an era of social distancing and video conferencing.
than hoped for, but one that is quite satisfy- ing nonetheless. This title lends itself to rich discussions
with young readers who may notice that Noodin is described in the third person by they/them pronouns. By now, many Primary learners are becoming familiar with inclusive pronoun usage, as well as nonbinary and trans identities. Similarly, the use of some familiar Indigenous language, such as miig- wech, may prompt readers to infer that their family is First Nations. Many readers will relate to the predicament of having parents called away to work – while still at home – in
The Magic Shell takes a young- ster on a journey of discovery about her ancestors. Pigeon Pea waits restlessly as her parents, her aunty and her aunty’s sweetheart prepare a feast for the family. She peppers her aunty with questions, “Like who is my grandma’s grandma, and where did she live and play? And if she was here with us right now, what do you think she would say?” Aunty gives Pigeon Pea a cowrie shell, which she promises “carries the stories of our people across seas and distant lands, and
if you listen very close and hold it very near, there’s a magic inside this little shell that might just take you there.” With that, Pigeon Pea is off to meet her
great-great-great-grandmother in Tobago and then on to West Africa. Throughout her adventure, Pigeon Pea is reminded that she carries her ancestors with her: “We are always rooting for you! We are with you wherever you are. So, if you’re ever feeling lonely, you can call on your family; we are never far.” Jillian Christmas’ verse is beautifully ac- companied by the warm, dream-like illustra-
tions of Diana G.A. Mungaray. Young read- ers will speculate as to whether Pigeon Pea actually takes this journey in the story or if it is her imagination at work; they will likely fi nd either interpretation satisfactory. As with Noodin’s Perfect Day, this title includes a brief glossary of words used in the text; however, many students and teachers should be able to assemble meaning from context. Like other Flamingo Rampant books, queer characters are part of the narrative; they exist without explanation or justifi cation. And so, it is es- pecially satisfying that Aunty, whose “sweet- heart” is called June, is the elder and trusted adult who sets Pigeon Pea on her journey. This matter-of-fact presence of queerness
is central to The Light of You by Trystan Reese and Biff Chaplow. A cover illustration with two dads and a couple of kiddos is no longer unusual in children’s literature, but this may well be the fi rst picture book published in which one of the dads is pregnant. The Light of You, with the help of illustrator Van Binfa, is part picture book, part scrapbook. The sto-
E ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 15
The Light of You
Written by Trystan Reese and Biff Chaplow
Illustrated by Van Binfa
Wr itten by Ji llian Chr i stmas I llu strated by Diana g.a. Mu ngaray
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