CHILDREN’S BOOKS
MARTIN AND THE RIVER
Groundwood Books, SPRING 2022. Illustrated by Josée Bisaillon
Martin loves to play by the river near his house. He watches the great blue herons and looks for crayfish and otters. He builds forts and lies in the tall grass near the water. But one day Martin’s parents tell him they have to move away, to the city.
The family spend a day in the city, exploring their future home. Martin rides the subway, visits the market, explores the museum and watches a street performer, but none of the city’s charms can compare with the river. Then his parents show him a small stream running through the park, and Martin senses something familiar in the air.
This poetic story looks at the special relationship between an imaginative child and the natural world, and explores how that connection can be nurtured and recreated in a new place.
critical acclaim
“A perfect book for young kids … celebrates the the wonderful connection kids can have with nature wherever they live.” - Toronto International Festival of Authors
SONG FOR THE SNOW
Groundwood Books, 2021. Illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler
Freya has always loved the snow and the way it covers everything like powdered sugar. But the snow hasn't come to her town for two winters, and she's starting to forget what it looks and feels like. When will it be cold? When will it snow again?
An eloquent fable about remembering past traditions, our connection to nature and caring for a world threatened by climate change through shared effort and hope.
Critical acclaim
“Eggenschwiler’s artwork matches the gentle and magical telling of the story.” - Kirkus Reviews
“Quietly charming … A perfectly delightful and calming bedtime story.” - Canadian Review of Materials
“Enchanting … as quietly charming as the first snowfall of winter.” - Quill and Quire
MAGGIE’S TREASURE
Groundwood Books, 2020. Illustrated by Kellen Hatanaka.
★ 2021 WHITE RAVEN INTERNATIONAL BOOKLIST SELECTED TITLE
Maggie finds treasure wherever she goes. Whether it’s a button, a feather or a shiny stone, she picks it up and takes it home. At first the neighbors and city workers are grateful to Maggie for cleaning up; the mayor even gives her an award. But over time Maggie’s collection grows bigger and bigger, until it spills out of her house and garden in an unsightly mess. Eventually even Maggie realizes that something must be done. Finally, inspired by a bird outside her window, she finds a way to share her treasure that enchants and transforms the entire neighborhood.
Critical ACCLAIM
“A wise and satisfying read.” - Kirkus Reviews
“A beautiful book.” — School Library Journal
“Equal parts whimsical and empowering.” — Quill & Quire
TOKYO DIGS A GARDEN
Groundwood Books, 2016. Illustrated by Kellen Hatanaka.
★ 2016 Governor General's Literary Award Winner
Tokyo lives in a small house between giant buildings with his family and his cat, Kevin. For years, highways and skyscrapers have been built up around the family’s house where once there were hills and trees. Will they ever experience the natural world again?
One day, an old woman offers Tokyo seeds, telling him they will grow into whatever he wishes. Tokyo and his grandfather are astonished when the seeds grow into a forest so lush that it takes over the entire city overnight. Soon the whole city has gone wild, with animals roaming where cars once drove. But is this a problem to be surmounted, or a new way of living to be embraced?
Critical acclaim
"A thing of beauty." --The New York Times
“A challenging 21st-century fable sure to spark discussions.” - Kirkus
“Highly recommended for every kid growing up surrounded by pavement, steel and concrete.” - The Globe & Mail
"A haunting modern day fairy tale.” - Publisher’s Weekly
Finalist of the TD Canadian Children's Literature Prize 2017
Nominee of the 2018 Sakura Medal for English-language picture books (Japan)
Short-listed for the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award 2016
Selected for the TD Summer Reading Club Top Recommended Reads 2016
Toronto Public Library's First and Best List 2016
CCBC Best Books for Children and Teens, starred selection 2016
CBC Best Books of 2016