New Canadian Library and other Canadian Lit Challenge discussion

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I finished this short little book last night. What a little gem. So many thoughts came to mind reading it and I learnt a lot concerning flight and the arduous life of migrating birds.

The book has story chapters interspersed with updates from bird protection and scientific societies recording how this once abundant bird had been slaughtered to possible extinction in the later half of the 19th century. The art work was good but I would have liked a map showing the journey of the Eskimo Curlew and the areas of trade winds and ocean currents. Otherwise, a real little gem which is getting a 5 from me based on others of its genre. Good writing, informative and engaging.

I have finished three chapters so far, and find that the artwork adds an extra dimension to the book.
I wonder what possessed the men with the guns to kill so many birds, and not for food. And then they notice the decline in the number of birds, when it is too late.

Rosemarie wrote: "I have finished three chapters so far, and find that the artwork adds an extra dimension to the book.
I wonder what possessed the men with the guns to kill so many birds, and not for food. And then..."

It seems to have been unforgivable purposeless slaughter. I remember reading in The Pioneers how the men of the time also destructively abused nature for 'sport' and maybe 'male prowess.' Is this a certain type man thing?

That section of The Pioneers came to my mind as well. And the same thing happened to the buffalo(bison) on the great plains in the U.S. Anyone with common sense should be able to see that senseless slaughter can only have bad consequences.

Rosemarie wrote: "That section of The Pioneers came to my mind as well. And the same thing happened to the buffalo(bison) on the great plains in the U.S. Anyone with common sense should be able to see that senseless..."

The value these men place on others that share this planet with us is what dictates their attitude towards them. Unless and until mankind progresses to having respect and a sense of guardianship towards others then sadly this sort of slaughter will continue. First man kills wantonly what is a burden to him, those that harm or threaten their livestock or way of life, then he kills wantonly those creatures that do him no harm, and finally he slaughters his fellow man. Until all life is seen as sacred again and all creation as a sacred responsibility and honour, then madness will continue to rule and reason flees.

I finished the book. I knew it would be sad, and it was. The illustrations are lovely.

How many like me have seen the Animated After-School Special that was made of this book?

I didn't know there was one. Thanks for telling us about it.

The Link is: www.toon.is/hanna-barbera-the-last-of...

There is a problem with the link right now. I'll try for another.

Joseph wrote: "There is a problem with the link right now. I'll try for another."

I watched it at:
http://www.toon.is/hanna-barbera-the-...

a week ago and although dated was still interesting to see.

I am impressed Joseph that you remember this from your school days. Most boys at my school paid absolutely no attention and spent their time flicking paper or other items at each other.