplifies the epic rhythm and reinforces the
impression that one is reading a timeless tale of love and courage.
(12+)
(Governor General’s Award; 2003; Shortlist)
52
Sadlier, Rosemary (text)
Wang, Qi-Jun (illus.)
The kids book of Black Canadian history
Toronto ON : Kids Can Press, 2003. – 56 p.
ISBN 1-55074-892-0
Black Canadians – Canada/1628–2000
This non-fiction title tells an important story seldom told: the history of
Black Canadians. From the first Black slave to arrive in New France in 1628 to
the Black singers, artists, and politicians of today, this book offers
informative double-pages on key periods, people, or events: the Underground
Railroad, the participation of Black soldiers in various wars and revolutions,
the Jamaican Maroons, etc. Short personality profiles and »did-you-know boxes«
with intriguing bits of information arouse the reader’s curiosity. A section
titled »Prejudice and Racism« reminds us that the best way to fight these
two evils is to learn more about each other. In this sense, this book makes a
true contribution to tolerance. (8+) <>
53
Schwartz, Virginia Frances
Initiation
Markham, Ontario : Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 2003. – 268 p.
ISBN 1-55005-053-2
Kwakiutl Indians – Coming of age – Twins – Salmon – Sacrifice –
Atonement
This powerful historical novel about Kwakiutl Indians from the Northwest Coast
of Canada has strong mythic resonances. Set in the 15th
century, it weaves together the story of three adolescents on the brink of
adulthood and a Kwakiutl transformation myth. The destiny of 11-year-old Nana
and her twin brother Nanolatch is clearly set out before them. According to
the Way, the boy will succeed his father as chief of the tribe while Nana will
be married off. But thanks to Noh, a slave girl and shaman’s daughter, the
two discover that they have to find their own way by listening to the world of
the Spirits. Changing the point-of-view between the three protagonists,
Schwartz creates a fascinating blend of ancient Indian legends and a modern
coming-of-age novel. (12+) <>