Melanie Métivier

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.

Three Atlantic Canadian Children’s Picture Books

June 2, 2024June 1, 2024 by Melanie Métivier

Big Rory of Market Square, written by Laurie-Stanley Blackwell and illustrated by Karen Megronigle, is an entertaining tale of an admirable, somewhat-mysterious, local storytelling kitty. A Newfoundland Alphabet: 25th Anniversary Edition, written and illustrated by Dawn Baker is a must have for little ones! Poppa and His Drum, written by Judith M. Doucette, and illustrated by Rebecca Reid, is an uplifting story of an Indigenous child and their grandfather

A cranky chicken stands under a raincloud. A small blue worm is on the chicken's right wing, holding a tiny umbrella. The title is in the dark raincloud.

The Cranky Chicken

March 30, 2024 by Melanie Métivier

The Cranky Chicken collection by Katherine Battersby includes three hilarious stories

Two Lori Doody Books

October 23, 2023October 23, 2023 by Melanie Métivier

A review of two Lori Doody picture books for children, Mr. Beagle Climbs Signal Hill and Lana Llama.

The Laundromat Cat by Carole Giangrande

July 3, 2023 by Melanie Métivier

The Laundromat Cat by Carole Giangrande is a tale of two classic unlikely friends – a cat and a mouse. Sudsy the cat is allowed to live at the laundromat under one condition – she must catch a pesky little mouse who has been frightening the customers. When the two finally come face to face …

The Perfect Sushi, by Emily Satago Seo, Art by Mique Moriuchi

March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by Melanie Métivier

Sprinkled with engaging onomatopoeia, this unique title is infused with Japanese culture and delivers a universal message about the value of intention.

Three Picture Books from Groundwood

December 25, 2022December 17, 2022 by Melanie Métivier

Melanie Métivier reviews three new children’s picture books from Groundwood Books.

Four Children’s Picture Books From Islandport Press

September 28, 2022 by Melanie Métivier

Four reviews of new picture books for children from Maine’s Islandport Press.

Molly, the Perfectly Imperfect Dog by Jennifer McMullin

December 25, 2022August 30, 2022 by Melanie Métivier

Molly is a young German Shepherd dog who has been waiting in the animal shelter, hoping to get adopted. Though Molly has a paw that’s a little different, she can still run like the wind.

Samantha’s Sandwich Stand by Sonia Saikaley

May 30, 2022 by Melanie Métivier

Samantha’s Sandwich Stand is an inspiring story about believing in yourself, accepting help from others when something doesn’t succeed at first, and celebrating each other’s differences.

Hare B&B by Bill Richardson, Illustrated by Bill Pechet

March 21, 2022March 21, 2022 by Melanie Métivier

Hare B&B by Bill Richardson, illustrated by Bill Pechet, is a humorous story of a hare and its seven siblings, who run a bed and breakfast.

Two New Children’s Picturebooks by Lori Doody

May 24, 2024March 21, 2022 by Melanie Métivier

Two new Children’s picture books by Lori Doody, published by Running the Goat Books & Broadsides.

Five Children’s Picture Books from Groundwood Books

December 31, 2021December 13, 2021 by Melanie Métivier

Groundwood Books was founded in 1978 by Patricia Aldana with a mandate to publish children’s books of the highest possible quality for all ages, which has grown to include fiction, picture books, graphic novels and nonfiction. Here’s a look at five of their most recent titles for children.