O Canada

Christmas Holidays, 1980. The Genesis of what would become an epiphany for me in my reading selections but as yet I was unaware of the transformation at work. I knew only that our school librarian, Mrs. Hill, bubbling with enthusiasm and secure in her readers' advisory skills, had presented me with a "must read" to take home with me over the break, and that I was convinced her selection would be a major yawn. This thought hung over my head for the entire holiday. Why did I care so much? Well, as the school's premier bookworm, I was the one with whom Mrs. Hill took the time to discuss literature. It was to me that she loaned the new acquisitions and made special recommendations. It was as if I held some special place in her heart and I would hate to disappoint her by not sharing her high regard for this book. Granted, her recommendations were usually wonderful, but this one was different. It was written by (gasp)… a Canadian author.

I already knew that there was at least one Canadian author worth reading. Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Anne of Green Gables" books were proof of that. Anne is virtually a national icon and virtually all Canadian children are familiar with the tales of the enchanting Prince Edward Islander. I loved her, she was great but… these books were written so long ago. If the only Canadian author we learned about in school was from the early 20th century, what, if anything, worth reading had been published more recently? The library provided exposure to the wonderful works of America's Beverly Cleary, Elizabeth Enright, and Mary Calhoun, to name a few, but the smaller Canadian publishing industry had limited resources with which to provide a balance against the American offerings. Moreover, with the wealth of international children's literature that was available, teachers and librarians did not seem particularly motivated to "push" Canadian content. Since no one seemed to be explicitly promoting Canadian authors, I assumed they weren't worth reading. The prospect of having to wade through hundreds of pages of dry Canadian writing was almost too much to stand. Yet as the return to school grew closer, and my supply of Santa-delivered Christmas books dwindled, I was left with little choice. It was read Canadian or not read at all. I read.

Margaret Laurence's Jason's Quest (Knopf, 1970; o.p.) affected a profound change in my reading sensibilities. What a wonderful example of the finest Canadian children's literature—and one that sparked in me the suspicion that there may be life beyond Green Gables. Indeed, not a year has passed in my teaching career that I have not read to my classes the tale of how Jason (a mole), Oliver (an owl), and Topaz and Calico (cats) survived their adventure of self-growth. Reminiscent of L. Frank Baum's classic Wizard of Oz , it is a timeless tale with the perfect mixture of mystery, adventure, and animal fantasy. This book is a must have for any school, public library, or children's bookshelf.

Upon completing Jason's Quest , I returned to school demanding more books by Canadian authors. Imagine my surprise when I learned that some of my old favorites were Canadian made. I had been cutting my teeth on Dennis Lee's delicious nonsensical poetry in Garbage Delight (1977; o.p.) and Alligator Pie (1975; o.p., both Houghton) and wrapping myself in the warmth of Jean Little's family tales (Spring Begins in March [1966; o.p.], One to Grow On [1969; o.p., both Little, Brown], and From Anna [HarperTrophy, 1973], to name just a few) for years. In fact, ironically, I had already read, and adored, Margaret Laurence's The Olden Days Coat (McClelland & Stewart, 1979). I simply didn't recognize these works as Canadian content, rather as delightful forays into that wonderful escapism called reading.

In my search for more Canadian authors, I discovered some real gems. Junior high brought Gordon Korman into my life (the author, not the boy two lockers down) and I fell completely in love. Is there any author who can challenge this man's skill at composing laugh-out-loud fiction? I Want to Go Home (1984; o.p.), Something Fishy at MacDonald Hall (1995), and The Zucchini Warriors (1991, all Scholastic) are just a few examples of Korman's hilarious work. Kevin Major (Blood Red Ochre [Doubleday, 1994]) and Janet Lunn (The Root Cellar [Scribner, 1983]) wove historical fiction into my high school years, and university children's literature courses (as well as motherhood) introduced me to the genius of Robert

Munsch (Good Families Don't [Doubleday, 1990] is a must read). Recent offerings by Canadian authors feature quality works by established and lesser-known writers. No library should be without the complete collection of Jean Little's work, and that would include the novel Willow and Twig (Viking, 2003), a compelling story of two mixed-race half siblings who are abandoned by their drug-addicted mother. This is much edgier than Little's earlier work, touching on a variety of social issues, but these issues are secondary to the riveting plot of two children searching to secure an environment where their childhoods can be salvaged. Willow and Twig is an astoundingly realistic piece of work proving that Little continues to reign as one of Canadian publishing's franchise players.

Norma Charles shines with Criss Cross Double Cross: Sophie, Alias Star Girl, to the Rescue (2003), the sequel to Sophie Sea to Sea (1999; o.p., both Beach Holme). Charles's spunky French-Canadian heroine will engage readers as she continues to rely on her alter ego (and comic-book character), Star Girl, to help her survive a variety of mishaps. Tomboy Sophie is part of the French minority in mid-20th-century British Columbia. Growing up is always a challenge, but when you factor in having to battle gender and language stereotypes you can't blame a girl for calling in some superhero help. Readers will cheer as the protagonist meets her challenges with gritty determination.

It is difficult to go wrong when combining circus animals and children, and Eric Walters has found a winning combination with his "Tiger" series. In Tiger Town (2003), a follow up to Tiger in Trouble (2001) and Tiger by the Tail (2001, all Beach Holme), Sarah and Nicholas Fraser must once again focus their efforts on protecting the safety of a variety of retired circus animals that, in this latest book, have moved in next door. Faced with animal escapes, false accusations, the ill will of the town's mayor, and some militant animal-rights activists, the children work together with their neighbor, Mr. McCurdy, animal expert Vladimir, and the acting chief of police to preserve the existence of Tiger Town. These are likable characters whose adventures make for a lively read.

Julie Johnston's In Spite of Killer Bees (Tundra, 2001) is a sparkling example of a problem novel. A Governor General's Literary Award nominee and a Mr. Christie's Book Award winner, this book illustrates how love and trust define what being a family truly means. Sisters Aggie, 14, Jeannie, 17, and Helen, 22, are alone in the world when they discover that they have inherited property from their grandfather whom they've never met. It is located in a small Canadian village, where the girls are met by suspicious relatives and where they are tainted by the criminal reputation that their late father has left behind. When you mix in the combustible nature of sibling dynamics and the arrival of their mother who abandoned them years earlier, you have all the ingredients necessary for a struggle to bring a family together. Readers will be rooting for these sisters from start to finish.

It is almost impossible to discuss Canadian children's literature without acknowledging the work of Robert Munsch. No children's collection would be complete without a selection of "Munschworks," and he is at his most ridiculous in his latest offering. Zoom! (Scholastic, 2003) is the story of a physically challenged girl who has a need for speed. While test-driving a 92-speed wheelchair, Lauretta is given a speeding ticket. All is forgiven, however, when her zippy wheelchair is used to rush her brother to the hospital after he stabs his finger with a fork. Kids will love Michael Martchenko's vivid, cartoon illustrations and Munsch's zany humor.

The stable of Canadian children's authors lost one of its best and brightest last year. Phoebe Gilman, award-winning author and illustrator, died from cancer at age 62. Well known for her wonderfully rhythmic prose, Gilman wrote the popular "Jillian Jiggs" series as well as Grandma and the Pirates (1990), Something from Nothing (1993), The Gypsy Princess (1997, all Scholastic), and The Balloon Tree (Firefly, 1995). Her picture books are a continuous source of delight for young readers and her contributions to Canadian children's publishing will be sorely missed.

Year after year, I tell my students the story of Mrs. Hill and Jason's Quest . In an ironic turn of events, I am now the librarian at my old public school where Mrs. Hill currently teaches fifth grade and where the original copy of Jason's Quest still sits on the shelves. I'm not sure that she remembers that day so many years ago when she provided me with that opportunity for growth in literary appreciation, but I am determined to follow in her footsteps. I am constantly in search of new Canadian authors to recommend, while continuing to extol the virtues of my old favorites.

Have I enjoyed every Canadian author I've ever read? Of course not. I still make a pucker face when recalling my seventh-grade study of Farley Mowat's The Black Joke (1987), although I found his Owls in the Family (1989, both McClelland & Stewart) enchanting, and I won't purchase items for my library simply because they are by Canadians. Yet, generally speaking, I've rarely been disappointed. There is an abundance of great children's literature to be found north of the border that warrants a good look-see by librarians, educators, and readers alike. The Canadian children's publishing industry offers something for everyone, with a stable of authors who can more than hold their own on an international scale. Sample some Canadian content—odds are you'll be hungry for more.