First published in 1995, In Flanders Fields: The Story of the Poem by John McCrae, written by well-known author, Linda Granfield, is perhaps one of the most enduring books shared with Canadian children on November 11. In addition to this book, Granfield has also written more than 30 other non-fiction books on war and remembrance... Continue Reading →
Novels for Remembrance
(Photo Credit: The National War Memorial at night in Ottawa, Ontario, was captured by my talented friend and photographer, Celeste Odono!) (A version of this article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, November, 2021.) Remembrance Day is a somber event across Canada, especially in military communities. While November 11th provides a necessary and meaningful opportunity... Continue Reading →
Spooktacular Books For All Ages
"When the mist rises, and the smiling man comes walking, you must avoid large places at night.""Don't panic. That's the first rule of survival. Never panic." -- Katherine Arden, Small Spaces (An abridged version of this article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, October, 2021.) Is there any other holiday as popular cross-culturally in North... Continue Reading →
New Books To Soothe The Back-To-School Jitters
"Am I nervous? About the first day of school? I mean ... sure. After all, have you ever seen how slowly sloths walk? Like ... I probably should have left yesterday." ~~ Sloth, in First Day Critter Jitters by Jory John, 2020 (This article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, September, 2021) The morning air... Continue Reading →
Slip, Slidin’ Away: The COVID Slide
(An abbreviated version of this article first appeard in Kingston Neighbours magazine, August, 2021) The good news: School boards are actively preparing for a return to in-person learning in September. The not-so-good news: According to the CBC and other news outlets, experts worldwide are warning of delays in literacy, numeracy and socioemotional development in kids... Continue Reading →
Can You Dig It? Gardening Ideas for Kids
(This article first appeared in Kingston Neighbours magazine, July, 2021) As Ella Fitzgerald once sang, “Summertime and the livin’ is easy!” Is it though? The kids have finished virtual schooling now, some of us are returning to the workplace for the first time in months and some of us are still working from home. While... Continue Reading →
#IndigenousReads: Spotlight on Canadian Author David A. Robertson
“My dad always used to say that our story isn’t a story of trauma. We have trauma in our history, in our lives, in our family. But really our story is a story of resiliency and a story of cultural reconnection and a story of love. I feel like that will help people understand what... Continue Reading →
Parenting Advice You Never Asked For
“I was a wonderful parent before I had children.” ~ Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish, How To Talk So Kids Will Listen, & Listen So Kids Will Talk, pg. 1 April showers bring May flowers ... not to mention Mother’s Day on May 9th and Father’s Day on June 20th! Becoming a parent is life-altering... Continue Reading →
Earth Day: Resources to Foster Environmental Literacy
"Climate change makes all of our social ills worse. It speeds up or strengthens the bad effects of wars, racism, inequality, domestic violence, and lack of health care. What if, instead, it sped up or strengthened the forces that are working for peace, economic fairness, and social justice?" ~~ Naomi Klein, 2021, How To Change... Continue Reading →
Choose To Challenge: Books About Strong Women Making A Difference
"So here I stand, one girl, among many. I speak not for myself, but so those without a voice can be heard ... We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back ... The extremists are afraid of books and pens. The power of education frightens them. They are afraid of women. The... Continue Reading →
Lisa's Book Corner 