The Big Book of Canada: Exploring the Provinces and Territories

by Christopher Moore, Bill Slavin (Illustrator), Janet Lunn (Introduction)

This gorgeous book is the must-have geography resource for every young reader. Leading the reader across Canada, province by province, veteran writer Christopher Moore introduces the things that make this country unique. Each province and territory is explored and defined not only by its physical features, but also by its history, the people that make up its population, and the industry and culture that distinguish each region. The book is lavishly illustrated by well-known artist Bill Slavin, and features 150 full color photos.

The gift book, reference book, and just plain fun-to-read book of the season – and many seasons to come!

Genres: History, Canada, Geography

256 pages, Hardcover

First published August 15, 2002

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
(2)

Christopher Moore has been described as Canada's most versatile writer of history. Twice a winner of the Governor General's Award (and other literary prizes), he writes widely about Canadian history for adults and children. He has also developed historical materials for historic sites, museums, radio, and television, and he speaks frequently to a wide variety of audiences.

He writes a long-running column on history and historians for Canada's History Magazine. A past chair of the Writers' Union of Canada, Christopher Moore lives in Toronto.

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gazetteer is delightful, not only because of the information it includes, but because of the addition of charming illustrations by Bill Slavin. For each province and territory, you will find a brief history, a report on the geography of the region, biographies of some famous residents, a timeline (called “Moments”), a sketch of the ethnic groups living there, a description of the work they do, a look at local government, a page of trivia, photographs, and a page with something extra, unique to the area.

It may be a local recipe (examples include Figgy duff, nanaimo bars, blueberry grunt, and bannock - I read about bannock all the time, but never knew how to make it!), or amusing place names (Skoodawabskooksis in New Brunswick!), the regional official song or a characteristic poem, or as with Newfoundland, a fun selection of regional vocabulary - who knew “dumbledore” meant “bumblebee” or that blind man’s bluff is called “bonna winkie”?

Best of all, the facts included are not dry at all; the author did an outstanding job in reporting essentials in an engaging way, as well as including very fun additional information. I loved learning about Ogopogo - the creature in Lake Okanagan in British Columbia; where one might find the only place outside the Arctic you can spot the white beluga whale; a description of the various “daredevils of Niagara” who have performed stunts over Niagara Falls (such as going over in a barrel); background on the sport of curling; and the tidbit that Canola oil was actually invented by Canadians (and even the fact that canola is a “crop”).

And how could I not know the names for the stone markers I see all the time? It turns out names for Inuit stone markers include “Inuksuk” “Aulaqut” “Niugvaliruluit," and “Pirujaqarvik” to name just some of them.

As if all that is in the book couldn’t keep you entertained for a very long time, an annotated list is given for more books about or set in each area. (Naturally, for Prince Edward Island the Anne of Green Gables books are listed prominently.)

Evaluation: This book will provide hours of entertainment and enlightenment, and is perfect for people like me who harbor shame over not knowing much about our neighbor to the north, even while professing the desire to move there.

[Jeanette (Ms. Feisty) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful overview that inspires further exploration. This book is meant for older middle grade and junior high school readers, so it was just my speed, ignorant as I was about so much of Canada.

[CZ (Moonrise) [HAF]]

this was a good book :D

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

This definitely is a good coffee-table book to have around kids. It would also be good for most classrooms.

[Barbra · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gorgeous book that has been updated for Canada's 150th anniversary. In easy to read text, each province is explored in history, geography, and culture. A great way for young reader's to learn about Canada and a must have for school libraries.