The Jumping Fish

Little Bear is too little to go fishing and he must wait on the bank for Big Bear to return with fish.

The Jumping Fish is a story about a granddaughter‘s visit with her grandparents in a Mexican Village. Ericka and her grandfather share a special moment talking about how we are all created for a purpose and a time. This conversation focuses on a fish that was in the fisherman‘s boat and has just died. The story uses the death of the jumping fish to talk about death and the appreciation of life. The book will appeal to an audience of young children (4 years and older) but would best be shared with a caregiver. The book could provide opportunities to have a discussion about feelings that occur when something or someone dies. Ericka realizes that as the fish dies we all will eventually die. Both the fisherman and her grandpa share loving thoughts to help Ericka move through this concept. Though death is discussed, I believe the main theme is about the appreciation of life; cherishing and making memories with loved ones thus forming strong relationships. An interesting feature of the book is the illustrations and the unique colour background capturing the fun and energy of a Mexican holiday. The images match the story in a very unique way and it was a pleasure working with two very talented artists. We hope that the compassion and love that weaves through the story will touch the hearts of all who read it. Thank you Jennifer, Stephanie, and Chalene.

Joe Simpson is a cynical reporter haunted by childhood memories. It's the 1960s, and Joe has fled the big city only to end up in the small resort town of Applewood. Writing for the Gazette, Joe's life is uneventful until strange events begin to unfold. A young girl drowns off a motorboat, and a local farmer plants a hoe in his wife's back. The assistant manageress of the bank vanishes without a trace. Why is the whole town going crazy? Things heat up even more when the town's first hippie opens up a record shop and invites his menacing friends to take up residence. Meanwhile, big money is moving in to develop the town's shoreline into a glitzy resort. Applewood is about to erupt, and it is Joe's job to get to the bottom of it.

Alex and Jonathan want to go to the park on Sunday but Jonathan does not have a kite.