David A. Robertson’s (Tundra, 216 pages, $22, hardcover) is his fifth volume in the Misewa Saga, a fantasy series about a young man’s adventures in the North Country, a mythical land of talking beasts and unspoiled forests. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * David A.
Robertson’s (Tundra, 216 pages, $22, hardcover) is his fifth volume in the Misewa Saga, a fantasy series about a young man’s adventures in the North Country, a mythical land of talking beasts and unspoiled forests. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? David A. Robertson’s (Tundra, 216 pages, $22, hardcover) is his fifth volume in the Misewa Saga, a fantasy series about a young man’s adventures in the North Country, a mythical land of talking beasts and unspoiled forests.
Fans of this series will enjoy reading of Eli and his friends’ adventures as they try to rescue the animal creatures who have been kidnapped and are being transported to a zoo at Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg. As Eli flies on the eagle’s back and they do battle with man-sized lizards near the sleeping giant in Thunder Bay, there’s plenty of combat and courageous feats as he seeks to conquer his enemies before his time runs out in this magical land. Pip, leader of the Bird Warriors, Mahihkan, the protective wolf, and Arik, the lively squirrel, all assist in the battle to save the endangered creatures.
New readers may find it difficult to remember and identify the multitude of characters and Robertson tries to integrate Indigenous legends with his Misewa story with only partial success. Eli and his companions are always loyal to their friends, and seek to protect weaker members such as Pip, who is injured by the lizards. Robertson’s many fans will undoubtedly enjoy the action and excitement this book contains.
For ages 9-12. ● ● ● With the amusing title of (Atheneum Books, 42 pages, $24, hardcover), Baltimore author Joanne Settel discusses the many ways marine creatures and other animals keep themselves safe. Yes, fish do fart, to keep themselves from bumping into each other.
Their farts are bubbles of air that help separate fish from each other when swimming in large masses. This is just one of the fascinating facts this eminent scientist reveals, including beetles that can spit poison if they are swallowed to gain their release, Japanese honeybees that can raise their body temperature to cook invading hornets and electric fish who send signals to warn, to attract or to communicate. Settel has a PhD in biology and has written other books for children interested in science ( , ).
She includes extra information on each species and a comprehensive glossary explaining many of the terms used. For ages 6-9. ● ● ● What would you do if you were separated from your mother in the midst of a strange place? That’s what happens to a baby whale in the midst of the ocean in by Pheilm Martin (Breakwater Books, 52 pages, picture book, $20).
Luckily, whales can communicate by sound, and in this attractive picture book the youngster hears sounds from right whales, beluga whales, fin whales and even a huge blue whale before finally recognizing his mother’s tones and being able to reconnect. The author was born in Newfoundland and now lives in Halifax, and has doubtless had a chance to see plenty of whales off its coasts. For ages 3-6.
● ● ● (Second Story Press, 118 pages, $19, paperback), by Monica Franklin and Erin Della Mattia, seeks to publicize the scientific and personal achievements of a woman who survived persecution by the Nazis during the Second World War and came to Canada to pioneer a whole new field of science: archaeometry, a combination of anthropology and archeology. She also became an expert in the study of crystals and a dedicated supporter of women’s rights. Ursula Franklin taught for almost 20 years at the University of Toronto.
As the book is co-written by Franklin’s daughter, the reader also gets personal stories of Ursula’s life. Ages 9-12. Helen Norrie is a Winnipeg writer whose column appears on the third Saturday of the month.
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