Our Canadian Flag

Sandy Campbell is a reference librarian in the Science and Technology Library at the University of Alberta.

This picture book celebrating the Canadian flag is a combination of
simple prose and Impressionist-style paintings. Each painting is
constructed with points and splashes of colour, rather than pure colour,
creating a softening of the images.

Two kinds of text appear on the page facing each image. The large-font
text at the top of the page is simple, usually describing a setting in
which the flag is displayed (at institutions, on people’s clothing, at
public events, etc.). The small-font text at the bottom is factual and
at a higher reading level. Overall, the text is clear and readable, but
there are several times when one wonders why the author chose certain
specific terms. For example, page 24 reads: “When Canada wins, the
Maple Leaf rises proudly over the ice.” However, when Canada wins at
the Olympics, the Maple Leaf also rises over the swimming pool, the
track, the ski hill, and a myriad of other venues. On page 26, the text
reads: “Our flag streams out during parades, snapping its own beat as
the pipes and drums play. Young children hold it in their hands as brave
soldiers march by.” At many Canada Day parades, children do hold
flags; however, most Canada Day parades are community—not
military—parades and do not feature soldiers.

Those questions aside, this book is a lovely tribute to the flag and
contains good information about its history and use. Highly recommended.