The Spirit of Canada

Ronald Charles Epstein is a Toronto-based freelance writer and published poet.

Crafted to appeal to both children and adults, this anthology both
educates and entertains as it seeks to define our national culture. The
anthology, which includes American journalist Quentin Reynolds’s “A
Secret for Two” and Gilles Vigneault’s “Mon Pays,” is wide
ranging, with tales about war and poverty, silly songs, and humorous
animal stories.

The editor is no strident nationalist (her Canadian culture includes
Quebec separatists), and she knows the difference between appealing and
pandering to children. Some of these selections can be found in a
parent’s favorite library book or a grandparent’s textbook. A few
are historical documents intended for adults. As a whole, The Spirit of
Canada presents young Canadians with an honest view of our nation.
Highly recommended.