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CM . . . .
Volume VII Number 12 . . . . February 16, 2001
Whether you are a visitor unfamiliar with Vancouver's cultural and recreational offerings or a city
resident looking for local destinations for outings, The Lobster Kids' Guide to Exploring
Vancouver is a valuable resource. This 250 page guide, one of a series on Canadian cities, is
packed with information and ideas.
Organized into 12 chapters, the sites are conveniently grouped under
headings such as Local Attractions, Museums, Places to Learn, and Green
Spaces, most requiring a maximum of one hours' travel time within
Vancouver. Each location is given a brief description highlighting its
major features. The remaining information is clearly presented in sidebars
(seasons and times, cost, getting there), and icon format (type of
activities possible, parking, telephone, washrooms, etc). Sites are also
rated--Good, Very Good or Excellent--as to enjoyment, learning
opportunities, accessibility and value for cost. Complete
address/contact/website details make it easy to check for updates on cost
or hours of operation.
Following the individual listings in each chapter is a list of other related places to visit. Chapter 10
is devoted to travel-type activities, such as the Royal Hudson steam train outing that entails a five
hour round-trip to Squamish, including a one hour layover to explore the town. Cultural
festivals are covered in Chapter 11, and a chronological directory is included for major annual
events. The final chapter offers suggested destinations up to two hours beyond the Vancouver
metropolitan area, such as Whistler Resort.
The guide employs a consistent distance indicator for all sites--so many
minutes by car from the Hotel Vancouver, a centrally located reference
point. For anyone unfamiliar with the layout of the city and surroundings,
a basic map with major routes and landmarks would be a helpful addition in
future editions.
The guide states "the sites...were visited in 1999-2000," and the fact
that the author, a 20 year Vancouver resident, was able to kid-test them
with her own sons attests to its accuracy. There appears to be something
for every taste and budget. They've even included great places for kids'
haircuts! And did you know you could be personally introduced to the
Vancouver Mounted Police horses at their Stanley Park stables...for free?
Despite being billed as a "Kids' Guide," this book may spend more time in
the hands of parents, grandparents and teachers. However, the reading
level is such that kids will be motivated to practice reference book
skills--Table of Contents, comprehensive Index and icons are easy to use.
An excellent value for the price.
Highly Recommended.
Gillian Richardson, a former teacher-librarian and a published writer of children's fiction and
nonfiction, lives in BC.
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
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR THIS ISSUE - February 16, 2001.
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