Alberta Children’s Book of the Year
Alberta Book Illustration of the Year
Can she find courage in her new big city home?
Meg is new to the city with its tall buildings and long shadows. It’s nothing like her Caribbean home. Here, the city closes in on her and she feels safe in her bedroom. But gradually she begins to discover that there’s more to the city than she thought. For instance, there’s the Chinese man who exercises in the courtyard near her apartment. His exercises are intricate and graceful, and they have interesting names.
One day on her way home from school, Meg finds a tiny swallow brought down by a sudden early snowstorm, and she takes it home to nurse it. Once it is better, she is reluctant to let the bird go, but her mother and the Chinese man both gently suggest that the bird needs to be free if it is going to live. Meg and her new friend, Jenny, both release the bird.
Courage to Fly captures the anxiety of a child who is alone in a new and strange world but whose imagination and courage are nourished by unexpected friendships.
Reviews:
"A moving, beautifully illustrated story for
children. . . .Wonderful watercolor illustrations
complement this sensitively rendered
story."
-- Books in Canada
"Huang creates a meaningful contrast between outside scenes, rendered in cool grays and blues, and the warmer, comforting hues found inside Meg's home."
-- Publishers Weekly
“There’s gentleness in both the text and in the rendering of the multicultural cast and setting, lending strength and emotional content to this contemporary immigrant story.”
-- Booklist
"Children who themselves are lonely new arrivals, seeing [Meg] escape from a self-imposed isolation, may be encouraged to do likewise."
-- Kirkus Reviews
Troon Harrison’s children’s books have been published in five languages and seven countries. Her works have earned her a Blue Spruce Award, an Honor Book citation from Storytelling World, an Honor Book citation from the Society of School Librarians International and an Outstanding citation from the Parent Council of America.
Visit her website at www.nexicom.net/~troon.
Zhong-Yang Huang has been painting since he was four years old. His previous children’s picture book illustrations include The Dragon New Year, The Great Race: A Chinese Zodiac, nominated for the Governor General’s Award for Illustration, The Mermaid’s Muse: The Legend of the Dragon Boats and Buddha in the Garden. His striking paintings can be found in private and corporate collections around the world.
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