Carson crosses Canada by Linda Bailey, Illus. by Kass Reich, Toronto, Tundra, $21.99
Bailey’s more than 30 books for children include the beloved Stanley tales about a good-natured dog who often misbehaves (with spectacular results). In this trans-Canada picture book adventure, Carson (who might well be a relative of Stanley) accompanies his best friend, Annie Magruder, on a rambling odyssey from Tofino to Newfoundland.
They pile their belongings into tiny car-suitcases for Annie and Squeaky Chicken and dog food for Carson and set out. Carson is amazed at the many exciting experiences to be had. His primary interest is in food and he snaps up a Prairie grasshopper and a Quebec meat pie on the trip although he is denied a shot at the huge dinosaur bones he spots in the Badlands. He and Annie meet friendly people and do tourist-y things and finally Carson gets the surprise he has been promised as they both reunite with very special relatives.
Carson and Annie’s journey is mapped on the endpapers along with the names of the places they visit en route. Annie appears to be a very young-looking and spry senior and Carson is a small but substantial-looking canine buddy.
The colours in Reich’s exuberant paintings glow with life and the many double-page illustrations showcase the immensity and diversity of our country. Take this picture book with you when you explore Canada with the kids.
A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen, San Francisco, Chrinicle Books, $21.99
Mr. Magee and his dog Dee have an unexpected adventure when they zoom off on a camping trip one summer morning. On the first night in their cosy trailer a bear is attracted by the smell of marshmallows and manages to unhitch the trailer while attempt ing to reach the bag. The trailer sails off down the hill into a river and gets stuck on a rock. “So there they were, stranded, Magee and his pup. On the top of a waterfall, fifty feet up!”
The determined bear, who has polished off the bag of marshmallows and followed the trailer, spots the marshmallow-shaped hitch and pulls it out of the water before discovering it is definitely not food. The trailer rolls away again and is luckily reunited with the car and the two lucky travellers head home for a much more peaceful campout in their own backyard.
The zany picture book adventure is told in jaunty verse and the cartoon-like characters add to the fun. Pair this silly road trip with Bailey’s gentler story which focuses as much on the scenery as the characters.
And the Robot Went...by Michelle Robinson, Illus. by Sergio Ruzzier, NY, Clarion Books, $ 23.99
A rollicking cumulative picture book for very young children along the lines of The House that Jack Built. A nosy fox opens a box and finds an unassembled robot, The robot responds loudly to an ever-increasing team of animals which pulls levers, flicks switches, fires lasers, and twists screws. By the time the King of Dogs clobbers the poor robot’s cogs the animals have been treated to a veritable barrage of robot sounds.
Readers will have tons of fun vocalizing the clangs, flashes, bangs, clicks and boos the hapless robot emits. Finally a clever child locates and uses the robot’s key and instructs the animals in carrying out some much-needed repair work. A much happier robot expresses his gratitude after one final dazzling display of flashes and robotic noises.
The watercolour illustrations feature a very expressive robot and jolly little animals drawn by a winner of the Maurice Sendak Fellowship. Parents will be sure to expect tippa-tappa and zap noises from engaged readers.
Fran Ashdown was the children’s librarian at the Capilano Branch of the North Vancouver District Library. She owns a charming robot pencil sharpener. For more information check your local libraries.
