I Am Canada

Linda Ludke is a children’s librarian at the London Public Library.

Bright, colourful photographs of diverse children engaged in everyday
activities are accompanied by short, declarative statements. They
include a young hockey player (“I skate”), a dancer in native dress
(“I dance”), a girl stretching tall in the middle of golden fields
of wheat (“I have space”), and a chess player concentrating on a
move (“I make up my mind”). Other general pursuits such as dreaming,
drawing, reading, learning, and eating pizza are also covered.

In a book that purports to celebrate Canada, it is ironic that most of
the photographs are from stock archives. While seasonal joys of
tobogganing and jumping in piles of raked leaves are represented, only
one is specific to Canada: “I stay out late and see the northern
lights.” Four photos include a maple leaf prop: as a tattoo on a
girl’s freckled cheek, on a jersey, in a bouquet of leaves, and on a
flag. With no unique landmarks, the book lacks a sense of place.

Although less successful as an introduction to Canada, the joyful
sentiments expressed work as an homage to childhood pursuits. The book
could be used as a springboard for a more specific discussion on being
Canadian. Recommended with reservations.