In this episodic tale that’s rich with Cary Fagan’s characteristically dry humor, a boy tells the story of his life with two older brothers. When he is only a week old, his brothers argue over who can hold him first and drop him onto the porch. But they aren’t all bad: they chase away the mean girls who call him names, and they perform a play starring the neighbor’s dog to cheer him up when he has the measles. Later on these troublesome boys set fire to neighbor’s tree, play football in the living room, and even attempt to ride their banana bikes all the way to the Rocky Mountains. Inspired by Cary Fagan’s childhood experiences, this story is a spot-on portrayal of the crazy, mishap-filled, yet undeniably fun and affectionate life in a family with three boys. Luc Melanson’s wonderfully lively and extremely funny retro-style illustrations are a perfect complement to the text.
Family
The Mummer’s Song
Don’t seem like Christmas if the mummers are not here, Granny would say as she knit in her chair. But on a cold, clear Newfoundland night shortly after Christmas, several outlandishly costumed mummers do appear and Granny’s house suddenly erupts in a burst of joking and tomfollery, raucous singing and exuberant dancing. Granny and her two young charges are instantly caught up in the merriment, When the evening’s festivities come to a close, the mummers are bid a fond farewell until next year.
Popular singer Bud Davidage wrote “The Mummer’s Song” as a tribute to a centuries-old custom in danger of disappearing. Since its publication in 1973, it has fostered a revival of mummering, as noted author and Newfoundland son Kevin Major points out in his afterword. The sparkling illustrations in this picture book adaptation are by the well-known Canadian artist Ian Wallace.
The Umbrella Queen
When Noot is finally allowed to paint umbrellas like the other women and girls in her village, she secretly hopes that she might be chosen as this year’s Umbrella Queen. Carefully, she creates serene flowers and butterflies- exactly as she has seen her mother and grandmother do for years.
But soon her imagination takes over, and Noot finds herself straying from the old patterns to the dismay of her family, who depend on the traditionally painted umbrellas for their livelihood.
Her parents tell her she must go back to the old designs and Noot obeys, knowing that the King is coming soon to name the one who has painted the most beautiful umbrella. After all, the King would never choose a queen who breaks from tradition…would he?
Zoo-Looking
Flora loves looking at all the animals in the zoo, but what a surprise–she isn’t the only one doing the looking! Flora looks at the giraffe, and the giraffe looks back. She looks at the ostrich, and the ostrich looks back, too. But when Flora looks at her dad, she gets the best surprise of all.
Beloved storyteller Mem Fox has created a lively rhyme for zoo-loving children to read and chant out loud. Candace Whitman’s enchanting torn paper pictures add to the joyous fun of the story.
The Goblin and the Empty Chair
In a time long past, in a land far away, a family has suffered an unspeakable loss.But a lonely goblin has been watching. And he knows what to do to help them heal.From internationally acclaimed picture book masters Mem Fox and Leo and Diane Dillon, here is a rich and moving original fairy tale about family, friendship, and the power compassion has to unite us all.
Sophie
Sophie loves her Grandpa. And her Grandpa loves Sophie. They are best friends. And then one day there is no Grandpa. . . . Family love and the natural cycle of birth, life, and death are tenderly portrayed in this moving story. Foxs spare text distills complex life passages into emotions so clear even a child can understand and perhaps draw comfort from them.
Shoes from Grandpa
Jessie, an active girl of nine or so, is growing out of her clothes, and all of the members of her large and loving family get carried away in their eagerness to provide her with a new wardrobe. As each of Jessie’s relatives gets into the act, the rhythmic cumulative tale builds momentum. Finally she tactfully speaks her mind: ‘You’re all so kind that I hate to be mean, but please, would one of you buy me some jeans?’ Youngsters will enjoy seeing Jessie’s free spirit gently triumph.
A Bedtime Story
Polly and her friend Bed Rabbit have lots of books, but they don’t know how to read, so Polly’s parents interrupt their own reading for a bedtime story.
All The Better To See You With!
Because Kate is the quiet one compared to her four noisy brothers and sisters, her parents are slow to notice that she is near-sighted and needs glasses.
Dog In, Cat Out
Illustrates the concept of opposites by depicting one day in the household of a family and their busy dog and cat.