National Network for Equitable Library Service

Everybody has a train story. Whether it comes from a distant relative who worked on the railways or from a family train trip that formed a lasting impression of the Canadian landscape, trains inspire a sense of wonder and nostalgia. They are embedded in the history of Canada as a whole and western Canada in particular, and for generations they were how most people travelled and saw the country. Today, trains get the most attention in the context of tragedy, in the aftermath of rare but catastrophic derailments.

This inspiring collection of stories explores the loving relationship between cats and their people. A woman devotes herself to caring for feral cats on the cold, hostile streets of Saskatoon. A clever cat becomes a famous columnist, with just a little help from his writer owner. In Ottawa, an elderly man selflessly cares for the cats of Parliament Hill. From cats that heal and console the ailing to cats that survive only through the dedication of their caregivers, the stories of these memorable pets will warm the hearts of all animal lovers.

Every year, thousands of wild animals are injured or orphaned in Canada, while the habitat and very existence of others is threatened by human activity. Roxanne Willems Snopek tells the inspiring stories of some of these amazing creatures and the dedicated and compassionate people who care for them. Wildlife rescue centres help many of our urban animal neighbours, from the tiniest baby songbirds to skunks, raccoons, opossums and rabbits. Other concerned volunteers work on the edge of the wilderness.

Canadian history is full of touching stories of animal companionship, and some relationships between people and their cherished companions are legendary. From Grey Owl and the Beaver People to Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King's "little angel dogs" to Emily Carr's menagerie, these stories describe notable people and their relationships with their pets. Cheryl MacDonald also shares the story of the original Winnie the Pooh, describes the eventful life and the tragic end of Jumbo the elephant and looks at the "valiant but voiceless" dogs and horses employed in police work.

The bond between cats and their people comes to the fore in these charming true stories. Cinders shows her young owner that she is more than her fears and insecurities. Mr. Morris's love of people makes him a winner as a therapy cat. A stray named Kitty finds a new owner and gives him a reason to live. Poignant and heartwarming, these stories will be cherished by cat lovers of all ages.

These true stories of people who work and live in the spectacular mountain wilderness of Alberta and British Columbia are filled with humour, keen observations about man and nature, and memorable human and animal characters. Old-time cowboys Johnny and Cal offer their no-nonsense brand of homespun wisdom. Wasp, the talented saddle horse, teaches his rider more than just horsemanship. From life-and-death drama to peaceful meditations, these tales capture the danger and beauty of the mountains and will enthrall both armchair cowboys and those who love to venture into the backcountry.

Le camping est un passe-temps que j’affectionne maintenant énormément. C’est la seule façon de mettre au repos le petit hamster que j’ai dans ma tête et d’enfin pouvoir relaxer pleinement. Je ne sais pas pourquoi, mais j’ai tendance à attirer les anecdotes et les malchances, et tout ça me suit même lorsque je campe. Avec le temps, je m’aperçois qu’il n’y a pas une fois où j’ai campé sans qu’il m’arrive quelque chose d’inusité. Alors je vous présente dans mon deuxième livre mes histoires de camping qui vous décrocheront assurément un sourire et même quelques fous rires.

La magie du passé, que d’histoires ! Les vieilles remises, les hangars, les petites granges possèdent beaucoup d’histoires. Elles font partie du patrimoine québécois. Si elles pouvaient parler, elles auraient de bien nombreuses et vieilles histoires à raconter. Ces bâtisses en bois de grange, qui me rappelle la campagne où la vie se déroulait paisiblement dans mon enfance avant notre ère industrielle et tourmentée, représentent de charmants monuments historiques.

Préparons-nous un bon petit bouillon de poulet ou une délicieuse infusion. Quelque chose de réconfortant, croyez-moi, vous en aurez besoin. Installons-nous confortablement sur le divan et tamisons les lumières partout dans la maison. Nous ne gardons que notre lampe de lecture. C’est fait ? Excellent ! Maintenant nous allons nous faire peur un peu, car je vais vous raconter des histoires de revenants, de manifestations, de possessions. N’est-ce pas agréable d’aller jeter un oeil dans la pièce interdite ?

Cette fois-ci, nous explorerons ensemble de nouvelles avenues qui nous porteront vers des recoins sombres, poussiéreux et inédits. Nous mettrons en lumière certaines facettes insoupçonnées qui se terrent derrière l'évidente devanture de la Mort. Nous cheminerons, chandelier à la main, dans les profondeurs obscures de l'esprit, au cœur de ce qu'il y a de plus noir dans la vie.