Sunday

Wild Bog Tea

LeBox, A. (2001). Wild bog tea. Toronto, Ontario: Groundwood Books.

Author:
Annette LeBox

Illustrator:
Harvey Chan

Summary:
Told in flash backs, a man remembers times with his grandfather and the bog next to where he lived. As the boy grows into a man the bog grows along side of him. Even after his grandfather passes away the bog continues to grow and change and when the man is gone it will continue to do so.

Response and Reaction:
This story is beautifully and poetically told, memories are mixed with images of wildlife. The book concludes with an Author’s Note that details different plants and animals that can be found in the real life Blaney Bog in British Columbia. Harvey Chan’s sketch illustrations using color pencils on a collage of papers look like pieces of a scrap book reflecting the tone of the story. The story is sad, involving the death of an elderly character, but beautifully captures how life continues on in memories and nature.

Format:
Picture Book

Age Range:
4-8 years old

Themes:
Nature, aging, family, wildlife, death

Awards:

Governor Generals Literary Awards (NOMINATED) 2001

Three Monks, No Water

Ye, T. (1997). Three monks, no water. Toronto: Annick Press.

Author:
Ting-Xing Ye

Illustrator:
Harvey Chan

Summary:
One monk lives alone in a Buddhist temples, fetching water and tending his garden. When a second monk arrives, fetching water becomes more difficult, since only one bucket can be carried on the pole between them. When a third monk arrive, everyone refuses to fetch the water believing it should be the others responsibility. Despite the three monks living there, there is no water. But when a fire breaks out, all three monks must work together if they are to save their beloved temple.

Response and Reaction:
This story is based on a traditional Buddhist saying. The humorous storytelling will help to show children how foolish the monks are being and the importance of teamwork. Harvey Chan’s illustrations are filled with movement and emotion. This is an excellent book for teaching children the importance of doing their chores.

Format:
Picture Book

Age Range:
4-8 years old

Themes:
Buddhism, teamwork, chores

Roses Sing On New Snow: A Delicious Tale

Yee, P. (1991). Roses sing on new snow: A delicious tale. New York, NY: Macmillan Publishing Company.

Author:
Paul Yee

Illustrator:
Harvey Chan

Summary:
Maylin is an excellent chef, but her father hides that fact from his customers, claiming that it is his two sons that create the delicious food in his restaurant. When Maylin creates the most delicious new dish "Roses Sing on New Snow" the truth finally come out. But even though the Emperor of China would want to taste the dish, Maylin knows her recipe can not be shared.


Response and Reaction:

Paul Yee's book is filled with beautiful imagery which brings to food in the story to life. His writing is complimented beautifully by the realistic watercolor illustrations by Harvey Chan. This book is a fun read about how everyone create their own work and that the truth always comes out.

Format:
Picture Book

Age Range:
4-8 years old

Themes:
Creativity, individuality, woman's rights, cooking, Chinese immigrants

Awards:
Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children's Book Award (WON) 1992