Big Rory Returns to Market Square | The Miramichi Reader

In this story that follows the introduction of Big Rory, in Big Rory of Market Square, we follow the tales of this stray Pictou County, Nova Scotia transplant from Scotland after setting sale on the good ship Hector.

It’s impressive to think about the secrets a black cat roaming the night can witness.

Wandering the streets of Pictou, Big Rory tells tales in the true Scottish tradition, with one story a night, to his fellow stray, and pet, cats. Set over several nights, it is written like each page is its own history lesson of traditions and legends that make the reader want to learn more. From a ghost ship, hermit and strong men from River John, it’s impressive to think about the secrets a black cat roaming the night can witness.

It is clear that the books author, Laurie Stanley-Blackwell has a love for history, cats, and story telling that perfectly culminates into a book for children, young and older (just not necessarily four old’s old). With lively artwork, a knack for stories and some hints as to buried treasure that isn’t on Oak Island, this book commemorates a lot of what Nova Scotia, specifically the North Shore, is built on — history, Scottish, and tales that weave in the magic of all that beauty.

A fantastic addition to this tale is the inclusion of “Big Rory’s Catwalk” composed by Vivianne LaRivière as created for The River Gallery in Pictou, as well as the reading of the story by the author herself, Laurie Stanley-Blackwell.

With humour, creativity, and an overall fondness of telling tales, Big Rory Returns to Market Square is a terrific follow up to Big Rory of Market Square as he returns to his old ways knowing Mrs MacGregor will still be there with some shortcakes. A great addition to your shelf to learn about and remember the stories of Nova Scotia.

Dr. Laurie Stanley-Blackwell resides in Pictou, Nova Scotia. A former history professor at St. Francis Xavier University, she has a lifelong love for the history of Maritime Canada. Her most recent publication is the Gaelic-English children’s book, The Pets That Came to Palmerston Street / Na Peataichean a thàinig gu Sràid Phalmerston.

Karen Megronigle lives in Cape George, Nova Scotia, with her husband, Stephen. Her studio overlooks the ocean and a field with her two pet donkeys. As a gifted artist, she delights in her natural surroundings. Karen operates the Garden Studio, where she sells her creations, which range from artwork to jewellery in many difference mediums.

Publisher: The Pictou Bee Press (May 30 2024)
Softcover 8.5″ x 8.5″ | 28 pages
Ages 3-5
ISBN: 978-0-920297-06-3

Sarah Butland

Website

I am a struggling artist, a challenging and challenged mother who always thinks she is failing, an emerging freelance writer and reporter, an author with my name on several books crossing genres and always hoping to find more readers who enjoy them.

I am also a successful artist, a wonderful and thriving mother of one, a reacher towards both people and dreams despite all of the turned backs and obstacles in my way. I am a thriving freelance writer and reporter, an author loved by enough readers to make it worthwhile and a discombobulated conundrum who loves to hear new music, tell new tales and meet new authors. And I’m doing something I always dreamed of doing – reviewing books to support others as well as myself and my family.