Here are more treasures that I found by Canadian Authors:
Pigs by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Matchenko: When I went to the library and told the librarian that I wanted to be introduced to some Canadian Children’s books her first recommendation was anything by Robert Munsch. She said he was a must.
Pigs is about Megan, a little girl. Before school her father asks her to feed the pigs. He said, “but please don’t open the gate. Pigs are smarter than you think.” Megan goes to feed the pigs and looks at them . She said, these are the dumbest looking animals I have ever seen.” She opens the gate. Boy, was that a mistake!
This is a really cute story with bright and wonderful pictures. I think this would be a lot of fun to read with children. Hmm.. I don’t have any of my own and my niece is now 17 years old. Maybe I could borrow one of yours. LOL!
Mary of Mile 18 by Ann Blades: Mile 18 is a remote farming community off the Alaska Highway in northern British Columbia Canada. It is a real place but is now called Buick.
This is the story of Mary who lives in Mile 18. Mary lives on a farm with her family. It doesn’t have any modern conveniences such as running water or indoor plumbing. One day when Mary arrives home from school she sees a little puppy and runs up to it. She asked her father if she could keep him but her father said, ” You know the rules. Our animals must work for us, or give us food.” Mary was very disappointed. However, later an incident happens. You’ll have to read it to see what happens.
Ann Blades also illustrated this book. The pictures are bright and beautiful and the story is quite cute.
Bamboo by Paul Yee Illustrated by Shaoli: In a Chinese village, a small farmer, Bamboo meets and falls in love with Ming, a peasant girl. Soon after they are married, Bamboo goes to the New World to make more money. While he is gone, Jin, Ming’s sister-in-law makes life miserable for her. Ming goes on anyway and tries to make the best of it. Then Bamboo’s ship sinks on the way home and he is said to be dead.
There is much more to it and is a delightful story. The pictures are amazing and has a lot of detail. I just question if the story is really that good for very little children. With the adult issues going on. I recommend you read it yourself first and then decide if it’s okay for your little ones.
I will have more wonderful picture books to share but this is it for now. To be continued sometime in the future.
What beautiful covers on these little treasures.
the bamboo often get dramatize in china, people associated many thinking into bamboo, such as long lasting life, growth, civilized etc. in china, the bamboo cost is much cheaper than wood, and the consumer accept to pay the bamboo made stuffs in wood level price.
Diane, you should see the pictures on the insides of these books!
Dollygirl, they can be. Thanks for the award! I’ll stop by.
Poseidon,thanks so much for the added insight!
How I used to love children’s books. Now I don’t to read those more often. I loved your post!
I always love to reflect back on children’s books – they can be so great! I also wanted you to know I have an award for you at my blog http://themaidenscourt.blogspot.com/.
Great finds! Pigs looks like something I would like.
lol Teddy, great minds think alike! I just posted my review of Mary of Mile 18 as a selection for ‘Childhood Favourites’ — I love/d this book!
Robert Munsch played a huge role in my childrens early reading experience. I’ve read “Love You Forever” so many times to so many children I know it by heart. I am though, much more fond of his earlier work. My personal R.M. fav is “Millicent and the Wind”.
I know Paul Yee’s work (Ghost Train, The Bone Collector’s Son) but not Bamboo. I’ll have to look for this one, thanks Teddy!
Looking forward to your next “treasure” post! 🙂
Wonderful to see three great Canadians represented here, Teddy. Munsch is indeed the be all and end all these days when anyone asks for a picture book by a Canadian. I love his earliest stuff, like Mud Puddle the best. I saw him perform at the local library in Guelph when I was just a youngster and he hadn’t published anything yet.
Mary of Mile 18 is a Canadian Classic and Paul Yee himself is a classic Canadian author focusing on the Chinese immigrant experience mostly but as seen here also telling traditional fairytales.
You sure picked some great ones, Teddy!
Gautami, I’m glad I started reading them. They are fun.
Cheryl, Pigs is fun.
Nicola, wow, you sure know a lot about Canadian picture books. I added Mud Puddles to my list. I’m also going to check out more Paul Yee.
Wanda, thanks for all the recommendations! I will check them out. Bamboo is very cool!
These look and sound fantastic. Always on the lookout for books for my little grand daughter
Linda, I think your grand daughter would enjoy these.