Sally Meadows Studios

Published by Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing

Review by Sally Meadows

$19.95 ISBN 9781778690464

“On a clear Christmas Eve, the softly falling snow lay gentle as a blanket on the festive scene below.” Thus begins a brand-new holiday story, A Clear Christmas Eve, with a charming twist on the traditional night before Christmas story that hints at deeper spiritual truths. This lovely story is a must read for children-and those who read to them-and is destined to become a holiday classic.

It is Christmas Eve, and Santa’s reindeer are raring to get on their way to fulfill their mission of sharing gifts around the world. Despite weather challenges and an unplanned stop, the reindeer press on in unison for their communal goal of spreading joy from east to west. Finally, with their assignment completed, Santa and his reindeer disappear into the night with the faith, hope, love, peace, and goodwill foundational to the real Christmas story lingering on.

I adore how author Coreen Bannerholt bestows a unique personality and role to each reindeer. Their camaraderie as they work together to accomplish the greater purpose of spreading love and care over the entire world is endearing. It is interesting that, although Santa’s reindeer are traditionally depicted as male, Coreen has made sure to identify at least one reindeer (Dasher) as female, a nod I believe to her belief in inclusiveness.

Coreen was an experienced early childhood educator who travelled the world on mission trips teaching English, serving local churches, and sharing God’s love. She had a heart to help others, and her story, with its lovely, lilting, lyrical rhymes, radiates her gentle, kind spirit. It is no surprise that Mrs. Claus has been given Coreen’s likeness, as her own life reflects the generosity of Santa himself.

Learning that Coreen passed away before she saw her book in print made this engaging story even more poignant. Her book has not only fulfilled Coreen’s long-time dream to be a published author, it is her legacy of love and light personified.

Illustrator Olha Tkachenko is a talented Ukrainian-Canadian visual artist living in Toronto who brings children’s stories to life with her meticulous and delightful coloured pencil drawings. The level of detail-particularly her depictions of wildlife and nature-instills a sense of wonder and awe that readers will treasure.

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR FROM WWW.SKBOOKS.COM.

Published by Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing

Review by Sally Meadows

$19.95 ISBN 9781778690419

Johnny, the big Maine Coon cat, had a perfect life. He was well loved by his family of four, and he loved them back. But when Johnny and his family move to a new neighbourhood, it sets off a chain of events that none of them could have seen coming.

As a house cat, Johnny was used to being inside all the time. But curiosity gets the best of him in his new surroundings. When Mom removes a window screen to clean it, Johnny sees his chance. He jumps onto the windowsill and out the window, eager to experience his first taste of freedom.

His elation is short-lived. Within seconds, Big Dog comes bounding towards him and chases Johnny right out of the neighbourhood. Johnny soon realizes he is completely lost. What ensues is a long journey with unexpected twists and turns as Johnny tries to get back to the people he loves. Along the way he meets a cast of diverse characters, both human and animal—some kind and others not—as he navigates challenging, even perilous, situations.

Johnny never gives up hope of finding his forever family, even when it seems impossible. Will he be stuck forever on the streets? Will he settle with a new family? Or, with a little help, will he finally make his way home?

Author Lori Burton, who has nearly four decades of experience as an elementary school teacher, uses her gift of telling compelling, adventure-filled stories to full advantage in this chapter book suitable for early readers. While it is a fictional story, it was inspired by the backyard visits of a real-life Maine Coon cat.

Illustrator Wendi Nordell’s detailed shades-of-grey drawings are a perfect complement to the story. Her illustrations effectively communicate the emotions of not only Johnny but the supporting characters too. I love the author’s decision to have Johnny’s family be what appears to be a blended family of different ethnicities. To me it fits in beautifully with the author’s dedication at the beginning of the book: “For all cats and humans looking for—and finding—their forever families.”

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR FROM WWW.SKBOOKS.COM.

Published by Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing

Review by Sally Meadows

$24.95 ISBN 9781778690402

When you do a Google search for things to see in Regina, Saskatchewan, Wascana Park consistently comes up in the top five. With easy access to other popular tourist attractions such as the Royal Saskatchewan Museum, the Saskatchewan Science Centre, and the Mackenzie Art Gallery, Wascana Park shines as a beautiful green space surrounding picturesque Wascana Lake.

Residents and tourists alike marvel at its beauty. But what is the history behind this “sparkling gem in the Queen City’s crown?” An updated, hardcover, 20th anniversary edition of The Lake in the Middle of Town dives into this question both as an easy-to-read poem perfect for inter-generational snuggles and with sidebar information for older children and adults who want to dig deeper into the lake’s fascinating history.

Although I didn’t grow up in Saskatchewan, my mother was born in Regina, so this book really opened my eyes up to the historical depth and breadth of this iconic area in Saskatchewan’s capital in a personal way. From its Indigenous roots to the first appearance of settlers to the establishment and growth of the area as the territorial (and later, provincial) capital, this book successfully weaves historical events and quintessential provincial symbols such as the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police), the Legislative Building, and the Albert Memorial Bridge (a war memorial) into the lake’s narrative.

Discover who dammed the original meandering prairie creek known as Pile O’ Bones and why, creating the precursor to the lake; the story of the boy in the canoe who was plucked out of Wascana Lake by the devastating 1912 tornado; why and when the lake was drained—twice; and the role of the lake in nineteenth to twenty-first century festivals and sporting/recreational activities. As a birdwatcher, I was pleased to see a section about the lake’s role as a sanctuary for migrating and nesting waterfowl. Despite numerous trips to Regina over the years, I have never walked around the lake and have now put it on my bucket list.

This book is historically and culturally relevant and a must-have for school, public, and personal libraries. It is a lovely keepsake for visitors to Regina and a wonderful gift for all ages who have roots in or connections to Saskatchewan and its capital city.

The story is perfectly complimented by the richly coloured imagery of illustrator Julio Salazar, a graphic designer by trade who himself calls Regina home.

As a thirty-year veteran of Saskatchewan’s tourism industry, author Neil Sawatzky is the perfect person to share the history of Wascana Lake. The Lake in the Middle of Town was originally published in 2004 and was a finalist in the Children’s Literature category of the Saskatchewan Book Awards in 2005.

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR FROM WWW.SKBOOKS.COM.

Published by M Larson Books

Review by Sally Meadows

$13.99 ISBN 9781778095641

When Finn’s grandparents give him a football jersey and tickets to his very first professional football game for his seventh birthday, Finn is thrilled…and a little nervous. While he and his two brothers love football, he has heard that the team has the “loudest, craziest fans.” However, that doesn’t stop Finn from soaking up all the excitement with his parents and older brother at the big city stadium.

Author M (Melanie) Larson has effectively captured the exhilaration of attending an in-person major league football game for the very first time. Although the team isn’t specifically named – several professional teams wear green and white – anyone who has lived in Saskatchewan or is familiar with the Roughriders will recognize the quirkiness of their football fans, from the ubiquitous green jerseys to green hair to wearing a watermelon on their heads. The author has done a great job of showing that going to a football game is more than just watching a game: it is an immersive experience with its tailgate parties, meet and greets with former players, the opening jet flyover, popcorn and hotdog snacks, half-time Indigenous powwow dancing and music, and so much more!

The author adds drama to the story with the threat of a sudden thunderstorm that interrupts the game, and later, by a wayward gopher stumbling onto the field who must be chased away by the referee before the game can continue. And, of course, the game is a nail biter, as it often is; the green team is down by 14 points heading into the fourth quarter. Will Finn’s first foray into spectator football result in seeing his first loss—or his first win?

This book is a wonderful introduction to a beloved Canadian tradition—the football game—that has been enjoyed by young and old for decades. As someone who doesn’t follow football and has never been to a professional football game, I am certainly motivated now to include it on my own bucket list. I suspect this book will inspire many young readers to do the same.

Melanie Larson is a farm wife, mother to three children, and an environmental consultant who lives in southeast Saskatchewan. Melanie’s books encourage education, adventure, safety, and humour.  The Day I Went to My First Football Game is the fourth book in Melanie’s “Adventures of the Barnyard Boys” series. 

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR FROM WWW.SKBOOKS.COM.

Published by Living Water Press

Review by Sally Meadows

$24.99 ISBN 9781990863455

It was with great anticipation that I received Dr. Jane Amana Ekong’s memoir Loved Beyond Compare for review. I love reading about other peoples’ faith journeys, and Dr. Ekong’s story promised to be inspirational.

I was not disappointed. From the opening chapter, Dr. Ekong’s compelling writing drew me in through her vivid imagery and frank stream of consciousness. From the miracle of her birth to the “chaos, uncertainty, and fear” of living through the Nigerian Civil War, to the challenges she faced while getting her education, to navigating hurdles as she raced towards her wedding and marriage, this book is bursting with stories of how God kept His promise, as referenced in the opening chapter, to keep her and her family safe—and thrive—under seemingly impossible conditions.

Sprinkled liberally throughout her book are stories of miraculous healings, prophetic warnings, visions, divine encounters, and the kindness of others who crossed her path. There are Scripture references, judicious use of bible stories, and wise spiritual tenets that punctuate the life lessons she learned. Dr. Ekong doesn’t shy away from sharing some grim situations including being captured by soldiers, persecution by her peers, and all-out spiritual warfare. She is also upfront that there were times she wrestled with her own faith.

Dr. Ekong provides a fascinating glimpse into the culture of her people as well as her family’s influential spiritual legacy. Time after time, she marvels at how God can turn even the worst situation into something good. This thoughtful book radiates the gospel and will encourage other Christians to persevere through times of trial.

Dr. Ekong’s story ends abruptly in the second to last chapter. I confess I felt disappointed but only because I was really looking forward to finding out what happened next! It is arguably a brilliant marketing move that will have readers waiting with bated breath to read the continuation of her story in her next book.

Dr. Ekong uses the final chapter in the book to summarize her story and reiterate what she learned; to encourage readers to reflect on their own lives; and to provide practical advice as to how readers can grow closer to God. This book is a must read for people at all stages of their faith journey, with spiritual truths that will resonate long after the final chapter.

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR FROM WWW.SKBOOKS.COM.