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The Adventures of Onyx
The Guardians of the Straits is the first of three books in Tyler Benson's The Adventures of Onyx series.
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Big Little Mother
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What I Saw on Mackinac
The Adventures of Onyx and The Guardians of the Straits
by Tyler Benson, illus. by Parnell Davies
Ensign Benson Books, ISBN: 978-0-615-62737-3, $13.99 Hardcover
All of us who live by a Great Lake have an appreciation for the work of the U.S. Coast Guard. Lake Superior alone has many stories of the heroism of the “Coasties” and several of our communities welcome the men and women serving in that branch of armed forces.
In this book, Tyler, formerly a Guardsman in St. Ignace, Michigan, finds a wonderful way to tell the story of how the Coast Guard helps our working maritime vessels and also a way to teach about service to others above self.
Using a lost dog as his key character, Tyler relates a rescue near the Mackinac Bridge in this first book of the series. The waters are familiar as is the freighter, which makes the books such a treat for Great Lakes kids (and adults). Onyx was a real dog at the St. Ignace station and though this rescue is fictional, the actions and sentiments are true to the Coast Guard.
I appreciated not just the local flavor of the book, but also that Tyler included both service men and women on his boat. It’s a small thing, but again, true to the Guard’s work as it is today. The illustrations set a good tone for the storytelling.
I highly recommend this series for children. The second book, The Gales of November, is already out and the third book, The Fight Against the Falls, should be out in December.
Big Little Mother
by Kevin Kling, illus. by Chris Monroe
Borealis Books, ISBN: 978-0-87351-911-3, $17.95 Hardcover
Duluth artist Chris Monroe has joined whimsical forces again with Twin Cities storyteller Kevin Kling for a sequel to Big Little Brother. Actually, I guess this would be the “prequel” since this is about Kevin’s relation with his older sister before there even was a Big Little Brother.
As with all of Kevin’s storytelling, this delivers both chuckles and charm, weaving its way through how Kevin becomes as important to his sister as her cat – no small feat among siblings – while Kevin comes to appreciate his older sister as both play buddy and guide.
Chris’ illustrations are perfectly matched to Kevin’s style and just as with her Monkey with a Tool Belt series, furnishes plenty of visual gems.
I always make a point of seeing Kevin’s show when he comes to Washburn’s StageNorth (his mom lives in Washburn) and to chat with Chris at her book signings. Both are treasures and this book will be treasured by young and old(er).
What I Saw on Mackinac, A Counting Book
Story & Illus. by Jennifer Margaret Powell
Thunder Bay Press, ISBN: 978-1-933272-36-8, $10.95 Hardcover
On the island or off, this book would be a fun read-aloud offering for younger children. The paper-art graphics and the history element will keep adult readers interested, while there is the option of just reading the rhyming parts to younger kids.
On these pages, we pass by the most visited areas of the island – the Grand Hotel, Fort Mackinac, the Arch Rock and the famed fudge shops. By the end of the book, one knows a lot more about Mackinac Island (including the proper pronunciation, of course, since it rhymes with “saw”). If you’re staying on or traveling to the island, this book would be a neat way to prepare children for the visit.
One additional fun part of the book is the photo of Jennifer as a young child painting at an easel – a great way to inspire children to create their own books and stories.