The First Red Maple Leaf

Krystyna Higgins is the former book review editor for the Catholic New
Times.

Artist/author Ludmila Zeman emigrated from Czechoslovakia in 1984.
Curious about the red maple leaf symbol seen everywhere in their adopted
country, her children asked, “Why is the maple leaf the symbol of
Canada?” To answer their question, Zeman devised and illustrated the
myth that became this lovely book.

Once upon a time, the world was ruled by Iceheart, the cruel spirit of
winter. When a little boy spares the life of a trapped goose, the bird
rewards him by leading his people on a journey to escape Iceheart’s
domination. The trees sacrifice their leaves to shelter the people, but
are adorned anew by flocks of brilliantly colored birds transformed into
glorious foliage.

The story’s language is poetic and evocative, and the classic mythic
ingredients (animate nature, the good deed rewarded, the quest, etc.)
are satisfyingly rendered. There are also delightful little personal
touches, such as a moose who baby-sits the young goslings. The text is
centred attractively on the left-hand pages, which are tinted and
bordered with designs of ice crystals, leaves, or birds, according to
the season. Each right-hand page is an intricately detailed,
multipaneled creation reminiscent of stained-glass windows. Both text
and illustrations contain a wealth of imaginative delights for readers
of any age. Highly recommended.