More Children’s Picture Books in Review

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.