Penelope: Terror in the Harbour

Alison Mews is co-ordinator of the Centre for Instructional Services at
Memorial University of Newfoundland.

This is another wonderful addition to the historical series Our Canadian
Girl. Each book begins by introducing the character to provide the
story’s framework and includes a map, timeline, and factual endnote.

Ten-year-old Penny struggles to keep up with school while looking after
her two younger sisters, including baby Maggie who was born the day her
mother died. One morning as Penny rushes her sisters to a neighbour’s
home on her way to school, an explosion rocks Halifax harbour. Its
impact throws the girls in different directions. Penny racing against
time must locate her sisters and get them to safety, all the while
worrying about her papa, who works on the docks.

Each, believing the other is dead, makes for a dramatic reunion when
Penny and Papa finally meet back at their burnt-out house. Because Penny
is such a believable character who pulls you into her story, her
heartfelt relief will be shared by the readers.

Ron Lightburn’s dramatic cover of a terrified girl running from the
burning destruction behind her will certainly entice readers. Inside
they will find four, softly rendered, black-and-white full-page
drawings, which bring Penny and her family to life. These pages and the
chapter-heading decorations include images of period items mentioned in
the text, such as the pram and the mantle clock, to help authenticate
the historical time frame. In all, this is a gripping adventure tale
that will provide young Canadian children with an emotional context to
understand the Halifax Explosion of 1917. Highly recommended.