The Kids Book of Canadian Firsts

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

Unlike our American neighbors, Canadians have a hard time thinking of
themselves as winners. This book, by veteran children’s author Valerie
Wyatt, may help change that. Most people are unaware that the worlds’
first paint roller, time zone, green garbage bag, Robertson screwdriver,
light bulb, kerosene, insulin, pablum, electron microscope, alkaline
battery, pacemaker, chocolate bar, McIntosh apple, electric organ, music
synthesizer, Superman, transatlantic radio transmission, basketball
game, hockey game, five-pin bowling alley, and synchronized swimming
competition originated in Canada. The firsts are arranged in short
chapters according to subject. Category titles include “Canada Did It
First!,” “Our Country,” “Explorers,” “Transportation,”
“Wearables,” “Around the House,” “Scientific Discoveries,”
“Technology,” “Medicine,” “Food,” “Arts and
Entertainment,” “Nature,” “Communications,” “Sports,” and
“The Built World.”

Besides listing world firsts, Wyatt also includes Canadian firsts such
as the first Canadian to win an Olympic gold medal, the first singing of
“O Canada” and the first Canadian astronaut. Each page bursts with
text, maps, sidebars, illustrations, and photographs. A timeline,
glossary, and index are included for quick reference. This book is meant
for preteen readers, but most adults will find this book an entertaining
and informative read. Highly recommended.