Catherine Austen
Creative Writing
Friday Faves–Books I Read and Loved this Spring
I updated my Goodreads account this afternoon, adding a dozen or so titles that I read and loved this spring. If you’re looking for a summer read, here are a few of my recent faves.
Picture Books
Written by Patricia MacLachlan and Emily MacLachlan Charest; illustrated by Katy Schneider (HarperCollins, 2006)
“Every dog has a tail to wag and a tale to tell.”
My new favourite picture book. (It was published ten years ago, but it took me a while to discover it.) It has completely captured my heart, and made me feel just a bit more connected with my dog. Gorgeous images, beautiful words.
Stepping Stones: A Refugee Family’s Journey
Written by Margriet Ruurs; illustrated by Nizar Badr (Orca Book Publishers, 2016)
“This unique picture book was inspired by the stone artwork of Syrian artist Nizar Ali Badr, discovered by chance by Canadian children’s writer Margriet Ruurs.”
An extraordinary book, the making of which is almost as interesting as the final product. So worth buying, especially since a portion of the cover price goes to refugee settlement organizations. Just beautiful–the stone illustrations will astound you.
Middle Grade Novels
The Witch’s Guide to Cooking with Children
Written by Keith McGowan; read by Laural Merlington (Brilliance Audio, 2009)
“A contemporary recasting of Hansel and Gretel.”
I listened to the audiobook while cooking (not with children) and it completely charmed me. So many funny lines, such engaging characters–it’s a great story to cook to.
By Kelly Barnhill (Algonquin Young Readers, 2016)
“Every year, the people of the Protectorate leave a baby as an offering to the witch who lives in the forest.”
Kelly Barnhill is my new favourite children’s author. All of her books are wonderfully written stories that sing. This one has some sinister characters and high stakes.
Adult and Young Adult Novels
By Maggie Stiefvater (Scholastic Press, 2011)
“It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races.”
I love Sean and Puck (and Corr–oh how I love Corr, the water horse), and I feel as if they’re still out there in their world, continuing the lives I got a glimpse of in this wonderful book. It took me a while to get hooked, but then it reeled me right in.
By Matt Haig (Simon & Schuster, 2013)
“A funny, compulsively readable novel about alien abduction, mathematics, and that most interesting subject of all: ourselves.”
One of those books you’ll have to buy five times because you keep giving copies to your friends and telling them they just have to read it. I loved this book and I want all good things to come to this author.
Non-Fiction
By Dominic Couzens (Firefly Books, 2008)
“A photographic showcase of 150 birds at the extremes of nature.”
Gorgeous, fascinating, entertaining. This great big book captured the awe-inspiring diversity of nature and reminded me what a wonderful world we get to live in.
The Boy who was Raised as a Dog and Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist’s Notebook
By Bruce D. Perry and Maia Szalavitz (Basic Books, 2007)
“What happens when a young brain is traumatized?”
A compassionately-written account of several stories of traumatized children this psychiatrist has worked with. Not depressing despite some very sad cases. A fascinating look at how genetic tendencies and early experiences interact and how we can improve or worsen the consequences.
If you’re looking for your next good read, try one of these or check out more of my faves on Goodreads.
Now I’m onto summer reading! (Feel free to leave a recommendation. My TBR pile is only a few feet high.)
Have a great weekend.
4 Comments on “Friday Faves–Books I Read and Loved this Spring”
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Catherine Austen writes books for kids and teens, short stories for adults, and reports for corporate clients. She lives in Gatineau, Quebec.
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I reread “The Scorpio Races” recently. It’s just as breathtaking the second time around. ^o^
I look forward to reading it again. It was hard to say goodbye to. So good. So real. Two great lead characters. 😊
I’ve read some of these – The Girl Who Drank the Moon won the Newbery, I think? I’m not a fantasy/fairytale person normally, but she’s such a great writer! And I must look up the Dog and the Pie one – Patricia MacLachlan has written so many perfect books. And Stepping Stones is gorgeous (in this era of appropriation concerns) – especially because the stone art was done by a Syrian artist. Thanks for the recommendations.
Yes, The Girl did win the Newberry. Her first book, Mostly Jack, won something too. (The Witch’s Boy may still be my favorite.) Do look up I Once Ate a Pie–especially if you like dogs. Are you on Goodreads, Jan? If so, I’ll check out your faves.