Walter’s World by K.A. Meechan, illustrated by Saavi K.

When I picked up this thin chapter book, I was ready to enter into a world of adventure, danger, and love. I was ready for Walter’s World by K.A. Meechan.

Walter is a rat whose ancestors go way back, all the way back to an ancient line of the Norway Clan, who hundreds of years earlier, settled in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Walter and his mate, Poppy, live with their little ones – ten pups! – inside Halifax’s historic landmark, Old Town Clock. They survive on the food Walter can scrounge up at night to keep his growing family happy. So, while the pups sleep, under the watchful and worrying eye of Poppy, Walter’s adventures away from home begin.

“Walter is a rat whose ancestors go way back, all the way back to an ancient line of the Norway Clan, who hundreds of years earlier, settled in Halifax, Nova Scotia.”

When the sun goes down, Walter knows he must leave the safety of the Old Town Clock and embark on his nightly work. He knows he must work with caution so he can return to Poppy and the pups after a night of scavenging so he sticks to the outdoor perimeters where he feels safe. But Walter also knows that great bounty may be waiting for him and his family just beyond the areas he frequents. Is Walter brave enough to venture farther to acquire more? Could his cousin Ralph be right with his stories of plenty in the lands just beyond Walter’s safe area? And, what if the rumoured dangers to his Norway Clan surface and the fearful Eurasian Clan make their introduction into Walter’s part of town? There are many surprises along the way, including who may want to trek into danger along with Walter, adding another dimension to the story.

Walter’s World introduces its reader to the many sights of Halifax. Meechan effectively uses this city to set up adventurous outings where Walter must bravely travel, but where danger lurks at every turn for this small creature. At the same time as enjoying the fictitious aspects of Walter’s World, it was a pleasure to learn more about the historical facts of this vibrant Canadian harbour city.

Author K.A. Meechan has a smooth style, with the story brimming with delightful passages of thought-out escapades and well-formed characters. The humour that Meechan weaves throughout the story, especially when involving the food Walter takes great pains to collect, brings chuckles. The whimsical artwork by Saavi K. is a colourful and entertaining addition.

Walter’s World is just under 80 pages, divided into short chapters, and suggested for readers 7-14 years. At its heart, this is a tale that will speak to every age with its universal appeal. Walter’s World is a gently-told reminder that wherever we come from, we are part of a family where love reigns. At its satisfying ending, it will have readers ready to return to Chapter One to experience the exciting exploits of Walter’s World all over again. This reader would love to see another story set in Walter’s World by K.A. Meechan, where new adventures and dangers unfold for Walter and the gang.

K.A. Meechan lives in Nova Scotia and it has inspired many creative projects for me such as photography and poetry. It has also been the inspiration for her first children’s beginner chapter book, Walter’s World!

Publisher ‏ : ‎ FriesenPress (July 28 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 84 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1039141757
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1039141759

Carrie Stanton

Managing Editor

TMR’s Managing Editor Carrie Stanton has a BA in Political Science from the University of Calgary. She is the author of The Jewel and Beast Bot, and picture books, Emmie and the Fierce Dragon and The Gardener. Carrie loves to write stories that grow wings and transport readers everywhere. She reads and enjoys stories from every genre.