Kit Pearson

Nine-year-old Theo has had a rough life so far, moving from one crummy Vancouver apartment to the next with her irresponsible 25-year-old mother Rae, without friends as she moves from school to school. When Rae meets a new man, she decides to move in with him and send Theo to her sister Sharon in Victoria for a while; on the ferry, however, Theo meets the Kaldors, a family of four children who, along with their parents, immediately accept her as one of the family. She spends a blissful few show more months with the family, until all of a sudden they don’t seem to see her anymore; and then, abruptly, she’s back on the ferry with Rae. Was the whole experience just a dream? Theo doesn’t know, but she’s depressed about it until she suddenly discovers that the Kaldors are quite real after all…. This is quite a lovely YA book (perhaps meant for slightly younger children, given that Theo is only 9) about the power of imagination, finding one’s place in the world and discovering that “perfect” doesn’t exist. Written in 1996 by a well-known Canadian YA author, I especially liked the setting in Victoria, since I’ve been there several times and know the neighbourhoods depicted in the book. The above description is only part of the story - there are ghosts and a cemetery and lots and lots of books, too, resulting in quite the tale; recommended! show less

I really enjoyed this historical fiction that felt grounded in the time period and yet touched on issues that are still relevant today (mental health, identity, faith). Kit Pearson also does a great job of mentioning pieces of Canadian history that aren't necessarily part of the main story but still inform the setting, such as the mentions of Japanese internment during WWII at the start of the book. It's a coming of age story that is a good portrayal of that awkward time when friends might show more be growing up faster than you and leaving you behind, but also a good portrayal of that "intense relationship between two girls that you don't really have words for"... and then it gives us the word. I like that Maisie had adults she could speak to while going through her dilemmas, and I thought the sub plot with her father's PTSD/depression was handled with a sensitive nuance which took into consideration her feelings as a child, as well as the realities of mental health. Overall I thought the book was very successful at telling its story, and maybe giving curious young readers further historical topics to look into on their own. show less

Let your imagination set sail in The Magic Boat by Kit Pearson and Katherine Farris, illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard.

An story with and intergenerational element, the authors tell the tale of Ellie who is very shy. When at the beach with Nonna, Ellie is invited onto a magic boat with Piper, another vacationer. The magic boat takes Ellie and Piper on the most incredible adventures out at sea and in the sky. Unfortunately, Piper has to go home leaving Ellie alone again. The magic boat helps show more Ellie find her courage to ask another boy from the beach, Sasha to join her.

The power of the imagination is astonishing. How important it is to remember to give our children the time and the space for imagination. Without it the world can be so dull and so lonely. An old rickety boat can become a balloon or a submarine. So much life is waiting to be discovered in our imagination and so many friendships are forged during play.

Gabrielle Grimard’s work is so beautiful and perfect for this little story. Her art has so much life and movement in it. You are automatically whisked away to the beach with Ellie, Nonna and all the other vacationers. You can feel the sun’s warmth in her illustrations and the thrill of the adventure show less

An excellent look into the life and times of a ten year old English girl whose world is disrupted by the bombing of England in World War II. She and her young brother are sent to Canada for safety, along with thousands of other English children.

I appreciated learning many details about this time and what the children experienced -- elderly friends of mine went through this upheaval and were permanently scarred by it. Knowing a little more about what they faced is helpful. Many times in the show more book I wished Norah would react other than the way she did -- but admit to myself I reacted similarly many times as a young person when stresses were high and aid, options, and insights were few.

The story is also a real page-turner. I stayed up too late a couple of nights in a row as a result. It is not unremitting misery -- there are high spots and light moments -- but the pain and isolation is not shied away from nor the incomprehension of adults disguised. Highly recommended for anyone, young or old, who has ever felt alone, different, surly and afraid, or has sympathy for others who have. ( ) show less