Big Little Dog
Written by Margriet Ruurs
Illustrated by Marc Houde
Penumbra Press, ISBN 0-921254-46-6

An easy-read novel for 8 – 12 year olds about a boy and his dog in Canada’s North. Jimmy and Denali enter the famous One-dog Pull. Will Denali win the contest or is he too small?

Reviews
Rarely does a book motivate an audience to participate as this one did. And does a book touch the heart strings of the teacher reading it, as this one did.
– Teacher, Vernon Christian School

An uplifting story that is perfect for integrating into the curriculum. Jimmy’s story takes us to the far north and warms our hearts as he sets his own challenge to overcome his personal adversity.
– Canadian Content

Downloads
Big Little Dog Teachers Guide (65 Kb PDF)
A Teacher’s Perspective (20 Kb PDF)

When We Go Camping
Written by Margriet Ruurs
Paintings by Andrew Kiss
Tundra Books, ISBN 0-88776-476-2
US $14.95 / CAN $17.99

What could be more fun than a day of camping? There’s wood to chop for the campfire and fish to catch for lunch. Then it’s time to go exploring, climbing rocks, splashing in mountain lakes while looking for minnows, and spying animals among the shadows of the woods. As afternoon turns to evening, there’s supper to get ready and stargazing by the campfire before unrolling sleeping bags and the end of a perfect day. Adding to the fun is a set of tracks on each page and a hidden animal in each illustration!

When We Go Camping is as instructive as it is delightful. Each painting highlights the tracks of one animal, which curve from the text into the illustration, and readers can turn to a helpful glossary for more details about the wildlife depicted.

Reviews
This book is surprisingly entertaining because the author and illustrator nail the experience of family camping. The story’s emphasis is not on plot or character but on taking the reader on his or her own nature adventure. Ruurs’ uses simple first-person prose that gives the book its you-are-there feeling. There is magic in the images and richness in the details… An outstanding nature book.
– Vancouver Sun

Available through all bookstores.

Educator’s Guide: When We Go Camping Guide302

Used with permission of Tundra Books. All rights reserved

Wild Babies
Written by Margriet Ruurs
Illustrated by Andrew Kiss
Tundra Books, ISBN 0-88776-627-7

A gorgeous introduction to wildlife families that features breath-taking art full of hidden surprises for young readers.
The lively alliterative text in Wild Babies describes raccoon kits, otter pups, loon chicks, wolf cubs and more. Share the joy as these adorable babies learn to navigate their world of forests, mountains, or lakes. A legend helps to identify objects hidden in each painting, while detailed notes provide added information for budding naturalists.

Reviews
Highly Recommended… Animal babies are enduringly fascinating to humans at almost every age. Although Wild Babies is a perfect book for pre-school and primary children, the power of its simple prose and lush paintings will ensure its appreciation by older children. Libraries serving elementary aged children will want to add this handsome and informative book to their collection. (Read full review)
– Manitoba Library Association

Libraries should make room on their shelves for this attractive title.
– School Library Journal, 2003

Wild Babies”Kiss’ paintings of baby animals are richly detailed, each painting a master of realism… Young readers are encouraged to spot the nest of robin’s eggs, the words written in the grasses. An exploration of native fauna, wildlife is described in succinct fashion.
– Globe & Mail, March 2003

Ruurs and Kiss share an appreciation of quiet beauty… This is a book for poring over on a rainy afternoon.
– Quill & Quire, Feb. 2003

Awards
Shortlisted 2004/2005 Chocolate Lily Award 
Shortlisted 2004 Saskatchewan Young Readers’ Choice Shining Willow Awards 
Canadian Children’s Book Centre Our Choice selection
Shortlisted for the 2002 Amelia Francis Howard-Gibbon Award

Used with permission of Tundra Books. All rights reserved.