Poppy’s House

Escape to the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in this heartwarming storybook, Poppy’s House by Karla Courtney. Courtney tells a story of visiting her Poppy in the summer months. The mother and daughter duo travel by ferry and cross the Atlantic Ocean to get to Poppy’s house. On the way, they see whales, boats, forests and brightly coloured houses. Finally, they make it to Poppy’s house where life is simple, but work is hard. Poppy chops his firewood, tends to his garden, picks cloudberries and catches fish. His granddaughter is more than happy to help with everyday chores. The local cuisine of pease pudding and salt beef warm their bellies after chores are completed. Clouded by tears in their eyes when it’s time to depart, the family counts the days until they reunite.

Illustrations by Madeline Kloepper will transport readers back in time. With a vivid but retro colour palette, Kloepper’s images pop. Swoonworthy images of seascapes, fog, puffins, codfish and steaming cups of tea make readers feel they are sitting with Poppy in his house in rural Newfoundland. Kloepper pays close attention to detail, and her whimsical images are a feast for the eyes. The illustrator’s strong admiration for the natural world comes through in her work.

Admittedly being from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, this picture book pulls on my heart strings. If you visit the province during 2022, which is the province’s Come Home Year, you must purchase this book for your home collection. A nod to the expats, those who have roots in the province and long to live here and folks visiting for the first time, Poppy’s House is sure to make your heart melt.