By Judith and Shandley McMurray (Firefly Books)
On the Reef brings to life the importance of maintaining a healthy ocean environment in a way that children can understand and appreciate. When their father wins a free vacation in the Bahamas for himself and the family, the children, Chloe and Zachary, find themselves introduced to a whole new magical world while snorkelling on a coral reef.
But even more adventure awaits as the children find a Hawksbill turtle that has become entangled in some of the plastic that pollutes the world's oceans. With the help of their guide and other locals, the turtle is brought to shore and the family anxiously waits for professional help to save the turtle's life.
Only when they are back home and the warm waters of the ocean are just a pleasant memory do they learn that the turtle has survived his ordeal.
Beautifully illustrated, this book captures all the beauty of the coral reef, one of the most endangered parts of the marine ecosystem, while teaching the importance of preserving the fragile balance of life in the oceans. Thanks to this wonderful holiday, the children discover that the beauty of nature is something to cherish and protect.
This important and timely story is accompanied by the artwork of renowned naturalist painter Robert Bateman and The Tobin Island Artists (D. A. Dunford, Karen Genovese, Susan Gosevitz, Loretta Rogers, Darcey Sills, Megan Torisawa, and Simon Dunford).
Under Your Nose: A Book About Nature's Gifts
By Judith and Shandley McMurray (Firefly Books)
A tale of adventure and discovery in the great outdoors.
This beautifully illustrated book brings to life the importance and joy that comes of experiencing and preserving the beauty of the natural world. When Chloe and Zachary find themselves without their digital devices for a week at their grandparents' cottage, they quickly overcome their panic when they discover that adventures in the great outdoors are much more fun than anything the wired world has to offer.
With nature's playground at their feet, the two embark on a fun-filled weekend of activities. A scavenger hunt finds a family of mallard ducks, fluffy babies and all, a family of deer (and their droppings!), and a beaver dam that inspires the children to build their own, collecting and assembling sticks, mud and moss, but mostly mud.
The next night, Gramps takes the children outside with a flashlight. Sounds echo in the night, a barred owl and a beaver slapping his tail. The night closes with a bonfire at the lake's edge, complete with marshmallows and s'mores.
Along the way, Chloe and Zachary learn important lessons about the forest and its creatures. They ultimately discover that the beauty of nature is something to cherish and protect.
This lighthearted tale is accompanied by the artwork of renowned naturalist painter Robert Bateman and The Tobin Island Artists (D. A. Dunford, Karen Genovese, Susan Gosevitz, Loretta Rogers, Darcey Sills, Megan Torisawa, and Simon Dunford). Guest artists Dwight Aranha, Brad Bateman and Andy Donato also contribute to the illustrations.
Hey Baby! What's Your Name: A Canadian Guide to Naming Your Baby
By Shandley McMurray (John Wiley & Sons)
Unique in the marketplace Hey Baby! What’s Your Name? is packed with fun and functional chapters and is a perfect guide for every Canadian parent trying to make that all important decision – what should they name their baby? Its special sections on truly Canadian names, relevant national statistics, Prime Ministers’ names and place and literary names unique to the Great White North offer Canucks the first baby name book that speaks directly to them. And unique interviews with Canadian adults and children reveal what we really think about our names.
Jam-packed with helpful tips about everything from the best time to name your child to the top 10 things to avoid when choosing a name, This book is full of use-it-now information that expecting parents need. It offers a voice of reason to help quell arguments over names and important information about the psychological impact of names as well as the legalities surrounding birth certificates and name changes.
Organized by theme, each chapter is unique, offering the origin and meaning of thousands of names that appeal to just about everyone, dads, celeb watchers, literary buffs, eccentrics, traditionalists, history lovers and geography majors. Looking for weird names? Hey Baby! has got those, too.
Even quiz lovers are in luck. Great Canadian includes two fun, interactive quizzes to help get readers more involved – and give them a brain break from tough decision-making. Fun, funky and a great read, this book helps parents make the right call when naming their little Canuck.