From School Library Journal
Grade 3-6-This engaging travel book is written as the journal of 13-year-old Guy as he tours Canada with his parents and younger sister, Rachel. Bowers presents chapters on each province and territory with information about major cities along the way. Each section also includes a list of "Things We'll Do and Places We'll Go Next Time," which may lead to further reading. The boy's easy-to-read, conversational narrative is supplemented with Rachel's postcards and his e-mail correspondence with their friends back home. Sidebars labeled "According to Mom/Dad" feature historical and cultural information. Others called "Exceedingly Weird" and "Food I Was Introduced to for My Own Good" offer humorous bits of trivia and descriptions of regional dishes. Readers will appreciate the interplay among the family members as well as their reactions to various historic and tourist venues. The full-color graphics include illustrations, cartoons, photographs, slides, and maps. The thoughtful and humorous presentation distinguishes this book from others on the subject. Quick facts about each province including size, population, cities, and industries are appended. In addition, children are sure to appreciate "Guy's Family Car Trip Survival Tips," which appear throughout. A lively, valuable addition.
Betsy Fraser, Calgary Public Library, Canada Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Booklist
In this illustrated, informational travel story, a family tours the Canadian provinces from British Columbia to Newfoundland and back across the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon. As Mom, Dad, Guy, and Rachel observe the landscape, visit museums and tourist sites, and exchange banter, Guy provides the first-person text, which is supplemented by journal entries, facts from Mom and Dad, postcards from Rachel to her cat, slides, photos, e-mail messages to Guy's friend at home, and an ongoing cartoon saga illustrating the cross-country adventures of Bucko Beaver. Each province or territory is introduced with a two-page stylized map. This brightly illustrated introduction to Canada is informal, often humorous, and always informative. A large-format Canadian book that provides a flavorful alternative to the often bland travel books for children.
Carolyn Phelan
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
