ArticlesLaura McKay
Laura McKay (she, her, hers) is a speculative fiction writer from rural Manitoba. She is the managing editor at Portage & Main Press/HighWater Press. Find her online at writerlauramckay.ca.
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Young Adult/ChildrenChildren’s book offers message of hope, unconditional support in depiction of depression
Winnipeg-based Anna Lazowski’s latest book for children, Dark Cloud, is a springboard for conversations about mental health and illness, particularly depression. -
FeaturesDebut chapter book series highlights Vietnamese culture, complexity of kids’ experiences
The Nguyen Kids, a celebration of Vietnamese culture and the role of grandparents, is Linda Trinh’s debut series of chapter books. With universal themes and empowered characters, the series is aimed at early readers from six to nine years old. -
Young Adult/ChildrenPair of stories from prolific author weaves emotional impact into fiction to draw readers along
Emotional impact is the key ingredient in two new books from Alberta author Sigmund Brouwer. Adding to his extensive backlist of over 100 titles, Hush, Puppy and Trapped will both be released in the first half of 2022. -
Young Adult/ChildrenPassion for hip-hop led to filling a gap in picture book offerings
When Bahamian-Canadian writer Khodi Dill wanted to share his love for rap with his children, he went looking for picture books about his passion. “I naively went book shopping in Saskatoon. Even going online and searching turned up pretty meagre results. I couldn’t believe this gigantic gap in the book market,” he explains. -
Young Adult/ChildrenTale of a touching gift passed on to a new refugee family turns into picture book
For Nhung N. Tran-Davies, her autobiographical picture book The Doll, illustrated by Ravy Puth, isn’t just personal – it’s a book four decades in the making. When her family first arrived in Canada as refugees from the Vietnam War, their sponsors’ daughter, Adrienne, gave her the eponymous doll. -
Young Adult/ChildrenPicture book shares a sense of maternal legacy along with interactive imagery
I Know a Woman: A Song for Mothers is a loving tribute to the women who shape us. Adapted from the 2014 song by the same name, Sharon Gudereit’s words are based in her personal experience. -
FeaturesRelationship between boy and his grandfather frames celebration of Métis history
Anyone who has experienced social injustice would be drawn to those who stand up for what they believe. Louis Riel epitomizes this to the Métis people. It takes great courage to speak for people who can’t speak for themselves,” says Deborah L. Delaronde. -
Young Adult/ChildrenOffbeat, vibrant, and darkly comedic film Runaway adapted as graphic novel
“I think a point can be made far better with humour than with dire earnestness,” Winnipeg-based Cordell Barker, creator of the animated short, Runaway (2009), says. The darkly comedic film seeks to convey “the sense of society willfully, or obliviously, racing along a one-way track to its doom.” -
FeaturesSharing the joy of outdoor play and the Michif language
Maintaining the Michif language is important to Winnipeg-based Métis author and musician Edgar Danny Desjarlais. “I was never given the opportunity to retain the language. I spent my formative years in the city, speaking English as my first language. When you don’t use it, you lose it,” he says.
