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The Auction
Jan Andrews
Illustrations: Karen Reczuch
Toronto/Vancouver: Groundwood/Douglas & McIntyre, 1992
32 p. ISBN 0888991681
Ages 6 to 10.
Todd has come out to his grandfather's farm to help him prepare
for the auction, but is hurt and disappointed that the farm must
be sold. As they share stories of happier days, they remember
the scarecrows Gran used to make for her garden and end up making
a series of their own which they place around the auction site.
A poignant story about accepting change.
The colourful pencil and watercolour illustrations enhance the
sense of belonging - to farm, family and memories.
The Auction text Copyright © 1990 by Jan Andrews, illustrations Copyright © 1990 by Karen Reczuch. A Groundwood Book / Douglas & McIntyre.
The Baby Project
Sarah Ellis
Vancouver/Toronto: Douglas & McIntyre/A Groundwood Book, 1986
144 p. ISBN 0888990472
Ages 10 to 14.
When baby Lucie arrives in the Robertson household, 11-year-old
Jessica is in rapture. The glow that Jessica, her elder brothers
and parents feel in Lucie's presence is shattered when the baby
succumbs to crib death. Jessica is struck with disbelief and she
struggles to understand the mixed feelings of joy and pain that
the baby brought to her family.
Ellis explores the subject of infant death with young readers in
mind, using the narrative to consider questions and emotions.
The author suggests that a firmer tie will exist between Jessica
and her brother Simon because of their shared grief, but also
that the mother's road to acceptance of Lucie's death will be
difficult.
The Baby Project Copyright © 1986 by Sarah Ellis. Cover art by Harvey Chan. Douglas & McIntyre/A Groundwood Book
The Big Storm
Rhea Tregebov
Illustrations: Maryann Kovalski
Toronto: Kids Can Press, 1992
30 p. ISBN 1550740814
Ages 4 to 8.
Every day Jeanette's faithful cat walks with her part of the way
to school and meets her after school on the same corner. One day
there is a big snow storm and Jeanette doesn't go home right
away.... Jeanette's family plays a supporting role in this
gentle tale with its themes of love, friendship, loyalty and
responsibility.
The nostalgic illustrations are fuzzy like warm memories.
The Big Storm by Rhea Tregebov and Maryann Kovalski. Copyright © 1990 by Maryann Kovalski
Daniel's Dog
Jo Ellen Bogart
Illustrations:
Janet Wilson
Toronto: Scholastic, 1990
32 p. ISBN 0590732056
Ages 4 to 7.
This story was inspired by the African-American folktales of dog
ghosts. "The dog spirit is typically seen to represent a
departed loved one who returns to play a comforting and
protective role." Daniel is comforted by his ghost dog after the
arrival of his baby sister takes up too much of his mother's time
and attention.
The vividly coloured modern-day illustrations capture the
children's emotions and expressions perfectly.
Text Copyright © 1990 by Jo Ellen Bogart. Illustrations Copyright © 1990 by Janet Wilson. Reproduced by permission of Scholastic Canada Ltd.
Daniel's Story
Carol Matas
Toronto: Scholastic Inc., 1993
136 p. ISBN 0590465880
Ages 12 to 14.
This is a story of the Holocaust and its aftermath seen through
the eyes of a child growing up in the turmoil of World War II.
Supported by his family, Daniel survived persecution in
Frankfurt, the Lodz ghetto in Poland and Auschwitz. Millions of
other Jews did not. While Daniel is a fictitious character, this
poignant story is closely based on fact.
Reprinted by permission of Scholastic Inc.
