There Have Always Been Foxes by Maxine Trottier

by Maxine Trottier

When the young ones cannot sleep, we tell a story. When I first heard it I was only a kit, all warm and sleepy in the den, my belly filled with mother_s milk. But I remembered, and so I pass it on. The tale of Fortress Louisbourg began in 1713 on Cape Breton Island. What was a prized French fishing settlement became one of the mightiest fortresses in the New World. Over time Native Canadians, the French, and the English have each called the place home. France and Britain have battled for it, and both have possessed it. The ravages of time and history took their toll, but Fortress Louisbourg stands today, restored to its former majesty and open to thousands of visitors each year. In such a setting, stories naturally take root and grow. But one in particular has been repeated by those who claim to have seen a fox dancing with a cat inside the fortress walls. It could well be true for, through time and change, there has always been foxes in this place.

Hardcover

First published March 1, 2001

About the author

Maxine Trottier is the award-winning writer of numerous books for young people, including Claire's Gift (winner of the Mr. Christie's Book Award), Laura: A Childhood Tale of Laura Secord, the Circle of Silver Chronicles, and The Tiny Kite of Eddy Wing (winner of the CLA Book of the Year Award).

A former teacher and an avid sailor, Maxine has long been fascinated by history. She is now an associate member of La Société des Filles du roi et soldats du Carignan, whose purpose is "to honour the memory of these courageous people." While researching Alone in an Untamed Land, Maxine discovered that she herself is directly descended from a fille du roi.

Maxine lives in the small outport of Newman's Cove in Newfoundland, with her husband William and their Yorkie Moon.