Author Archives: kitsmediatech

West Coast Wild Rainforest

Illustrated by Karen Reczuch; published by Groundwood Books

Step into the majestic rainforest …

Towering over the sea, along the magnificent Pacific west coast, is an ancient and beautiful rainforest. Here you will find trees as tall as twenty-storey buildings, tiny seedlings sprouting on nursery logs and brightly colored salmon spawning in streams.

The salmon, as a keystone species, connect the ocean to the forest and provide a rich source of food for the bears, wolves, eagles and other creatures that live in this pristine wilderness. The remains of the fish add vital nutrients to the forest, feeding the lush green plants and trees. In turn, the thick vegetation shades the streams and protects the baby salmon that hatch and swim to the sea.

In this fourth book in the West Coast Wild series, readers will find a clear and engaging look at the interdependence of the forest species and the fascinating cycles of nature in this rare ecosystem. Spectacular watercolors show the rainforest teeming with life.

” A lushly illustrated introduction to the ecosystem of the American Northwest’s coastal rainforest. Solemn, respectful, and informative, with art worth lingering over.” Kirkus

“Enriched with an impressive display of vibrant illustrations in watercolour. It is obvious that both illustrator and author share a deep respect for and emotional connection with this west coast setting. Highly recommended.” Canadian Review of Materials.

West Coast Wild Baby Animals

Illustrated by Karen Reczuch; published by Groundwood Books

Meet the wild baby animals of the Pacific west coast!

My new board book for babies and toddlers is titled West Coast Wild Baby Animals.

Children of every age have a keen interest in the creatures that live on our beautiful Earth. They love learning about wild animals and the habitats in which they live.

In this newest title, young children can enjoy finding out about the wild baby animals that are born in the spring on the spectacular Pacific west coast. This book is a companion to the earlier board book West Coast Wild ABC.

Children and their grownups will find wolf pups, bear cubs, whale calves and eaglets thriving in the ancient rainforest, rugged beach and majestic ocean of the Pacific west coast. The book provides a charming introduction to baby animal names and behaviours, and is accompanied by art composed of gorgeous watercolour scenes, painted by Karen Reczuch.

We hope it delights toddlers and babies everywhere!

• Best Books for Kids and Teens, Canadian Children’s Book Centre

 

 

 

West Coast Wild Babies

Illustrated by Karen Reczuch, published by Groundwood Books

It’s spring on the Pacific west coast and new life is stirring! Wild babies are being born — in the ocean, on the shore and deep inside the ancient rainforest. Meet the wolf pups, bear cubs, whale calves, eaglets and salmon fry that begin their life in the pristine wilderness of this magnificent place.

In this second book in the West Coast Wild series, readers can visit the spectacular Pacific Rim region and be introduced to a fascinating group of fourteen wild baby animals thriving in their coastal home. The beautiful illustrations are detailed and lifelike, and convey a lovely sense of warmth between the wild parents and their young.

The book includes a note about the Pacific west coast and the need to preserve its rare and awe-inspiring wilderness regions, as well as suggestions for further reading and exploration.

“A succinct and satisfying first look at some fascinating creatures.” Kirkus Reviews

“Through a superb soft palette of watercolour and coloured pencil, this book peeks into the majestic wilderness of spring on the northern Pacific Rim.” Mighty Village

“[Hodge’s] text … is poetic and perfectly accompanied by Karen Reczuch’s watercolour and coloured pencil illustrations.” CanLit for Little Canadians

Visit the Teacher’s Guide for classroom activities.

Cooking with Bear

Illustrated by Lisa Cinar; published by Groundwood Books

When Bear wakes up after a long, cold winter, he makes a special spring lunch and invites Fox to join him. The food is delicious, and Fox asks Bear to teach him how to cook.

They walk through the forest collecting honey, nuts and other wild ingredients, and greet their friends along the way. With an armload of tasty foods, Bear and Fox return to Bear’s den and cook up a feast to share.

Afterwards, Bear writes down his recipes so that Fox (and you!) can enjoy many marvellous meals. His cookbook — Best of Bear — offers fifteen kid-friendly recipes, including nut burgers, wild greens pita pizza, hazelnut–chocolate chip cookies and a wild strawberry smoothie.

Readers can revisit their animal friends from Bear’s Winter Party and try out some fun forest-themed recipes in this playful story/cookbook, featuring exuberant art by Lisa Cinar.

“A fun, accessible first cookbook for the little foxes in our lives.” Kirkus, Starred Review

“A useful and lively offering for younger beginning cooks…” Horn Book

“With friendly, colourful illustrations and a thoughtful cast of characters, this story charmed me in every way.”
Canadian Children’s Book News, Red Leaf Literature, Starred Review

Kids Book of Canadian Immigration

The Kids Book of Canadian Immigration

Illustrated by John Mantha; published by Kids Can Press.

Canada is a diverse land with a rich immigration history. Our roots begin with the Aboriginal peoples who have lived here since time immemorial and extend to the wide array of newcomers who have arrived over hundreds of years from almost every part of the globe. People from more than 200 cultures now call Canada home — and each one has a fascinating story to tell. Many of their stories, past and present, and their amazing contributions to this country are told in these pages.

Featuring stories of ethnic groups, mini-profiles, maps, archival documents and first-person accounts, this richly illustrated title is a celebration of multicultural Canada and a comprehensive look at our fascinating immigration history. (Check your library for a copy.)

• Information Book Award, Honour Book, Children’s Literature Roundtables of Canada
• Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize, Finalist, BC Book Prizes
• Honor Book in Social Studies: K-6, Society of School Librarians International
• Our Choice starred selection, Canadian Children’s Book Centre
• Best Books for 2007, Resource Links

“This outstanding book takes readers on a journey through time, helping them to understand the cultural makeup of this country… Well-researched and informative, with the added appeal of personal anecdotes, this book has a definite place in any school or public library.” Canadian Materials Magazine

“The text explores the subject thoroughly and from a variety of vantage points… Memorable for their frankness are the first-person accounts from a group of young people ranging in age from 11 to 14, from countries like Russia, Ukraine and Chile. While each is delighted to be a new Canadian, many describe the losses and difficulties of all immigrants…” Globe and Mail

Savanna Animals

savanna animalsIllustrated by Pat Stephens; published by Kids Can Press.

The savanna is home to exciting animals whose bodies are suited to living on the warm, grassy plain. Elephants, giraffes, lions, meerkats, zebras and other animals have special ways of finding food, raising families and protecting themselves in this habitat with long dry seasons and shorter rainy seasons.

Read about:
• the black mamba who is the fastest snake in the world
• the lion, a fierce hunter with powerful jaws and razor-sharp teeth
• the giraffe who stands as tall as a two-storey building

Who Lives Here?

This series looks at animals in their natural habitats – rain forests, polar regions, deserts and wetlands – and explains how the body and habits of each animal are suited to the place it lives. Charming, realistic illustrations, playful language and intriguing facts make these books a perfect read for young children.

“Highly Recommended!” National Science Teachers Association

savanna animals

Wetland Animals

wetland animalsIllustrated by Pat Stephens; published by Kids Can Press.

Wetlands are home to amazing animals whose bodies are built for living in or near the water. Hippos, crocodiles and anacondas all have special ways of finding food, staying safe and raising their young in a watery habitat.

Read about:
• the hippopotamus who weighs as much as four heavy pianos
• the bullfrog who takes in water through its skin instead of drinking
• the crocodile, a fierce hunter who roars like a lion

Who Lives Here?

This series looks at animals in their natural habitats – rain forests, polar regions, deserts and wetlands – and explains how the body and habits of each animal are suited to the place it lives. Charming, realistic illustrations, playful language and intriguing facts make these books a perfect read for young children.

“Highly Recommended!” National Science Teachers Association

wetland animals

Rain Forest Animals

rain forest animalsIllustrated by Pat Stephens; published by Kids Can Press

The rain forest is home to amazing animals whose bodies are built for living among the tall trees and lush green plants. Toucans, emerald tree boas and jaguars all have special ways of finding food, staying safe and raising their young in a warm, wet tropical forest.

Read about:
• the sloth who eats and sleeps hanging upside down in a tree
• the gorilla who beats its chest like a drum to scare away its enemies
• the jaguar who kills its prey with one ferocious bite

Who Lives Here?

This series looks at animals in their natural habitats – rain forests, polar regions, deserts and wetlands – and explains how the body and habits of each animal are suited to the place it lives. Charming, realistic illustrations, playful language and intriguing facts make these books a perfect read for young children.

“Highly Recommended!” National Science Teachers Association

rain forest animals