fiction Archives - Page 605 of 666

ayearinournewgarden
A Year in Our New Garden
by Gerda Muller (Author / Illustrator)

Booktalk: Anna and Benjamin’s family has just moved into their dream house and even though it’s in the middle of a busy town, it has a beautiful big garden for them all to enjoy. Soon the family has made plans for their perfect garden — Mum wants a lawn and a terrace, Dad wants to help the birds and insects, Benjamin wants to plant beautiful flowers and Anna wants to fill the garden with tasty vegetables. Join Anna and Benjamin as, with a little help from their neighbour, they spend a year learning about all the wonderful things you can do in a garden; planting, harvesting, playing, enjoying picnics and spotting wildlife.

Snippet: People get hot and thirsty in the summer and so does the garden. The children had to water it everyday. Luckily, there were plenty of fun ways to do the job — and cool down at the same time.

Papa’s Backpack
by James Christopher Carroll (Author / Illustrator)

Booktalk: When a soldier has to leave his or her family for extended service, it’s an emotional time for all involved. It can be especially confusing and upsetting for children, who long for the comfort and security of a parent’s presence. Papa’s Backpack honors the bond between a parent/soldier and a child, and acknowledges the difficult and emotional process of separation during deployment. A young bear cub dreams of accompanying Papa when he leaves on a mission, wanting to stay close to provide comfort and moral support, ultimately overcoming adversity together.

Snippet: But if I could . . .

I’d ride in Papa’s backpack
and whisper in his ear.
I’d ride with Papa side by side,
so when he goes I’m near.