"One Book, Two Reviews:" Dory the Doodle, Backpacking in Newfoundland by Mark Hiscock and Kelly Traverse, illustrated by Corey Majeau

Sue Slade‘s review:

Dory the Doodle, Backpacking in Newfoundland is a delightful adventure storybook for children. Written by Mark Hiscock and Kelly Traverse, and illustrated by Corey Majeau, it explores some of the key features found in travel books: the geography, culture, and history of the area.

Dory, a cute adventurous dog, takes children on a journey in and around St. John’s, Newfoundland, visiting geographical landmarks such as Signal Hill and Fort Amherst Boat Basin. Dory also explores Newfoundland’s culture through its music. “Dory started to dance and play ‘Mussels in the Corner,’ a Newfoundland jig.” Dory even gets a little history lesson when visiting Quidi Vidi Lake on Regatta Day, and learns that it’s the longest continuing boat race in North America. Dory the Doodle also features the adorable, fluffy Newfoundland dog native to the area, which can be a hit with kids in the same way that pandas are for China and kangaroos are for Australia.

Dory even gets a little history lesson when visiting Quidi Vidi Lake on Regatta Day, and learns that it’s the longest continuing boat race in North America.

Reading travel picture books such as Dory the Doodle helps children explore just a small area of the province from the comfort of their home or childcare facility. It is also the perfect gift for children planning to visit the province or those already familiar with the area. Dory the Doodle explores themes designed to inspire curiosity about Newfoundland’s culture, history, and landscapes.

Corey Majeau beautifully illustrated this children’s adventure storybook with a colourful quilted background. This was a great choice for illustrating this particular book. When I think of quilts, I think of comfort and warmth; they are perfect to sit upon at a picnic or at the beach, or to curl up under for a nap. They are associated with our heritage and loved ones, often hand-stitched by an ancestor. Corey’s illustrations of Dory are fun and perfectly depict the words on each page.

Sarah Butland‘s review:

An adorable story with fantastic illustrations, and inspiration. Dory the Doodle embarks on an adventure to explore Newfoundland and its charm. With whimsy and rhyme, the journey of Dory begins in St John’s and proceeds through typical Newfoundland weather to experience the island in its full glory.

From codfish to Newfoundland dogs, traditional music and boats, this pup gets to enjoy the province that many aren’t as fortunate to.

The vibrant pages celebrate this unique province with brilliant attention to detail, even with the Newfoundland flag on the dog’s collar. With a touch of history (Regatta Day), and international flair, the story is elevated by the legacy the author is leaving behind.

With whimsy and rhyme, the journey of Dory begins in St John’s and proceeds through typical Newfoundland weather to experience the island in its full glory.

Mark, a musician from Newfoundland, started the story before his passing. Inspired by his love of his home and dog, his widow pulled it altogether to ensure the story and its magic could delight readers for years to come.

This would be a great read for ages four through eight, as it’s fun, colourful and whimsical. A great story to read aloud or to learn to read with, the short phrases and easy words will inspire all readers to learn more about the most eastern province of Canada.

Born in St. John’s, Mark Hiscock was raised in the coastal community of Fort Amherst, where the sea shaped his life from an early age. Taught accordion by his father at just four years old, he grew into one of the province’s finest button accordionists, celebrated for his warm voice and unmistakable style. As co-founder of Shanneyganock, Mark helped craft a beloved sound that blended Newfoundland and Irish influences, earning a devoted following at home and beyond. In addition to touring and recording, he was a generous mentor and passionate community supporter, performing at countless events and charitable causes. A devoted husband, stepfather, and ship’s captain, Mark balanced a life at sea with his love of music. He passed away in 2025 at the age of fifty-three, leaving behind a remarkable cultural legacy.

Born in Corner Brook, Kelly Traverse grew up on Boone’s Road – known locally as “The Hill” – in a close-knit, hardworking family. Gifted in mathematics, she earned an accounting diploma from the College of the North Atlantic and went on to build a successful career in retail leadership. Her experience includes eighteen years with Walmart, time with the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation, and nine years as a district manager with Dollarama across the Avalon Peninsula. A proud mother to Daniel, a political science student at Memorial University of Newfoundland, Kelly married musician Mark Hiscock in 2022. Following his passing in 2025, she honoured his legacy by completing and publishing his first illustrated children’s book.

Corey Majeau is an author, illustrator, and cartoonist born in Edson, Alberta. After falling in love with the rugged shores of Newfoundland, he chose to make the province his home. For more than a decade, Corey has worked as a cartoonist and graphic designer, with his art appearing across multiple platforms and small presses. His cover designs have earned award nominations and have been featured on numerous bestselling titles. He now lives in Gander with his wife and best friend, Candace, and their two children, Jack and Charlie.

Publisher: Pennywell Books, an imprint of Flanker Press Ltd. (April 17, 2026)
Paperback | 33 pages
ISBN: 9781774573211

Sue Slade

Sue Slade has a Bachelor of Child Study from Mount St. Vincent University in Halifax. After working with children and adults with special needs, she now has her midlife dream job of working with books. Sue manages an independent, locally owned bookstore, Dartmouth Book Exchange, and is known for planning and executing amazing, engaging book events. Through her charismatic sharing centred around books and community, Sue has created an interactive cornerstone for authors, customers, and book lovers of all ages. Sue is an avid reader, and her reviews cross over many genres. As the East Coast Advocate for The Miramichi Reader, Sue champions Atlantic Canadian literature by featuring the diverse works and unique communities that define her home region.

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.