VM Book Club March 2022
VM BookClub March 2022
Adventures, friendship and self-discovery are this month’s themes which are perfectly fitting for Spring. As the world begins to open up for many of us the desire to travel, meet new friends and explore faraway places is growing. No matter where we go though, we are always with ourselves so it’s important to look inwards when planning adventures and ensure you’re bringing sun, even if a beach is your destination. This month we learned platypuses can go to New York. We knew Sasquatches were real and now we know they have stinky feet. We were reminded of the power of friendship and the need to have sun in your heart even when there are clouds in your mind.
What adventure books give you the urge to explore with friends? What are you reading with your kids? Share your favourites with us using #VMBookClub.
For Kids
The Girl and the Sun
Written by: Ashley McIntosh
Illustrated by: Alex Maertz
Recommended audience: 3+
This book demonstrates the power we have within ourselves to find happiness and to share light with others. The girl loses the sun in her heart and the ability to dance when a rain cloud appears over her and grows bigger. The girl challenges the rain cloud, but it prevails until she is called upon to show empathy to a boy who has also lost his sun.
Through kindness and compassion, the sun in both their hearts returns, stronger than ever. The most astonishing thing about reading this book to my 5yo was that as we closed the cover, he turned to me to explain the story, as though I hadn’t understood. It warmed my heart to see him digest the story and want to share the messages he had taken in. The simplicity of the language and emphatic illustrations make this story easily understood, even for little ones. The image of the sun in our hearts is one that will stick with us.
Favorite blurb:
When her sun glowed, she felt as big as the sky and watched the storms pass by.
With her glowing sun she dreamed, played, shared and loved.
Find it: https://www.ashleyandthesun.com/kindness-book-for-children-and-parents
For Kids
Six Stinky Feet and a Sasquatch
Written by: Heather Conn
Illustrations by: Lillian Lai
Recommended audience: 3+
Publisher: Peppermint Toast Publishing
This is a fun, silly story about a curious girl, Annie, befriending a Sasquatch with some stinky feet and tickly toes. I love the way the story portrays the large hairy beast as a friendly, gentle playmate, as I’ve always imagined a Sasquatch to be. Annie’s mother doesn’t believe in the Sasquatch until she sees him, and smells him, herself. This ending shows the furry friend is not in Annie’s imagination, but in fact real, which my kids enjoyed. The illustrations are beautifully west coast and very playful. This story has piqued our interest to look at more Sasquatch related resources and perhaps go on a hunt ourselves!
Favorite blurb:
The wide tree beside her began to shake like a belly of laughs. “Heee-heee-heee. Haaa,haa,ha.” Wait, that was no tree – It was the sasquatch! The light touch of Annie’s toes had tickled the feet of the huge critter.
Find it: https://www.pepperminttoast.com/product/six-stinky-feet-and-a-sasquatch/
For Kids
The Platypus Adventures In New York
Written by: Leah Todd
Illustrated by: Lou Dahl
Publisher: The Self Publishing Agency
Recommended audience: 3+
Gordon and Gogswell are two Aussie platypuses who leave their tropical home for a trip to New York City. The big apple is a change of pace for the two as they see the sights and experience city life complete with a baseball game and the statue of liberty. This book reminded me of the pleasures of travel and experiencing a new culture or way of life. It got me excited to explore, hopefully soon, with my kids and get the chance to see new cities and adventures through their eyes. I loved the two platypus characters in this book; webbed feet and all they had a great trip. This story is colourful and fun with simple messages of gratitude and sibling friendships.
“I never imagined it would be this big,” whispered Gordon as he leaned into his brother’s shoulder.
“Me either,” said Goswell as he carefully snapped a photo.
“But I’ll never forget this.”
Find it: https://theplatypusadventures.com/
For Grown-Ups
Letters to the Mountain
Written by: Anya Wyers
Recommended audience: Grown-Ups
Publisher: The Self Publishing Agency
Anya’s book is a vulnerable account of life, friendship, love and loss. This story was so engaging, like reading the pages of a friend’s diary, with permission. The author shares her childhood memories and journey into womanhood and motherhood through a series of letters to a dear friend. What the reader uncovers is why the letters are needed and the friendship has evolved to grief. There are several love stories throughout the book as Anya moves through life’s important events through teenage years and graduation onto marriage, moving cities and motherhood. Her stories are deeply personal and relatable in many ways. As a reader, this book gave me permission to go through the emotions alongside the author and open myself to my own grief, love and friendships. This book is incredible engaging and although not a quick read, I couldn’t put it down.
Favorite blurb:
After the morning alone and the unexpected ache to start my day, I didn’t think of your absence with sadness but instead chose to honour you in special ways. My bouquet was made up of yellow lilies, your favourite colour and my favourite flower. We had a table with a couple of candles and a vase with a sunflower for you. And, of course, your parents were there.
Find it: https://anyawyersauthor.ca/letters-to-the-mountain/
