Boulder Books is an ever-growing independent publishing company that launched in 2002. They are based in Atlantic Canada, and publish many books in a variety of genres, including children’s books each year.
In Where Are You, Puffling? Erika McGann writes a story of a fluffy little puffling who leaves its nest and sets out on an adventure. Along the way, she encounters many different animals and stops to help them with whatever they may need. When her puffin parents realize she has gone they set out to find her, encountering the same animals along the way. Each animal shares a story about the way the puffling helped them, and they direct the parents to where she headed next. When the puffin parents finally catch up with the puffling, she is on a boat set out to sea and cannot fly. They enlist the help of all of the animals to bring her back safely to their nest.
This story presents an exciting adventure for the little puffling, while also introducing a variety of animals from both the land and sea. It also demonstrates collaboration and the importance of teamwork, as each animal offers their help to bring the puffling back safely. The illustrations by Gerry Daley are vibrant and detailed, which help to capture and retain the attention of young children. The fun, adventurous story paired with the illustrations creates a book that young readers are sure to enjoy.
*The Miramichi Reader encourages you to shop independent! However, shopping at a bookstore is not always possible, so we are supplying an Amazon.ca link. Please note if you choose to purchase this book (or Kindle version) through Amazon using the link below we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Here is the link: https://amzn.to/3geRprE Thanks!
Our Heroes of COVID-19 by Phill Riggs is a timely story given the current global pandemic. A young boy and his grandpa are finally reunited after being forced apart during the COVID-19 shutdown. During their walk, they talk about the heroes involved in overcoming the shutdown, as well as the special acts of kindness which took place during that time. While they do chat about the heroes typically mentioned like frontline healthcare workers, they also give recognition to people like hospital administrative staff, janitors, truck drivers and many other unsung heroes. Together, they reminisce about memorable events like people stockpiling toilet paper, and videos people shared to bring cheer to one another during a difficult time.
The story is presented in a way that can assist young children in being able to understand the pandemic and shines an optimistic light on what may be often portrayed as a negative time. Joel and his grandpa show gratefulness for being reunited, and reflect on positive events that happened during that time which brought smiles to peoples’ faces. There are also a few questions that children can answer at the end of the book about their time during the shutdown, to help encourage positive reflection. This book is a great tool for parents to use to help explain the situation both now and in the future, and also to demonstrate positivity during a difficult time in their children’s lives.
*The Miramichi Reader encourages you to shop independent! However, shopping at a bookstore is not always possible, so we are supplying an Amazon.ca link. Please note if you choose to purchase this book through Amazon using the link below we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Here is the link: https://amzn.to/3iPNrrl Thanks!
Melanie is the Children's Book reviewer at The Miramichi Reader. She is a mother to two young children Adeline (5 years) and Harlow (3 years). She has a Bachelor of Health Science from Dalhousie University and previously worked as a Radiological Technologist before deciding to pursue a career in health insurance administration. She enjoys sewing, crafting, and going on adventures with her family. Having lived in all three maritime provinces, Melanie now raises her daughters with her husband in Moncton, NB.
