Canadian Flag. (Canadian Icons). Lesley Evans Ogden. Calgary, AB: Weigl, 2012. 24 pp., pbk. & hc., $9.50 (pbk.), $23.95 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-77071-669-8 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-77071-663-6 (hc.). Subject Heading: Flags-Canada-Juvenile literature. Grades 2-4 / Ages 7-9. Review by Kate Hachborn. **½ /4

excerpt:

The Canadian flag is a symbol of Canada. Wherever it flies, people look at it and think of Canada.

Part of the "Canadian Icons" series, Lesley Evans Ogden's Canadian Flag explores the history and design behind this particular icon. Ogden discusses the colours, symbols and structure of the current flag, previous designs and cultural significance.

      Ogden's vocabulary is catered to her audience, and she provides relevant information in a structured, accessible way. Headings are used on each page to summarize the text following with a corresponding colour photograph on the opposite page. Vocabulary that may be more difficult is bolded and included in a short glossary of terms. A list of websites is provided for further reference should readers crave more information.

      The subject matter is not particularly thrilling, and Ogden does not do much to spice it up, but she does communicate all of the information that a reader at this level would need and does so succinctly. The text is easy to follow and easily maneuvered if readers are looking for specific information. The additional resources offered, including a Hand Flag craft, might make it more interesting for young readers.

      While the text is very thorough and accessible, the corresponding photographs do not provide the same depth of information. For example, Ogden discusses previous flag designs but does not show examples of these designs.

      This is Ogden's third book, her first in social studies. Her other titles include Properties of Matter and Forces and Motion.

Recommended with reservations.

Kate Hachborn is a library technician at the W. Ross Macdonald School in Brantford, ON.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

 

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