What Is Canada?: The Ultimate Canadian Quiz Book.

Janet Collins is a freelance writer in Sechelt, British Columbia.

A couple of years back, Canadian TV viewers were laughing along with CBC personality Rick Mercer as he was “Talking to Americans.” The common humorous thread in each episode was the ignorance our southern neighbours exhibited about Canada (e.g., in one of my favourite episodes, the U.S. citizens being interviewed debated the merits of applying a toll on Peter Man’s Bridge). Before you get too smug about your own knowledge of our home and native land, try answering a few of the questions in Dan de Figueiredo’s quiz book.

If you thought Eric the Red was the first European to reach the North American mainland, or that Canada officially adopted the maple leaf as its floral emblem and the Canada goose is the nation’s official bird, this book will offer up more than a few surprises.

Pre- and post-Confederation history, trivia about national symbols, holidays, historical figures, artists, and sports heroes all get equal space in this informative book, as do criminal minds, inventors, and other great thinkers.

A great addition to school libraries, a must-have for Canadian trivia buffs, and an all-round source of information for any interested in knowing more about all things Canadian.