Marja’s Skis
Lovely, delicate artwork first strikes a reader about Marja’s Skis,
then comes the well-crafted story about Marja growing up in the rugged
woods of the Great Lakes region. Simple in style, there’s a complexity
here not always found in children’s books.
Marja admires her strong father who goes into the forest and
returns with a sleigh full of logs. She awaits a time when she, like
her older sister, can ski and go to school. When she turns 7, her
father declares she’s ready for school. “When you are strong inside,”
he says, “you can do anything.”
Those words inspire her later, after she learns to ski but
then must cope with her father’s death in a logging accident. In the
upbeat ending, Marja proves that she is indeed strong inside.
The serious nature of some material means parents should
decide if it’s age appropriate for their child; if it is, they’ll find
much to treasure in this wonderful book.
 - Bob Berg
Piping Plover Summer
Stories worth the telling can enhance the enjoyment of the
places they describe. In this book, children (and adults) can enjoy the
story and then apply the knowledge of piping plovers to where they
live. As the back of the book shows, this is a somewhat rare bird
around Lake Superior. Its life cycle, however, resembles perhaps its
more common cousin, the killdeer, and can help children identify these
birds and get them excited about other bird species.
The pastel colors of the illustrations and the canvas
texture create a warm, summer atmosphere (not a bad thing on a cold
winter’s night). For some, the texture might make a few of the passages
a reading challenge, but for the most part this attractive book will be
a pleasing way to learn more about our world.
– Konnie LeMay
Finnigin and the Star Jar
The sister duo that created this book understand well that
longing to get out from the ordinary and into an adventure. Finnigin
the fisher sets off to fill his dragonfly jar in new territory only to
discover, too late, that night had arrived and he was lost and alone. A
star drops in to aid him and by following the light and the advice of
newfound friends, the little fellow gets safely home to his own tree …
a beautiful sight to see.
Nicely illustrated, this is a good tale to be read aloud.
Plus it’s just so rare that a fisher gets center stage; it’s a great
way to go further and look up actual pictures of a fisher family and
how they look in real life.
– Konnie LeMay
Old Dog Cora and The Christmas Tree
Families will love the sweet story of Old Dog Cora, which
features woodcuts done with soft, rounded lines and deep, rich colors
perfect for the holiday season.
Author and illustrator Consie Powell’s affection for dogs
is evident in her work. She gives personality to Cora that rings true,
in both appearance and actions. As the family is getting ready to head
for the woods with the younger dogs, Cora is determined not to be left
at home. “She nuzzled the old red harness and stared at Susan.”
Besides the appealing artwork, the author does a nice job
with descriptions, such as “the spicy perfume of balsam fir”; or
“hard-packed snow squeaked underfoot.”
The moral? Well, nobody likes to be told that you’re too
old or that you’re “in the way” – especially when it comes to a
traditional family event like bringing home a Christmas tree. In the
end, Cora’s family gains a new appreciation of her valued role.
– Bob Berg
Aerial “The Bridge With a Heart”
This fresh little tale uses a familiar “face” in Duluth,
the Aerial Lift Bridge, as a character whose attitude affects the
happiness … and crabbiness … of those around her. The illustrations are
cheery with humorous, friendly figures hanging out around Canal Park.
When a tough load (an old bus) turns Aerial’s smile to a scowl, she
quickly sees how her cranky change of heart has tainted everything and
everyone nearby. When she concentrates and makes her attitude one she
likes, the sunshine returns. It’s a great lesson for children – and a
few talk show hosts – of all ages. Happiness … bring it on!
– Konnie LeMay
Unkle Åke’s Field Guide to inFrequently Found Animals
on the Shore of Lake Superior
 Okay,
technically this is not a children’s book, but darned it’s cute and
appeals to the crazy-eyed, curious kid in all of us. Mark “Åke”
Larson has taken his fertile imagination and his photographic abilities
and put his lakeshore daydreams into a wacky slender volume cataloguing
those winsome critters we’ve all seen and never really understood. Like
the Spike-back Beach Rat (pictured below). Åke logs these
accidentally natural and naturally accidental creatures and creates
names and either species details or ditties about them. Who wouldn’t
want to know more (and to see up close) Bearded Trolls, Split Rock
Rabbits, Brule Moose Slugs or North Americanoggins?
The full color reproductions are bright and showcase the lake “habitat” as well as the creations, er, creatures.
The cover price might seem a little steep, but the “per
creative idea” cost is very low and this is a volume with which you can
share a few laughs with friends at the cabin or spark a few new ideas
from your children on their next visit to the shore or to the woods.
Not a bad investment of time, money and imagination.
– Konnie LeMay
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