Squeak!

by Jefferson Smith, Cody Cheung (Illustrator)

In a far-off land, where every family lives in a real castle, and every parent is a king or queen, being the royal princess is not as glamorous as you might think. In fact, it's pretty lonely. This is the story of how Princess Brinnameade overcame all that, and found a friend where she least expected it. Author Jefferson Smith wrote this whimsical and poignant story over twenty years ago, following the birth of his oldest daughter. In the years since, he's read it to her many, many times, and then to each of her younger sisters. But it took all that time to find the right artist. And it was a wait well worth enduring. "Cody's lyrical images bring so much depth and heart to the story," Smith says. "Although we've never met, she's managed to complete-and even extend-the vision I had, all those years ago."

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 29, 2015

About the author

Jefferson Smith has always been something of a mystery. Born in several different communities scattered across Canada, he has never been able to stay put for long and has spent his entire life walking the byways of distant realms, seeking out stories of the fantastic. Like the time he devoted two months to shoeing the seahorses of Narnia, or that six-week stint as a comic jester for the Mad King Aerys. He even spent three months once, sculpting dreams in light for a Mouse-lord in Hollywood.

But no matter where he goes or what he sees, Jefferson has a passion for gathering the best bits and weaving them into tales of whimsy and delight for his friends back home. Like a foreign news correspondent reporting from the worlds beyond, he brings tales of the weird and wonderful right into your living room, just in time for tea.

Reviews

[Merridew Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favourite children’s book and my go-to gift for new parents!