A Newfoundland Maple by Samantha Baker

"A Newfoundland Maple" by Newfoundland author Samantha Baker is quite simply an enchanting story. When a young school aged boy, named Daniel, sets out on a summer fishing trip in western Newfoundland with his grandfather, the pair come across an old maple tree in the middle of the forest. As the grandfather explains his relationship with the tree, Daniel can't help but wonder about the bonds that are forged with the wildlife that visit the maple tree throughout the four seasons.  

I knew from the get-go that this book would be about more than just a boy and a tree when I turned the page to see a very powerful image; that of an old, withered, experienced hand gently touching the bark of the staunch and dependable maple. This illustration was a powerful reminder of the strength of these two living monuments and our dependence on them both. Just as the maple provides sustenance to the moose and her calf, shelter to the beaver and caribou, and a resting place for the bluejays the grandfather is the fountain of wisdom, knowledge, patience and perspective. Likewise, it was not lost on me that the illustrator of "A Newfoundland Maple" is Dawn Baker, author and illustrator of 8 children's books and mother to the author, Samantha. The images are vivid and captivating, a kaleidoscope of color. Young readers will delight in the illustrations and will have an opportunity to revisit the beauty in these pages by looking for a variety of insects, birds and wildlife that the illustrator has "hidden" throughout the pages of this little piece of Canadiana. This book would serve as a wonderful read aloud to primary children and especially fits well with the Grade One Newfoundland Science curriculum on seasonal changes. 

"A Newfoundland Maple" is a timeless story and suitable for both the young and young at heart. It is a Flanker Press publication.