Showing posts with label Indigenous Illustrator. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Indigenous Illustrator. Show all posts

#IMWAYR February 28, 2022

Welcome readers! It's #IMWAYR time again, when bloggers share what they have been reading and find out what others have been up to. Kathryn hosts the adult version of this meme at Book Date. Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers host the kidlit rendition. These are fabulous places to start your search for what to read next. 

I don't know about you, but I am getting exhausted from living in interesting times. 

Thankfully we had a delightful respite last weekend when my sons brought the two eldest grandchildren up for a visit. It was pure joy to watch the almost five year old cousins build magical worlds together. Also, I got to read books with them. 

Before my aunt died of cancer, she gave me three quilts to finish for her. They have sat in a box for the last decade or so. Then my cousin's daughter became pregnant. I knew that there was a baby sized quilt in the box so I dug it out. Aunty Marge had started hand quilting it. I finished the centre pieces. (You can really tell the difference between her work and mine.) I was given quilting rulers for Christmas so I messed around with them on scrap fabric before using them to quilt the rest of this. It might not be what I would have made from scratch, but it's much more precious for having originally come from the new baby's great grandma. I'm sure Aunty Marge would have been delighted.


Titles with a ๐Ÿ indicate this is a Canadian or Indigenous Canadian Author and or Illustrator.

Clicking on the title will take you to the Goodreads page of the book.

PICTURE BOOKS


Raven Squawk, Orca Squeak by Roy Henry Vickers & Robert Budd June 13, 2020  ๐Ÿ

This board book is a perfect example of what happens when rhyming poetry works in a picture book. Children will love the bright illustrations and the sounds that nature makes.


The Year We Learned to Fly by Jacqueline Woodson & Rafael Lรณpez (Illustrator)

It was interesting to read this to my two grandkids. To be honest, I think it was over their heads. I tried to unpack it for them, but I'm not sure it worked. I suspect this would be a better book to read with older readers who would have enough background knowledge to find more meaning in it.


Grumpy Unicorn: Why Me? by Joey Spiotto September 03, 2019

I read this with my granddaughter. It didn't do much for either of us. Maybe I'm to old and she's too young. 


We Shall Overcome by Bryan Collier (Illustrations) December 28, 2021

Collier's artwork gives new meaning and power to this classic song. I made a few connections while reading the book, but was happy to have more pointed out to me in the notes in the back matter.


The Big Bath House by Kyo Maclear & Gracey Zhang (Illustrator) November 16, 2021  ๐Ÿ

My grandson, granddaughter, and I really enjoyed this book. Nobody was concerned about the nudity and we all appreciated the many different body shapes and sizes. They made connections to visiting with their grandparents and going to the swimming pool.


My Two Border Towns by David Bowles & Erika Meza (Illustrator) Sepember 07, 2021

A boy and his father travel across the border to the town next to it. They have a list of things to purchase and spend some time visiting family. I was completely surprised by the stop on the way home that put much of the purchases of the day into perspective.


A Unicorn Named Sparkle by Amy Young July 05, 2016

Lucy sees an ad for a unicorn - only 25 cents, and sends in her order. While she waits she fantasizes about all the things she will do when it arrives. When Sparkle arrives, he isn't exactly what she expected. "He had spots. His ears were too long. He smelled funny. Oh, and he had fleas." On top of all this, he has a propensity for eating everything nearby. He does not act like a unicorn at all. She decides to send him back. Of course, Sparkle, a very special kind of unicorn, ends up worming his way into her heart.


Bowwow Powwow : Bagosenjige-niimi'idim by Brenda J. Child, Jonathan Thunder (Illustrator) & Gordon Jourdain (Translator) May 01, 2018  ๐Ÿ

This bilingual picture book (English and Ojibwa) educates readers about Powwows. It's told through the perspective of Windy Girl and her pet, Itchy dog. Uncle tells her stories about Powows and she finally gets to experience one. In the evening she dreams of dogs participating in the different kinds of dances. The cartoonish art is bold and full of joy.


Princess Hair by Sharee Miller

I read this with my 4 1/2 year old granddaughter. We loved the different kinds of hairstyles highlighted for black girls. Like her father and mother, she has straight hair. Unpacking this book required me explaining that most black children have very very curly hair and these are styles for them. We both wished we could do some of these styles with our own locks.

NON FICTION PICTURE BOOKS

I introduced my two oldest grandchildren to Mary Anning. Both were fascinated by this simple biography. The next day when it was time to read more books, my grandson wanted to read it again. 
Now that's a sign of a great book.
I think I have become a fan of this series of nonfiction for young readers.

CHAPTER BOOKS


Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo & Chris Van Dusen (Illustrator) May 9th 2006

The grandkids are fans of Mercy Watson. So am I.
Mercy ends up trying to take control of Mr Watson's convertible while Mr Watson is driving it. Disaster is averted with the aid of Baby Lincoln, who stowed aboard in search of adventure and folly.

I would certainly purchase this book for my Canadian school library. Some of the other books in this series focus primarily on American history, but this one is global in its scope. I appreciated the humour in spite of the essentially dark subject matter. The last section on covid is really well done.
The book is full of all kinds of nonfiction text features that make the book a pleasure to read and add to the understanding of the topics.

NOVELS


Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo & Emily Woo Zeller (Narrator) January 19, 2021

I pretty much adored this book.
I am in awe of how Malinda Lo has integrated real people and historic events into this gripping historical fiction.
I had to stop reading every once in a while because I was terrified of what would happen to Lily Hu should she get caught at the Telegraph Club. Mostly, I couldn't stop listening. 

Everyone expects Luka, Marya Lupu's brother, to be chosen to become a wizard. On the day someone comes to test him, it turns out to be a disaster and Marya is blamed. The next day she is told that she must attend a school for troubled girls. Something diabolical is going on at the school and it's up to Marya and her friends to figure out just what it is.
I loved this so much I'm desperately hoping for a sequel!


The Smartest Kid in the Universe by Chris Grabenstein & Kirby Heyborne (Narrator) December 1, 2020

This is part science fiction, part mystery, and full on hilarious. 


State of Terror by Hillary Rodham Clinton, Louise Penny & Joan Allen (Narrator) October 12th 2021  ๐Ÿ

I enjoyed this fun, albeit at times terrifying, political mystery. I especially liked the ending that connected to Louise Penny's fictional community of Three Pines.

ADULT NON FICTION


"Spรญlษ™x̣m are remembered stories, often shared over tea in the quiet hours between Elders."
I now live on the traditional lands of the Syilx people. I'm doing my best to learn more about who they are and what they have endured. 
Nicola I. Campbell integrates family, community, culture, land, and Canadian history into this personal memoir. The labyrinthian interconnections are articulated through poetry, prose, journal entries and essays. They are imbued with raw honesty. Many of the poems are stand alone stunning.
Throughout her work Campbell addresses living with and overcoming loss and grief - a grief deeply embedded into a culture through systemic racism and violence. At the same time, it's a story of rejuvenation, healing and moving forward.

CURRENTLY

Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker, Jon Klassen (Illustrator) & Michael Curran-Dorsano ( Narrator) ๐Ÿ
Mary Anning's Curiosity by Monica Kulling ๐Ÿ
Powwow, A Celebration Through Song and Dance by  Karen Pheasant-Neganigwane ๐Ÿ

UP NEXT 

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

Whatever else strikes my fancy - maybe more books about Mary Anning.

READING GOALS

#MustReadFiction 4/24 

#MustReadNonFiction 1/18 one in progress

Canadian Authors 13/100

Canada Reads shortlist 5/5

Indigenous Authors 5/25 one in progress

Goodreads Reading Challenge: 56/250
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#IMWAYR December 13, 2021

Hello everyone. It's #IMWAYR time again, when readers share what they have been reading and find out what others have been up to in the past week. Kathryn hosts the adult version of this meme at Book Date. Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers host the kidlit rendition. Whatever you are looking forward to in your next great read, these are fabulous places to start your search.

Hope everyone is doing well. Last weekend we were in full on steam ahead with house renovations and finishing up Christmas projects since our family was planning on coming home for the holidays. I just didn't have time to get a blog post written. 

Then last week we discovered that the highway between here and Vancouver will not open until some time in the new year. I have been full of mixed feelings ever since. Honestly, it was a huge relief since it means we don't have to panic about things like kitchen sinks delayed in transit. We don't have to settle for what is ok, but we don't really like, just to get it done. On the other hand, it will be our first Christmas without family since we were travelling around America way back in our mid 20s. I already ache about not seeing the grandchildren. Still, it really is just a day and we are talking about doing Christmas in February when British Columbia celebrates Canada Day - a new tree and all. 

Not only will I now have time for blogging, I will also have time to contemplate my year end #MustRead. Leigh Anne Eck at A Day In the Life will host the last update for 2021 and host us for 2022. 

Titles with a ๐Ÿ indicate this is a Canadian or Indigenous Canadian Author and or Illustrator.

Clicking on the title will take you to the Goodreads page of the book.

PICTURE BOOKS

5 stars

It Fell from the Sky by Terry Fan & Eric Fan September 28, 2021 ๐Ÿ

Believe it or not, I swear the Fan brothers get better with each new book. I ended up reading this a couple of times. Not only is it visually stunning, it's one of those books that addresses big issues and leaves us filled with questions about morality.
It's about beauty, greed, environmental degradation, and forces beyond our control. It's certain to foster rich conversation about power, joy, and the meanings of life.

5 stars

Amara and the Bats by Emma Reynolds July 20, 2021

Amara loves bats. You might even say she is obsessed by them. Then her family moves from their bat friendly environment to a new community. Amara discovers that there are no bats around, not even in the local park. After reading about other young activists who are making a difference in the world, Amara comes up with a plan. She inspires her classmates so they work together to raise money for bat homes and the community rehabilitates the park to provide a bat friendly environment.
I like that this book is loaded with bat facts. I love all the diversity in the characters in the book. I appreciate the naming of the other activists.
The front endpapers have diagrams of 18 different kinds of bats. The back matter is full of more bat facts explaining why they are a keystone species, things you can do to help them, and information about setting up bat houses.

NON FICTION PICTURE BOOKS

5 stars

The Wolf Mother by Brett D. Huson & Natasha Donovan (Illustrations) September 28, 2021 ๐Ÿ

I adore this series. Each book follows a specific animal through a cycle of life. In this case we see a young wolf pup grow up and become a wolf mother in her own right. Readers learn the important role wolves play in maintaining balance in the environment.
The text uses Gitxsan terms and scientific vocabulary. Most of these words are explained in small text boxes on the same page. The back matter explains how the society of wolves parallels the different clans of the people.
The biological, cultural, and spiritual connection between wolves and people is integral to all books in this series. It’s there in the use of Gitxsan vocabulary in the text. It's there in Natasha Donovan’s stunning art. Her images, gorgeously coloured in the shades of the rainforest and river, integrate Gitxsan people in the background. What brings it all together is the use of traditional art into the landscapes.

5 stars

Niki Nakayama: A Chef's Tale in 13 Bites by Debbi Michiko Florence, Jamie Michalak & Yuko Jones (Illustrator) September 14, 2021

I had never heard of Niki Nakayama until reading this book. Kaiseki is also a completely new concept in dining for me - one that I now hope to experience some day.
I love that this book is organized in the same format as kaiseki: a storytelling feast. I appreciate that this book shows the challenges Niki Nakayama experienced as a woman determined to break into realms previously considered men’s domain. On top of all this, it’s truly beautifully illustrated. The back matter contains a timeline, additional information about kuyashii and kaiseki, and a recipe for wonton pizza.
Now I’m keen to go and track down the session of Cook’s Table that highlights her.

GRAPHIC NOVELS

5 stars

Burt the Beetle Doesn't Bite! by Ashley Spires June 01, 2021 ๐Ÿ

I opened this book and read the endpapers. I flipped to the back and read those. All those super bugs! I already knew I would love this book. I was not disappointed. This charming beginner graphic novel is packed full of facts about different backyard arthropods. At the same time, it's a delightful story about Burt, a Watermelon June beetle, and the dangers for creatures like him. He might not have the kinds of super abilities many other insects have, but when it matters, he knows how to save his friends.

CHAPTER BOOKS


Badger and Skunk are some of the sweetest characters to come out of children’s literature. Their ‘odd couple’ friendship is full of love, compassion, and just the right amount of irritation to make it real. In this episode the two of them go on a camping trip. Skunk wants distraction from the thief who steals his New Yak Times book review section. Badger will search for rocks to replace the amber that was stolen from him by is nefarious cousin, Fisher.
I salivated over the many descriptions of food. I laughed at Skunk’s idea of necessary camping equipment. What I loved most was how almost all of the animosity between the different characters was resolved positively.
I adore this quote about reading book reviews.
“Sometimes it is enough to imagine all the enjoyment you would get from reading this or that book.”

NOVELS


A book that can bring me to tears is a good book. A book with characters that feel so authentic I think I could run into them in the street, is a good book. A book that comforts me and at the same time, addresses big issues, is a good book. A book that shows the power of family and community is a good book. These are only a few of the many reasons that I continue to read about the Vanderbeekers.
In this one the children in the family deal with loss and grief in their own way.


Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor January 19, 2021

If you have never read a Nnedi Okorafor book, you are living a deprived life. If she writes it, I will read it. She calls what she writes afrofuturism. She combines African culture and mythology with science fiction to create worlds and characters that are both profound and unforgettable.
Fatima, a young girl, is gifted with a box containing a seed. She doesn’t understand it’s power, but soon afterwards it is sold by her parents. At the age of seven, she is transformed into Sankofa, adopted daughter of death. Technology dies at her touch. Fear and anger cause her to glow green and kill those around her. She leaves her dead community and walks the land in search of the box and seed.


This book is intense. It's so intense I had to stop listening every once in a while and play soothing music. 
The world of these characters in Marrow Thieves was pretty horrific, but in this sequel, it gets even worse. Readers see what life inside the 'schools' is like. Inside the school, French meets his brother who has become a recruiter and begins the training program himself. Outside the school there are all kinds of dangers for our protagonists to navigate - vampire cults, vigilantes, and spies.


This is my third reread. Peter Grant is called in to a drug overdose at a party attended by the daughter of Cecilia Tyburn Thames, aka Lady Ty, the goddess of the River Tyburn. He's ordered to keep the daughter out of it. But when the dead girl turns to have been riddled with the effects of too much magic, the case takes off into all kinds of weird territory with all kinds of international ramifications. I like the addition of Muslim policewoman Sahra Guleed, as Peter's new partner. If you like police procedural types of books with magic and paranormal characters thrown in for good measure, you will probably like this series. Also Kobna Holdbrook-Smith's narration is swoonworthy. 

CURRENTLY

Lies Sleeping by Ben Aaronovitch & Kobna Holdbrook-Smith (Narrator)

Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist by Kate Raworth

UP NEXT 

What Strange Paradise by Omar El Akkad

"Indian" in the Cabinet by Jody Wilson-Raybould

More picture books from my #MustReadList

PROGRESS ON MY READING GOALS

#MustReadIn2021 31/25 

#MustReadNFIn2021 12/12 

#MustReadPBIn2021 70/100 

Big Book Summer Challenge 9 

Books by Canadian Indigenous Authors 38/25

Books by Canadian Authors: 118/100

Canada Reads 2021 5/5 

Discworld Series 41/41

Goodreads Reading Challenge: 415/333 



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Thunder and the Noise Storms by Jeffrey Ansloos , Shezza Ansloos & Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley (Illustrator)


Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this picture book. It was released October 12, 2021, by Annick Press.

Thunder is a young boy who is hypersensitive to sound. When there is too much of it, it creates a noise storm in his head. When he gets overwhelmed by these storms he gets "that funny feeling in my body and my brain feels woozy." 

Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley's illustrations, like this one in the music room, made me feel overwhelmed by noise! 

By recess time, poor Thunder is so frustrated he has a meltdown and the principal calls his Mosom (Grandfather). The rest of the children go inside school while Mosom takes him on a nature walk. 

On their walk, Mosom teaches Thunder about mamaskasitawew, listening with wonder. Thunder learns to focus on the quiet sounds of wind, trees, squirrels, birds and other noises in nature.  

Eventually he is able to focus on the sound of his own heart. When they return to the noisy classroom, Thunder remembers his Mosom's words, "Thunder Thunder, listen with wonder," and finds that listening to his own heart helps him remain calm. 

I liked a lot about this picture book. I loved that Thunder is accepted for who he is and when it's obvious he needs help, the principal gets that one person who can help him. I appreciate that while the story is told in small chunks of text, sounds are integrated into the illustrations in large colourful font. This is sure to make it easier for readers to empathize with Thunder's problem. Not only will it help other students to understand peers like Thunder, it can reinforce the need for using quiet inside voices. I see using mamaskasitawew as a model for helping all students learn to listen, not just those with similar issues. 

While I think that mamaskasitawew is a brilliant strategy for learning how to deal with noisy situations, I found the timeline for Thunder's sudden ability to use it unreasonable. I can't imagine learning this skill in one walk, and worry that younger readers might think it's that easy. Of course this issue can easily be dealt with in a classroom conversation about the book. 

I admire Joshua Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley's artwork - especially the touches of woodland style throughout the book. It's more obvious when you look at the animals, but hints of it are integrated across the book. He works mainly in acrylics, digital illustration and screen-printing. If you've read Sharice's Big Voice, then you already know his work.


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#IMWAYR November 1, 2021

Hello everyone. It's #IMWAYR time again, when readers share what they have been reading and find out what others have been up to in the past week. Kathryn hosts the adult version of this meme at Book Date. Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers host the kidlit rendition. Whatever you are looking forward to in your next great read, these are fabulous places to start your search.

Hope you all had a fabulous Halloween. Our tricker treaters got to choose between little chocolate bars or Hawkins Cheezies. My partner encouraged children to take the Cheezies while I encouraged them to take the chocolate. Americans reading this probably don't know about Hawkin's, but in the words of one of the little boys who picked them, " These are the best kind of cheezie and they are made in Canada!" I gave him and his friend two packages each. 

I finished my Olivier Dunrea wall hanging quilt, and am almost finished quilting the background on the second. The reason I say almost finished is that I washed it on delicate to clean up all the markings and discovered a bit I hadn't finished sewing. Whatever, it will be fixed in a minute. Here it is draped on our sofa. 

In the middle of these quilts, I started working on a couple of advent calendars for the grandkids. If you have ideas for things that fit into a pocket 3 by 3.5 inches, please let me know!

Titles with a ๐Ÿ indicate this is a Canadian or Indigenous Canadian Author and or Illustrator.

Clicking on the title will take you to the Goodreads page of the book.

PICTURE BOOKS

5 stars

Poultrygeist by Eric Geron & Pete Oswald (Illustrator) August 17, 2021

What happens when the chicken tries to cross the road, but doesn't make it? What happens when the 'other side' isn't where it planned to go?
Children probably won't get all the puns and humour in this book, but adult readers will. I wish I had a bunch of children to read this to.

NON FICTION PICTURE BOOKS

5 stars

The Frog Mother by Brett D. Huson & Natasha Donovan (Illustrations) April 27, 2021  ๐Ÿ 

The Mothers of Xsan Series highlights the Gitxsan’s way of knowing the world by showing the integration of culture and nature. Each book introduces an animal significant to the people both ecologically and culturally. In this instance, it highlights the frog mother.

This takes the reader through the life cycle of the frog, a period spanning 5 years. It shows us that different aspects of the animal's development are connected to different times of the year and the actions of other animals. Frog Mother laying her eggs symbolizes a renewal of the land and return of the spring salmon. The Gitxzan revere Frogs as story tellers who, because of their long tongue, "speak all languages and truths of the universe."

The connection between people and frog is there in the use of the Gitxsan language in the text, but it’s integral to the illustrations. The images are gorgeously coloured in the shades of the rainforest. What brings it all together is the use of traditional art into these landscapes.

Like the others in the series, the text uses Gitxsan terms and doesn’t hesitate to use scientific vocabulary. Most of these words are explained in small text boxes on the same page.

The back matter has additional information about the Gitxsan people with a chart of the different moons. It also shows a map of their unceded territory.

NOVELS

4 stars

Hazel's Theory of Evolution by Lisa Jenn Bigelow & Kathleen McInerney (Narrator) October 8, 2019

There is a lot to like about this book because there is a lot going on. Hazel, a generally anxious young teen, has been forced to move in her last year at middle school. This has separated her from her best friend, Becca. Difficulty arises when Becca joins the cheer leading squad and kind of ghosts Hazel. At her new school Hazel slowly makes two new friends. At home one of her moms is pregnant again after two previous miscarriages.
Hazel is a smart nerdy girl who is interested in science, especially biology.
I really liked all the science incorporated into this through the pregnancy, the family's goats, and Hazel's writing about unloved animals.
I had a hard time with the ending when Mimi, who has already lost two babies, didn't pay attention to her health more as her pregnancy progressed. That near disaster with her and Hazel might have been a good plot device. As an adult reader, I just couldn't believe Mimi, who had already lost two babies, wouldn't have been more aware of her preeclampsia symptoms.


Ellen Hopkins knows how to tell the hard stories - stories about real people and real families going through hard times. Cal's mother died and his father is in prison. He now lives with his Aunt, Uncle and cousin Hannah. Their story of learning to become a new family is told through the voices of the two cousins. It takes a while, but eventually they come to appreciate and care for each other.

5 stars

Beasts and Beauty: Dangerous Tales by Soman Chainani & Polly Lee (Narrator) September 21, 2021

I once took a course on how to develop critical thinking through fairytales. Ever since then I have been fascinated by different retellings of them. Soman Chainani's collection here are some of the finest I've seen, (barring the story of The Little Boy and the Three Evil Businessmen written by one of my grade 3 students.) Each version has all kinds of twists. Some are challenging, but honestly, I found some of the original stories more terrifying than these renditions. (Especially the ones of Hansel and Gretel and Beauty and the Beast)


I finished this a while ago, but misplaced my notes. I kept hoping they would show up, but renovation hell being what it is, I've abandoned that idea.
I enjoyed this book, but not as much as the first in the series.
Eli and Morgan travel back to Misewa, only this time, back in time. The Great Bear is a bully who harasses the people there. As they learn how to deal with Bear, they develop skills and strategies for dealing with bullies at school.


This is a reread for me.
Jazz musicians are dropping dead all over London. Autopsies show that their brains were fried with magic. Peter and Nightingale have to figure out who is responsible and put an end to it. The evil doers are nearer than Peter knows. There are some pretty intense, graphic sex scenes that would make me be mindful about who I recommend this too. 

CURRENTLY

I am continuing to read No Time to Spare: Thinking About What Matters by Ursula K. Le Guin. I am enjoying reading one essay at a time. 
I made no progress on Under Shifting Stars Alexandra Latos.
I've just finished Stealing Home by J. Torres and will write a review this week. 

UP NEXT 

Clash by Kayla Miller
Jukebox by Nidhi Chanani
Linked by Gordon Korman

PROGRESS ON MY READING GOALS

#MustReadIn2021 28/25 

#MustReadNFIn2021 11/12 one in progress

#MustReadPBIn2021 63/100 

Big Book Summer Challenge 9 

Books by Canadian Indigenous Authors 35/25

Books by Canadian Authors: 99/100

Canada Reads 2021 5/5 

Discworld Series 41/41

Goodreads Reading Challenge: 374/333 


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#IMWAYR April 12, 2021

Hello out there. It's #IMWAYR time again, when readers share what they have been reading and find out what others have been up to in the past week. Kathryn hosts the adult version of this meme at Book Date. Jen at Teach Mentor Texts and Kellee and Ricki at Unleashing Readers host the kidlit rendition. Whatever you are looking forward to in your next great read, these are fabulous places to start your search.


It was cold last week,  but I managed to finish weeding all the garden beds. Compost is spread over the vegetable patch. Monday (today) we will rototill it in and then go for another load of compost. Some will go in the remainder of our gardens and the rest will go to the neighbours. I've managed to get the grape and flowering bushes pruned. It's all just in time because many of the seeds I planted with my grandkids are ready to get transplanted into real dirt. 

Titles with a ๐Ÿ indicate this is a Canadian or Indigenous Canadian Author and or Illustrator. 

Clicking on the title will take you to the Goodreads page of the book. 

BLOG POSTS FROM LAST WEEK

On the Trapline by David Alexander Robertson & Julie Flett (Illustrations)

Thao by Thao Lam

PICTURE BOOKS

4 stars

Pierre & Paul: Avalanche! Caroline Adderson & Alice Carter (Illustrator)  ๐Ÿ March 15th 2020
This was delightful! It's the story of two boys who head off on an adventure, but then the two explorers become hungry. They return to Pierre's house. Paul does not want salad so they end up making a magnificent mountain of a sandwich. When it ends up collapsing, they have to eat it out of a large bowl.
The book is written with English and French mixed together. Although sometimes I had to dig into my highschool French, for the most part, the meaning of the French vocabulary is accessible from the context of the story and illustrations. I appreciate that it wasn't a huge struggle and can see that this book (and hopefully there will be more in the series) is ideal for French immersion and French as a second language learners.

5 stars

Over the Shop by JonArno Lawson & Qin Leng (illustrator) ๐Ÿ January 5, 2021

This is a book you want to pore over a couple of times at least. It is so richly nuanced and detailed that you need at least two go throughs to begin to appreciate it fully. You also need time. Don't rush to finish it.
On my first read I just grasped the story. The second time I reveled in the little details. One of my favourites is the maple leaf on the syrup jug when the young girl and her grandmother are eating pancakes. It shouts out, I am Canadian!

Over the Shop is about acceptance and transformation. A girl and her grandmother live behind their small grocery store. The apartment above them is vacant, but needs a lot of work. Many people come to view it, but no one wants to rent it. Then an energetic young couple arrive and with the help of the girl, mange to improve the place. At the same time as they transform the apartment, they manage to transform their community.

5 stars

Thao by Thao Lam ๐Ÿ April 21, 2021

The author writes about her experiences growing up with a different sounding name. It's an important book that teaches readers awareness and empathy. It encourages other new immigrants to take pride in their own names and identity. To see more images from it, check out my full blog post here. 


A young boy travels with his Moshom (Grandfather) to visit the family trapline. On the journey he learns more about his Moshom and his culture. Julie Flett's artword is spectacular. I expect this one to win awards. To see more images from it, check out my full blog post here. 

NON FICTION PICTURE BOOKS

4 stars

Kou-skelowh - We are the people : a trilogy of Okanagan legends by Barbara Marchand (illustrator) ๐Ÿ most recent edition: 2017

I wanted to know more about the Syilx, the indigenous people who live in the part of Canada where I grew up and have returned to. This bilingual trilogy is written in both Syilx and English. It includes: How Food Was Given, How Names Were Given, and How Turtle Set the Animals Free. Barbara Marchand's illustrations bring the tales to life. 
The story of how these three origin stories came to be is as interesting as the stories themselves. Syilx elders were an integral part of the process from start to finish. Two of their criteria were that the stories remain unauthored, and that a profit not be made from them. 

NOVELS

5 stars

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn Mar 09, 2021

Kate Quinn writes brilliant historical fiction. I devoured the 600 pages of this book in two afternoon & evening sessions of reading. It is a compelling story of three  women from different backgrounds who become friends while working at Bletchley Park in the UK. I loved these characters. I wept for them, I feared for them and I celebrated with them. I loved learning about life at Bletchley Park during the war. In the author's note at the end of the book, Quinn talks about the real women her fictional characters are based on. It was as fascinating and satisfying as the book itself. 


Omakayas and her family receive warning that they must leave their home. This novel takes place just before the migration begins. Omakayas grows and matures while a group of men head off to collect what is owed to them after signing a treaty with white people. I loved the complex relationships between the siblings. While they are often frustrated with each other, there is also a lot of love.

3.5 stars

Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston & Imani Parks (Narrator) Jan 19, 2021

Amari's older brother, Quinton, has been missing for a while, so when she receives an unexpected package from him, she follows his instructions. Soon she's enrolled in a paranormal school and training to be a Supernatural Investigator. She just has to pass a series of three tests and not let the fact that she is a magician get her disqualified.
I liked lots about this book. I like that Amari's skin colour and her family's financial situation are dealt with realistically and provide a connection to the ordinary reality of kids like her today. I liked her relationship with Elise and even Dylan. I liked the complexity of some of the 'evil' characters. I liked the integration of all the mythical creatures.
I had a hard time with all the bullying stuff. I just don't like books that have this as an issue, especially when those characters are never shown to be much more than empty antagonists. I really hate to see girls in these kinds of situations when what I want to see and modelled is cooperation between them.
I anticipated the final betrayal, but won't spoil it for the rest of you who haven't read it.

This hilarious novel is a parody of football (soccer) and the world of sports. Like all of Pratchett work it’s full of important messages about living a good life and getting along with others. With the introduction of Mr Nutt, (a goblin) he forces us to examine stereotypes and the issue of inclusion vs exclusion. I like how this book introduces us to the ordinary people who 'work downstairs'. I especially appreciate that it is these ordinary folk who end up saving the day for the wizards. Glenda is one of my new Pratchett heroes. 

CURRENTLY 

This is what I have on the go:

The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert
Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice by Mahogany L. Browne, Elizabeth Acevedo, Olivia Gatwood & Theodore Taylor III (Illustrations), 
The King of Jam Sandwiches by Eric Walters
Making Money by Terry Pratchett

UP NEXT

My next audiobook will be Starfish by Lisa Fipps
I plan to start Apple: Skin to the Core by Eric Gansworth
My goal is to read and review two Netgalley titles: Alice Fleck's Recipes for Disaster by Rachelle Delaney & ROAR-chestra! by Robert Heidbreder. 

PROGRESS ON MY READING GOALS

#MustReadIn2021 7/25 one in progress

#MustReadNFIn2021 3/12 one in progress

#MustReadPBIn2021 22/100 

Books by Canadian Indigenous Authors 14/25

Books by Canadian Authors: 32/100

Canada Reads 2021 3/5 

Discworld Series 38/41 

Goodreads Reading Challenge: 136/333  

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