Matt and Jenny in Old Vancouver

Jean Free is a past judge of the Vicky Metcalf and Ruth Schwartz awards
for children’s

literature.

Matt and Jenny in Old Vancouver is an historically accurate fantasy which transports two children back to the Vancouver frontier town of 1886, where they experience the adventure of the great fire which burned most of the city. The book has been published to mark Vancouver’s 100th anniversary.

While visiting the Vancouver Museum, Matt and Jenny meet Indians, see the town as it was on May 26, 1866 — the day of the great fire — and become part of a pioneer family. They learn that life a century ago was very difficult, and that children had to work hard. They attend a one-room schoolhouse and finally make a daring escape on a raft from a fire-ravaged community.

Maps are included to help orient readers to the location of places mentioned in the story. Updated maps of Vancouver with Canada Place and the Expo site are included. Each chapter is illustrated with line drawings of the children, places they visit, and people they meet.

Matt and Jenny ... is a gentle, charming story of particular interest to young children who live in or have visited the Vancouver area. With its large-print format it would be most appropriate for children in grade three, who are studying the pioneer community and beginning to read chapter books.