|
The Story of Canada.
Janet Lunn and Christopher Moore. Illustrated by Alan Daniel.
Subject Heading:
Grades 6 - 8 / Ages 11 - 13. **** /4
|
The Story of Canada begins with stories of the first
people in what is now Canada; it ends in our very recent past. The middle
is made up of just about everything in between. Stories about the people
who crossed the Bering land bridge thousands of years ago, to Lucien
Bouchard resigning from Federal politics to become Premier of Quebec. The
authors present many of the dramatic turning points in Canadian history
and the story is enhanced with folktales, myths and anecdotes.
The authors are well suited to the task: Janet Lunn is a well known and
respected Canadian writer for children who has won several awards for her
work. Christopher Moore is an historian and writer who specializes in
presenting history to general audiences. He is also the co-author of
The Illustrated History of Canada. Alan Daniel, the well-known
illustrator, adds his vivid illustrations throughout the book greatly
enhancing its appeal.
As the authors themselves note, no book has enough room for all the
stories of Canada; however, they have done an admirable job of covering the
multifaceted history of our country. This completely updated version
brings their coverage to 1996. They tell stories of humour, tragedy,
courage, daring and vision. There also seems to have been an effort to
bring more attention to the role of women, Natives and the common man, but
in doing so they do not exclude leaders and traditional heroes. Included
with the basic facts of history are anecdotes about individuals or events
that are often amusing and always interesting and informative. The
accounts of daily life scattered throughout the text enable the young
reader to imagine what their life might have been like had they lived during
that period.
Every page includes illustrations or photographs which help bring
the stories alive. The authors used historical photographs, maps,
paintings posters and cartoons, not to mention Alan Daniel's colourful and
detailed illustrations. The book also includes a chronology and a
detailed index.
The book is written in a lively and fascinating manner holding the attention of the reader. The Story of Canada is the story of the many Canadians who have shaped and influenced our country. The result is a beautiful and informative book. With attention to stories of the people of our past rather than a basic listing of events and dates, this book will show young readers that our history is neither dry nor dull.
Highly Recommended.
Caroline Thomson, Librarian, Toronto, Ontario.
To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.
Copyright © 1997 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
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - May 9, 1997.
AUTHORS | TITLES | MEDIA REVIEWS | BOOKSHELF | BACK ISSUES | SEARCH | HOME