Reviews & Awards
Yes You Can! Your Guide To Becoming An Activist | |
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"More than one reading is recommended to fully appreciate the value of this volume as both a model for activism, and for the hopeful accounts of earlier change seekers. .. Teachers and other adults who work with young people can use Yes You Can! to hone skills and strategies that are useful in many real settings, such as school fundraising initiatives and student political campaigns." CM, Volume XVII Number 16, December 17, 2010 "Each step is given its own chapter. I really like the way the authors have set them up, starting with an account of something important historically. A story follows which tells readers about an action taken. The strategies and skills sections are useful to those wanting to move forward with making a change. Useful skills include brief writing, meeting protocol, talkimg with the media, finances and advertising. Activists and their projects concern human and civil rights, children, the environment, and volunteering globally. Pretty amazing stuff!" Sal’s Fiction Addiction January 21, 2011 |
Talking Tails: The Incredible Connection Between People and Their Pets | |
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"...this will draw animal lovers like a magnet." Booklist, April 15, 2010 "All in all, I loved this book. I think that it would be an asset to any parents/teachers library. Share this with your children and enjoy it yourselves as well. Just be warned, if you are not ready for a pet, you will be by the end of the book. 5 out of 5 stars." Kaydence’s Book Blog, April 9, 2010 "Talking Tales is a gentle, winsome, and engaging amble through the world of pets and people… The resulting book has a feel of slow molasses dripping off a spoon: sweet and satisfying but never in a hurry to get where it’s going." Quill and Quire, April 2010 |
Alien Invaders: Species That Threaten Our World | |
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"In 1890, a well-meaning Eugene Schieffelin released 60 European starlings, an alien species, into New York’s Central Park. His plan was to introduce every bird mentioned in the plays of William Shakespeare to his city. The descendants of those starlings, whose habitat is anywhere that can support their voracious appetite, now number nearly 200 million, dispersed over North America..." "The well-made point here is that the effect of species introduced unwittingly or by design to a new habitat is frequently disastrous. Not all, but certainly some of the species become invasive – alien invaders – such as the starling, zebra mussels, purple loosestrife, feral cats and Asian long-horned beetles, which upset nature’s balance destroying habitat and threatening, if not causing, the extinction of native species." The Globe and Mail, March 22, 2008 |
Sweet! The Delicious Story of Candy | |
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"… reading their new book is a little like dipping into a grab bag from the candy store: the experience is fun, varied, and relatively cheap, considering the pleasure it gives. The difference is that you can take in the whole book at a single sitting and feel the better for it. Underneath its whimsical exterior — the humorous cartoon illustrations, the fun bits of trivia — there’s a centre of solid research. The writing is clear and engaging.... This thoughtfully constructed book is a treat to read." Starred review — Quill & Quire May 2007 "This history of things sweet and sugary is a yummy feast. The prose is chatty and inviting. There are great explanations of such matters as the history of honey production and the chemistry of sugar. Sweet! is one tasty treat." School Library Journal "Sweet!... is a delightful and amusing book filled with awe-inspiring facts on sweet treats that will have you crazing more information. …I applaud the authors and illustrator for their efforts in creating a “sweet” book that educates the reader about the evolution of everyone’s favorite sweet treat. This book is highly recommended." CCBC News review, Spring 2007 |
Trash Action: A Fresh Look at Garbage | |
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"Kids don’t realize that the choices they make every day... impact their small world and beyond... The missing link is awareness, and to that end, the sisters employ every kid-friendly way to educate and inspire a change of heart and action... Through folktales, real-world stories and the funky creatures of illustrator Mark Thurman, the authors insight to reconsider trash topics such as landfills, incineration and new technologies for plastics, paper, glass and metals..." The Calgary Herald, March 20, 2006 "... the authors’ approach their subject matter, as well as the style in which they deliver is both fresh and refreshing … One of the very best things about this very good book is that it doesn’t preach; it will encourage and empower readers of all ages to live a little more lightly on our land." The Globe and Mail, April 8, 2006 |
Snow Amazing: Cool Facts and Warm Tales | |
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"Snow Amazing is a wonderful book for the mature readers in elementary and middle school/ junior high, a book that would be great for birthday gifts, school or public libraries, or even placed under the Christmas tree. It delivers what it promises: cool facts and warm tales." CM Magazine "This delightful book is packed with a rich array of facts, stories, images and questions … It’s a ‘must’ for any parent interested in their children’s appreciation of the beauty and diversity of countries with snow … a very exciting and well-balanced book that led to good conversations and dreams." WWF Arctic Bulletin No. 4.05 |
The Kids Book of the Night Sky | |
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"This amazing book will help children sharpen their star sense starting with preparing to view the night sky, logging their observations, viewing the main objects such as the moon, planets, and observing the seasonal skies." Astronomical Society of the Pacific "Using a lively combination of clearly written text, myths and legends, jokes, and activities, the authors present an excellent introduction to the many wonders of the night sky throughout the seasons. Love and Drake's excitement about their subject is contagious, they have created a book that should be in every school and public library." School Library Journal, July 2004 "Preparations for night sky viewing, the moon, stars and planets are all topics in this kid-friendly book which offers young astronomers diagrams, instructions for make-your-own planisphere charts and sighting tubes, and retelling of myths and folktales." The Globe and Mail, July 3, 2004 "With this book, written by sisters Ann Love and Jane Drake, anyone living in the northern hemisphere can become an informed night-sky watcher for 365 days of the year … I would certainly give this book, which meets many of the Ontario Ministry curriculum expectations, a multiple-star rating as a Junior resource." Professionally Speaking, December, 2005 |
Cool Woods: A Trip Around the World's Boreal Forest | |
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"...totally right on..." The Globe and Mail "The design and engaging writing style make this book fresh and appealing. Highly Recommended." CM Magazine "...informative and beautiful... The text conveys a sense of wonder along with its many facts. [L]ovingly detailed paintings teem with life. [T]he authors provide a glossary, an index, and an indispensable map for this intriguing trip, and many young readers will be inspired to find out more." Quill & Quire |
The Kids Winter Cottage Book | |
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"Most of the projects are inexpensive to make, and supplies are easy to obtain, making these interesting alternatives to holiday boredom or too much TV. Many of the activities, especially those that are science related, are also suitable for the classroom." School Library Journal, November 2001 |
The Kids Campfire Book | |
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Review | "The Kids Campfire Book is brimming with information and ideas, but the authors never lose sight of the main purpose of the summer campfire: fun. Recipes, games, stories, and crafts are found in every section. Directions are clear and easy to follow. Games are designed to promote group participation. " Quill & Quire (starred review) |
Kids and Grandparents: An Activity Book | |
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Review | "A good choice for old-fashioned fun." School Library Journal, May 2000 |
The Kids Cottage Book | |
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Review | On July 17th 1993, the Kids Cottage Book went to #1 on the Globe and Mail National Bestseller List. |
The Kids Book of the Far North | |
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Reviews | "This sweeping but not superficial overview will be useful both for environmental and cultural studies." Booklist, September, 2000 "While some children will enjoy browsing this title, the index makes it useful for ready reference or reports. An up-to-date, accessible overview." School Library Journal, January 2001 "For a young person, The Kids Book of the Far North is an excellent overview of the arctic environment and northern culture and lifestyle." WWF Arctic Bulletin, No. 4. 05 |
America at Work: Farming | |
Review | "A clear and interesting overview." School Library Journal, December 1998 |
America at Work: Fishing | |
Review | "Crystal-clear, full-color artwork." Kirkus Reviews, October |
America at Work: Mining | |
Review | "...colorful, descriptive, and detailed; the cheerful watercolor illustrations make otherwise dry subjects interesting." School Library Journal, October 1999 |
America at Work: Forestry | |
Reviews | "When possible, the authors explain the necessity for alternative and less intrusive methods. Care for the environment is stressed as the primary concern, but Drake and Love address both sides of the issue." Kirkus Reviews, October 1998 "An interesting and thorough introduction to the subject." School Library Journal, December 1998 |
Canada at Work: Farming | |
Review | "Children will come away from the book with a realistic understanding of what it is like to be employed in this occupation. Those who live in communities founded on farming will probably appreciate the fact that this work is presented in an accurate, serious manner. Kids who live in cities will realize that many Canadian still find a livelihood in industries based on natural resources. " Quill & Quire, July 1996 |
Canada at Work: Fishing | |
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Reviews | "A super example of fiction that's based on reality. A girl visits her grandparents in New Brunswick and learns all about the fishing industry - and the problems that come with over fishing. Cheerful illustrations offset a serious environmental theme." Canadian Bookseller, December/January 1998 "The labeled pictures help younger children to follow along. This entry is colorful, descriptive, and detailed; the cheerful watercolor illustrations make otherwise dry subjects interesting." School Library Journal, November 1999 |
Canada at Work: Forestry | |
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"When possible, the authors explain the necessity for alternative and less intrusive methods. Care for the environment is stressed as the primary concern, but Drake and Love address both sides of the issue." Kirkus Reviews, October 1998 "An interesting and thorough introduction to the subject." School Library Journal, December 1998 |