The maple leaf is a powerful symbol. Take a heartfelt look at what it means to everyday Canadian citizens. Poignant text, beautiful illustrations, and sidebars that add fascinating details and facts about the history of our flag, make this book perfect for the classroom.

Short listed for the 2005 Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator's Award

Short listed for the 2004-2005 Blue Spruce Award

Recommended by Canadian Materials. For a short excerpt and to read the entire review, click here.

Our Canadian Flag is an attractive package: a strong, bold cover, clean layout, a spare text, and, most striking of all, the work of an accomplished painter. It's heartening to see patriotic books about our nation and its history. Quill & Quire

"When the young ones cannot sleep we tell a story. When I first heard it I was only a kit, all warm and sleepy in the den, my belly filled with mothers milk. But I remembered, and so I pass it on."

The tale of Fortress Louisbourg began in 1713 on Cape Breton Island. What was a prized French fishing settlement became one of the mightiest fortresses in the New World. Over time Natives, French, and English have called the place home. France and Britain have battled for it and both have possessed it. The ravages of time and history took: their toll, but Fortress Louisbourg stands today, restored to its former majesty and open to thousands of visitors each year.

In such a setting, stories naturally take root and grow But one in particular has been repeated by those who claim to have seen a fox dancing with a cat inside the fortress walls. It could well be true, for through time and change, there have always been foxes in this place.

Trottier's prose is musical and evocative, bringing the fortress alive through all its transitions. And Ricci's illustrations, oils in the style of the old masters, add richness and texture to the fascinating tale. — The Hamilton Spectator

CCBC Our Choice Book

"Hello, Peg," Laura always said, looking across the field for the milk cow. "The chores are finished and it is time for a story. What shall I read today?"

It is the story of a girl's courage and devotion, setting the stage for the heroism that made Laura Secord a household name. This fictionalised account of Laura Secord's childhood foreshadows her famous trek to warn British soldiers of an American attack during the War of 1812.

Maxine Trottier imagines a tale of a young Laura, already brave and determined, making her own scary journey to rescue a friend. Karen Reczuch's evocative paintings bring Laura's journey vividly to life. This fictional tale makes a heartwarming and special book, inspired by one of Canada's most famous heroes. — Scholastic Canada

In the daytime they talked of many things. James told about his parents and how they came from Scotland to make their home. Louis spoke of his people, the Métis, and how they were from two worlds, Native and French. His family had been here for so very long. And James helped make the gallette. Although he would only call it bannock. Back and forth they went from one name to the other. "The old and the new, that is what we are," Louis said.

This imaginary encounter between Louis Riel and a young boy brings to light how insignificant the differences between people are and the tragic consequences of not remembering how much we all share.

A great introduction to this important period in Canadian history. — Resource Links, April 2001

This is a memorable historical picture book that might lead a young reader to seek more information about this time in our collective history. Maxine Trottier gives thought to the imagined relationship between this gentle man and a young boy.

In an author's note at the end, she gives us a glimpse of the time when Louis Riel lived and fought for the rights of his people. She also includes a recipe for gallette, which her French Canadian grandmother made for her as a child. It was always a special treat, as is this story. —Brandon Sun

Claire stood in the doorway in a sweater that was a little too small and a dress that was a little too big…

How will Tante Marie make friends with this small, silent girl who has come to spend the whole summer with her? Tante Marie does not know. All she can think to do is go back to hooking her rug.

"With the hook catch the wool. Give it Just a little pull. Give the wool a little tug with the hook to make the rug."

And as Tante Marie bends over her work, young Claire creeps closer and closer…

From award winning writer Maxine Trottier comes a story that will tug at the heartstrings, illustrated with breathtaking paintings by internationally renowned artist Rajka Kupesic.

Short listed for the 2000 Ruth Schwartz Award

Short listed for the 2000 CLA Book of the Year Award for Children

Short listed for the 2000 Amelia Francis Howard Gibbon Award

Winner of the Mr. Christie's Award 2000

Read it. Chant it. Sing it. Celebrate it. Once you've read One Is Canada, counting to ten will never be the same. In a singularly brilliant idea, award-winning author Maxine Trottier and acclaimed illustrator Bill Slavin have teamed up to create a counting picture book that will entertain, teach and delight all Canadians.

Detailed "Notes on Canada" at the end of the book provide the perfect launching pad for discussions, instruction and further explanation.

"One Is Canada celebrates this country with dignity and panache." — Quill & Quire, January 1999

"This is the stuff to stir hearts." — Susan Perren, The Globe and Mail, March, 1999