The Stonehook Schooner

Krystyna J. Higgins is the book review editor of the Toronto-based
Catholic New Times.

The cliché that reading is a gateway to new worlds is especially
relevant to this first book by British-born Montreal artist Judith
Christine Mills. As the historical note at the end of the story
explains, stonehooking—the collecting of stone from lake bottoms for
use in construction and road building—was an occupation that
flourished on Lake Ontario throughout the 19th century, until it was
rendered obsolete with the development of inland quarrying. Mills tells
the story of young Matthew, who longs to go stonehooking on his
father’s schooner. Knowing that the trade is gradually dying out,
Matthew’s father relents. When a fierce storm threatens their boat,
Matthew’s bravery opens up new possibilities for his future. Detailed
and informative without becoming overly technical, The Stonehook
Schooner is suffused with a gentle sense of nostalgia for a small piece
of human history now extinct. The vibrant full-page illustrations are a
wonderful complement to the sensitive and evocative text. The human
figures are simple yet full of emotion. The storm pictures are
especially effective, conveying in turbulent swirls of blue and grey the
awesome power of the lake. (One tiny quibble: the glossy stock used in
the book tends to make the pages stick together; however, this problem
diminished with repeated handling.) Highly recommended.