#IReadCanadian: NonFiction for Younger Readers

I READ CANADIAN DAY, February 17, 2021, is a national day of celebration of Canadian books for young people (and everyone). This is a day dedicated to ‘reading Canadian.’ The purpose is to raise awareness of Canadian books and celebrate the richness, diversity and breadth of Canadian literature. We have a wealth of talent in our country!

CANADIAN NONFICTION FOR YOUNGER READERS

The title says it's for younger readers, but anybody can and should read these. For older readers it's an easy introduction to all kinds of fabulous people and wonders of the world.

The Eagle Mother (Mothers of Xsan) by Hetxw'ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson), & Natasha Donovan (Illustrations) (series)

The Eagle Mother is a book loaded with information about the eagle life cycle. What makes it unique is how it puts this information into a context of Gitxzan ways of knowing their world. 

The Grizzly Mother by Hetxw'ms Gyetxw (Brett D. Huson), & Natasha Donovan (Illustrations) (series)

The focus on mothers in this series parallels the matrilineal kinship system of the people. In this instance, we learn about the grizzly mother’s behaviour as it pertains to certain times of the year. These times are connected to the Gitxzan calendar of moons. Don't miss The Salmon Mother by this team. 

How to Become an Accidental Genius by Frieda Wishinsky, Elizabeth MacLeod, & Jenn Playford (Illustrations)

This collection is chock full of fascinating information about scientists, mathematicians, inventors and all kinds of remarkable individuals who are geniuses for many different reasons.

How to Promenade with a Python (and Not Get Eaten): A Polite Predators Book by Rachel Poliquin & Kathryn Durst (Illustrations)

This has enough facts, farce and fear to engage readers of all ages. I learned not to go anywhere near pythons! This is the first in a new series. 

It Began with a Page: How Gyo Fujikawa Drew the Way by Kyo Maclear & Julie Morstad (Illustrator)

This glorious work of art pays homage to the first children's book author to integrate characters with different skin colours in her work. She had to fight with her publishers to do it. 

The Lady with the Books: A Story Inspired by the Remarkable Work of Jella Lepman by Kathy Stinson & Marie Lafrance (Illustrator)

Following the second world war, Jella Lepman created a travelling collection of books from 20 different countries. She believed that the books would build bridges between children from different parts of the world and reduce the possibility of another war.

Mary, Who Wrote Frankenstein by Linda Bailey & Júlia Sardà (Illustrator)

In this delightfully gothic picture book we learn how Mary Shelley came to be the author of the first horror novel. We discover that a story like Frankenstein has its roots in many different kinds of experiences.

Meet Elsie MacGill by Elizabeth MacLeod & Mike Deas (series)

This book is a brilliant introduction to this amazing woman's life. She lived a life of many 'firsts.' Born in 1905, she was the first Canadian woman to get an engineering degree and the first woman in the world to to get her master's degree in aeronautical engineering. Getting polio in her twenties might have slowed her down a bit, but it sure didn't stop her! So Far this series introduces readers to some impressive Canadians including: Willie O'Ree, Tom Longboat, and Terry Fox. 

Mr. Gauguin's Heart by Marie-Danielle Croteau, Isabelle Arsenault (Illustrator), Susan Ouriou (Translator)

This introduction to Paul Gauguin informs us readers how he became an artist. It's full of whimsy, sadness, and beauty.

Ocean Speaks: Marie Tharp and the Map That Moved the Earth by Jess Keating & Katie Hickey (Illustrations)

Marie Tharp had to deal with the challenges of not being appreciated or respected for her work because she was a woman. Using data collected by male scientists, she collated it and created the first map of the ocean showing an underwater mountain range. This provided proof of tectonics and continental drift.

Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean's Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating & Marta Álvarez Miguéns (Illustrator)

Eugenie Clark was born at a time when it was very challenging for women to be more than wives and mothers. She dove into her passion for sharks and eventually earned her PHD. The world is much wiser about sharks because of her advocacy and work.

This Is Your Brain on Stereotypes: How Science Is Tackling Unconscious Bias by Tanya Lloyd Kyi & Drew Shannon (Illustrations)

This provides plenty of information to help readers understand how stereotypes and bias work. Not only that, it includes ideas and strategies individuals can implement to try and deal with their own prejudices.

You Are Never Alone by Elin Kelsey & Soyeon Kim (Illustrations)

With lyrical text and gorgeous art, these creators make the interconnectedness of life here on our blue planet very clear. The positive, scientifically based message is that our relationships benefits us in remarkable ways. They remind us that "Mother Nature has your back."

#IReadCanadian: Books For Younger Readers

I READ CANADIAN DAY, February 17, 2021, is a national day to celebrate Canadian books for young people (and everyone). This is a day dedicated to ‘reading Canadian.’ The purpose is to raise awareness of Canadian books and celebrate the richness, diversity and breadth of Canadian literature. We have a wealth of talent in our country. 

 

Here are some great titles for younger readers.

CHAPTER BOOKS

Badir and the Beaver by Shannon Stewart & Sabrina Gendron (Illustrations)

Badir and his family are new immigrants to Canada. While on a walk with his mother he spied a large rat swimming in a pond. When Badir learns that the the rat is actually a beaver, he begins to research this new to him animal. When the beaver is threatened by a local park enthusiast who is worried about the trees, Badir and his friends have to come up with a way to save the beaver and the park.

Just a Kid by Rie Charles

Meerin Hoy is just an ordinary kid who discovers that the city is planning to turn the vacant farmland across from her home into a housing development. She is determined to stop it. 

This satisfying story about a strong little girl is sure to inspire readers with courage and determination to make necessary changes in their own communities.

Ruckus by Laurie Elmquist David Parkins (Illustrations)

Ruckus is a well named Jack Terrier pup. Reece, the narrator of this book, worries about a lot of things. Will their father ever come back and live with them. Will their mother make Reece return Ruckus to the breeder. Will Ruckus ever poop out Mom's diamond earrings that he ate?

Scallywag on the Salish Sea by Sara Cassidy & Mike Deas (Illustrations)

This charming chapter book is full of rollicking fun. A young boy ends up as kitchen boy on a pirate ship. While cleaning fish he discovers all kinds of jewels and deduces that where this pollock was caught, there must be a treasure. 

Super Detectives by Cale Atkinson (series)

The comedic duo of Simon and Chester now star in their own graphic novel series. Chester plays straight man to Simon's outlandishness. The images are a treasure trove of wit. To fully appreciate all the bits of fun, you almost need to pore over the pages. Children might not get the film noir hints in this, but as a fan of the classic detective genre, I enjoyed them.

The Very, Very Far North by Dan Bar-el

Duane, the polar bear likes nothing more than sleeping, eating, exploring and making friends. He is especially talented at picking just the right name for his pals. The most important thing you need to know about them is that Duane accepts all of them for who they are, even though sometimes, they can be very annoying. 

Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier (series)

Auggie is the keeper of the Fabled Stables, home to one of a kind magical beings. One morning the earth shakes. When Auggie rushes to the stables he discovers a new stall. The back of it opens into a swamp where, unbeknownst by him, some hunters are chasing down a magical creature. This is a little bit creepy, a little bit fanciful and a whole lotta delightful.

PICTURE BOOKS

Africville by Shauntay Grant

A young girl visits the space where Africville, a thriving black community in Halifax, Nova Scotia, was destroyed by city officials in 1960. She imagines what it was like before, and then emerges out of this day dream to see her grandmother's name carved into a sundial. If you haven't read Shauntay Grant's books, you are in for a visual delight! 

Anne Arrives by Kallie George & Abigail Halpin (Illustrator) (series)

This stunningly illustrated reader pays homage to the famous Anne of Green Gables. I am impressed by how rich this version is and how is captures the essence of story so authentically.

Anonymouse by Vikki VanSickle & Anna Pirolli (Illustrations)

In this nod to Banksy, an anonymous mouse creates art for creatures in an unnamed city. Anonymouse provides a unique perspective for these animals. 

The Barnabus Project by Eric Fan, Terry Fan, Devin Fan (Illustrator)

Barnabus, half mouse and half elephant, is a genetically modified creature built for the pet market. Unfortunately, he lives under a bell jar on a shelf with other animals like himself. Deemed failures, they are scheduled to be recycled. In spite of being told it's impossible, Eric breaks his jar and frees the rest of the beasts. 

The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family by Ibtihaj Muhammad, S.K. Ali & Hatem Aly (Illustrator)

Faizah tells of her older sister, Asiya's first day of wearing a hijab to school. While she sees the harassment, she is proud of how her sister deals with it by following their mother's advice, "Don't carry around the hurtful words that other say. Drop them. They are not yours to keep. They belong only to those who said them." What is obvious through this book is how much Faizah loves and wants to be like Asiya. The beauty in these illustrations just wowed me.

Fairy Science by Ashley Spires

Esther is an unusual fairy. She doesn't believe in magic. Esther believes in science. She prefers "facts, data, and hard evidence to wishing on stars." She has a scientific explanation for all the enchantments the other fairies experience.

Flare by Kallie George & Geneviève Côté (Illustrations) (series)

Young Flare never cries, so the Sun, the wind, and the rain take it upon themselves to teach him how to cry. As Flare learns empathy, he also learns to cry. It turns out that his tears have magical powers.

Helen’s Birds by Sara Cassidy & Sophie Casson (Illustrations)

This is the wordless story of a friendship between Saanvi and her elderly neighbour Helen. It's a glorious bonding. They laugh, play games, and read together. Helen introduces Saanvi to the world of birds. Together they build bird houses and bird feeders. They watch eggs hatch and chicks grow.

I Lost My Talk by Rita Joe & Pauline Young (Illustrator)

This poem by Rita Joe, tells of how she lost her language, her culture, and ways of knowing the world while in residential school.

I'm Finding My Talk by Rebecca Thomas & Pauline Young (Illustrator)

I'm Finding My Talk is a poem about healing and recovering as much of that which was taken away as possible.

Mi'kmaw Animals by Alan Syliboy

This board book showcases petroglyph style illustrations different animals. Each creature paired with its name on the next page. The names are given in Mi’kmaw with a pronunciation guide and in English.

Nibi's Water Song by Sunshine Tenasco & Chief Lady Bird (Illustrator)

Nibi goes searching for clean water to drink. Her search takes her into a nearby white community where there is plenty of water. She ends up becoming an activist to get water for her Indigenous community. 

Not My Girl by Christy Jordan-Fenton, Margaret Pokiak-Fenton, Gabrielle Grimard

Following When I Was Eight, this picture book continues Margaret Pokiak-Fenton's true story as she returns from two years away at a residential school. 

Ojiichan's Gift by Chieri Uegaki & Genevieve Simms (Illustrations)

Mayumi spends two months each summer in Japan staying with her Grandfather and helping him tend his garden.

Outside Art by Madeline Kloepper

Animals look inside a window and watch an Artist at work. All of them respond to the question, what is art? Each one understands it through their own perspective of their world.

Princess Puffybottom . . . and Darryl by Susin Nielsen & Olivia Chin Mueller (Illustrator)

Poor Princess Puffybottom is one pampered cat (with two mommies) until her subjects bring Darryl, a rambunctious puppy, home. No matter what she does, Princess can not get them to get rid of him.

The Ranger by Nancy Vo (series)

Annie finds a fox who is in a bad way, rescues it, and in turn the two become friends. What we readers eventually come to understand is that friendship is not about keeping score, it's about supporting each other when we need help without any expectation of payment.

Salma the Syrian Chef by Danny Ramadan & Anna Bron (Illustrator)

This is a story about being forced to leave a land you are love. It's about what we miss when we are away from our roots, and reminds us to be thankful for the diverse, multicultural communities we are lucky to live in.

Saturday at the Garage by Nancy Hundal, Angela Pan (Illustrator)

In this nostalgic look at a different time, a young girl spends the day with her father at his garage.

The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry & Eric Fan & Terry Fan (Illustrators)

Rhyming picture books don't always work for me, but when, like this one, they do - Wow!
A scarecrow is renowned for its ferocity until a baby crow lands at its feet. What ensues is the development of a profound relationship for the scarecrow and the crow. It celebrates the power of connection and friendship. This book is so heartfelt it's difficult not to tear up.

Small in the City by Sydney Smith

Sometimes the city is overwhelming even for adults. Smith captures this in wordless graphic novel type panels and in one single page spread where the images are fractured. I love this surprise ending.

Virginia Wolf by Kyo Maclear & Isabelle Arsenault (Illustrator)

This tale of a young girl attempting to cheer up her unhappy sister is a story for all ages. Arsenault's illustrations and hand lettering of the text facilitate a profound interpretation of Maclear's words.

When We Are Kind by Monique Gray Smith & Nicole Neidhardt (Illustrations)

This simple book explains in what kindness is. Each page makes statement explaining one aspect of kindness and is accompanied by an illustration. The book talks about how we can be kind to each other, to our families, friends and neighbors, and to the planet. It continues on explaining the feelings we get when we are actively kind.

Wild Berries by Julie Flett

A young boy goes wild blueberry picking with his grandma. It feels magical: a connection to another time and place.

#IMWAYR February 8, 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.

I continued working on my Olivier Dunrea quilt this week. I'm almost finished with the 13 characters (each one 2 times) and their bits and pieces. I'll post a picture next week. I ended up watching/listening to Rebus, a new to me mystery series.

I was also working on some posts about Canadian authors for different ages of readers. I will have those ready Monday or Tuesday of this week! 

Titles with a 🍁 indicate this is a Canadian Author and or Illustrator. 

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

PICTURE BOOKS

4 stars

Jenneli's Dance by Elizabeth Denny & Chris Auchter (Illustrator) 🍁

A young Metis girl who thinks she isn't good at anything, learns to jig from her grandmother. When her grandmother enters her into a dance contest, she is terrified. A gift of a new pair of new shoes to dance in, gives her enough courage to continue.
I liked that readers get to know more about Metis culture through ordinary everyday events in the life of the family, as well as learning a bit about Metis culture through the stories the Grandmother tells.
This is like an illustrated short story rather than a traditional picture book. One side of each two page spread is full of text. There were pages where the illustrations filled me up with joy, but at other times felt jarring.

5 stars

Sir Simon: Super Scarer by Cale Atkinson 🍁

I revisited this picture book to put Atkinson's new book, Super Detectives, into perspective. I liked this even more the second time, and I liked it a lot the first go round! 

If you haven't read it, here is my original review. 
Sir Simon, a ghost, gets transferred around a lot. When the house he is in becomes occupied by a grandmother and her grandson, Simon tricks the grandson, Chester into doing his ghost chores for him. Chester is not very good at it. The next day Sir Simon, filled with remorse ends up helping Chester with his daily chores. Sir Simon is not very good at it. But they are good at is being friends with each other.
I loved this one! It’s full of gorgeous art and a delightfully humorous story that will make readers feel good.

GRAPHIC NOVEL

4 stars

Super Detectives by by Cale Atkinson 🍁

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It will be released February 9, 2021, by Tundra Books.

Super Detectives continues on from Atkinson's Sir Simon Super Scarer, where the two protagonists, Simon and Chester, met and became friends. 

The comedic duo now star in their own graphic novel series. This is the first. 

Simon is busy working on his detective novel when Chester, bored as can be, begins bugging him. Simon remains focused so Chester digs into boxes in the attic He ends up discovering a Sherlock Holmes style hat. This excites Simon who decides they should become detectives. After finding proper attire for both of them and setting up their 'office,' they wait for clients to show up. Eventually they head off in search of a mystery to solve. They end up finding a dog in the house and set off to find the owner. Well, Chester comes up with a plan while Sir Simon gets carried away speculating about the poor pup. 

The book is chock full of humour. Chester plays straight man to Simon's outlandishness. The images are a treasure trove of wit. To fully appreciate all the bits of fun, you almost need to pore over the pages. Children might not get the hints of film noir, but as a fan of the classic detective genre, I enjoyed them. 

This charming little graphic novel is ideal for young students ready to move on to graphic novels. It will also make a fun read aloud between parent and child. 

NON FICTION

5 stars

This Is Your Brain on Stereotypes: How Science Is Tackling Unconscious Bias by Tanya Lloyd Kyi & Drew Shannon (Illustrations) 🍁

This short book packs a wallop! It might be targeted towards youth, but is an important book for adults as well. In only 88 pages it provides plenty of information to help readers understand how stereotypes and bias work. Not only that, it includes ideas and strategies individuals can implement to try and deal with their own prejudices.
While the book doesn't go deeply into many of the topics, I think the way it's dealt with is appropriate for the intended age. Additionally, the backmatter contains a detailed bibliography for readers who want to explore the ideas more fully.
I ended up writing out so many quotes and flagging so many passages I finally went and ordered my own copy of this. If I was still working in the library, I would order 4 copies.

NOVELS

4 stars

Patron Saints of Nothing by by Randy Ribay

This was intense on many different levels. I had to stop listening and read it with my eyes.
Following the death of his cousin, a Filipino-American teenager heads off to the Philippines to find out what happened. He's met with an uncle steeped in toxic masculinity and a family that refuses to acknowledge they ever had a son and brother.
As a reader from Canada, this book provided me with a window into Filipino history and sociopolitical culture. I was deeply engaged with the characters and terrified for them.
There are many gorgeous chunks of writing. I collected this quote “If we are to be more than what we have been, there's so much that we need to say. Salvation through honesty, I guess.”

4 stars

All Together Now: A Newfoundlander's Light Tales for Heavy Times by Alan Doyle. 🍁

This was an enjoyable audiobook narrated by the author. Alan Doyle is a musician who played in Great Big Sea, a Canadian folk band. I enjoyed hearing about his early years, his time with the band and his budding career as an actor. He is a gifted storyteller and the the book is full of entertaining reminiscences. I came to like Alan Doyle the man. I liked his self deprecating humour, his kindness towards others, and his humanity. 

5 stars

Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk & Holly Linneman (Narrator) 

Ever since Wolk's novel, Wolf Hollow, terrified the bejesus out of me, I've been nervous about starting a new book by her. Even though I liked Beyond the Bright Sea, that nervousness hadn't abated. I think this book might have fixed that. 

This is an exquisitely written coming of age story. It's full of hardship, persistence, friendship and understanding. It's tense, but not terrifying. It deserves every bit of love it's received.

Having lost everything indirectly because of the market crash in 1929, Ellie and her family end up starting all over from scratch on Echo Mountain. After a couple of years, her father was hurt by a falling tree and ended up in an extended coma. Her mother and older sister think that she was responsible. While it's not true, Ellie carries the burden so that those who are responsible don't have to. Her decision to use more drastic methods to wake up their father estranges her even more from them.

Following a dog up the mountain, she discovers that the hag who lives there is very ill from an infected injury. Meeting her ends up changing Ellie's life in all kinds of positive ways.
Ellie is the kind of protagonist I love. She's got all kinds of spunk and isn't afraid to listen to herself and follow that inner voice. She's a fabulous role model for young girls.

 

DISCWORLD NOVELS

3.5 stars

Thief of Time by Terry Pratchett & Stephen Briggs (Narrator)

The auditors are at it again - trying to stop the unpredictability of humans. This time they have a plot to stop time. One of them takes on human form to facilitate this. Unfortunately for her, a body has its own rational, and she ends up siding with humans. When the rest of them take on human forms, the results are a comical, if somewhat ominous, disaster.
I was happy to see Susan (Death's granddaughter) in one of novels again, even though it is dominated by predominantly male characters. But then, this is true of all the novels except the ones with the witches and Tiffany Aching.
This novel includes a lot of parodying of action films, but the most hilarious part is the use of chocolate as a deadly weapon.
Rule One, "Do not act incautiously when confronting a little bald wrinkly smiling man," is a good lesson to learn, although I might add or woman.

CURRENTLY 

I'm still savouring This Wound Is A World, a collection of poetry by Billy-Ray Belcourt. I've started Crossing Home Ground by David Pitt-Brooke. I'm also reading How to Change Everything: The Young Human's Guide to Protecting the Planet and Each Other by Naomi Klein & Rebecca Stefoff. I'm listening to The Last Hero by Terry Pratchett. 

UP NEXT 

I want to start reading Our Corner Store by Robert Heidbreder, but two Canada Reads titles have just become available. I hope another comes available as an audiobook soon, but otherwise, I've got Navigate Your Stars by Jesmyn Ward queued up. 

PROGRESS ON MY READING GOALS 

#MustReadIn2021 4/25 

#MustReadNFIn2021 2/12 

#MustReadPBIn2021 8/100

Books by Canadian Indigenous Authors: 5/25 one in progress

Books by Canadian Authors: 13/100

Canada Reads 2021 1/5

Discworld Series 26/41 

Goodreads Reading Challenge: 55/333 

#IMWAYR February 1, 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.

I have started sewing on the two Gossie and Friends quilts for my youngest grandkids. I'm beginning with the characters first and will do the rest of the little animals next. Then I'll get to all the scenery and background stuff. I will have to embroider eyes and other details eventually. I hope to get them finished at least before they start school!

Here's where I'm at now. After creating a few test pieces, I sewed all the yellow parts.  I've created patterns for most of the rest and have started stitching the orange bits (beaks, legs and feet). 

Titles with a 🍁 indicate this is a Canadian Author and or Illustrator. 

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

RECENT BLOG POSTS

How to Promenade with a Python (and Not Get Eaten): A Polite Predators Book by Rachel Poliquin & Kathryn Durst (Illustrations)

PICTURE BOOKS

3 stars

Anonymouse by Vikki VanSickle & Anna Pirolli (Illustrations) 🍁 

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It will be published February 9, 2021.

In this nod to Banksy, an anonymous mouse creates art for creatures in an unnamed city. Anonymouse provides a delightfully unique perspective for these animals. Sometimes it makes them laugh. Sometimes it makes them think.
Even after Anonymouse disappears and moves on, the world of the animals is changed forever. They have learned to see and create beauty in their own ways.
Anna Pirolli's palette of hot pink, purples and browns was created digitally.
I really appreciated the idea that art can change how we view the world. I only wish that Anonymouse had been ungendered. 

3 stars

Grandma Loves You Because You're You by Liza Baker & David McPhail (Illustrations)

I got this for Christmas from a couple of my grandchildren. Told in rhyming verse a grandmother tells her grandchild how and why she loves them. It's full of universal truths about this special relationship.
I only wish my grandkids were here for me to read this with them.

4 stars

I Love You Grandma by Melanie Joyce & Lizzie Walkley (Illustrator)

This is another Christmas gift from the same two granddaughters. Told in rhyming verse, a little bear gives reasons for why they love their grandmother. It sure captures the essence of this special relationship between the generations. I can hardly wait to read this with my little darlings.

5 stars

Snail & Worm: Three Stories About Two Friends by Tina Kugler

The good thing about learning about a new series late in the game, is that you get to read a whole bunch without waiting for the next one to come out. Snail and Worm was instant love for me. As If I don't already miss my grandkids enough, I really wish I could go visit with them just to read these books with them. These two creatures are interesting friends. The three stories in each book are told from their perspective. In the first story here readers learn how they met. In the second, Snail climbs a flower while Worm cheers it on, and in the last one, we meet their pets. Seriously, these are the best!

5 stars

Snail & Worm Again by Tina Kugler

Here I am, a grown woman devouring early chapter books. I tell myself it's research so I have ideas of what books to get my grandkids, but honestly, they are fun to read all by myself.
Snail and Worm are charming friends. The three stories in each book are full of sweetness and humour. In the first one Snail and Worm think that Snail has grown wings. In the second, they mistake a penny for a mirror and admire themselves in it. In the last one, Snail is sad because they compare themselves to other animals and things. Not only are they hilarious, important messages are shared!

5 stars

Snail and Worm All Day: Three Stories About Two Friends by Tina Kugler

Oh No! I have come to the last book available in this series aboout the charming Snail and Worm!
The books just keep on getting better and better. Yes they are full of silliness, but Kugler manages to sneak in some important ideas while making us laugh.
Like the others, the book includes three short stories. In the first one here Snail might be having a bad day, but sees that great things are happening around for others. In the second, Snail mistakes a turtle for a dragon in a cave. In the last one, the two friends collaborate on a bedtime story.
I seriously adore these! They are perfect for fans of Elephant and Piggy.

NONFICTION PICTURE BOOKS

5 stars

How to Promenade with a Python (and Not Get Eaten): A Polite Predators Book by Rachel Poliquin & Kathryn Durst (Illustrations) 🍁 

If I was still working in a school library, I would purchase this in a heartbeat. It's got just the right amount of facts, farce and fear to engage readers of all ages. I only wish I could have found out more about Kathryn Durst's process for creating these vibrant illustrations. To find out more about this title, check out my full review here.

5 stars

Nesting by Henry Cole

This book is gobsmackingly gorgeous. It follows a couple of American Robins as they meet, build a nest, lay four eggs and raise the chicks. There is a note at the end with additional information about these creatures. 

GRAPHIC NOVELS

Go with the Flow by Lily Williams & Karen Schneemann

A young teen brings the issue of lack of menstrual awareness and support to her school. Whether or not this one wins the Cybil award, I would purchase it for my school library. 

NOVELS

5+ stars

Monkey Beach by Eden Robinson

You know how you finish a book and wonder what took you so long to read it? This is one of those. 

It's been called Northern Gothic and that's a pretty good a description. It reminded me in parts of Jesmyn Ward's work written a decade later.
The story focuses on Lisa and her nuclear family. It begins with her brother Jimmy's disappearance on a boat with his girlfriend's uncle. Her parents head south to where he was last seen, while Lisa remains in Kitamaat. While waiting, Lisa's reminiscences cycle round from the present into her past and back again. She revisits her relationships with her Uncle Mick, her grandmother, Ma-ma-oo, and the spirit world. What's fascinating here is how these two people connect her Haisla roots to the modern world of AIM. Eventually she heads off in a boat to meet up with her parents. She ends up on Monkey Beach, and a confrontation with the spirit world.
I can't begin to gush enough about the beauty of the writing here. I swear I was transported to the Northwest coast in the rainforest of the Haisla and Heiltsuk people. I was swept up into her character's lives.
Just Wow!

4 stars

Vi by Kim Thúy (Author and Narrator) 🍁 

I read this because it is the One Eread Canada book and I adore Kim Thúy's writing.
Like her book Ru, it tells of a family who had to flee Vietnam and ended up in Canada.
Vi is the youngest in a family with three older brothers. Her father, who stayed behind, was brought up as a spoiled, wealthy, young man. He never changed. Her hardworking mother doted on him. Vi is a product of her Vietnamese upbringing and the westernized world of Quebec. This book explores her cultural and family roots. It focuses on the conflict between then and now in both Canada and Vietnam. I was fascinated by the connection between her mother's relationship with her father and Vi's relationships with the men in her life.

 

DISCWORLD NOVELS

3 stars

Last Continent by Terry Pratchett & Nigel Planer (Narrator)

Rincewind and the rest of the wizards from Unseen University end up in "Australia" which is in the process of evolving. Pratchett messes around with Time Travel in this one. 

4 stars

The Fifth Elephant by Terry Pratchett & Stephen Briggs (Narrator)

Commander Sam Vimes, Duke of Ankh, and his wife, Lady Sybil, are sent off to Überwald on a diplomatic mission to represent Ankh-Morpork at the inauguration of the new King of Dwarfs. Along with them, Lord Vetinari send Detritus, a troll, and Corporal Littlebottom, a dwarf to represent ethnic minorities in the region.

The Scone of Stone, a sacred relic to the Dwarves necessary in the crowning of the new King has gone missing. Officer Angua's werewolf family are involved in the plot. The delegation is caught up in the middle of machinations that may erupt into civil war between different factions of Dwarves. Vimes is cornered by, and has to outrun a pack of werewolves. Through it all, Sam and Lady Sybil learn more about each other and she manages to tell him that they are going to have a baby.

4 stars

The Truth by Terry Pratchet & Stephen Briggs (Narrator)

“A lie can run round the world before the truth has got its boots on.”
This book is eerily prescient given the plethora of misinformation and lies being spread through media today.
Moveable type comes to the Discworld and William de Worde, Discworld's first investigative reporter, starts up a newspaper, the Ankh- Morpork Times. In response, the engraver's guild starts up the The Ankh-Morpork Inquirer, a rag filled with fictitious news. William and his team, reporter, Sacharissa Cripslock and iconographer, Otto, a vampire, get caught up in a conspiracy that has been set in motion to destroy the patrician.

 

5 stars

The Sea and Little Fishes by Terry Pratchett

Pratchett's Witches miniseries are some of my favourite novels in the Discworld. When this short story showed up next in my reading of the collection, I was more than ready for a visit with Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax. Granny Weatherwax is the most powerful witch on the Discworld. When the Lancre Witch Trials come around, a committee of organizers ask Granny to step aside so that other witches have a chance to win. What Granny does, is become nice, very very nice about it all. It's hilarious and terrifying all at the same time.

CURRENTLY 

I'm reading Patron Saints of Nothing by by Randy Ribay. I've started This Wound Is A World, a collection of poetry by Billy-Ray Belcourt. I'm listening to a title from Canada Reads long list, All Together Now: A Newfoundlander's Light Tales for Heavy Times by Alan Doyle.

UP NEXT 

I will be reading and reviewing Super Detectives by by Cale Atkinson. I plan to start Crossing Home Ground by David Pitt-Brooke, a book club title that focuses on the region where I live. If I finish Belcourt's poems I want to start reading Our Corner Store by Robert Heidbreder. The next Discworld title will be 
Thief of Time. 

I've finished all the Cybil graphic novel finalists that I can get my hands on. I'm hoping to access the remaining three, but am not holding out hope. 

PROGRESS ON MY READING GOALS 

#MustReadIn2021 4/25 

#MustReadNFIn2021 2/12 

#MustReadPBIn2021 7/100

Books by Canadian Indigenous Authors: 4/25 one in progress

Books by Canadian Authors: 9/100

Canada Reads 2021 1/5

Discworld Series 25/41 

Goodreads Reading Challenge: 47/333 

How to Promenade with a Python (and Not Get Eaten): A Polite Predators Book by Rachel Poliquin & Kathryn Durst (Illustrations)

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. It will be released February 2, 2021, by Tundra Books.

If I was still working in a school library, I would purchase this in a heartbeat. It's got just the right amount of facts, farce and fear to engage readers of all ages. I only wish I could have found out more about Kathryn Durst's process for creating these vibrant illustrations. 

A Madagascar Hissing Cockroach named Celeste hosts this book. Cockroaches are expert survivors who have been on the planet for millions of years. Given this, they are very knowledgeable and can teach us humans many things. 

In this case Celeste is teaching readers how to take a promenade with a python named Frank. Please note that she makes it very very clear that in real life this is an extremely bad idea. 

I am in awe of how much I learned about pythons in this book. 

Did you know that there are more than forty different kinds of pythons? Did you know that reticulated pythons like Frank can grow to be 8 metres long and weigh 150 Kilograms? (That's as long as a bus and as heavy as four baby hippos.) Did you know they have bad eyesight and are colour blind?

I especially appreciated the labeled diagram with a cutout section showing Frank's bones. 

Are you interested in learning how pythons like Frank capture, kill and swallow their prey? This entertaining nonfiction picture book will teach you this, and much much more about this not so polite predator. 

I have learned not to go anywhere near them!