cover-image-eh_-to-zedThe Story

From Arctic, Bonhomme and Imax to kayak, Ogopogo and zed, Eh? to Zed takes both children and adults on an alphabetic, fun-filled tour of Canada. Set in tightly linked rhyming verse, the words for this unique book resonate with classic and contemporary images from every province and territory in the country. Included are place names from Cavendish to Yarmouth and icons that evoke Canada’s regions, cultures, discoveries and heritage. Accompanying the inventive text is a visual feast from the colourful palette of well-known illustrator Alan Daniel, who provides a witty mixture of folk art paintings, toys and models that leap from the page with a whimsical energy.

A treasure for families, a cherished souvenir for visitors to Canada, and a perfect resource for schools and libraries, Eh? to Zed celebrates what makes us truly Canadian, eh.

Reviews

“Our Canadian culture leaps off every page in this absolutely delightful and unique view of Canada. This ABC tour-de-force brings together our vast and diverse country, with harmony and humour, both in text and images. …Using a blend of historical artifacts, people and images, with modern and contemporary objects, the boldly coloured illustrations take us on a voyage and celebration of our country, from sea to shining sea. And what a celebration it is!” Canadian Materials

“Eh? to Zed presents an intelligent, inclusive, and sometimes funny view of Canadian identity. …The pages are visually striking, often whimsical, and occasionally beautiful. “A” is for accolades, which are richly deserved by this clever book.” Quill and Quire

Shortlisted

Mr. Christie’s Book Award
Ruth Schwartz Award
Ann Connor Brimer Award for Children’s Literature
Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award
Alberta Trade Book of the Year
Alberta Children’s Book of the Year Award

Author’s Comments

At 104 words, this is definitely the shortest book I’ve written! But each word was mulled over, discussed, debated, turned over in my head and bounced off my tongue dozens of time. I wanted to get the combination just right, so the words set up a rhythm and engaged in a rhyme, while at the same time triggered pride in being Canadian.

It was a nifty trick and one that gave me great pleasure. Some words were there from the beginning, others came and went. My word choice on a particular day became a regular topic at the family dinner table. What fun! Is there one set of words that’s an over-all favourite? That would be “Shediac, sockeye, spud, St. Hubert / Tuktoyaktuk, toque, totem, tortière”!

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