Wild Talent: A Novel of the Supernatural

Wild Talent: A Novel of the Supernatural
By Eileen Kernaghan
Published by Thistledown Press
Review by Judith Silverthorne
$15.95 ISBN 978-1-897235-40-9

Jeannie Guthrie, a sixteen-year-old Scottish farm worker, discovers that she has a frightening talent the day she is attacked by her cousin. Believing that she has killed him and fearing that she will be branded as a witch, she flees. The only thing she takes is a journal through which she tells her intriguing tale of myth and magic.

Lost and alone in London, she becomes a companion to Alexandra David, author and seeker of mysticism. She also works for a time in the famous theosophist salon of Madame Helena Blavatsky. Slowly Jeannie begins to understand the source of her mysterious powers. As she becomes more comfortable with her psychic abilities, demands are placed on her to perform. Not able to bear these unscrupulous people, she once again flees.

Eventually, she locates and joins Alexandra in Paris, where she gains even more insights into her abilities. Throughout their wanderings, they cross paths with famous artists, radical thinkers. Their experiences grow, leading them into dangers.

Jeannie tries to come to terms with the talents that are an intrinsic part of her, but her life is still paralyzed in other areas. Fears of retribution for her assumed crime continue to haunt her.

Historic references and details included from the real lives of her two acquaintances in this late Victorian time and of those in Paris add a richness to Jeannie’s story. This ‘authenticity ‘makes Jeannie’s story even more fascinating to follow.

This book is available at your local bookstore or visit www.skbooks.com

Published in:  on 28 January 2009 at 10:28 am Leave a Comment
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Stories of Our People/Lii zistwayr di la naasyoon di Michif: A Métis Graphic Novel Anthology

Stories of Our People/Lii zistwayr di la naasyoon di Michif: A Métis Graphic Novel Anthology
By Norman Fleury, Gilbert Pelletier, Jeanne Pelletier, Joe Welsh, Norma Welsh, Janice DePeel, Carrie Saganace
Published by the Gabriel Dumont Institute
Review by Marie Powell Mendenhall
Price: $30.00 CDN ISBN: 978-0-920915-86-8

[Ed. Note: SPG believes every school and library in Canada should have this book on their shelves.] Five illustrated stories in this graphic novel anthology mix Michif and English to blend Cree, Ojibway, and French-Canadian folklore. This anthology seeks to create a bridge between the oral storytelling tradition and print with illustrated stories, retold in prose versions, followed by transcripts of interviews with the storytellers. As well, two essays provide an introduction to the cultural stories, and references suggest further resources.

The first story introduces three trickster characters: Chi-Jean, Wiisakaychak, and Nanabush, on a visit to Mother Nature. Later, Chi-Jean appears again in the humorous story a Mooshum (grandfather) tells a group of children.

In most of these stories, ordinary characters meet extraordinary ones, including some darker creatures: roogaroos (shapeshifters or werewolves), whiitigos (cannibal spirits), and paakuks (flying skeletons).

Sometimes foolish or unwitting actions attract these supernatural forces. In one story, for instance, reckless living causes two young men to attract the attention of li Jiyaab (the devil). In another, whipping a grave with a horse whip causes an unexpected haunting.

Protection against natural and supernatural disaster comes from the wisdom the elders, or li vieu (Old People). Whether giving a charm to ward off whiitigos or taking action to settle restless spirits, li vieu know how to handle the situation.

Stories of Our People was compiled from stories told by several elders, and their brief biographies with sketches appear at the back of the book. Other material collected during this project can be found on “The Virtual Museum of Métis History and Culture” website (www.metismuseum.ca).

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR VISIT WWW.SKBOOKS.COM

Published in:  on 21 January 2009 at 10:32 am Comments (1)
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Canadian Shield Alphabet

“The Canadian Shield Alphabet”
By Myrna Guymer
Published by Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing
Review by Marie Powell Mendenhall
Price: $ 24.95 CDN ISBN: 978-1-894431-23-1

If you thought you knew every word that could be used to illustrate the alphabet in a child’s picture book, you haven’t seen this alpha-book.

Kookum and kinnikinnik, qiviut and ungulates are among its illustrated concepts. What’s a qasgiq, or an ulu? “The Canadian Shield Alphabet has the answers.” More familiar terms like northern lights (“Aurora Borealis”) and meteorites connect school-aged readers to a variety of subjects, as they learn about the land, people, and culture important in several Canadian provinces crossing Shield country.

Taiga and tundra are among its landscapes, as are rivers, lakes, swamps, forests. Animals like voles, pelicans, seals, otters, and polar bears help tell the story of this northern environment. As well, birds like the peregrine falcon, snowy owl, ptarmigan, and Canada Goose make an appearance.

The land abounds with history as well, and these pages also mention such explorers as Alexander Mackenzie, David Thompson, and Alexander Henry from the late 1700s.

Myrna Guymer of Denare Beach, Saskatchewan uses the knowledge she’s gained on her travels by canoe and airplane, to share the adventure of the Canadian Shield with young readers. Trains, tundra buggies, York boats, dog sleds, and whitewater rafts also appear on the pages of her book. Paintings by RoseMarie Condon of Fenelon Falls, Ontario, aptly illustrate the unique world of the Canadian Shield.

Readers also learn about the region and its natural resources through a brief introduction and map. As well, a matching game and glossary appear at the back of the book.

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR VISIT WWW.SKBOOKS.COM

Published in:  on 14 January 2009 at 11:38 am Leave a Comment
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Graveyard of the Sea

“Graveyard of the Sea”
by Penny Draper
Published by Coteau Books for Kids
Review by Karen Lawson
$8.95 ISBN 978-1-55050-3975

Author Penny Draper has set her latest young adult novel, “Graveyard of the Sea” on Vancouver Island in the year 1906. This historical piece of fiction is the fourth book in the Disaster Strikes! Series and focuses on what life was like as a lighthouse keeper. This was a time before technology and there was just the keeper and his lamp to watch and warn the ships that sailed the often dangerous and rough seas in this part of Canada.

The author tells a story about a real heroine by the name of Minnie Patterson. Minnie is a lighthouse keeper who was instrumental is saving those aboard a doomed ship that ran aground. Because this novel is based on true facts and actual people, the author has created a fictional character by the name of Nell and uses her to tell the reader about what it is like to live in a lighthouse as well as to share Minnie’s tale.

Nell is a unique little girl who lives a very unusual and isolated life. She lives with her lighthouse keeper father and grandfather in a very remote area by the sea. This is the only life she has ever known and she is content and happy to take care of her family and does not feel lonely or cut off from the outside world. She appreciates and enjoys the rugged landscape that she calls home and has no desire experience anything different. But circumstances change and Nell is forced to step outside her safety zone and deal with challenging situations and events.

Nell may live an isolated life but she is nevertheless independent and intelligent. She has an artistic gift and communicates through her art. When she learns to communicate with Morse Code it opens up a whole new world for her. The telegraph is the link which connects her to other lighthouse keepers and she makes friends quickly and establishes close relationships with other people who use the telegraph to communicate. She forms a special relationship with Charlie who introduces her to his native culture. She also becomes close friends with Minnie’s daughter Kate, and Douglas, who teaches her how to become proficient using the telegraph.

Nell is a resourceful, brave little girl who copes with tragic events and problems in her life with fearless strength and maturity. Readers will enjoy sharing her experiences and genuinely like her gentle spirit.

“THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR VISIT WWW.SKBOOKS.COM’’

Published in:  on 8 January 2009 at 1:03 pm Leave a Comment
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Making A Difference

Making a Difference
By Eric Cline
Published by Thistledown Press
Review by Judith Silverthorne
$16.95 ISBN 978-1-897235-45-4

Books about politics are rarely very easy to read, but “Making A Difference” is a fine exception. Eric Cline’s reflections on his personal and political life are insightful and enlightening. Some of his stories are surprising nuggets of information about his personal life. Others are intriguing inside knowledge about behind-the-scenes in politics. All are entertaining and personable. The telling of his life is open and sincere.

Cline’s candid reflections span from his early years as a teenager interested in politics to the conclusion of his sixteen year run as an elected official. He relates incidents about campaigning, becoming a backbencher MLA, and his role as a cabinet minister. His insights capture both successes and losses in his personal and professional life. He dips into hot issues, events and media coverage episodes, viewing the outcomes of each as a life lesson.

Cline also gives his opinions on controversial and popular issues. He gives clarity about stories in the media. He talks about the toll his career took on his personal life and the hopes and dreams he had as a politician. He relates humorous and embarrassing encounters, travel stories and human interest material. He reveals the many challenges and victories involved in working in a governing role.

All of this adds up to a highly readable memoir filled with wit and warmth. Cline’s ‘down to earth’ personal revelations provide a deeper understanding of the commitments he made and the role he played as a high-profile politician. And it sets his record straight.

This book is available at your local bookstore or visit www.skbooks.com

Published in:  on 7 January 2009 at 10:47 am Leave a Comment
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