Local children's book authors tell Rockies tales to take home with you
by Michele Tipman Stott
A bold landscape, untouched wild areas and the opportunity for environmental education make the Canadian Rockies an endless source of inspiration for artists and writers who make their homes in abundance in the Bow Valley.
A book is a great alternative to a t-shirt or postcard as a memento of your vacation, or as a gift for a wee one left at home. Check out the racks at Café Books or The Second Story in Canmore or the Banff Book & Art Den or Cascade Mountain Books in Banff. A good variety of local children's books are available to take home, with many signed copies often available at local bookstores.
The Sidewalk Rescue
Written by Hazel Hutchins, Illustrated by Ruth Ohi,
Annick Press Ltd., Softcover $8.95
This is the latest children's picture book written by renowned Canadian author Hazel Hutchins, who makes her home in Canmore. Large colourful pictures drawn by Ruth Ohi highlight the adventure of Morgan, who has to use her magic chalk and creativity to rescue her sister Josie who has jumped into their sidewalk drawing. Morgan enlists the help of the whole neighbourhood to save Josie from lions, eagles, sharks and a giant snowball.
Hazel Hutchins has written more than 25 children's books. She has won the Writers Guild of Alberta Award for Children's Literature and has been nominated for the Governor General's and Mr. Christie awards.
Robyn's Art Attack
Written by Hazel Hutchins, Illustrated by Yvonne Cathcart
Formac Publishing Company Limited, Paperback $5.95
Also found on the shelves of bookstores countrywide is Hutchins' latest book for emerging readers. When Robyn gets to choose the class field trip, she turns down the science centre, zoo and chocolate factory, opting instead for the art gallery - to the obvious displeasure of her classmates. Robyn faces their unhappiness and all are surprised when the trip turns into an unexpected adventure.
Romance in the Rockies: The Life and Adventures of Catharine and Peter Whyte
Altitude publishing, Paperback $9.95
This historical biography is part of Canmore-based Altitude Publishing's Amazing Stories series. This book, written by Canmore local Kim Mayberry, follows the life and love of Peter and Catharine Whyte, one of Banff's most remembered and well-known couples. The two shared a love of art and adventure and have left their lasting legacy in their artwork and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies they built as a lasting gift to the Banff and Canadian communities. This book is suited to young adults and adult readers. Pick up the book and pay a visit to their home, now a heritage building that stands on the Whyte museum property.
This is a first novel for Mayberry, who lives and works in Canmore with her husband Kevin. Mayberry also freelances for local newspapers and magazines.
Canadian Rocky Mountains
Written by Jenny Johnston, Illustrated by Susan Germann
Alpine Books, Hardcover $14.95
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Canmore author Katherine Fawcett reads to a captive audience of youngsters from her first book, Mushkids, as book illustrator Jocelyn Asnong listens in the background at Café Books.
Cecil the Columbian Ground Squirrel takes children on a journey through the Canadian Rocky Mountain history and natural sites. Illustrated with coloured pencil drawings, this book is an excellent souvenir as children will recognize the places they have seen and be drawn to appreciate the local history and environment. Interesting facts and details are written at a child's level.
Mountain Magic: A Wilderness Series
Written by Carol McTavish and Lori Nunn, Illustrated by Linden Wentzloff
Softcover, $12.95
There are presently three books in the Mountain Magic Series conceived and published by three local mothers who have shared the spirit of the mountains with their children and now offer to share it, through their books, with yours. In the Path of Great Bear was a finalist for the 2002 Alberta Book Awards for Educational Book of the Year and received a Jurors Special Mention.
Magic in the Mountains was a finalist in the 2003 Alberta Book Awards for Educational Book of the Year.
Their most recent endeavor Where Wolves are Wild holds the same charm and is doubtless destined for further praise.
Based on true stories, this series of children's picture books is exceptional in its educational value, teaching children the importance of environmental stewardship. The stories are gripping, fun and beautifully illustrated.
Mushkid: A Tale of Dogsledding, Friendship and Drool
Written by Katherine Fawcett, Illustrated by Jocelyn Asnong
Off Leash Enterprises, Softcover $12.95
Mushkids follows the tale of 11-year-old Abby, who faces adversity and finds friendship as she participates in an adventurous dogsled race. This beautifully illustrated folk-art style and entertaining story is written by Canmore author Katherine Fawcett, who with her husband Bob runs Alaskan Racing Huskies during the dogsledding season on mountain trails in Whistler, B.C. Illustrator Jocelyn Asnong lives in Banff and is an avid outdoorswoman.
Snowbears of Lake Louise
Written by David Chesky, Illustrated by Chris Bigelow
Hardcover, $29.95
Two grandparents fall into a crevice and are rescued by magical snowbears who take care of the earth, air and water. This is a charming, brilliantly illustrated children's picture book.
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